UNLEASH THE BEAST: 10 Jaw-Dropping Wolverine Stories That Will Slice Your Expectations

It’s safe to say that Wolverine, a beloved Marvel character and one of the X-Men’s most iconic members, has surpassed expectations set by even the most dedicated readers of The Incredible Hulk #181. Over time, his popularity has soared, leading to solo stories that delve into the depths of his complex personality. Despite sharing the spotlight with other popular heroes, Wolverine‘s standalone adventures often receive less attention than they deserve. In truth, these tales are among the finest superhero comics ever created, offering a brutal yet deeply emotional portrayal of this fascinating character.

Ever since the release of the 1982 Wolverine comic series #1-4, I’ve been thoroughly captivated by the exceptional narratives that have followed. Marvel Comics has produced an abundance of Wolverine comics throughout the years, taking advantage of his enduring popularity and providing us fans with a plethora of top-notch choices. Among these countless stories, I’ve handpicked ten as the finest Wolverine tales ever written, encompassing single issue gems to multi-part epics that truly showcase why Wolverine is rightfully known for his motto: “the best there is at what he does.

“Sabretooth War”

In a somewhat divisive turn for Wolverine enthusiasts, the writing stint by Benjamin Percy on the series didn’t go uncontested, but it did produce some exceptional tales, with “Sabretooth War” standing out as the cream of the crop. Penned by Percy, Victor LaValle, Geoff Shaw, and Oren Junior, this epic tale continues the brutal feud between Wolverine and Sabretooth. In “Sabretooth War,” a vengeful Sabretooth, having completed multiverse-traversing escapades in Sabretooth and the Exiles by LaValle and Leonard Kirk, assaults both Wolverine and X-Force with an army of Sabretooths from various universes. “Sabretooth War” is a testament to violence, as Percy’s tenure was recognized for subjecting Wolverine to extreme brutality, but this story pushes it to the limit. Yet, beyond the stunning battle sequences by Shaw and Junior, the narrative explores the complex relationship between the two adversaries, shedding new light on their rivalry. Despite not receiving enough acclaim, “Sabretooth War” deserves recognition among the finest Wolverine stories ever told.

Wolverine: Revenge

Wolverine: Vengeance”

For devoted Wolverine enthusiasts, the comic series “Wolverine: Vengeance” was an eagerly awaited event, pairing writer Jonathan Hickman with renowned artist Greg Capullo in a graphic portrayal of brutality. Hickman’s writing prowess when it comes to Wolverine is often underestimated, yet he consistently captures the essence of the character perfectly.

The narrative opens with the demise of Magneto triggering a catastrophic Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) that devastates most of the world, leaving only the East untouched by technological destruction. Wolverine is abruptly summoned from his leisure in the Savage Land to spearhead a mission to Russia, where the remodeled Brotherhood of Evil Mutants – Mastermind, Colossus, Omega Red, Sabretooth, and Deadpool – possess the last functional energy technology. Regrettably, the operation ends unsuccessfully, dooming the rest of the world, prompting Wolverine to embark on a long quest for vengeance against the Brotherhood.

In many aspects, “Wolverine: Vengeance” shares similarities with “Old Man Logan,” but it deviates by depicting Wolverine as a hero rather than a fugitive fleeing in disgrace. Hickman’s portrayal of Wolverine is nothing short of remarkable, although Capullo truly steals the show. Greg Capullo has built a stellar reputation among comic aficionados, and this series consistently highlights his exceptional talent. His action sequences are visceral works of art, while his attention to character development and panel composition is commendable on every page.

In essence, “Wolverine: Vengeance” represents a modern classic in the Wolverine saga, a blend of raw violence and striking aesthetics.

Wolverine: Bloodlust

Alan Davis, a writer/artist, is often overlooked in the industry despite his significant contributions to Marvel and DC. Known for some unforgettable Wolverine stories, one of his best works is the standalone comic “Wolverine: Bloodlust“, which he co-created with inker Paul Neary. In this story, Wolverine, after a night of drinking, finds himself in a Canadian town besieged by monsters whose bloodlust infects him. As he struggles to understand the situation, the narrative takes him deep into the woods and leads to a shocking revelation. Although it may be difficult to find “Wolverine: Bloodlust” nowadays, it is well worth seeking out. Davis’ mastery of Wolverine‘s character shines through every page, making this comic a must-read for fans. Regrettably, “Wolverine: Bloodlust” has been largely overshadowed and deserves far more recognition than it has received over the years.

Havok & Wolverine: Meltdown

The graphic novel “Havok & Wolverine: Meltdown,” penned by Walter and Louise Simonson, Kent Williams, and Jon J. Muth, is a lesser-known gem. Set during the Outback era of the X-Men, this story unfolds as the team covertly resides in the Reavers’ base in the Outback. Wolverine and Havok embark on a vacation only to find themselves entangled in a catastrophic plot devised by General Meltdown and Dr. Neutron, former Soviets who seek Havok’s powers to initiate their plan for global conquest. This narrative embodies traditional superhero storytelling, with elements of espionage adding intrigue. The Simonsons skillfully portray the camaraderie between Wolverine and Havok. The artwork, featuring Williams illustrating Wolverine‘s segments and Muth handling Havok’s, is distinctive and stylish. Unlike Alex Ross’ painted realism, each artist brings their unique styles to create visually captivating images. This graphic novel emerged from Marvel’s brief foray in the late ’80s attempting to rival DC’s mature readers line, as evident throughout its pages.

“Old Man Logan”

Old Man Logan” stands out as an exceptional work in the Wolverine series, surpassing other stories quite remarkably. The collaboration between Mark Millar and Steve McNiven has cemented itself as a remarkable masterpiece in the world of Wolverine. The story unfolds with a pacifist Wolverine, indebted to the Hulk Gang, embarking on a cross-country bodyguard mission accompanied by Hawkeye, journeying through a dystopia ruled by villains. This work has rightfully earned all the accolades it’s received. Millar is known for his edgy style, but he demonstrates an exceptional ability to write Wolverine, as evident on every page. McNiven’s art plays a crucial role in this book, with visual storytelling that is nothing short of extraordinary. The book is a masterful blend of violence and emotion, filled with the action and adventure that Wolverine enthusiasts eagerly seek.

“The Last Ronin”

Millar and McNiven’s “Old Man Logan” introduced a highly popular alternate version of Wolverine, and following the storyline “The Death of Wolverine“, they brought this character into the main Marvel Universe. This transition led to the series “Old Man Logan“, written by Jeff Lemire and illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino. In the last fifteen years, Lemire and Sorrentino’s run on “Old Man Logan” stands out as the finest portrayal of Wolverine. Some even consider it one of the best Wolverine stories of the 21st century. The top story within this series is “The Last Ronin“, where Wolverine confronts a younger version of an old adversary from his future. “The Last Ronin” beautifully illustrates Logan learning from past mistakes, which is a central theme in Lemire’s work on the character. Sorrentino’s artwork is astonishing, with innovative page layouts and a distinct style that makes for unforgettable visuals. This storyline represents the pinnacle of Wolverine storytelling and is a must-read for any Wolverine enthusiast.

“Weapon X”

In Marvel Comics Presents, Wolverine was a prominent character, starring in various stories each month within this monthly anthology series. Among Wolverine‘s tales in this comic, “Weapon X” stands out as the most exceptional, penned by writer and artist Barry Windsor-Smith between issues #72-84. This gripping story delves into Wolverine‘s past with the supersoldier project, where they subject him to an excruciating procedure – bonding adamantium to his bones. As the agony escalates, Wolverine manages to escape, armed with his trademark claws, and goes on a deadly rampage through the Weapon X facility. “Weapon X” is a chilling, horror-inspired masterpiece that has endured the test of time and embodies the perfect portrayal of Wolverine.

Wolverine (Vol. 1) #1-4

On one occasion, Chris Claremont and Frank Miller journeyed in a vehicle en route to a comic exposition. During their travel, they devised the initial four issues of Wolverine (Vol. 1), marking Wolverine‘s first solo series as a standout character. In this narrative, Wolverine is summoned to Japan where he encounters Mariko Yashida, whom he falls in love with only to discover she’s been forcibly wedded to a Yakuza thug under the orders of her crime lord father Shingen. Wolverine receives a severe thrashing from Shingen and is miraculously rescued by the elusive ninja, Yukio. Determined to exact revenge, Wolverine aims to demonstrate to both Shingen and himself that he’s not merely a wild beast but a warrior deserving of admiration and awe. This portrayal of Wolverine showcases his peak potential, as Claremont and Miller skillfully weave an almost flawless Wolverine tale. This story served as evidence that Wolverine could thrive independently from the X-Men, and it’s not only one of the finest Wolverine stories ever written but also ranks among the greatest Marvel comics in history.

Wolverine (Vol. 2) #90

Larry Hama authored issues #31 through #118 of “Wolverine” (Volume 2). He’s renowned for his significant contributions to the Wolverine series and his run on “Wolverine” (Volume 2) was one of Marvel’s top-selling solo books during the ’90s. Hama’s portrayal of Wolverine depicted a heartbroken ronin, a warrior poet navigating through the world, struggling to suppress his inner beast. Among the numerous captivating stories featuring Hama’s Wolverine, the standout and one of the best Wolverine comics ever made can be found in “Wolverine” (Volume 2) #90. In this issue, Wolverine makes a poignant return to the X-Mansion for the first time since losing his adamantium. Although his friends are absent, the mansion is not vacant – Sabretooth resides there. The narrative unfolds into a strategic chess match between the two, culminating in an intense Wolverine versus Sabretooth battle. Remarkably, “Wolverine” (Volume 2) #90 was illustrated by Adam Kubert, another exceptional creator in Wolverine‘s history, and his artwork is flawless. The issue boasts fold-out pages to provide a cinematic reading experience that comics rarely offer. This comic is undeniably outstanding and ranks among the most memorable moments in Wolverine‘s illustrious history.

Wolverine (Vol. 2) #10

Among all writers in Marvel’s history, none has contributed more significantly to the character development of Wolverine than Chris Claremont. From 1974 to 1989, he was the main writer for Wolverine, making him popular through his work on Uncanny X-Men. He penned the first Wolverine miniseries and even got recognition for his 1989 solo series. Claremont wrote the initial ten issues of this book, collaborating with legendary Marvel artist John Buscema. Among the numerous captivating stories during this brief span, issue #10 of Wolverine (Vol. 2) stands out as exceptional. Titled “24 Hours”, it depicts Wolverine‘s birthday and his attempts to avoid trouble, creating a sense that someone is pursuing him. This narrative leads to flashbacks to another birthday, when Sabretooth murdered Silver Fox, Wolverine‘s girlfriend, initiating their first confrontation. This issue showcases Claremont’s exceptional Wolverine writing skills and is a testament to his talent on each page. The art for this issue was inked by another Marvel icon, Bill Sienkiewicz, which gave it a rugged, dreamlike quality that further enhanced Buscema’s already impressive pencil work. This is the epitome of Wolverine, a comic that sets the bar for all other Wolverine stories published.

2025-04-13 22:10