In this analysis, we will discuss an instance where writers modify or alter previously established comic book stories, plots, and concepts without directly contradicting earlier work, which is a method known as retcon (a term that encompasses anything added to continuity without creating a conflict with a past story). Specifically, we are going to examine how the gradual progression towards Wolverine’s demise, set in motion by writer Chris Claremont, was suddenly halted upon his departure from the X-Men series.
Chris Claremont’s extended tenure on the X-Men/Uncanny X-Men series is renowned for his affinity towards intricate, ongoing storylines. Given that he was penning one of the most prominent comic book series in the industry and didn’t have to worry about sudden cancellations, he had the freedom to seamlessly incorporate numerous story arcs into his narratives, confident in his ability to resolve ideas over an extended period. However, a drawback of this approach became apparent as longtime X-Men readers started to notice that with several prolonged subplots simultaneously unfolding, it became increasingly unlikely that every single one would be satisfactorily resolved. This issue persisted, leading subsequent writers, who may not have been as adept at managing such intricate storylines, to introduce their own versions of these long-running subplots. Over time, this resulted in a multitude of unresolved subplots within the X-Men universe. I have a feature dedicated to later writers concluding old subplots from various authors, and the X-Men are prominently featured in this segment.
Despite a long-lasting subplot about Wolverine’s gradual decline not being resolved as planned, Chris Claremont was not to blame for this outcome. In fact, he had a well-thought-out plan, but it was abandoned when Claremont stepped down from his role as writer on Uncanny X-Men and the subsequent title, X-Men. Let’s explore how this unfolded, leaving Wolverine seemingly improving inexplicably.
How was Wolverine dealing with aging?
My gaming journey took off right there in the heart of Uncanny X-Men issue #251, penned by Chris Claremont, Marc Silvestri, and Dan Green. That’s where I first laid eyes on that unforgettable cover depicting a crucified Wolverine – quite an entrance for a game enthusiast like me!
As a gamer, I’ve been following the X-Men’s storyline closely. You see, these mutants had been hiding off the grid, deep within the Australian outback. But over time, the team started to disintegrate, leading up to this very issue. It turned out that right before the Reavers struck their home, Psylocke used her powers to send the remaining X-Men through a magical portal called the Siege Perilous – meaning none of them were there when the Reavers arrived. This left poor Wolverine vulnerable when he returned from his solo mission. Tragically, the Reavers caught him off guard and crucified him, leaving him to suffer in the scorching sun…
Due to his deteriorating condition, Wolverine starts experiencing delusions where he believes he sees his former companions, Carol Danvers and Nick Fury, around him.
For a period, A resided in hidden corners within the X-Men’s base, but then she found herself contemplating if she was prepared to jeopardize her own life for Wolverine. However, upon his mysterious escape from peril, she felt compelled to offer assistance to him.
In the upcoming edition, a group known as the Reavers pursue Wolverine. Meanwhile, Jubilee cleverly conceals him to allow for some recovery, but Wolverine is severely injured and persists in experiencing hallucinations of Carol Danvers.
In the upcoming edition, Wolverine and Jubilee embark on a lengthy journey across the Outback, traveling towards safety instead. Lady Deathstrike chooses not to eliminate Wolverine right away; she prefers to face him when he’s at his strongest, which isn’t currently the case…
They eventually wind up in Madripoor, a place where Wolverine has numerous associates, yet his condition remains poor, evident in Uncanny X-Men issue #257 by Chris Claremont, Jim Lee, and Scott Williams.
They run into Psylocke, joining forces with her, and Wolverine liberates her from Mandarin’s control. As a result, Wolverine, Jubilee, and Psylocke form an informal team.
In issue 261 of the “Uncanny X-Men” (written by Claremont, Silvestri, and Green), Psylocke is able to perceive Wolverine’s hallucinations through her psychic abilities.
In that scenario, Wolverine gets abducted. Then, Psylocke and Jubilee join forces with Wolverine’s other associates to free him. During their mission, they uncover that this was a test orchestrated by Wolverine, to gauge reactions if he were indeed captured. He communicates his belief that such an event might occur in the future, given his diminishing abilities.
Subsequently, during the X-Tinction Agenda crossover, where the X-Men successfully bring down the Genoshan administration, it is depicted in Uncanny X-Men #271 by Claremont, Lee, and Williams that Wolverine continues to grapple with his personal issues.
And then matters take a turn for the worse as his healing abilities are rendered ineffective, leading him into a fierce gladiatorial combat against Archangel.
Or:
His predicament worsens significantly when his healing power fails, forcing him into a brutal gladiator fight with Archangel.
Both sentences maintain the original meaning and flow smoothly while making the text more accessible to a wider audience.
Wolverine barely survives the crossover.
In issue #273 of “Uncanny X-Men” (written by Chris Claremont, illustrated by Michael Golden and Scott Williams), Wolverine engages in a fight with Gambit. Gambit uses the Danger Room to create a hologram of Lady Deathstrike, confusing Wolverine and enabling Gambit to win the battle. This victory leaves Jubilee in distress, witnessing what seems like a significant decline in Wolverine’s abilities.
Okay, so where was Claremont heading with all of this?
How was the Wolverine story simply dropped?
In my previous explanation, it was made clear that Claremont planned for Wolverine to lose his abilities and ultimately perish, only to be brought back to life by the Hand as one of their assassins, restoring him to peak condition. Eventually, he would free himself from their control and return to being a hero, now fully restored.
Indeed, that narrative (initially intended for X-Men #300) never materialized as Chris Claremont was replaced from the book. Instead, Jim Lee took over both X-Men and Uncanny X-Men, collaborating with Whilce Portacio on the series’ overall plotting. As a result, in X-Men #1 of 1991 (a comic that Claremont did script and co-plot as his last X-Men story at that time), Wolverine was suddenly back to his normal state once more.
In the Wolverine comics, Larry Hama didn’t delve deeply into this particular tale, which made it feel less momentous when it occurred.
If you have an idea for the next version of Abandoned Love, please shoot me an email at brianc@cbr.com!
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2025-05-12 01:16