Summary
There’s a reason that Wolverine is the best there is at what he does. This famed Mutant has been a popular Marvel character for over 50 years thanks to his costume, powers, and rugged attitude. If fans of the character want to delve deep into the stories of Wolverine, then look no further than the best Wolverine comics that feature the Marvel character himself stealing the show across various runs and solo series.
Wolverine has been in many comics over the years, and whilst there’s a stellar list of one-shots and cameos,comic runs that feature Wolverinein his prime are the focus. The best Wolverine comic runs provide insight into his past, his actions, and what makes this iconic character tick.
8Wolverine (1982)
Wolverine’s Ties To Japan Are Further Explored
Wolverine’s first major solo adventure came from the iconic creators Chris Claremont and Frank Miller. Whilst the comic was only four issues, it’s definitely memorable. Wolverine’s adventure takes him to Japan, where he tries to regain the honor that he once lost and take the hand of his beloved Mariko. Wolverine’s mission in Japanshowcases the heart of the characterand his complex past.
This mini-series is a perfect start for those who love Wolverine. It was at a point in time when Wolverine wasn’t at the height of popularity, and the groundwork laid for his prominence and tragic past would forever show an entwining behavior for Wolverine’s humanity and animalistic barbarity.
7Wolverine: The Dying Game (1994-1996)
Wolverine Lacks His Adamantium Skeleton, Which Makes Him A Feral Beast
After losing his Adamantium skeleton, Wolverine must discover a new life, one where the beast within is unleashed and unchecked thanks to his improving healing factor. Wolverine’s struggles are at the precipice, and he might not come out as a human, especially when his team-ups with Ghost Rider, Deadpool, and Gambit lead to someheroic and bloody clashes.
Wolverine: The Dying Gameis one of the perfect expressions of the 90s, and it can be a tad edgy, weird, and pretty awesome. For readers most curious about a Wolverine without the metal skeleton and claws that define him, then this is the run for them.
6Wolverine: Origin (2001-2002)
The Origins Of The Wolverine Unveiled
Whilst most fans of the Marvel movies know of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine’s past, there was a time when the character was shrouded in mystery, and his origins past savagery, and torment were unknown. Wolverine: Origin reveals the childhood of James Howlett, providing an intriguing insight into who he was before the Weapon X program, and the troubles he faced along the way.
Wolverine: Originis a great story and one of Wolverine’s best for Marvel. The successful attempt to give Wolverine a history and a childhood is fantastic and delves deep into the origins of an amazing character. Wolverine’s backstory is fleshed out with intensity and tragedy.
5Uncanny X-Force (2010-2012)
Wolverine Leads A Black Ops Team Of Mutants
The X-Force does what the X-Men can’t. Constant clashes with Cyclops and the X-Men provide an excuse to go down a darker path, and the X-Force will do the uncanny, committing themselves to black ops missions for the betterment of humanity and Mutants. This team-up comic has Wolverine at the front and center, alongside Archangel,Deadpool, Psylocke, and Fantomex.
Uncanny X-Forceis a mature look into the darker side of the Mutant family, and Wolverine is the show-stealer, showcasing a brutal and unforgiving nature for a better world. There is so much tension and drama between the team members thatUncanny X-Forceis an essential read for those seeking a more team-orientated Wolverine run.
4Wolverine: Old Man Logan (2008-2009)
A Dark Future Where Heroes Are All Dead
A dark future awaits, and when evil engulfs all the good in the world, a wasteland is what remains. Wolverine remains a survivor. Tired, tragic, and drowning in his past misdeeds, Logan has been on a path to peace for over fifty years. Logan tries to be a good man in a new life with his family, but as this life is threatened, he must confront his past to secure his future.
Old Man Logan hasquickly become iconicand was one of the keen inspirations for Hugh Jackman’s curtain call on the character in live-action. The book itself is masterfully done in terms of art and story. It’s bleak, violent, and rather touching for a story on Wolverine’s dark future.
3Wolverine: Enemy of the State (2004-2005)
Wolverine Fights The Marvel Universe
Collecting the early issues of Wolverine’s 2003 run,Enemy of the Stateshowcases Wolverine at his most vulnerable and deadly. Wolverine has been subdued and brainwashed by Hydra and the Hand, and as an agent for their ruthless order, he will fight and slice through famed Marvel teams like theX-Men and Fantastic Four. The intensity of this Wolverine cannot be denied, but can he be saved before death and destruction takes hold?
Wolverine taking on S.H.I.E.L.D. is certainly cool enough, and as dual protagonists, Wolverine and Elektra are stellar in this bloody comic. This comic in particular focuses on Wolverine’s potential as a killer, the bloody death toll he can leave behind, and what weight that holds on such a killer.
2Death of Wolverine (2014)
An Emotional Goodbye To The X-Man
Losing the edge of his healing factor, Wolverine must face death with his claws and reflexes. The Adamantium that has bonded to Wolverine’s bones is slowly killing him, and as villains prey on his mortality, Wolverine mustfight for the worldand not for himself, even if that will cost him his life.
A slow story that deals with Wolverine’s struggles of mortality, both physically and mentally,Death of Wolverineis a tragic tale that will not hold back the title’s promise. If fans want to say goodbye to the character they love, then there is no more fitting end than this, and Wolverine’s legacy will be respected by all heroes.
1Weapon X (1991)
The Violent Origins That Gave Wolverine His Adamantium Skeleton
A character-defining origin, Weapon X provides insight into the horror and action of Logan’s transformation into a Canadian military experiment. As Logan loses his past and humanity to become an unstoppable killing machine thanks to his Adamantium skeleton and claws, he will do anything he can to escape the fate his tormentors and creators want of him.
Weapon X is brutal and gorgeous, providing fans with an exciting story and stellar art to enjoy a tale that every fan of Wolverine should read. Barry Windsor Smith’s work on Wolverine is memorable and iconic, and the self-struggles of Logan’s past provide interesting themes of identity and redemption.
