Wolverine Wednesday #81 – 50th Birthday Celebration Part 4

50: Wolverine (v1) #87

W: Larry Hama P: Adam Kubert I: Dan Green C:Marie Javins

This issue was never not going to make the list. I choose it because it centres around Maverick but of course, it is a Wolverine story first and foremost. When I got into collecting Wolverine comics one of the things I wanted to learn about first was the history of Team X. In that regard this issue delivers as it alternates between the past and present. In te present Maverick has contracted the Legacy Virus and is attempting to trick Wolverine into killing him. The flashbacks reveal how Maverick would go to any lengths to complete a mission after Sabretooth has sabotaged their exit route. There are elements in this story that are touched upon in novels and cartoons that I had read before this issue, so to see it in comics was very cool. The issue ends with a great moment as Wolverine reveals his admiration for Maverick and I have always loved the character since. This issue is so 90s as well ,as Kubert does horizontal pages, Wolverine’s hair is flowing, there are big guns, The Hand and Gambit to boot!

49: Weapon X (AOA) #1-4

W: Larry Hama P: Adam Kubert I: Dan Green C: Joe Rosas

Ah, the 90s where would comics be without them? There certainly seems now to be some acceptance that some of the comics of the era were good. People openly admit to liking them and this series is very high on that list. It was a sheer delight to see the AOA Weapon X costume in Deadpool/Wolverine this summer. All good alternate reality stories should deliver some ‘oh shit’ moments and Hama and Kubert don’t hold back. Wolverine now going by Weapon X finally has Jean Grey by his side! He has one hand, which he can still pop the claws out of! He is rocking the longer hair long before Superman came back with a mullet. The duo go into the horrors of future gone wrong established in The Terminator. Think of this series as that movie put through the X-filter. While the whole AOA saga may not be completely palatable to todays readers, it has to be applauded for its scope. It is peak 90s. Big and in your face!

48: Spider-Man vs Wolverine

W: Christopher Priest P: Mark Bright I: Al Williamson C: Petra Scotese

Outside of other Marvel characters appearing in X-Men Wolverine had no real interaction with the Marvel Universe before this. Wolverine teaming with Marvel’s biggest, most marketable and recognisable character is a watershed moment. It comes two years after his second mini-series and over a full year before the start of his ongoing. But apart from the significance of this issue it is also well delivered by Priest as it so often is with him. It appeals to me because it has a Cold War setting. This is natural for Wolverine but it is a much different world for Spider-Man to be in. It may be contradictory to have two brightly coloured costumed heroes running around in an espionage thriller but this isn’t John Le Carre. Wolverine and Spider-Man are such polar opposites that it just works and every incarnation of that relationship owes something to this issue. Plus with it centring around Ned Leeds they could finally bring this issue to the big screen!

47: Uncanny X-Force #9

W: Rick Remender A: Billy Tan C: Dean White

Uncanny X-Force is a superb series with a lot of high-concept ideas throughout the 35 issues. This issue represents a quieter, more character-driven piece. Magneto has discovered the existence of X-Force and blackmails keep it a secret. All he wants is for Wolverine to kill a old Nazi now living in Brazil. Wolverine and Magneto stories are always an interesting dynamic to me. Of course, the two share the knowledge of the horrors of WWII and deep down I think they would agree on approaches to certain things. Remender does a good job getting into the head of Wolverine as for the first time in the series he goes solo. As I said it is certainly a slower moment in this series, but come the final outcome the dialogue between the Nazi and Wolverine foreshadows the future of the series. It is definitely well worthy of inclusion here.

46: Wolverine (v1) #158

W: Joe Pruett P: Sunny Lee I: Harry Candelario

A very personal choice early on in the list. This was one of the first four Wolverine comics I picked up when I first went to a comic shop. This one stood out from the rest because it was a stand-alone. The two issues either side of it were the end and start of longer stories. As a new reader I could pick this up and follow every beat of the story without needing any prior knowledge of the series. It has all the fun elements of a good Wolverine story. Those being fighting a mysterious rogue on a mysterious island. The rogue in question is Zaran who I would learn a lot more about years later when I started collecting Master of Kung-Fu. There are visuals to appeal to a younger me, lots of weapons and a Velociraptor! This issue also marks the last time for a long time Wolverine was in the yellow and blue costume as the comics followed the movies and Grant Morrison’s New X-Men and he was sporting a black leather jacket hereafter.

45: Wolverine (v2) #56

W: Jason Aaron A: Howard Chaykin C: Edgar Delgado

This is a bit of an anomaly of a story, it is very much a placeholder issue in between two big arcs. It sort of ties in with the previous ‘Evolution’ arc which ties to Romulus. But to me, Romulus was always a bigger part of the ‘Origins’ series. Plus nothing is ever explained. Wolverine finds himself in a pit, repeatedly shot at by a man on a big gun. The story has some dark humour as the man is presented as treating this like a normal 9-5 job. We never know how Wolverine got there, and when he gets out it is never mentioned again. This is Aaron at his best, mixing a real-world element like we see in his crime series Scalped with the other top world of superheroes with a dash of dark humour. A fun read and despite its intentions, it has no real bearing on overall continuity, don’t let the inclusion of Romulus put you off reading this one. Plus Chaykin is amazing as ever!

44: Giant-Size Wolverine #1

W: David Lapham A: David Aja C: Jose Villarrubia

I have always have this preconceived notion that annuals and one-shots are usually a space for fun stories not tied down by continuity. Whilst this is certainly the latter, it is a very dark, bleak story. I probably should have guessed considering the haunted house vibe cover. But at the time I wasn’t familiar with the work of Lapham. The best way to sum this up is as Wolverine meets the X-Files. It is a real mixed bag of genre combinations. Lapham perfectly handles the lone wolf aspect of Wolverine helping out a random stranger. Then we have a hillbilly-esque family with deformed babies, tentacles, growths, Hydra agents and killer robots. Don’t tell me your curiosity is not piqued by this? It is also worth seeking out to see a darker version of Aja. All the stylings you are familiar with are present but everything is tweaked to match the story and it is worth seeing.

43: Alpha Flight #13

W/A: John Byrne C: Andy Yanchus

Learning about Alpha Flight as a new comics reader is a mind-blowing experience! When I started collecting the early issues I always referred to them as my guilty pleasure, but I grew away from that. Alpha Flight are interesting on all different levels to the X-Men as opposed to be being seen as their Canadian rip-offs. While Wolverine’s appearance in this issue is fleeting it is very fun as he rides to Heather Hudson’s rescue albeit in a dream sequence. Byrne was writing and drawing Fantastic Four at the same time as this and it is often said he would experiment with ideas in Alpha Flight to use in FF. The opening wordless dream sequence is an example of he flexing his artistic storytelling flair. And his visual of Wolverine in a leather jacket with fur collar, Stetson and big buckle would last for years to come.

42: Wolverine (v1) #65

W: Larry Hama P: Mark Texeira C: Marie Javins

The first time I read this I felt like I knew some of the beats from an episode of the animated series. These issues were coming out as that show was in production so it made sense for them to take from the most recent comics. So I already knew all the Silver Fox back story. This issue serves the dual purpose of drawing a line under the previous issues, whilst setting up the next arc. It is with the former that it hits the emotional nail on the head. John Wraith continues to be a solid addition to the supporting cast and here he delivers the bombshell that the famous cabin of Wolverine and Silver Fox was in fact real. Like I said an emotional gut punch for Wolverine and readers alike. This is definitely a slower moment amongst the bigger storytelling of the series and the 90’s as a whole.

41: Wolverine (v1) #34

W: Larry Hama P: Marc Silvestri I: Dan Green C: Glynis Oliver

This is a tight little story that tells of Wolverine hunting mythical creature on the present whilst flashing back to his war days. It is a pretty much paint-by-numbers approach to story telling for a story of this nature, yet is very satisfactory. A perfect self-contained story you can pick up and enjoy time and time again. Silvestri is perfect for atmospheric storytelling, with horror story vibes. With the WWII flashbacks there is even a feeling of Mignola’s Hellboy. The icing on the cake comes with the final revelation that the Mountie Wolverine is assisting in the present was a young soldier who served alongside Wolverine during the Normandy landings when their platoon was picked off by the same mythical creature.

40: Classic X-Men #10 Tag, sucker!

W: Chris Claremont P: John Bolton I: Sam Grainger C: Glynis Oliver

Classic X-Men was a series that reprinted the Claremont run of Uncanny X-Men complete with a a new backup story to flesh out continuity. In this issue the backup tells the story of an early confrontation between Wolverine and Sabretooth through the streets of New York. I have always had a fondness for this series because A) it’s cheaper than collecting Uncanny and B) John Bolton’s art on the backups. He is an unsung hero when it comes to X-Men mythology. This is far from Wolverine and Sabretooth’s bloodiest battle but it cements the sense of foreboding his number one nemesis has over him. Sabretooth could come for Wolverine at any time, even in the safe sanctuary with the X-Men.

39: Generations: Wolverine & All-New Wolverine

W:Tom Taylor A: Ramon Rosanas C: Nolan Woodard

Now I didn’t include any Laura Kinney stories on this list. It is after all Logan’s 50th birthday not just the name Wolverine. I do however believe as a character there have been enough strong stories in recent years for her to have a claim to the moniker also. This series of ‘Generations’ books were part of a bigger gimmick but Taylor turned in a real tear-jerker of a story. When Laura burst on the scene the ‘clone’ element was what people honed in on. This story best explores the deeper relationship between the two, that of father and daughter. The fact the story took place while Wolverine was ‘dead’ added to the emotional pull. It is a really fine character piece that examines what the two mean and learn from each other.

38: Wolverine (v2) #13-18 Return of The Native

W: Greg Rucka P: Darick Robertson I: Tom Palmer/Jimmy Palmiotti

When Rucka started his run on the newly launched ongoing it received praise for being very real well based. So it came as a surprise for his third arc when he returned to Wolverine’s origin story and revealed a female test subject of the Weapon X program. Robertson is the perfect artist for this story that tackles a story with all the comic book trappings of a Weapon X story but keeps it in tone with what Rucka has already established in the series. Sabretooth is back to being the brash, at any costs, scene chewing villain, which is when he is at his best to read. While the story does muddy the waters of continuity. It is alluded to that Wolverine and Native lived in the woods together after escaping Weapon X. On first read a female test subject was a welcome edition to the mythos, especially with the romantic angle tied in too. I’m surprised Native hasn’t be utilised more since this story, but the women in Wolverine’s life is an overpopulated place to stand out.

37: Wolverine (v1) #173-176 The Logan Files

W: Frank Tieri P: Sean Chen I: Norm Rapmund C: Raymund Lee

Whilst this was technically the end of Tieri and Chen’s run it perhaps spiritually felt like the end of a lot of plot threads that ran through the series during their time. It feels very old school in its premise. The title takes its name from the stories McGuffin, a file that belongs to the newly reformed Weapon X. The stakes are highish, Wolverine finds himself de-powered, something that would take six issues now. He finds himself up against it as Sabretooth is working for the previously mentioned Weapon X and has Deathstrike and Omega Red doing his bidding! The path is well and truly set with some backup pages that set up the Weapon X ongoing and that is where Tieri is heading which is why like this feels like an ending more than what comes after. There is even a masterful piece of storytelling as he ties #176 into the events of Origin that was in full flow at the time. Again peak collecting days for me!

36: Wolverine Annual 1997

W: John Ostrander/Joe Edkin A: Leonardo Manco C: Shannon Blanchard

Trust a legend like Ostrander, largely associated with DC to come in when superhero comics as a whole weren’t at their best. When the Wolverine ongoing series wasn’t at its strongest and boom, delivered a self-contained masterpiece of a story. Annuals can be hit and miss, the first time I read this I was very impressed with it and couldn’t believe it wasn’t on my radar sooner. It ticks a lot of boxes for what I like in stories and for what has proved to make successful Wolverine stories in the past. Shady espionage, KGB agents, a damsel in distress, oh and a werewolf. If all annuals were of this standard they never should have gone away.

35: Wolverine: Unconfirmed Kill

W: Chris Yost A: Mateus Santolouco

This story appeared in the 2009 one shot Rampaging Wolverine, it was done as a throw back to the old magazine style Marvel comics with all black and white art. Santolouco is an artist who later on I would fall in love with his style on TMNT. Wolverine in black and white just works, Wolverine in any format just works too. This is an simple story told over 11 pages that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the character. The lone wolf is face to face wit a single Hydra sniper on a secret island base. It perfectly portrays the psychological mind games facing a person with a healing factor can have. Wolverine apart from a complimentary remark on the snipers accuracy has no dialogue. The sniper takes the lead in the monologue as we get inside his head as Wolverine makes his way up the beach.

34: Wolverine (v1) #79

W: Larry Hama P: Adam Kubert I: Mark Farmer/Mike Sellers C: Steve Buccellato

This had to make the list for sheer significance. This story was nearly 10 years old when I got into comics, so to find out at one point in time not only did Wolverine lose his Adamantium skeleton, but his claws would then be snapped by Cyber was a mind-blowing revelation. This is deep into Larry Hama’s run and to serve up such a big moment in Wolverine history is not easy. While the arc and the issue may not be fondly remembered they shaped to mythos for over a year before Wolverine eventually ended up as a horsemen of Apocalypse. There are lots of colourful supporting characters at play that have been established years previously, that Hama is seamlessly able to weave into this important story. Characters like Zoe Culloden the agent of Landau, Luckman and Lake. It is the first time we see Cyber in the pages of Wolverine after that squared off in Marvel Comics Presents. Kubert is perfect for this confrontation and is the definitive bone-claw artist.

33: Wolverine (v2) #41

W: Stuart Moore A: C. P Smith

A stand-alone issue that is proof everyone has a compelling Wolverine story in them. You can drop this character anywhere in the world, in any situation and people will be entertained whether they are Wolverine fans old or new or not even fans! This is a grown-up story in a landscape of superhero comics. The two story arcs on either side of this issue tie into House of M and Civil War respectively. So to deliver something so good and long-lasting is no mean feat. Visually two it is completely different to the company it finds itself in. If you are on the lookout for a quick read, which is big on storytelling and a joy to the artistic palette you can’t go wrong in seeking this out. It feels like a throwback to an era of storytelling that has unfortunately left mainstream comics.

32: Wolverine (v1) #90

W: Larry Hama P: Adam Kubert I: Mark Farmer/Dan Green C: Marie Javins

A strong stand-alone issue. Who can forget the wraparound cover courtesy of The Hilderbrandt brothers? The issues begins and ends on fold-out double pages! Hows 90s! Then the climax fades to black as the Age of Apocalypse storyline takes hold of the X-universe. This issue makes the cut for me because the X-Men animated series practically took the plot of it beat for beat. Fast forward to when I pick this up randomly at a con, read it and have that oh shit moment when I remember that episode. Having Wolverine against his biggest rogue in a done-in-one issue is good storytelling. Hama brilliantly parallels a news report of a serial killer with the actions of the captured Sabretooth in the grounds of the mansion. It is a big cliffhanger of an ending which gets no real conclusion as it is swept up in the big crossover. Any Wolverine vs Sabretooth story should always have big consequences come the end.

31: Wolverine (v1) #105-153 Blood Debt

W&P: Steve Skroce I: Lary Stucker C: Steve Buccellato

This is some what of a spiritual sequel to the original mini-series. Once again we find Wolverine in Japan, some years have passed since the death of Mariko and finally someone is doing a story that deals with it! While Skroce doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel the successfully builds upon the Mariko, Clan Yashida, Silver Samurai building blocks established by Claremont and Hama. I have always felt these elements of Wolverine’s story, along with Yukio and Amiko should be visited more. Of course there is danger of it becoming overplayed but he delivers a perfectly enjoyable story without it becoming a sprawling epic. Skroce who would go on to work on The Matrix is able to deliver big, in-your-face, more violent action than those stories that came before.

30: Wolverine (v1) #17-23

W: Archie Goodwin P: John Byrne I: Klaus Janson C: Glynis Oliver

Byrne back drawing Wolverine is the selling point of this arc. Following on from The Gehenna Stone which was the highpoint of the ongoing series to date. Goodwin and Byrne try to out do it at every turn. We now have a seven-issue epic, but for me, it isn’t as strong across the issues and would benefit from being shorter. This arc gets thrown in as the last of the pulp/noir era but it is the first step in moving away from that before Hama takes over. The story is a little more grim and gritty, with a few touches to real-world events to separate from the Madripoor stuff. Wolverine is second only to James Bond when it comes to globe-trotting adventures. Here we catch up with him in Tierra Verde as he battles through a slew of new and old villains. Geist a former advisor to Hitler is the main villain of the piece. We get an appearance from Nuke along the way and a small crossover into the pages of Daredevil really plays up the real-world grittiness and appeal to fans of Frank Miller along the way.

29: Wolverine (v1) #11-16 The Gehenna Stone Affair

W: Peter David P: John Buscema I: Bill Sienkiewicz

This for me is the highlight of the early days of the ongoing series. You can point to this arc as the definition of the pulp/noir days of Wolverine. It is a six-issue epic and in trade paperback makes a fantastic weekend read. There a lot of moving parts to this story as the idea of Wolverine as Patch in Madripoor is fleshed out even more. The cast is an eclectic mix as you would expect from anyone who associates with Wolverine. We have established Marvel characters like Jessica Drew and Lindsay McCabe mixing with newer additions like Archie Corrigan and O’Donnell. I think it speaks to the strength of Wolverine as a character than a story with no major rogues can be as solid as it is. I admit on first reading this era of Wolverine was a tough nut to crack for me, but with age I have come to look on it fondly. If you like Indiana Jones then this would be well worth your time.

28: Wolverine (v6) #20-23

W: Benjamin Percy P: Adam Kubert C: Frank Martin Jr

The first entry from the latest series, this had the fortunate timing of coming out in the build-up up the the Deadpool/ Wolverine movie. It was able to tap into that excitement and deliver a balls-to-the-wall story. Plus it has Maverick along for the ride! With those three involved it is an action-heavy three issues. Think of it as 90’s comics but with way, way, way better writers! This little adventure is a welcome break from the trappings of Krakoa. At the same time it was able to build on plot threads previously laid down in the series and stand on its on as an arc. It seems the levels of entertainment and popularity of this arc have led to Percy helming a Wolverine/Deadpool ongoing in 2025.

27: Wolverine (v1) #35-37

W: Larry Hama P: Marc Silvestri I: Dan Green C: Glynis Oliver

Now this is a very strange and yet satisfying Wolverine story. Under Hama the series had tried to move away from the pulp-driven stories the series started under. Here he makes a return to those routes with his own modern twist. Wolverine vs Lady Deathstrike is always a good battle for a story, as well as visually. The three covers to this arc are evidence of that! Deathstrike and The Reavers have always felt like they appeal to the Image generation of fans. So having her team with Nazis is a blending of the two generations. Now imagine your stereotypical 90’s comic book fan, keep that image in mind when I tell you Ernest Hemingway is a character in this story. Hemingway, Wolverine and Puck teaming up against Nazis and Deathstrike during the Spanish Civil War in the words of Stan Lee ‘Nuff said.’

26: Wolverine/Nick Fury: Scorpio

W: Archie Goodwin A: Howard Chaykin

Goodwin and Chaykin serve up and amazing spy romp here! Despite Wolverine having top billing in the title he is a supporting character in my opinion. This is very much a Nick Fury story. It feels like the duo and Chaykin particularly have taken what Jim Steranko established in his run on the Fury solo series and are just running with it. The book is absolutely gorgeous to look at as we hope from the desert to New York and the back streets of Venice. It’s James Bond meets the world of Marvel and the creative duo is a perfect fit. Seeing as this one shot comes so early in Wolverine’s solo days it proves how popular he was, whilst tying him to the larger Marvel Universe.

25: Wolverine (v1) #159-161 The Best There Is

W: Frank Tieri P: Sean Chen I: Norm Rapmund C: Raymund Lee

A very, very personal pick for me. The first two issues of this arc were among the first four Wolverine comics I ever brought after seeing the first X-Men movie. Then the final issue became one of my most sought-after once I started attending cons. First of all, why did it take so long for someone to come up with this title for a story arc? Secondly, it is the beginning of the Tieri/Chen combination that was central to my early days of collecting as well as being a consistent period for the series. Here we get a scene-chewing new villain in the shape of Mr. X, who has a suitably twisted origin story. The cover to #159 is one of the best Wolverine covers ever and it is a glimpse into the levels of action and violence within this arc.

24: Wolverine (v2) #62-65 Get Mystique

W: Jason Aaron A: Ron Garney C: Jason Keith

This is another arc that falls into the category of big and bold. It is a case of throwing two popular characters together and let them deliver on action and enjoyment without it having any major consequences for overall continuity. At the time I never quite knew where the dynamic between the two came from and perhaps even felt it was a little forced, especially when it is revealed this story takes place in the past and Mystique too has a healing factor. I have always felt Aaron operates best in these shorter, punchier story arcs where he gets in and out. The revenge story played against the hint at a past romantic interest is always a good mix for an action story, especially for Wolverine.

23: Wolverine (v1) #57

W: Larry Hama P: Marc Silvestri I: Dan Green/Al Milgrom/Joe Rubinstein C: Steve Buccellato

I have always insisted that the Wolverine series largely got through the 90s without having to succumb to the gimmicks Marvel tried to keep up with Image. Maybe this issue is a little early for that, but this poignant issue comes in the middle of a very strong run. The Mariko/Wolverine relationship after her death was never revisited enough in my opinion. Touching back on my 90’s theory when it’s time for the deed to be done it is not a big villain showdown, it is a real character piece has Wolverine has to end her suffering with her own claws. The final pages are among the best visually for a comic book death.

22: Wolverine (v1) #66-68

W: Larry Hama A: Mark Texeira C: Steve Buccellato

This is a strong three-issue story that again dips into Wolverine’s past which was still very mysterious at the time. I am a sucker for these stories and back in the day I would have been very happy if every other story arc was of this nature. It begins with Wolverine at a low ebb, it is the culmination in storytelling begun in #50. He is questioning all his memories after the revelations in that issue, he has now hooked onto the memory of a failed Team X mission. Now he intends to complete it, going deep into Cold War territory and the Soviet space program. Texeira has seamlessly taken over from Silvestri on art duties by this point. With his sketchy style being a perfect fit for a Wolverine whose mind is going between the present and 1967.

21: Wolverine (v1) #41-42

W: Larry Hama P: Marc Silvestri I: Dan Green C: Glynis Oliver

I can’t explain why these two issues have always lived long in the memory, they just always have. I can only speak for myself and what makes this so cool is Silvestri getting to draw all the elements thrown into the melting pot. Wolverine vs Sabretooth vs Cable with Albert and Elsie Dee along for the ride in a fight through the sewers of New York. It’s a story that plays to Silvestri’s strengths, with the blood and claws mixed with the 90’s big guns and tech. While they are not two issues that add a lot to the overall mythos, what there are is an adrenaline shot for the monthly schedule that serves up a strong dose of high-octane action to the hardcore fan base.

20: Kitty Pryde and Wolverine #1-6

W: Chris Claremont A: Al Milgrom C: Glynis Oliver

This originally started out as a sequel to the first mini-series, Claremont’s plan was to revisit Wolverine’s character every few years via a mini-series. But once he became popular he got his own ongoing. In regard to reading this as a sequel it holds up pretty well to that classic. It deepens his connection with Japan as well as further exploring the samurai angle to his personality. An important enemy is introduced to the rogues gallery whose machinations affect Wolverine for a long time. Another big element put into play here is the idea of Wolverine as a mentor. He is long associated with Jubilee but the relationship here is much deeper. I feel it is a case of Claremont getting to pair his favourite team member to write with the most popular to the masses.

19: Uncanny X-Men #268

W: Chris Claremont P: Jim Lee I: Scott Williams C: Glynis Oliver

I am so glad with how many stand-alone issues I was able to get onto this list and this is one of the best in X-Men and Marvel history. Claremont is best known for his soap hero soap opera in the pages of Uncanny. But here he delivers a self-contained action romp with character-defining moments which would have long-lasting ramifications for the trio as a team and individually. Bringing Madripoor into the WWII theatre of war is a lovely touch and Jim Lee is having a lot of fun. The cover image is iconic, as is the opening splash page and then page after page of our trio fighting The Hand and Nazis on the streets of Madripoor.

18: Wolverine (v1) #102-103

W: Larry Hama P: Adam Kubert/Val Semeiks I: Dan Green/Chad Hunt C:Joe Rosas

The period where Wolverine lost his Adamantium and regressed to a feral state was a strange time both for the story and the visuals of the series. The five issues where he teams with Elektra and later Stick are a positive uptick with these two issues particularly standing out. Having it be Elektra who sets Wolverine back on the right path is very appealing to a fan of Wolverine and the work of Frank Miller. There are some nice beats along the way from Hama with him delivering a silent issue for #102. As well as touching upon Wolverine’s war days on the Greek islands to tie into Elektra’s family past. The imagery of the duo playing tag across the NYC skyline ending atop the World Trade Centre is comics joy.

17: Wolverine (v1) #10

W: Chris Claremont P: John Buscema I: Bill Sienkiewicz C: Mike Rockwitz

Chris Claremont signed off on his run on the ongoing Wolverine title by presenting the origin of his feud with Sabretooth. You would think this top 50 list would include more Wolverine vs Sabretooth issues but there just aren’t that many good ones. This one has stood the test of time as a classic, the events within have largely been set in stone when it comes to continuity. Yes, the stuff with Silver Fox was later hinted at as memory implants but that adds to the mystery of Wolverine and elevates this issue. The fact that such a big part of what makes these two characters hate each other is dealt with in one issue makes it a good comic. Sienkiewicz inking Buscema makes it a great comic.

16: Wolverine (v2) #66-72 Old Man Logan

W: Mark Millar P: Steve McNiven I: Dexter Vines C: Morry Hollowell

Every so often we get a story set in an alternate timeline that catches fire. I think part of its success comes from it being a large Marvel universe story rather than just having it focus on Wolverine lore. There are so many details for fans of all things Marvel to sink their teeth into. A Venomized T-Rex, Pym Falls, The Red Skull wearing the Cap outfit. All those great moments should be reason enough to read this story if you haven’t already. For me though the crowning glory is the part of the story that sees Wolverine reach his lowest moment. The night the villains win! It is so bleak and so well handled even in later years when other writers revisited this universe it was treated with respect.

15: Incredible Hulk #340

W: Peter David A: Todd McFarlane C: Petra Scotese

The most famous cover on the list? Perhaps even the most homaged cover in the history of comics. A cover image so popular it made its way into Deadpool/Wolverine on the big screen. Peter David of course has previous experience on Wolverine but this is all bout Todd McFarlane. The most surprising thing for me about this, is how raw McFarlane’s art is. It’s a million miles away from his hyper-stylized Spawn. It follows the simple premise of a Marvel crossover. An unusual situation pits our two heroes together, leading to conflict. Throwing two of the biggest characters in comics under the art of a superstar in the making signals why this issue has stood the test of time.

14: Uncanny X-Men #133

W: Chris Claremont P: John Byrne I: Terry Austin C: Glynis Oliver

This is the issue that cemented both Wolverine as a badass and John Byrne as the definitive Wolverine artist. There had been glimpses to the darker side of Wolverine’s personality before, but in an issue titled Wolverine: Alone it is a watermark moment where he really cuts loose (no pun intended). This really stands out as Claremont and Byrne deliver a brilliant character-defining moment slap, bang in the middle of the Dark Phoenix Saga. Add into the fact that the three guards he incapacitates would return to form part of the Reavers in later years. As well as this being a stand-out moment for Wolverine I believe it was the beginning of Byrne having a stronger creative push on the character.

13: Marvel Comics Presents #85-92 Blood Hungry

W: Peter David A: Sam Kieth C: Glynis Oliver/Pat Garrahy

I first read this in the 2002 collected edition. Call me crazy but Kieth’s art is made for newsprint! Kieth’s Wolverine is like nothing we have seen before. He is a short, hairy, bulking, stalking unit who dominates the page. If you are reading this for the first time please don’t let this far-out rendition put you off, stick with it. David returns to Wolverine and Madripoor to deliver a noir tale that stands tall against the scene-stealing art. Cypher is a welcome addition to the lore and as I write this he is back in the pages of the ongoing. Call me crazy part two, but is this just Knightfall done better?

12: Wolverine: Debt of Death

W: David Lapham A: David Aja C: Bettie Breitweiser

Proof if proof were needed this far into the list that Wolverine is adaptable to any type of story. Here we have a blend of a WWII espionage thriller (Nick Fury is along for the ride) and Golden Age sci-fi as the duo face off against a squad of killer robots. The story draws on Wolverine’s well-traded links to Japan as well as the Japanese conflicts of WWII where we normally see Wolverine in European action. Throw in ninjas and Lapham’s more familiar ground of noir and you have an exciting melting pot. This is Aja coming off of Iron Fist and going into Hawkeye where he became highly stylized and it’s on display here. The idea of doing this list was to highlight more stories of this nature over the more well-known ones.

11: Wolverine (v3) #15-16

W: Jason Aaron A: Goran Sudzuka C: Matthew Wilson

This one-two punch in storytelling may just be one of the most under-the-radar quintessential Wolverine stories of all time. The fist part is titled Wolverine: No More and sees our hero at breaking point after the revelation of the previous arc. Wolverine contemplating and attempting suicide is a master stroke in emotion from Aaron. The second part; Wolverine Forever sees his latest love interest interview the superhero community about what makes Wolverine who he is. This moment of fan service is paralleled with Wolverine facing off against some lowlifes who wouldn’t be out of place in Aaron’s future work on Southern Bastards. It is the perfect blend of delving deep into his mind and delivering on action.

10: X-Force: Sex & Violence #1-3

W: Craig Kyle/Chris Yost A:Gabriele Dell’Otto

What a series! I have probably said this thirty times in the countdown so far, but this is so much fun! It is another brilliant example of doing a lot with so little time. The set-up is minimal and then it is away we go! Think of it like all your favourite action sequences from a movie stitched together and there is an actual plot thrown in for good measure. Dell’Otto makes C list villains like Razorfist and Boomerang credible, bloodthirsty threats. The story doesn’t hold back on living up to the title and it acts as the perfect coda to Kyle and Yost’s sleek and violent X-Force series.

9: Punisher War Journal #6-7

W: Carl Potts A: Jim Lee C: Gregory Wright

The two biggest stars of the decade collide under the pen of the biggest star of the era! Punisher vs Wolverine! There is so much arm hair in this story! The African Saga as it was collected as is a pure example of two heroes or anti-heroes in this case fighting and teaming up all the space of two issues. Following the old blueprint of crossovers, it moves at a rate of knots to get all the elements into play and most importantly it is fun. While the two heavy hitters are a big draw the real star and selling power behind these now-infamous issues is Jim Lee. This feels like Potts wrote a story of scenes Lee would love to draw. Did I mention there are dinosaurs?!

8: Wolverine (v6) #41-50 Sabretooth War

W: Benjamin Percy/Victor LaValle P: Cory Smith/Geoff Shaw I: Oren Junior C: Alex Sinclair

If Sabretooth is t Wolverine what Joker is to Batman the pair don’t face off nearly as much as the latter. This ten-issue epic dialled in on that lack of confrontation in recent years. Percy and LaValle weaved a great story that was heavy on action whilst remaining true to the core elements of the dynamic. They did all that while playing in the confines of the closing stages of the Krakoan Age across all the X-titles. It was a fitting end to a consistently entertaining series and certainly went out with a bang. Big, bloody and bold is the best way to describe it and when these two collide you wouldn’t want it any other way.

7: Wolverine (v1) #119-122 Not Dead Yet

W: Warren Ellis P: Leniel Yu I: Edgar Tadeo/Gerry Alanguilan C: Jason Wright

Warren Ellis does so much with so little. Four issues of pure high-octane, thrilling storytelling. He takes the well-established device of having the story start in a bar. In the first issue he shapes the back story between Wolverine and McLeish so quickly that the rest of the arc is dedicated to the duo one-upping each other in the most violent ways. Ellis isn’t the superstar he will become, it is certainly strange seeing him bide by writing restraints of a major character. While it may seem a little simple and predictable at times it is a lot of fun. Lenil Yu too is not at the peak of his powers but he is the star of the show. The image of a bullet riddles Wolverine standing on a motorcycle, ready to leap into a fight lives long in the memory.

6: Wolverine (v1) #48-50 Dreams of Gore

W: Larry Hama P: Marc Silvestri I: Dan Green/Hilary Barta/Tom Palmer C: Steve Buccellato

The cover to #48 announces this as a sequel to Weapon X. A lot of what I knew about Wolverine before I read comics came from the animated series which lifted a lot from these ’90s issues. Hama built on what Windsor Smith established and took the experiment in new directions with the idea of false memories. This is the first time Silvestri does the eerie spiked bodies to highlight the trips into Wolverine’s inner mind. These three issues as well as being a milestone in Wolverine’s mythos are an exciting read. The love story with Silver Fox is further developed as is the history of Team X. The little detail of Wolverine and Sabretooth learning about the assassination of JFK while on a mission is super cool. And who can forget the cover to #50 complete with die cutting!

5: Wolverine (v2) #20-25 Enemy of The State

W: Mark Millar P: John Romita Jr I: Klaus Janson C: Paul Mounts

Am I the only person who prefers this arc over Millar’s other big Wolverine arc? I always remember Millar referring to it along the lines of the equivalent of a Hollywood blockbuster with no budget. In that regard Millar, Romita and Janson are the perfect combination to deliver on big action set pieces and guest stars galore. What makes this stand out is that Wolverine is actually the antagonist in his own story. With Elektra acting as the protagonist, I think this connection to Frank Millers groundwork with Elektra and The Hand in the ’80s is what gives me a strong connection to the story. The Gorgon is a great addition to the rogues gallery who has stood the test of time and had a life beyond this story. If you like your Wolverine stories big and loud this is the one for you!

4: Wolverine: Bloody Choices

W: Tom DeFalco A: John Buscema C: Gregory Wright

If you have never read this story, stop reading this list! And if you can find it in its original oversized printing even better. It will do for you what it did for me and cement Buscema as one of, if not the best Wolverine artist ever! Bloody Choices is a very grown-up story. The cliché of grim and gritty is needed for a story that deals with drug lords and child sex trafficking, it is not for the faint-hearted. A far cry from the superheroics of other entries on the list. The crux of the story sees Wolverine and Fury come to a head on how to deal with the situation at hand. DeFalco even works in some ties to Wolverine’s past with the mysterious Mr. Shiv. With Buscema on art and the nature of the story it blows the mind to think this came out in 1991 when comics were going in a very different direction.

3: Wolverine (v1) #162-166 The Hunted

W: Frank Tieri P: Sean Chen/Mark Texiera I: Norm Rapmund

A Wolverine story that really has it all. From teaming with Beast, to the duo getting incarcerated in a supermax prison with a colourful cast of inmates. To some welcome new additions to the mythos with Mauvais, The Shiver Man, Brent Jackson and of course Malcolm Colcord. We also get Barry Windsor Smith as guest penciler on #166. The Hunted combines clandestine, government conspiracies with big action adventure to deliver a Wolverine story for the ages. It is the pinnacle of the Tieri/Chen run which sees the return of Weapon X leading into a new ongoing series of the same name.

2: Marvel Comics Presents #72-84 Weapon X

W&A: Barry Windsor Smith

An obvious choice maybe? To think such a significant part of Wolverine’s history happens in an anthology book where you get 8 pages a month is amazing. Again a story that gets better with each re-read. I have to admit first time out it just felt like reading a report on a science experiment. As my tastes developed so did my appreciation for this tour de force. The singular creative input is what makes this a special comic. There is not another Wolverine story with colours like this. Windsor Smith seamlessly blends narrative and visuals to great something very unique.

1: Wolverine #1-4 1982

W: Chris Claremont P: Frank Miller I: Joe Rubinstein C: Glynis Wein

There is a reason this is voted the best Wolverine story time and time again. The story that took him from X-Man to stand-alone stardom. While it is not an origin story it is the foundation of what Wolverine would come to be. So much is established here like the tie to Japan, the love story with Mariko, the notion of Wolverine being a failed samurai and the fight within himself to control his berserker side. Without all this would Wolverine have had such a popular and long-lasting lore?