Wolverine is considered one of one of the greatest comic book characters of all time, but it didn’t start that way. It took time for Marvel Comics' writers and artists to perfect the legendary X-Men character. When they did, it was nothing but amazing stories for decades.
The only downside about so many writers creating awesome stories for the Marvel Comics legend, is that it may be difficult for new readers to find a good place to begin.
Lucky for you, this article will give you five amazing writers and starting points for Logan's adventures so that you don’t have to go back too far.
Honorable mention: Wolverine by Saladin Ahmed. As this article is being written, the series is still ongoing and has not yet finished, but so far it's been perfect.
Frank Tieri's Wolverine puts Logan through it
Series: Wolverine (2001)
Frank Tieri’s run of Wolverine was brutal, and not just physically. Logan was mind-controlled by the new director of Weapon X and forced to kill, and later tormented by Sabretooth, who attempted to kill anyone close to him. Nevertheless, Logan prevailed. There are also stories about how Wolverine worked as muscle for the mob because he had free time, and another involving a new character named Mr. X, who can predict all of Logan’s attacks.
Overall, this is a fantastic representation of Logan’s life. You witness how exciting and sometimes depressing things are for him, even when he has downtime. It’s also full of action that reminds readers that Wolverine does more than wildly swing his claws.
Greg Rucka's run shows what Logan can do outside of the X-Men
Series: Wolverine (2003)
Greg Rucka’s run on Wolverine holds a special place in my heart because it’s mostly Logan outside of the X-Men. It starts as Wolverine getting revenge for a young girl who named him “Mean Man” and turns into him saving kidnapped women from a cult. Later, he journeys to Mexico after a truck of people die in transport in search of a better life. When Logan arrives, he's surprised by who's in charge, and has to debate what to do next.
If you enjoy Wolverine, but want to escape the superhero tights and fights, this is the run you want. Beyond the action and suspense, there’s a look into the man himself with the help of Wolverine’s best friend, Nightcrawler.
Benjamin Percy's run shows different sides to Wolverine
Series: Wolverine (2022)
Benjamin Percy is one of the newest writers to take on the challenge of creating Wolverine stories. While this one wasn’t like other series, it was still a highly entertaining series, because no two stories were alike.
The best part is that Percy reminds readers that Logan is more than his fighting. He’s a genius strategist and one of the most cunning heroes of all time. Plus, the series ends with the most brutal battle with Sabretooth ever. Considering how many times they've fought, that says a lot.
Jason Aaron throws everything at Logan
Series: Wolverine (2010), Wolverine and the X-Men, Wolverine: Weapon X
Jason Aaron takes Logan to Hell, has him in a couple of drag-out fights with Mystique, and puts him against the best military fighters who also have his healing abilities and laser claws. On the flip side, we see a softer side of him in a run called Wolverine And The X-Men, where he’s the headmaster of a school for mutants. These are all perfect combinations of everything you love about Logan while you learn new things about him.
Few people know Logan as well as Jason Aaron, and these stories really showcase why that is.
Daniel Way dives into Wolverine's past
Series: Wolverine: Origins and Endings, Wolverine Origins
Lastly, we have what I deem as the best series starring Wolverine, and one of the top 50 comic book runs of all time. If you’ve ever wondered why Logan’s past is full of pain, Daniel Way gives you the answers. You’ll learn that Logan was never truly in control of his life before the X-Men. And, in some ways, after, too. Thankfully, at the end of the series, Wolverine acknowledges that, while he’s done awful things in his life, he’s also a victim.
This one is an emotional rollercoaster that truly gets to the heart of the Wolverine character.
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