He is the best at what he does. He is one of Marvel’s greatest heroes, though not necessarily the best example for kids… He has been called many names, and has lived many lifetimes.
You know him as Wolverine. His friends call him Logan. And his enemy calls him James Howlett. Who is Logan? Who is James? For the first time in history, the origin story of Wolverine is given to us in this wonderful comic book aptly titled “Wolverine: Origin”.
This is one of the few comic books that I’ve read and am reviewing on this blog. I won’t say too much, because it might spoil your experience of reading it.
It is a wonderful feeling finally knowing how Wolverine came to be who he is – how his mutations first manifested, how he became archrivals with Sabretooth…. Okay, maybe not that last part, because writers Bill Jemas, Joe Quesada, and Paul Jenkins left that open to speculation. Another bit of speculation is that you will mostly find out why Wolverine always had the hots for Jean Grey.
I can already hear you saying, “Why reveal Wolverine’s origins?? It’s part of the mystery!” The reason why this story was told in comic was because if it weren’t, it would be told on film, and not by these writers.
The story focuses on three kids – James Howlett, Rose, and Dog Logan. Dog’s father, who looks a lot like Wolverine, is a drunkard and an abusive father. You will later find out how this contributed towards Wolverine’s development. Rose is a peasant girl who is sent to work in the Howlett mansion to be the sickly James’ companion and playmate (not that kind!)
Eventually, a love triangle develops, worsens and results in Wolverine’s first manifestation of his mutant powers – bone claws and healing factor. You will remember that his adamantium skeleton and claws that he is most famous for are, in fact, not his mutation.
After Wolverine first manifests, he and Rose are wanted for murder, and they run away… and that’s all I’m going to say about this wonderful story. You will have to read it and find out more for yourself.
I love this graphic novel/comic. I always Wonder why they waited so long to make an story about wolverines origin. Was it just recently created out of the blue, or did it take careful planing?