In comic books, especially within Marvel and DC, characters rarely stay dead. Wolverine is a prime example of this. His mutant healing factor makes him nearly immortal, surviving events like a nuclear explosion, crucifixion, and having his Adamantium removed.
The movie “Logan” broke this pattern by showing a dying Wolverine with a fading healing factor, ending Hugh Jackman’s role as the character, though he returned for “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Wolverine’s death wasn’t new. In 2014, the miniseries “Death of Wolverine” by Charles Soule and Steve McNiven depicted Logan’s death.
Marvel waited four years before bringing him back in “Return of Wolverine,” with Declan Shalvey joining. Soule also worked with David Marquez on the “Hunt for Wolverine” special. Here’s how Wolverine died and came back.
Wolverine Lost His Healing Factor and Died
During a mission to the Microverse, Wolverine caught a virus that shut down his healing factor. For the first time, he was vulnerable. A bounty was put on his head, leading to battles with foes like Sabretooth, Ogun, and Lady Deathstrike.
He later discovered that Doctor Cornelius, a scientist from the Weapon X program, wanted to use his Adamantium skeleton. Logan saved Cornelius’ test subjects but was covered in molten Adamantium, leading to his symbolic death. The metal that made him a living weapon also ended his life.
The X-Men found Wolverine’s body encased in Adamantium in Canada, but soon realized his “tomb” was empty. Heroes like Kitty Pryde, Iron Man, and Daredevil searched for him. A group called Soteira had brought him back to use as a weapon.
Wolverine regained his memories and defeated Soteira’s leader, Persephone. He also discovered a new ability: superheating his claws when he was very angry. However, this power overworked his healing factor, making him more vulnerable. Soule discussed this in a tweet, noting how Wolverine’s rage affected his healing abilities.
Other stories also show Wolverine dying. In “Days of Future Past,” a Sentinel burned him to his Adamantium skeleton. “Old Man Logan” showed an older Wolverine with reduced healing powers. Both “Death of Wolverine” and “Logan” are rare instances where Wolverine was genuinely killed off, adding depth to his story.
“Logan” is available to watch on Disney+ in the U.S.
