Canadian mutant James Howlett (who later took on the name 'Logan', after his biological father) was born in Alberta, Canada, during the 1880's. As he grew, James discovered that he had bone protrusion claws that would come out above the knuckles of both hands, at given times. Troubles caused by these claws forced him to leave home and become a miner in the Yukon Territory.
Logan stopped aging; taking on near-immortality. He also found that he had self-healing powers, along with superhuman strength and agility. He fought for the Canadian military during W.W. I; fought alongside Captain America, during W.W.II; and was part of several groups such as---"1st Canadian Parachute Battalion"; the C.I.A.; & "Team 'X' (a black-ops group). Later imprisoned by members of the "Weapon X" Program, Logan had 'Adamantium' (an indestructible metal) grafted to his skeletal structure and to his retractable bone claws. He escaped and was found and helped to recover, by James and Heather Hudson.
Logan then joined Canada's Dept. H, and took on the identity of "The Wolverine". His 1st mission was a dangerous one. He was sent to stop a destructive battle between the Hulk and the Wendigo; and thus made his 1st official superhero appearance.
In 1975, The Wolverine was recruited by Prof. Xavier, to join the "X Men" (which he reluctantly did, in "Giant-Size X-Men"#1). He became regular full-time member in the "X-Men" comic book series. His character became more fully developed by writer Chris Claremont and artists, Dave Cockrum & John Byrne. The Wolverine's popularity took off like a rocket, and hasn't come down since!!!
The Wolverine was given an iconic 4-part mini-series, which was rendered by the great Frank Miller ("The Dark Knight Returns"), in 1982. His famous catchphrase was first used during that series---"I'm the best at what I do, but what I do isn't nice!" He has had his own comic book series, and has appeared in many of the multiple "X-Men" series' He has also been part of many other superhero groups, including "The Avengers".
TV Animation Appearances---"X-Men" (several series'); "Wolverine and the X-Men"; & "The Wolverine; as well as appearances in others.
Live-Action Motion Picture Appearances---"X-Men" (2000); "X-2: X-Men United" (2003); "X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006); "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009); "X-Men: First Class" (2011, cameo appearance); "The Wolverine" (2013). In each of these blockbuster movies, The Wolverine has been played to savage, tormented, grumpy perfection by Hugh Jackman, who is absolutely FANTASTIC in the role of a lifetime!!! Hugh will continue the role in 2014's "X-Men: Days of Future Past"; in which he will play the 'present-day' and 'past' versions of Wolverine. This movie looks destined to be a major motion picture event, when it comes out next year.
The character of The Wolverine, should soar in popularity for decades to come!!!
