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Wolverine Origin #1-2
Wolverine: Origin - The Complete Collection
Collects Origin #1-6 & Origin II #1-5.
The full story of Marvel’s most mystery-shrouded mutant, revealed at last! Long before he became an X-Man, before he was transformed by Weapon X, he was a boy named James Howlett. But what tragedy could strike that would set him on the path to becoming the ferocious Wolverine? Follow young James from a life of privilege and that fateful first “snikt,” through the devastating events that rip him from his family and ultimately drive him into the wilderness. There, in the snowy wilds of Canada, the feral young man now known as Logan will encounter another mutant very much like him, also torn between man and animal. One who could be his greatest ally — or his fiercest foe. For when Logan meets Victor Creed, a rivalry for the ages is born!
The full story of Marvel’s most mystery-shrouded mutant, revealed at last! Long before he became an X-Man, before he was transformed by Weapon X, he was a boy named James Howlett. But what tragedy could strike that would set him on the path to becoming the ferocious Wolverine? Follow young James from a life of privilege and that fateful first “snikt,” through the devastating events that rip him from his family and ultimately drive him into the wilderness. There, in the snowy wilds of Canada, the feral young man now known as Logan will encounter another mutant very much like him, also torn between man and animal. One who could be his greatest ally — or his fiercest foe. For when Logan meets Victor Creed, a rivalry for the ages is born!
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2017
161 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Paul Jenkins
1,259 books153 followersPaul Jenkins is a British comic book writer. He has had much success crossing over into the American comic book market. Primarily working for Marvel Comics, he has had a big part shaping the characters of the company over the past decade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 20, 2023
Wolverine is so fantastic! I have always loved his character. I decided that reading his origin story would be great as well. I did enjoy it - mostly. The artwork is amazing, especially in Origin II. Some fantastic panels of action scenes. The story was fine. I kept thinking I was missing something. Just pieces of the story where I felt it could have used more development. Some reviewers seem to really hate this origin tale. I’m not sure I hate it. More like I felt something was lacking. What I did get was entertaining but it didn’t make me feel anything groundbreaking was going on. It’s good and would be worth the time to read it if you are an X-Men fan.
February 18, 2017
Marvel took a huge risk here. Part of the mystique that sets Wolverine apart is that he can't remember his past. He was turned into a killing machine with no memories and dealing with that damage and the people who used him, is part of what makes him who he is as a character.
A good character often is someone that the reader can project themselves into. Leaving the backstory keeps some mystery and makes it a little easier to identify with the character. Marvel decided to drop the curtain and create the backstory and let everyone in on it. If they failed not only would their efforts be despised by their fans, but they could do lasting damage to their intellectual property (these are some of the reasons they should never do a Bobba Fett movie).
In this case, Marvel was successful in telling a good story. You care about the boy who would become the man, and damaged (anti-)hero Wolverine. The art work is well done and the story has some good twists and turns.
A good character often is someone that the reader can project themselves into. Leaving the backstory keeps some mystery and makes it a little easier to identify with the character. Marvel decided to drop the curtain and create the backstory and let everyone in on it. If they failed not only would their efforts be despised by their fans, but they could do lasting damage to their intellectual property (these are some of the reasons they should never do a Bobba Fett movie).
In this case, Marvel was successful in telling a good story. You care about the boy who would become the man, and damaged (anti-)hero Wolverine. The art work is well done and the story has some good twists and turns.
February 23, 2017
Pree-Read: It's funny. I never much cared for Wolverine, Venom or Punisher during their heydays in the 90's/early 2000's (probably due to my contrarian/anti-bandwagon tendency). But now that Marvel is all aflutter about the Avengers, the Inhumans,, and Captain Marvel, I find myself looking back to reead some of the more classic stuff for these 3 heroes.
Post-Read: 4.5 stars. Better than I even thought it would be: I was shicjed at how much pathos I invested into a fictional comuc character whike reading this! And it makes me even more excited to see the film adaptation of Old Man Logan!
Post-Read: 4.5 stars. Better than I even thought it would be: I was shicjed at how much pathos I invested into a fictional comuc character whike reading this! And it makes me even more excited to see the film adaptation of Old Man Logan!
April 24, 2023
Me gusto la historia, al final el viejo Logan y el joven Logan son uno mismo; es una apuesta atrevida al mostrar el origen de quien nunca tuvo origen 40 años más tarde el ciclo se cerró
September 12, 2020
Lepo izdanje sa oba Origina u izdanju Čarobne knjige.
Meni su Vulverin i Iks-ljudi još od 90ih na ovamo omiljeni strip junaci, tako da sam sa nestrpljenjem očekivao prvi Origin još tamo negde 2001/02 godine... I nije me razočarao. Sada, posle gotovo 20 godina od prvog objavljivanja, čitajući ga ponovo, shvatio sam da ne umem da budem objektivan, meni je ovo i dalje fenomenalno. Sve ono što kasnije čini Vulverina je ovde začeto, i zaista sve potiče odavde, pa do najsitnijih detalja (jedan od detalja je i odgovor na pitanje zašto je Logan opčinjen crvenokosom Džin Grej u redovnom serijalu). Drugi Origin je nešto slabiji, ali svakako vredi, pisao ga je Kjeron Gilen a crtao legendarni i meni jedan od omiljenih svih vremena, Adam Kjubert.
Ovo izdanje ima svaku moju preporuku.
Meni su Vulverin i Iks-ljudi još od 90ih na ovamo omiljeni strip junaci, tako da sam sa nestrpljenjem očekivao prvi Origin još tamo negde 2001/02 godine... I nije me razočarao. Sada, posle gotovo 20 godina od prvog objavljivanja, čitajući ga ponovo, shvatio sam da ne umem da budem objektivan, meni je ovo i dalje fenomenalno. Sve ono što kasnije čini Vulverina je ovde začeto, i zaista sve potiče odavde, pa do najsitnijih detalja (jedan od detalja je i odgovor na pitanje zašto je Logan opčinjen crvenokosom Džin Grej u redovnom serijalu). Drugi Origin je nešto slabiji, ali svakako vredi, pisao ga je Kjeron Gilen a crtao legendarni i meni jedan od omiljenih svih vremena, Adam Kjubert.
Ovo izdanje ima svaku moju preporuku.
November 23, 2018
One of the best traits of Wolverine as a character is his mysterious past. This collection undoes this, stealing a big chunk of the magic that made this anti-hero interesting. Don't bother if you don't want to read everything wolverine related.
May 16, 2025
The artwork and presentation of this book is trememndous and great all the way through. The story is solid for the most part. Both part one and two feel a bit rushed towards their respective endings. Part two was the weaker of the stories but the action moments in the beginning were great. I used to not be a fan of Wolverine but recently he has grown on me and I was interested to read this.
October 28, 2025
A great comic. Quite sad but a wonderful look at wolverines origin. 5/5
January 26, 2018
I'm going to be a bit nicer on this one than the previous book I read (Old man Logan), because although I have issues with it, I don't find them as pervasive, and my opinion is much more subjective.
So, first off, I think this is an adequate origin story; it sets up Wolverine's childhood and explains the circumstances under which he first discovers his claw ability. Unfortunately, I can't help but feel like this is a different character entirely than the one I've grown up with. I understand we all change from youth to adulthood, but the weak-willed young man who doesn't know how to cope with those around him leaving (or dying) pictured in this book feels more like a retelling of Spiderman than it does Logan--there's even a point in the book where he fights in a cage match to win money because he knows no one will stand a change against him with his powers.
There are some cool moments and I don't think the story is incoherent, I just disagree that this is the true telling of Logan's past; it feels artificial to me. And so, I find it overall to be "average".
So, first off, I think this is an adequate origin story; it sets up Wolverine's childhood and explains the circumstances under which he first discovers his claw ability. Unfortunately, I can't help but feel like this is a different character entirely than the one I've grown up with. I understand we all change from youth to adulthood, but the weak-willed young man who doesn't know how to cope with those around him leaving (or dying) pictured in this book feels more like a retelling of Spiderman than it does Logan--there's even a point in the book where he fights in a cage match to win money because he knows no one will stand a change against him with his powers.
There are some cool moments and I don't think the story is incoherent, I just disagree that this is the true telling of Logan's past; it feels artificial to me. And so, I find it overall to be "average".
April 24, 2025
I think my biggest thing with this book is that Wolverine doesn’t really need an origin. I kind of like the idea of him being some guy that was always there; like an ancient caveman or something, and every so often he just has his memory completely wiped. However, if this is gonna be his origin, I suppose there’s not really any other one that could be done. We meet his family, see him grow into an adult, and even meet Essex and the Creed family, two opponents that Wolverine frequently faces off against in various titles. This grapples with themes that are ever present in James Howlett’s story, from complex trauma to his romantic attraction to Red heads, and it kind of has all the markings of the Mutant story, even how his abilities manifest.
I think my favorite thing about this book is less so the story, but rather the art. The first story is pretty to look at, as though every panel was some kind of foggy painting (kind of symbolically representing Logan’s own hazy memory shown throughout the book). Meanwhile, the second story is a bit more comic booky, but it’s okay. I liked when he fought a polar bear.
I guess this is his story now, huh? This and Weapon X are the two books to read if you wanna learn about 616 Logan, right?
I wonder how the new Ultimate Universe will tackle some of these ideas as they explore that universe’s Logan/Winter Soldier. I kind of hope it’s different.
3/5
I think my favorite thing about this book is less so the story, but rather the art. The first story is pretty to look at, as though every panel was some kind of foggy painting (kind of symbolically representing Logan’s own hazy memory shown throughout the book). Meanwhile, the second story is a bit more comic booky, but it’s okay. I liked when he fought a polar bear.
I guess this is his story now, huh? This and Weapon X are the two books to read if you wanna learn about 616 Logan, right?
I wonder how the new Ultimate Universe will tackle some of these ideas as they explore that universe’s Logan/Winter Soldier. I kind of hope it’s different.
3/5
February 20, 2022
This book was brutal, and I don’t just mean the violence. The origins of wolverine pulled no punches as they systematically put this character through hell over and over again.
Some of the artwork at first was a little inconsistent with characters looking like children in one panel, adults in another panel, and then children again in the next. Also I think the quality of the writing changed noticeably with each author in a way which felt a little jarring at times.
But overall, the story had me hooked from beginning to end and I absolutely flew through this book. It’s one of the best comics I have read in a long time and I would have been happy to read more. However, considering how much of a downer some of these stories were, maybe it’s for the best that there’s not a book to follow this (as far as I am aware) as there is only so many times you can see a man get broken down over and over without it starting to feel like nothing more than watching torture for the sake of it.
This is an easy 5 stars for this reader and I can happily recommend this book.
Some of the artwork at first was a little inconsistent with characters looking like children in one panel, adults in another panel, and then children again in the next. Also I think the quality of the writing changed noticeably with each author in a way which felt a little jarring at times.
But overall, the story had me hooked from beginning to end and I absolutely flew through this book. It’s one of the best comics I have read in a long time and I would have been happy to read more. However, considering how much of a downer some of these stories were, maybe it’s for the best that there’s not a book to follow this (as far as I am aware) as there is only so many times you can see a man get broken down over and over without it starting to feel like nothing more than watching torture for the sake of it.
This is an easy 5 stars for this reader and I can happily recommend this book.
March 14, 2019
I really loved this. It was gut wrenching and intense. Most of all, it was very true to the character we all know as Wolverine.
There are two stories here. The first one is the most interesting. It follows the earliest moments in Wolverine’s life. We learn how his spirit was first wrecked, and how it was healed with rage.
The second story is a bit rougher around the edges. We’re introduced to Mr Sinister and Sabertooth. We delve a little deeper into Wolverine’s animal side.
It’s all beautifully drawn and fascinating. You’d think a book this thick would be a bit of a slog... but this kept my interest from cover to cover. When it finished, I found myself wishing it was longer.
This was so good, it made me like Wolverine more as a character.
This is a great story nomatter what you like. Even if comics aren’t your bag... or even if you only read cerebral indy comics about social politics. Doesn’t matter. This is for everyone.
There are two stories here. The first one is the most interesting. It follows the earliest moments in Wolverine’s life. We learn how his spirit was first wrecked, and how it was healed with rage.
The second story is a bit rougher around the edges. We’re introduced to Mr Sinister and Sabertooth. We delve a little deeper into Wolverine’s animal side.
It’s all beautifully drawn and fascinating. You’d think a book this thick would be a bit of a slog... but this kept my interest from cover to cover. When it finished, I found myself wishing it was longer.
This was so good, it made me like Wolverine more as a character.
This is a great story nomatter what you like. Even if comics aren’t your bag... or even if you only read cerebral indy comics about social politics. Doesn’t matter. This is for everyone.
November 22, 2022
Great Wolverine intro
This was a fun book to read. I highly recommend it for those interested in learning about how the Wolverine story began. I've watched just about all of the shows and movies about Wolverine. I've enjoyed all of them because I'm fascinated by the character. However, I never fully understood how Wolverine's story began. This book explains the beginning and does it a fun way. Great read.
This was a fun book to read. I highly recommend it for those interested in learning about how the Wolverine story began. I've watched just about all of the shows and movies about Wolverine. I've enjoyed all of them because I'm fascinated by the character. However, I never fully understood how Wolverine's story began. This book explains the beginning and does it a fun way. Great read.
July 23, 2017
Two really solid stories that give readers an idea of who Logan is and where he came from.
There are two very distinct stories in this, one following Logan as a child and the second as a young adult. I really enjoyed the second story involving the wolf pack and would have liked to see more.
Both the writing and artwork were solid throughout.
There are two very distinct stories in this, one following Logan as a child and the second as a young adult. I really enjoyed the second story involving the wolf pack and would have liked to see more.
Both the writing and artwork were solid throughout.
January 17, 2018
The book had amazing visuals and pretty good dialogue. The narrative captures Wolverine’s inner conflict of deciding whether he is man or beast as well as portraying both his humanity and more animalistic characteristics. I enjoyed every bit of how he develops from scrawny aristocratic boy to the feral Wolverine soaking in his victim’s blood we all know and love.
April 12, 2018
3.5 ⭐
I have to think about this for a while, I really enjoyed most of the book, but not the ending.
The mystique of never knowing Wolverine's origin gave me very high expectations of a fantastical story, and this one was very down to earth. The more I think about it, this is the story that makes sense.
I have to think about this for a while, I really enjoyed most of the book, but not the ending.
The mystique of never knowing Wolverine's origin gave me very high expectations of a fantastical story, and this one was very down to earth. The more I think about it, this is the story that makes sense.
September 2, 2021
This is for Origin 1 - 6.
I'm not a big Wolverine fan but this origin story gave some depth and humanity to a character who I often find offensive and one dimensional.
It's not a happy story. Not by a long shot. But then it was never likely to be.
I'm not a big Wolverine fan but this origin story gave some depth and humanity to a character who I often find offensive and one dimensional.
It's not a happy story. Not by a long shot. But then it was never likely to be.
November 25, 2021
Amazing origin story
Mark Twain, Jack London and classical tales I enjoyed so much, all of them someho present in this origin story, quite different from what seen in the cinematographic adaptation.
Mark Twain, Jack London and classical tales I enjoyed so much, all of them someho present in this origin story, quite different from what seen in the cinematographic adaptation.
June 7, 2022
Tragically I didn’t realize this “Complete Collection” doesn’t include the final volume, but I still really enjoyed it! Seeing more of the “why” for Wolverine’s aversion from getting close to people and other mutants is only going to make it more interesting to pick up with other X-Men volumes
April 3, 2024
Doesn’t live up
While it is two stories in one book both of them hit well below the expectations you have for them. The first book ends in a poor cliffhanger, the second ends in a poor statement. The art is the saving grace for both books but mostly the first one. I can’t say it’s a must read for this character but it at least pulls back the curtain on where he came from.
While it is two stories in one book both of them hit well below the expectations you have for them. The first book ends in a poor cliffhanger, the second ends in a poor statement. The art is the saving grace for both books but mostly the first one. I can’t say it’s a must read for this character but it at least pulls back the curtain on where he came from.
August 29, 2024
I enjoyed this one. Great artwork and an original and unique story as compared to the Wolverine Origins film. It ended a bit sooner than I expected however I liked the plot and characterisation of Wolverine and the pain of his early life was quite heartbreaking.
January 10, 2025
WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK.
I had watched Wolverine Origins way before I read this, and this makes more sense than the movie.
Which is obvious because the book is always better than the movie, but it was so much clearer
Four stars because it sometimes gets confusing
LOVED IT THOUGH
I had watched Wolverine Origins way before I read this, and this makes more sense than the movie.
Which is obvious because the book is always better than the movie, but it was so much clearer
Four stars because it sometimes gets confusing
LOVED IT THOUGH
February 20, 2025
1 -6 - I wouldn’t leave a review for many comics. The illustrations & writing in these was incredible , I thought it captured the mercurial nature of the character so well. Felt less like any other comics I read & more like a classic at times
October 4, 2017
Well done, but not my head canon.
August 3, 2019
Amazing storytelling and awesome artwork (in the first Origin story anyway). Logan is destined to walk alone. One of my favourite graphic novels I can’t wait to read again.
September 28, 2019
Slow to start, this story had its moments such as Mr Sinister making an appearance and an authentically brutal colonial Canadian setting. Slightly underwhelming overall
May 14, 2020
Origin I: great
Origin II: not so much
Origin II: not so much
April 29, 2021
It's funny. I really enjoyed Origins I when I read the first collected hardcover edition (although I hated the ending and still do). This time around, I still enjoy it overall I guess. I had forgotten how violent it is, how much of a troubled past Logan had in terms of growing up (or his "friend," Dog). The artwork is so-so; I like the artwork and inks in Origin I more than Origin II, but Origin II does have some nice moments in it in the early issues . I thought Origin I added to Logan's character and character development; I felt like Origin II did not add anything to Logan's story and probably did not need to be written.
I know some people who complained it took away from the "mystery" that made Wolverine who and what he is - that nobody knew much about his past. Myself, I never thought it took away the mystery of Wolverine, who the man is. I actually liked how Logan's character "developed" in the first series.
I don't know what to say about this. If I have more thoughts to add tomorrow, I will do so. The first Origins story is much better than the second one, in my opinion. Practically worlds apart. The first one was fun and hard and gritty and interesting and "fun" and sad different. The second one felt like it did not need to be written as it did not really add much to Logan's character or development. I am glad that I revisited this "origin story" for Wolverine; it was a fun compilation to read.
I know some people who complained it took away from the "mystery" that made Wolverine who and what he is - that nobody knew much about his past. Myself, I never thought it took away the mystery of Wolverine, who the man is. I actually liked how Logan's character "developed" in the first series.
I don't know what to say about this. If I have more thoughts to add tomorrow, I will do so. The first Origins story is much better than the second one, in my opinion. Practically worlds apart. The first one was fun and hard and gritty and interesting and "fun" and sad different. The second one felt like it did not need to be written as it did not really add much to Logan's character or development. I am glad that I revisited this "origin story" for Wolverine; it was a fun compilation to read.
July 6, 2021
The beginning and middle was definitely worth reading but the story arc by the end was disappointing. Even though the series continues it doesn’t leave me wanting more
July 25, 2021
Origin #1-6, ☆☆☆☆
Origin II #1-5, ☆☆☆☆
Origin II #1-5, ☆☆☆☆
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews