1. Wolverine and the X-Men
Writer: Jason Aaron Artist: Chris Bachalo et al.
Before I get into how awesome Wolverine and the X-Men is, I want to mention some of the more famous Wolverine books that were omitted that some readers might think should be on this list. Chris Claremont and Frank Millers Wolverine is supposedly the basis of the new Wolverine film but from what Ive read and seen of the movie, it bears the scantest of resemblances to the book - which is fine as Claremont/Millers book is essentially just Wolverine fighting ninjas in Japan so theres no real story. And thats why it gets left out because its so boring. Millers art is ok, one of his covers is quite iconic, but the book has not aged well. Plus, Claremonts writing: ugh. Barry Windsor-Smiths Wolverine: Weapon X got left out for similar reasons. While it shows Wolverine getting experimented on, having his memory wiped, becoming Weapon X etc., its basically just Wolverine killing scientists and guards after pages of watching said scientists and guards stand around looking at Logan in a tank. Bo-ring! The third and final omission that I always see recommended to people looking for good Wolverine comics is Wolverine: Origin. This is the book former Marvel head honcho, Bill Jemas concocted before he left and it is flat-out terrible. It tries to explain Logans mysterious past in the most ham-fisted way that it becomes embarrassing to read many fans of ret-conned the series entirely! While Paul Jenkins wrote it and Andy Kubert drew it, many think that neither was really involved in any of the creative decisions in that book instead the whole mess can be laid squarely at Jemas doorstep as he was the one driving the project. So for those whore wondering if Im aware of those classic Wolverine titles I am. Check them out if you want, I just dont think theyre very good at all, and thats why theyre not on this list of genuinely good Wolverine titles. * Jason Aarons Wolverine and the X-Men was born out of X-Men: Schism, a series that saw the X-Men split along ideological lines with Wolverine on one side and Cyclops on the other. Cyclops wanted a more militant and indepdent mutant community while Wolverine (of all people!) wanted to return to the classic Xavier setup of a school that taught young mutants how to hone their powers while keeping them out of the firing line and seeking acceptance in the wider world. The split led to Wolverine, Kitty Pryde, Beast, Ice Man and others to found the Jean Grey School For Higher Learning with Wolverine as the unlikely headmaster of the school(!). This is where Wolverine and the X-men kicks off, as the school becomes both a beacon of hope for mutants as more and more kids flock to the school, but also a target for numerous agencies looking to take them down, among them the Hellfire Club. Wolverine plays a large part in the series but its become more of an ensemble piece with the cast growing over time and certain characters getting their own issues like War Bird and Doop, two largely unknown figures each getting the spotlight. That said, Wolverine as an authority figure, trying to set an example to kids is a pretty great setup - his attempts at being a headmaster are continually brilliant and his relationship with Quentin Quire aka Kid Omega, a troubled, violent young man with incredible powers, has become one of the series highlights. This is easily one of the best titles Marvel is currently putting out. Its inventive, its hugely imaginative, and its clear Jason Aaron is having a blast writing it. Wolverine and the X-Men is a fresh take on the characters and gives Logan all kinds of new situations hes never been in before. If youre looking for an enjoyably funny and really creative Wolverine book, you need to be reading this title. * Thats all, bub! Did I leave out any of your favourite Wolverine books? Agree or disagree with my picks, let me know in the comments below!