Wolverine

Wolverine is a Marvel comics fictional superhero that first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #180 in 1974. As a member of the X-Men, he appeared in Giant Size X-Men in 1975 and eventually in a solo comic series beginning in 1988.http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/w/wolverine.htm

His character was brought to life by actor Hugh Jackman for director Bryan Singer's films X-Men in 2000, X2: X-Men United in 2003, the sequel X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006, and the 2009 spin-off film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Wolverine's natural mutations consist of retractable bone claws protruding from the tops of his hands, heightened senses and an accelerated healing factor which allows him to heal extremely quickly after sustaining injury. His bones would later be fused with adamantium, giving him an almost indestructible skeleton. The healing factor also slows down his aging, allowing him to live much longer than the usual human.http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/w/wolverine.htm

James Howlett was born in Alberta, Canada in the late 19th century to wealthy land owners John and Elizabeth Howlett. The exact date of his birth is unknown but it is speculated to be in the 1880's.http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/w/wolverine.htm As a boy James was weak and frail. The youngest of two sons, he was neglected by his mother who suffered from mental instability after the death of her first son, John Jr. in 1897. http://marvel.com/universe/Wolverine_%28James_Howlett%29

Mutation First Revealed

Most of James' childhood was spent on the estate where he made two significant friends, Rose and "Dog" Logan. Dog's father Thomas Logan suffered from alcoholism and was very abusive to his son. One evening, in a drunken state, Thomas entered the Howlett home and killed James' father. In a pure rage, James manifested his mutation for the first time, retractable bone claws protruding from the tops of both hands. He used his newly discovered weapons to avenge his father's death, killing Mr. Logan and scarring Dog's face.http://marvel.com/universe/Wolverine_%28James_Howlett%29

Logan

Fearing Dog's retaliation, James and Rose went into hiding. In an effort to keep James' identity hidden, Rose gave James the name "Logan," which he used on and off for the rest of his life.http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/w/wolverine.htm

A Soldier

After leaving behind Rose and his family, James enlisted as an allied agent in World War II. While fighting Nazis in Madrid and other parts of Europe, James would meet both Captain America and Natasha Romanova (Black Widow). He later joined the Canadian Army and participated in the D-Day invasion, as well as the liberation of the Netherlands.http://www.wolverine.org/service-record

Weapon X Project

After the war, James was taken by a group of scientists, headed by Dr. Cornelius and used in a study called the Weapon X Project. Cornelius was assigned to establish a technique for bonding the indestructible element adamantium to human bone. After his successful procedures, James was entered into the Weapon X assassin program.http://www.wolverine.org/service-record

Wolverine

For a short period of time, James worked for a covert group named Team X, made up of teammates Sabretooth, Maverick, Silver Fox, Wraith, and Mastadon. It is while a member of Team X that he acquires the code name "Wolverine."http://www.wolverine.org/weapon-10

Alpha Flight

After disassociating himself with Team X, Wolverine was recruited by Department H to join and lead Alpha Flight, a Canadian government super team. Wolverine's first target with Alpha Flight was The Incredible Hulk.http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/w/wolverine.htm

X-Men

During his career with Alpha Flight, Wolverine was approached by Professor Xavier, leader of the X-Men. Xavier asked Wolverine to assist in rescuing the X-Men from their capture by Krakoa. After defeating Krakoa, Wolverine joined the X-Men for various reasons, one of them a desire for Marvel Girl.

• "There's a saying about wolverines -- the four-legged kind -- you can push them just so far and then they'll go for your throat. And they won't back off until you're dead or they are. The same goes for the mutant known only as Wolverine. Push him too far and he goes mad -- and when he does, he kills." -Uncanny X-Men #96
• "It seems I move through life and those around me never remain constant.... seen a lotta good folks pass on before their time. You'd think I'd be used to it by now. Hardly." -Logan: Black Rio
• "Like I said, there are friends -- and there are friends. People you pal with -- and the ones you die for. Each carries its own set of obligations. An' each person has to decide what they are and how best to carry 'em out."-Logan - X-Men Annual, Vol. 1, No. 14