James Logan, a young boy in the 1880's is traumatized by the issues of his family, and during a time of immense anger bone claws emerge from the back of his hands and he kills, John Howlett, of whom James Logan is the illegitimate son. He then becomes an outcast. His new powers give him an animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities and a healing factor that allows him to recover from virtually any wound, disease, or toxin at an accelerated rate. The healing factor also slows down his aging process, enabling him to live beyond a normal human lifespan.

Later in the 90's Professor Charles Xavier recruits wolverine to a new team of X-Men.