James Howlett was born to a wealthy Canadian family at the end of the 19th century, being the son of Mrs. Elizabeth Howlett and her husband's employee, Thomas Logan. He was forced to abandon his family after the tragic murder of his father, a situation which caused his mutant bestial abilities of accelerated healing factor, keenly enhanced senses, and bone claws in each hand to manifest. Adopting the name Logan, he wandered the world, living a long life filled with blood, war, and betrayal. Unfortunately, by always acting as a lone wolf, Logan was an unwitting subject of the Weapon X program and had his bones coated in indestructible Adamantium, becoming an even more lethal asset. He was rescued and assisted by Mac and Heather Hudson, joining Department H as a Canadian government operative known as the Wolverine.

Later, Logan was invited by Charles Xavier to join the X-Men, a team of heroes fighting for peace between humans and mutants.