Eight key Wolverine episodes in X-Men: The Animated Series

By Alex Wiggan

In 1992, X-Men: The Animated Series made its debut. The comic book cartoon, based on the Marvel Comics characters of the same name, followed the story of a team of mutants who fight for equality in a world that hates and fears them.

Upon making its debut, X-Men: The Animated Series was deemed a hit with audiences and quickly became appointment television. Critics loved the compelling writing and excellent character work, while fans appreciated the care that was taken to ensure the X-Men mythology was presented in a respectful and entertaining way.

One of the key aspects of X-Men: The Animated Series was its cast of heroes, including the likes of Cyclops, Beast, and Rogue. Arguably the most notable mutant hero in the show was Wolverine, who appeared in almost every episode of the series.

Due to the consistent appearances of Wolverine, the character featured in all of the major storylines including Night of the Sentinels, Days of Future Past, The Phoenix Saga, Beyond Good and Evil, and many more. But outside of the major team-up episodes, Wolverine also took centre stage in a collection of solo stories.

These stories focused more specifically on Wolverine, including his mysterious past, his connection to the Weapon X program, and the villains he encountered (Sabretooth, Silver Samurai, Lady Deathstrike, etc). The episodes also saw Wolverine cross paths with Alpha Flight, Maverick, and Captain America.

But if you’re new to the series, you want to catch up on Wolverine’s history, as well as his connection to Weapon X, where do you begin? By following the episodes detailed below!

Advertisements

Cold Vengeance

The first major Wolverine-centric episode is Cold Vengeance. In this episode, after struggling with his feelings for Jean Grey, Wolverine leaves the X-Mansion and heads to the Arctic to get some much needed peace and quiet.

However, his time away is soon interrupted by the sudden appearance of old enemy, Sabretooth. He has followed Wolverine on a quest for revenge, and has no problems putting lives in danger to get what he wants.

Repo Man

In Repo Man, Wolverine heads to Canada in search of a woman from his past named Heather. However, Wolverine’s search leads him into a trap, where he is attacked by his former teammates in Alpha Flight.

As Wolverine tries to get his head around his current situation, various flashbacks fill in key details about Wolverine’s past. In particular, there is a focus on Wolverine’s time at the Weapon X program – a mysterious program responsible for grafting adamantium onto his bones and claws.

Out of the Past – Part One

In Out of the Past – Part One, Wolverine’s ex-girlfriend, Yuriko lures Wolverine into the Morlock tunnels. But what could be a friendly reunion soon proves to be nothing of the kind, as Yuriko – now known as Lady Deathstrike – is keen to get revenge on her former lover.

Deathstrike believes Wolverine is responsible for the death of her father – the man responsible for injecting adamantium into Wolverine’s body. Teaming up with the Reavers, Deathstrike wants to deal with Wolverine once and for good!

Out of the Past – Part Two

Picking up the story in Out of the Past – Part Two, and Lady Deathstrike’s plan for revenge hits a major stumbling block, when she discovers a Shi’ar vessel. The vessel is a prison cell containing an alien creature known as the Spirit Drinker, which could prove deadly to all who encounter it.

A Deal with the Devil

In A Deal with the Devil, Wolverine’s sworn enemy, Omega Red is brought out of stasis to embark on a deadly mission, two miles beneath the ocean. Wolverine and Storm join the mission.

Lotus and the Steel

Wolverine quits the X-Men and returns to rural Japan, where he lived during his younger days. His aim is to find himself, which leads him toward a former spiritual teacher.

However, Wolverine’s peace is short-lived when the neighbouring village is attacked by bandits. The bandits are led by the evil Silver Samurai.

Weapon X, Lies, and Video Tape

In Weapon X, Lies, and Video Tape, Wolverine is struggling with painful memories, prompting Wolverine and Beast on a quest to uncover secrets related to the Weapon X program. Along the way, the pair encounter other test subjects from the program: Sabretooth, Maverick, and Silver Fox.

Old Soldiers

And finally, in Old Soldiers, Wolverine recounts his early years fighting in World War II. Here he teamed up with Captain America to rescue a kidnapped scientist and fight against the villainous, Red Skull.