Wolverine's suit: The definitive guide to 50 years of evolution

ComicsMarvel ComicsDeadpool 3Wolverine’s suit: The definitive guide to 50 years of evolutionWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

ComicsMarvel ComicsDeadpool 3Wolverine’s suit: The definitive guide to 50 years of evolutionWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Marvel Entertainment)

Wolverine's costume

Wolverine’s suit has become a hot-button topic since thefirst reveal of Hugh Jackman’s returnto the character for the MCU inDeadpool & Wolverine. Jackman’s new costume does what the original X-Men franchise never dared, and puts the beloved actor in yellow spandex (or something like it) for a costume that looks more like Wolverine’s comic book outfit than any we’ve seen on screen yet.

The Original

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

The original Wolverine costume would provide the general look and color scheme of many of his outfits, from its distinctive mask to its stripes. But the original concept of Wolverine was a bit different than his later development. He was originally envisioned as much younger, with claws that attached to his gloves.

Giant-Size X-men

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

Interestingly enough, though Cockrum’s version of the classic Wolverine costume is the one that sticks most in peoples' minds, Cockrum himself didn’t particularly like Wolverine, as he had previously invented an unused character with the same name. Still, he stuck it through, and wound up helping develop one of the most popular superheroes of all time.

Fang

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

The second version of Wolverine’s main costume, with its brown and yellow-orange color scheme, is almost as famous and beloved as his original look. But before he donned his classic brown costume, he briefly wore another outfit with the same color scheme, but a very different origin.

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The Brown Costume

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

Instead, he takes on the brown and yellow-orange costume that has since become his second most famous and popular suit, borrowing the color scheme and some of the vibes of the costume he stole from Fang. And when asked why he decided to make the change, Wolverine simply says “Why not?”

Going Solo

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

Wolverine’s new look for his solo title was a simple black suit with a splash of black over his eyes, reflecting his ninja training and his somewhat more anonymous presence in the lawless island of Madripoor, where he also used the alias Patch.

Patch

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

Wolverine #8 also marks a reunion for Wolverine and the Hulk, his original opponent way back in his debut. But with Wolverine and Hulk both in different guises, as Patch and Joe Fixit, respectively, their antagonistic relationship was cast in a whole new light.

Weapon X

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

And then in Marvel Comics Presents #79, the nascent Wolverine is dressed in a special training rig consisting of a mind-control helmet and body-sensors. This gear became its own iconic look for Wolverine which was recently adapted into a Fortnite skin.

Training Uniform

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

Jim Lee

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

Feral Wolverine

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

In the story, Wolverine’s body not only rejects the new adamantium, he also takes on a more feral mutated form with talons, fur, and, infamously, not much of a nose to speak of. This version of Wolverine is well-known among fans, but not for good reasons, as it’s widely considered his worst incarnation ever.

Horseman of Death

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

New X-Men

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

For Wolverine’s part, he begins wearing his own version of the team’s now iconic black and yellow X-Men jackets, often with no shirt underneath. This has become a kind of standard variation for Logan ever since, even with some slightly altered colors.

John Cassaday

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

In 2004’s Astonishing X-Men #1 (yes, there was an Astonishing X-Men #1 in 1995, and one in 2004), artist John Cassaday introduced a new costume for Wolverine that carried on his classic blue and yellow color palette, but with some updated twists that created a whole new look.

Cassaday revamped Wolverine’s body suit, adding blue side panels to offset the yellow, added a new style X-Men logo which Wolverine would wear even when he was hanging around with the Avengers in those years, and making his mask slightly smaller in a callback to his very first costume. Some of these bits make their way into Hugh Jackman’s new Wolverine MCU costume.

X-Force

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

This black and gray look for Wolverine became instantly popular, though it never became his main costume. At the time, he would only put it on when working for X-Force, which was then a secret black-ops team doing the X-Men’s dirty work. He still wore slight variations of his John Cassaday designed look when doing his regular superhero stuff.

Hot Claws

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

For a few years, Logan was dead (or at least frozen in a block of adamantium, Han Solo style). When he eventually broke loose through the magic of comics and came back to the land of the living, he had an updated power in the ability to heat up his razor sharp adamantium claws thanks to a lingering portion of the cosmic Phoenix Force.

Krakoa

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

Larraz’s design adds some updated details to give it a new modern polish, calling back to John Cassaday’s revamp of his yellow and blue outfit, carrying on the longstanding tradition of artists embracing and honoring the evolution of his costume.

From the Ashes

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Wolverine’s costume

It’s no surprise that Wolverine is returning to a classic look, as the new’From the Ashes' status quo of the X-Men lineis aimed at recapturing the original dynamic of the X-Men, with the team living closely among humanity and striving for a more equal existence for mutantkind.

Can’t wait for Deadpool & Wolverine on July 26? Check out thebest Wolverine storiesof all time.

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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis board game models and tokens laid out on a board

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

1

Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2

Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3

Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5

Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Shadow brandishes a gun in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

1

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2

Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3

Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5

Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Nicola Coughlan as Joy in Doctor Who Christmas special Joy to the World

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

1

Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2

Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3

Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4

Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5

Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

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