INTRODUCTION

In 2009, Wolverine and the X-Men took a radical approach – placing Wolverine at the centre of the story as the reluctant leader of a fractured X-Men team. This was a departure from previous adaptations, which had always positioned Professor X or Cyclops as the team’s guiding force. But with Xavier missing and the X-Men disbanded, Wolverine had no choice but to step up.

The series leaned heavily into darker, more mature storytelling, exploring themes of loss, leadership, and destiny. It wasn’t just about fighting villains – it was about rebuilding the X-Men, navigating government oppression, and preventing a dystopian future. The show also introduced time-travel elements, with Xavier communicating from the future, warning Wolverine of impending disaster.

One of its standout features was its cinematic animation style, which gave battles a fluid, dynamic energy. The action sequences were intense, and the character designs felt modern and refined, making it visually distinct from previous X-Men cartoons.

Despite its strong reception, Wolverine and the X-Men was cut short after one season, leaving many of its plotlines unresolved. However, its influence can still be felt – especially in how it redefined Wolverine’s role as a leader rather than just a lone warrior.

Though brief, the series remains a fascinating chapter in X-Men history, proving that even the most unexpected leadership choices can lead to compelling storytelling.

SEASON 1

• 1×01: Hindsight (Part 1)
• 1×02: Hindsight (Part 2)
• 1×03: Hindsight (Part 3)
• 1×04: Overflow
• 1×05: Thieves’ Gambit
• 1×06: X-Calibre
• 1×07: Wolverine vs. Hulk
• 1×08: Timebomb
• 1×09: Future X
• 1×10: Greetings from Genosha
• 1×11: Past Discretions
• 1×12: eXcessive Force
• 1×13: Battle Lines
• 1×14: Stolen Lives
• 1×15: Hunting Grounds
• 1×16: Badlands
• 1×17: Code of Conduct
• 1×18: Backlash
• 1×19: Guardian Angel
• 1×20: Breakdown
• 1×21: Rover
• 1×22: Aces & Eights
• 1×23: Shades of Grey
• 1×24: Foresight (Part 1)
• 1×25: Foresight (Part 2)
• 1×26: Foresight (Part 3)

OTHER APPEARANCES

• Hulk vs. Wolverine

ARTICLES

• The Samurai Code
• “The name is Gambit! Remember It!”