I’m not crazy about events titled “Death of So-and-So” for a handful of reasons, but the main one is that readers catching up on the Marvel U chronologically inevitably have the outcome spoiled. For example, the post-Civil War “Death of Captain America” is kind of a giveaway as to how that story resolves. There’s just now way around it.
That said, the “Death of Wolverine” couldn’t be less spoiler-filled. The lead-up arc to the main event is titled “Killable” and the actual “Death of Wolverine” occurs in a separate four issue miniseries. There’s no ambiguity here; after a seemingly immortal life starting in Canada in the 1800’s it’s time for the man called Wolverine to die.
Although the build-up has its flaws, the actual Death of Wolverine event is a great entry into the Marvel comics canon, with some surprisingly strong comics arising in Logan’s wake.
Below you’ll find the trades collecting the components of Death of Wolverine (no all-in-one variation with this event, unfortunately), as well as the Comic Book Herald issue by issue guide.
Previously: The Life of Wolverine!
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Death of Wolverine Trade Collections
Wolverine: Hunting Season (Wolverine #1 to #6, 2013)
While you could start from issue #1 of Paul Cornell’s run on Wolverine, you really only need issues #5 and #6 to explain the state of “Killable.”
Wolverine: Killable (Wolverine #7 to #13, 2013)
It’s not a necessary addition for the Death of Wolverine storyline, but Battle of the Atom references Killable and can be read between Wolverine #7 and #8.
Wolverine: Three Months to Die volume 1 (Wolverine #1 to #7, 2014)
Wolverine: Three Months to Die volume 2 (Wolverine #8 to #12 + Annual #1, 2014)
Death of Wolverine (issues #1 to #4)
Death of Wolverine: Logan’s Legacy (issues #1 to #7)
Death of Wolverine: The Weapon X Program (issues #1 to #5, plus Life After Logan #1)
Death of Wolverine: The Wolverines (issues #1 to #5)
Death of Wolverine: The Wolverines volume 2 (issues #6 to #10)
Death of Wolverine: The Wolverines volume 3 (issues #11 to #15)
Death of Wolverine Issue by Issue Reading Order
I) Paul Cornell makes Wolverine “Killable”
Wolverine #1 to #13 (2013 volume)
As mentioned above, you could conceivably start with issue #5 to get the most pertinent details. There will be references made to issues #1 to #4 that are very confusing if you skip, but if you’re just like “Get me to Death of Wolverine” it’s skippable.
As also mentioned above, you can also read Battle of Atom in its entirety for some “killable” Wolverine action. I prefer this event (checklist included at the end of my modern X-Men reading order) between Wolverine #7 and #8.
Wolverine #1 to #12, then Wolverine Annual #1 (2014 volume)
II) The Death of Wolverine
Death of Wolverine #1 to #4
You can quite nicely read the Death of Wolverine event without any tie-ins or intruding comics. It’s a really well executed sendoff for the beloved X-man from Charles Soule and Steve McNiven. Highly recommend, even if you read nothing else on this list.
III) Death of Wolverine: Aftermath
Death of Wolverine: The Weapon X Program #1 to #2
This first issue occurs in the direct aftermath of Death of Wolverine #4 and should be read accordingly. Sets the stage for much of the Death of Wolverine comics to come.
Death of Wolverine: Life After Logan #1
Death of Wolverine: Deadpool & Captain America #1
Storm #4 to #5
Nightcrawler #7
Wolverine & the X-Men #10 to #11
Death of Wolverine: The Weapon X Program #3 to #5
Death of Wolverine: The Logan Legacy #1 to #7
You definitely don’t need to read all of Axis to understand Wolverines, but it will explain Sabertooth’s characterization moving forward.
Death of Wolverine: Wolverines #1 to present…
Next: Go back and read the Life of Wolverine!
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Heroically Support Comic Book Herald!
If you like Comic Book Herald, and are able to donate, any small contribution will help keep CBH alive and full of new comics guides and content. Donate here! Or, support CBH on Patreon for exclusive rewards! Thank you for reading!
Where does Wolverine and the X-men (v2) fall into this?
Is there a storyline that leads into the Old man Logan event?
Nope, the Wolverine title just jumps into an alternate future story. The preceding arc is actually “Get Mystique” from Jason Aaron. Well worth a read (#62 to #65 I believe), but not connected to Old Man Logan. You can read standalone and enjoy!