In a recent interview with former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Roy Thomas, it was revealed that Thomas played a crucial role in the creation of one of the most iconic comic book characters of all time – Wolverine. Working under Stan Lee in 1974, Thomas wanted to create a Canadian hero to appeal to Marvel’s Canadian readers. Inspired by animals found in both Canada and the United States, Thomas settled on the name Wolverine for the character, citing its wolfy sound and fierce demeanor.
After coming up with the name, Thomas sought out Marvel’s top writer at the time, Len Wein, to craft the story for Wolverine. Len, who was writing The Incredible Hulk at the time, was entrusted by Thomas to bring the character to life. Len introduced key elements to Wolverine’s character, such as the fact that he was Canadian and part of a secret organization known as Weapon X. Len also established that Wolverine’s claws were made of adamantium, the hardest substance known, adding depth to the character.
To bring Wolverine’s appearance to life, Thomas consulted with John Romita, Marvel’s art director. Romita, who initially thought a wolverine was a type of female wolf, designed a costume for Wolverine that included claws coming out of his gloves. This design gave Wolverine a distinctive look that fans still recognize today. The character made his first appearance in The Incredible Hulk #181 and quickly became a fan favorite.
In recent years, there has been controversy surrounding the credit given to the creators of Wolverine. Marvel Entertainment executive David Bogart informed Len Wein’s widow, Christine Valada, that Roy Thomas would be listed as a co-creator of Wolverine alongside Wein and Romita in the credits of the upcoming July Deadpool & Wolverine film. This decision sparked backlash from fans and comic creators, who voiced their frustration on social media.
In response to the controversy, Roy Thomas clarified that his desire for credit was not motivated by financial gain. He simply wanted recognition for his role in creating Wolverine. Thomas emphasized that he did not want to detract from Len Wein’s legacy, as he had always been recognized for his contributions to the character. Valada, an entertainment and copyright attorney, expressed her thoughts on the situation, stating that if there is “Wolverine money” from Disney, she hopes Wein’s widow can benefit from it.
Despite the controversy surrounding the credit of Wolverine’s creation, Roy Thomas remains the last living person involved in bringing the character to life. Wolverine’s impact on the comic book world is undeniable, with The Incredible Hulk #181 considered a holy grail comic. The character’s enduring popularity and presence in various media adaptations continue to solidify his place as a beloved and iconic figure in the world of comics.
