Thanks to Wolverine’s popularity, Chris Claremont & Peter David worked on a spin-off series focusing on the character going on solo missions without the X-Men involved. Logan arrives in an island called Madripoor which is located in Southeast Asia. Madripoor‘s not a pleasant place for tourists to go on a pleasant vacation. It’s a place filled with pirates, gangsters, scum and villainy. At the time, when the world thinks the X-Men are dead, Logan removes his uniform, dons an eyepatch, normal clothes and comes up with an alias, “Patch.” He meets new friends and faces off with bad guys.
Wolverine’s full solo series officially published in 1988 (same year Who Framed Roger Rabbit came out) earning praise from critics, fans and readers alike. In 2014, Marvel’s line of trade paperback known as, “Marvel Epic Collection” republished previous issues in one volume titled, “Wolverine Madripoor Nights.” Anyway, Insomniac Games confirmed Wolverine’s highly anticipated video game will be released exclusively for the PS5 on September 15, 2026. As I prep up for my favorite Marvel superhero’s solo game, I wanna share my thoughts on Madripoor Nights.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you fellas a chance to read Wolvie’s first full storyline.
Sharp & Rusty Qualities
Sharp: Chris Claremont & Peter David both did a good job writing every issue.
Action Sequences showcase Wolverine’s combat skills.
Pacing felt natural. Took my time read and gazing at every panel.
Wolverine’s chemistry with Spider-Woman/Jessica Drew, Lindsay McCabe and Archie Corrigan serves as the main highlight.
Like Daredevil, Wolverine solo missions are grounded in a gritty atmosphere. In other words, not a high stakes space adventure like the X-Men flying to Magneto’s place, Asteroid M.
Hulk guest stars as Joe Fixit. One of Bruce Banner’s personalities. His skin’s grey like his first appearance.
Much like Frank Miller’s four issue mini-series, the tone has a serious noir style with Logan narrating.
Logan works as a bar owner and private eye battling the Yakuza and the Hand. The latter criminal organization were in Daredevil.
Logan’s conflicted on his moral righteousness as some sort of samurai moral code.
Random Thoughts
- My favorite issues are #11-16 focusing on “The Gehenna Stone.”
- My favorite supporting character is Archie’s brother, Burt. He’s a movie buff.
- As I mentioned on other X-Men storylines, whenever I read Wolvie’s dialogue, I can already hear Hugh Jackman’s voice. Liam McIntyre has some big shoes to fill in the upcoming video game. It’s gonna be challenging to match the same level as Mr. Jackman’s legendary performance.
Madripoor Nights collects these titles in one package. What do you get? 27 issues. More bang for your buck. By the way, I got this on my birthday back when I was gearing up for “Deadpool and Wolverine.” Perhaps this is the only epic collection I own in physical format. As of 2026, Madripoor Nights is out of print.
- Wolverine issues #1-16
- Marvel Age Annual #4
- Material from Marvel Presents issues #1-10 containing an additional storyline, “Save the Tiger” with Wolverine arriving in Madripoor to rescue Tyger Tiger. I know her name sounds redundant, but Jessán Hoan chose that codename.
Villains such as Roche, Roughhouse, Bloodsport, (no relation to DC Comics) Nguyen Ngoc McCoy & Sabretooth factor in.
Rusty: The artwork’s a hit-and-miss. Sometimes it looks good, sometimes it looks hideous.
The Final Verdict: A-
Despite one nitpick, Wolverine: Madripoor Nights is an awesome storyline. I really enjoyed Logan’s solo missions in Madripoor helping old and new friends as well as squaring off with opponents. Right now, Marvel Epic Collection of Wolverine’s first volume is out of print. I suggest subscribing digitally to Marvel Unlimited. Which Wolverine or X-Men storyline should I review next? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 