Marvel readers can finally put many years of debate to rest regarding the subject of Wolverine's one true love. The answer has finally been revealed.
Spoiler warning for X Lives of Wolverine #1
Across his very long life Wolverine has had a rather extensive history of love, but it's only now that Marvel has confirmed who his one true love actually is: Jean Grey. Wolverine has pined over many potential suitors in the past, but for one reason or another these unions have failed to last forever. To say that Wolverine is unlucky in love would be an understatement, but for some reason, Jean Grey has been a different case.
In the pages of X Lives of Wolverine #1 by Benjamin Percy, Joshua Cassara, and Federico Vicentini, Wolverine requires the help of both Jean Grey and Professor Xavier to help him travel back and forth through time to embark on a dangerous mission. Beforehand, though, Wolverine pontificates on his historic fondness for "Jeanie," heavily suggesting Jean Grey to be the greatest love of his life. "Maybe nobody knows me better," Logan continues. "Maybe nobody's ever loved me better."
It speaks volumes that while trudging through what very well could be one of the most dangerous missions that he's ever endured, these are the only two people whom Wolverine trusts enough to help him on this journey. One is the closest he's ever had to a father figure while the other is the closest to someone he would call the love of his life. Both fill very different roles in his life, but both are also pivotal to Logan's development as a character. This is particularly true of Jean. Given their history together, it's easy to see how Jean Grey could be who Wolverine envisions as his one true love.
For as long as Wolverine has been a member of the X-Men, he's harbored seemingly unrequited feelings for Jean Grey. But the way Wolverine notes her pounding heart rate near him in Chris Claremont, Len Wein, Dave Cockrum, and John Bolton's Classic X-Men #1 implies that the feelings may have been mutual since the beginning. Traditionally, Jean seldom ever acts on whatever feelings she may have for Wolverine because she's often seen dating Cyclops. It's a complicated love triangle, one where Wolverine always viewed Jean Grey as his one true love while Scott Summers remained Jean's one true love instead. However, in more recent years, Wolverine has been involved in a healthy polyamorous relationship between himself, Jean, and Cyclops. Wolverine loves Jean so dearly that he's willing to share her with someone whom he's historically had a love-hate relationship with.
The reason for why Wolverine continues to love her so unconditionally and vice versa can be summarized best by Cyclops himself. In X-Men #28 by Fabian Nicieza and Andy Kubert, days before his wedding to Jean Grey, Scott admits he understands why she and Logan were so attracted to each other. "I know how you felt -- still do, I guess -- I understand it too...The fire burning inside him...the dangerous side of things can be incredibly exciting. I can see how that excitement always appealed to you...You and he always shared that passion for life."
Both Wolverine and Jean are driven by such an undying passion in their personal and heroic lives that ignites their chemistry and, perhaps most importantly, compassion for each other. On paper, Jean is no different than most partners who have come and gone from Wolverine's life, but, few people, even including others who have dated Wolverine, have ever shown the level of compassion and care that Jean Grey continues to offer the former Weapon X time and time again. No wonder he's always so smitten with her.
Related Topics About The Author
Joe Anthony Myrick (or JAM) is a comics writer who specializes in, of course, covering the big figureheads of the industry (Marvel and DC), as well as lesser-known indy parties and some personal favorites like BOOM! Studios.
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