Wolverine’s family history resembles an expansive orchard, teeming with branches and offshoots rather than a simple tree. As one of the most iconic characters in the Marvel Universe, this X-Man has fathered numerous known children and spawned countless clones, leading to multiple variants of the mutant hero. However, while Logan himself often embraces heroism, many of his relatives diverge into darker paths.
Over his long and turbulent life, Wolverine has navigated a complex moral landscape. His feral, primal instincts, stemming from his mutation, are often mirrored in his family members. Whether they are siblings, children, or clones, many share Logan’s torrid temper and lethal nature. Though some, like Laura and Gabby Kinney, have sought to uphold heroic values, numerous relatives have strayed far from the path of righteousness. Here, we explore ten of Wolverine’s most infamous relatives who have embraced villainy.
1. Roofs
Akihiro, also known as Daken, spent most of his comic career in the role of a villain despite attempting to reform during the Krakoa era. His life began with tragedy, as his mother was murdered by the Winter Soldier while he was still in the womb. The ancient mutant Romulus salvaged him, leading to a life of neglect and abuse that transformed him into “Daken,”a brutal hunter motivated by revenge against Wolverine. Over the years, Daken has ruthlessly pursued his father, committing numerous acts of violence and terror, ultimately becoming an unintentional servant of Mephisto.
2. “Dog” Logan
The true identity of “Dog”Logan remains a mystery. He is Wolverine’s half-brother, subjected to harsh treatment by their shared father, Thomas Logan. While Logan ran away from home, Dog spiraled into violence alongside Thomas, eventually becoming obsessed with avenging his familial grievances. Time transformed Dog from an angry young man into an instructor at the Hellfire Academy, where he ultimately sought to prove himself superior to Wolverine. Their relationship has recently shown signs of thawing as Dog appears to have moved beyond his vendetta.
3. Raze Darkhölme
Raze Darkhölme is the offspring of Wolverine and Mystique, originating from a potential future timeline. Although he inherits the powerful mutations of both parents, Raze leans heavily on his mother’s abilities. His journey is marked by betrayal, as he murdered Mystique to assume her identity. He later allied with half-brother Charles Xavier II to form a new Brotherhood of Mutants, driven by radical ambitions that ultimately led him to momentarily trap all humanity in a digital realm during the “No More Humans”arc, showcasing his selfish desires for power.
4. The Mongrels
As previously mentioned, Wolverine has a complicated lineage, having fathered numerous children throughout the years. Daken once sought to confront Wolverine by gathering their half-siblings, known simply as The Mongrels. These mutants were not aware of their familial ties and were wielded as weapons by a hostile cult seeking to harm Wolverine. Ultimately, their fateful clash resulting in their demise at Wolverine’s hands served as a dark commentary on familial bonds twisted by violence and manipulation.
5. Varkis
In a crossover event with Blade, a cult of mystical vampires manipulated Wolverine’s DNA to resurrect him as Varkis, a vampiric clone. This creation endowed Varkis with all of Wolverine’s powers, alongside vampiric traits that amplified his strength and ferocity. Varkis’s existence underscores the dangers associated with tampering with life and identity, turning him into an unpredictable force rooted in dark magic.
6. Bellona
Bellona is a clone of Laura Kinney, or X-23, and represents a complex facet of Wolverine’s legacy. Raised as an elite bodyguard for Alchemax’s clients, Bellona, along with her sisters, was subjected to extreme brutality during training. Despite being augmented with adamantium claws, she lacks mutant abilities. As a mercenary, Bellona’s journey is marred by violence and her disdain for child abusers, echoing her genetic heritage while at the same time, pushing against the very morals of her lineage.
7. Viper
Viper, formerly Madam Hydra, is entangled in a complex relationship with Wolverine, arising from a shared mentor, Seraph. Following Seraph’s death, Viper manipulated Wolverine into marrying her, complicating their dynamic. As a significant antagonist for Wolverine and the Avengers, her ambition and villainous encounters during arcs such as “Secret Empire”illustrate how her ruthless nature aligns with Wolverine’s adversities. The tumultuous nature of their relationship highlights the blurred lines between allegiance and animosity.
8. Weapons of X
During the recent Krakoa era, Beast undertook morally dubious experiments aiming to enhance Krakoa’s security. He exploited Wolverine’s DNA to clone numerous duplicates of Logan, creating the “Weapons of X.”Known for their destructive instability, these replicas were unleashed as a powerful force, but under Beast’s oversight, they spiraled into a regime of oppression and violence, targeting innocent lives—all in the name of safety.
9. Shogun
After one of Wolverine’s many deaths, he was resurrected by a witch associated with The Hand, who then captured his soul for use in creating Shogun, a faceless assassin. Although Shogun is propelled by Wolverine’s essence, he lacks any of Logan’s incredible strength or abilities, relying instead on a spirit bound to an indestructible armor. In a confrontation to reclaim his soul, Wolverine exploded Shogun, symbolizing the relentless battle against his dark legacies.
10. Thomas Logan
Wolverine’s biological father, Thomas Logan, may not have superhuman abilities, but he stands as the first true villain in Logan’s life. A troubled man with a history of violence driven by alcohol, Thomas’s actions directly impacted Wolverine’s upbringing, leading to a pivotal moment of violence when Wolverine’s powers manifested. As families often do, moments of tragedy formed the bedrock of Wolverine’s existence, crystallizing the relationship between father and son—a cycle of pain and vengeance – often revisited even in the afterlife.
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