In a Logan’s height is sometimes debated, Claremont’s point argues that he’s simply more fun as a character when playing against the traditional tall and commanding superhero archetype.

Referencing Nightcrawler’s look, in tandem with Wolverine, Claremont stressed that the X-Men’s unique appearances help them stand out as unexpected additions to Marvel’s lineup of superheroes. It turns out, Logan’s surprisingly small stature could actually be one of his greatest strengths as a fighter.

Wolverine’s Height Makes Him An Unassuming Hero, Perfect For Marvel’s Misfit Team Of Mutants

Chris Claremont Explains The Virtue Of Logan's Stature

According to Chris Claremont, Wolverine’s 5’3” status helps him stay underestimated while packing a heavy punch and could even be considered one of his secret weapons in combat. As Claremont noted:

A lot of other storytellers miss the opportunity to play to that. The ideal is if you're going to be a lead character, you have to be tall and powerful. We had to keep telling John Buscema he's short because John will look at it and think, “oh, he's a hero, he's got to be tall!” No. Shrink him down. Logan plays against type. He’s unexpected. That’s what make him and Nightcrawler so much fun. You look at Nightcrawler and think “Demon.” But no. He’s the antithesis of that. You look at Logan and think little guy, then you get punched through the wall! He is a person in conflict because half of him wants to be the beast. The other half wants to be the noble spirit.

Logan’s ability to come in and hack and slash from below like a wild animal is part of what makes his superhero name of Wolverine the perfect fit. In that same regard, his supposed unlikely appearance, which subverts the traditional body type for the standard superhero, is part of what makes Wolverine one of Marvel’s quintessential mutants of the X-Men and all that the team represents.

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New covers by Phil Noto released for Wolverine’s height is sometimes the subject of jokes, it’s an integral and sometimes undervalued part of his character that shouldn’t be dismissed just because it may not fit the usual mold that some think of for a hero, as Claremont attests.

Don’t Be Tempted by "Tallverine," Chris Claremont Says; Logan Should Remain Diminutive But Powerful

Marvel’s Reigning "Short King" Deserves Respect

The occasional jokes and mocking Wolverine is subject to because of his height is part of what fuels the character’s famous live-action portrayal by Hugh Jackman, and is sort of disconnected from the comics version. While it certainly doesn’t turn him into an entirely new character or totally unfamiliar, there are certain qualities missing when Wolverine is made taller that don’t 100% add up. Claremont is one of the most celebrated Wolverine writers of all time, and he has made it known that something is amiss when the character’s "short king" status isn’t respected and reflected in X-Men stories.

Depending on the comic and artist, Logan’s height is still varying, but he’s at his best and most like Wolverine as a small yet animalistic beast of a man, with a heart. As Claremont notes, it's not only perfect for his characterization but also stands to make him a more powerful threat when used to his advantage in action. While Wolverine figuratively stands tall as one of Marvel’s most iconic superheroes, his short stature is part of what makes him one of the X-Men’s most ferocious and mighty mutants.

Source: Chris Claremont, 2020 Reddit AMA

Wolverine

Created By

Roy Thomas, Len Wein, John Romita Sr.

Cast

Hugh Jackman

First Appearance

The Incredible Hulk (2023)

Alias

James "Logan" Howlett

Alliance

X-Men, Avengers, Canadian Army, OSS/CIA, Avengers Unity Squad, Alpha Flight, New Avengers, New Fantastic Four, Savage Avengers, Weapon X, X-Force

Race

Human-Mutant

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