Wolverine # 1 2003 VF+

Wolverine # 1 (Volume 3, July 2003) kicks off a grittier, more grounded ongoing series that sees Logan seeking justice for the brutal murder of an innocent woman, Lucy Braddock, whose journal he discovers. The story, written by Greg Rucka, focuses on Logan's detective work and his battle against a human trafficking organization called the "Brothers of the New World" rather than traditional superhero conflicts. 

The first issue establishes a new tone for the character, leaning into his loner persona and a more realistic, noir-inspired narrative. 

• The Set-Up: Logan is staying in a run-down apartment building in a small town. He keeps to himself, frequenting a local diner where he is noticed by a kind waitress named Lucy. Logan is generally aloof, but leaves a generous tip, which Lucy notes.
• The Tragedy: One night, Logan is injured (stabbed in the leg) and retreats to his apartment. Lucy, who has observed his unusual nature, works up the courage to knock on his door. They briefly interact, and she asks if she can count on him to look out for her, to which he agrees.
• The Discovery: Later that night, two armed men enter the building and brutally murder Lucy. Logan, still healing, is shot multiple times but survives. After the killers leave, he discovers that Lucy had hollowed out one of his borrowed books to hide her personal journal.
• The Mission: Logan reads the journal, which details her life and her fear of the men who eventually kill her. Fueled by guilt and a desire to honor his unspoken promise, Logan sets out to avenge her death and track down the murderers, who are part of a human trafficking ring. 

This acclaimed relaunch was handled by a fan-favorite team: 

• Writer: Greg Rucka
• Artist: Darick Robertson
• Cover Artist: Esad Ribić