I want to learn the history of Wolverine from the beginning.
What comic issues should I read and in what order to understand how he became what he is (what he actually is) and he came to the present day?
I would prefer historical event order, but whatever you think is the best to understand the whole story is welcome
Wolverine's history is so long, rich and convoluted that this could almost be seen as a list-question. There are so many stories that help paint the picture of Wolverine that I feel like I could just keep adding more and more stories, but I think this list gives you a good "at least read these" point.
Wolverine Origin 1-6 (Collected as Wolverine: Origin) - Canon information regarding the circumstances of Wolverine's birth, discovery of his mutant powers and adoption of the name "Logan".
Marvel Comics Presents 72-84 (Collected as Wolverine Weapon X) - The first attempt at an official origin of Wolverine and his claws. Later stories reveal that some of these memories are false or altered, but this is essential reading.
Uncanny X-Men 120-121 - Prior to joining the X-Men, Wolverine was a member of the Canadian team Alpha Flight. They haven't forgotten him and demand that he returns to service with them.
Wolverine 1-4 (Limited Miniseries) - Wolverine vs The Hand. The first real solo story for Wolverine.
Uncanny X-Men 172-173 - Wolverine's wedding - Wolverine prepares to wed Mariko Yashida but must deal with potential fallout from their union. This was loosely adapted into the film The Wolverine.
Uncanny X-Men 212-213 - Part of the Mutant Massacre storyline. Wolverine looks for survivors and comes across Sabertooth. Often regarded as their best battle.
Incredible Hulk 340 - Wolverine vs Gray Hulk. For many, this is considered his greatest battle ever.
Kitty Pryde and Wolverine 1-6 - Wolverine has a tendency to take younger members (particularly females) under his wing and become a parental figure/mentor. Kitty Pryde was the first. This story goes into their relationship.
Wolverine 1-23 (Collected as Wolverine Classic 1-4) - Wolverine adopts the pseudonym of "Patch" and spends time in Madripoor. He runs into The Silver Samurai, Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman), Gray Hulk and others. This gives a really good look into Wolverine's mind as a loner.
Wolverine 48-50 - The Shiva Scenario. Wolverine's memories begin surfacing when he and Jubilee visit an old Weapon X facility. Wolverine learns that some of his memories are false. Elements of this were loosely adapted into the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
X-Men Fatal Attractions (collection of 6 X-Men related books) - X-Men #25 specifically. Magneto returns and the X-Men step up to take very drastic measures. This is where the adamantium is ripped from Wolverine's body by Magneto, revealing his bone claws beneath.
House of M (major crossover series, 8 main issues) - The Scarlet Witch suffers a mental breakdown and creates an alternate world and ends up eradicating all mutant powers. In the fallout, Wolverine regains all of his actual memories. He also learns he has a son, Daken.
Logan (1-3) - Wolverine has regained his memories. Now he must confront them and tie up loose ends.
Wolverine: Origins 10-15. Wolverine meets his son Daken
Wolverine & The X-Men 25-35 - Wolverine's half-brother, Dog Logan, appears in the present, working with The Hellfire Club. There is a really great speech by Wolverine about how much he's grown over the years, and what Charles Xavier and the X-Men mean to him.
The Death of Wolverine (4 issue miniseries + crossover issues) - A virus shuts down Wolverine's healing factor and he confronts the man who gave him his adamantium. Wolverine dies in the ensuing battle.
Wolverine: Old Man Logan Vol 1-3 - Exists in an alternate continuity (Earth-807128) where the X-Men are all dead, and the US has been overrun by villains. Logan embarks on a road trip on a job to deliver a package. Elements of this were loosely adapted into the film Logan.
