Wolverine #103

Wolverine #103 was published by Marvel Comics in July 1996 as part of the long-running Wolverine solo series. Released during a period of significant flux for the X-Men franchise, the issue arrived following the conclusion of the Phalanx Covenant and the lead-up to the Onslaught event. It serves as a middle chapter in the narrative arc titled 'Not Dead Yet,' written by Warren Ellis with artwork by Leinil Francis Yu. This era is notable for shifting the tone of Wolverine's adventures toward a grittier, more grounded exploration of the character's mysterious past and his internal struggles with his feral nature.

The creative team on this issue was central to defining the aesthetic of mid-90s Wolverine stories. Warren Ellis introduced a more cynical and psychological depth to Logan, while Leinil Francis Yu’s illustrative style, characterized by heavy shadows and an angular, kinetic approach to action, departed from the more traditional superhero house style of the time. This artistic direction was well-received by fans who favored a darker, more cinematic aesthetic, helping to cement this specific run as a standout chapter in the character's publication history during a transitional decade for the comic book industry.