Warning: contains spoilers forWolverine#11!
Marveljust erased 36 years ofWolverinelore by accident. Few rivalries in the Marvel Universe are as intense as the one between Wolverine and Sabretooth. The two have been mortal enemies for many years, and during a rematch inWolverine#11, a new revelation comes to light that undoes akey aspect of Wolverine’s backstory.
Wolverine#11 was written by Saladin Ahmed and drawn by Martin Coccolo. Wolverine and Sabretooth are having one of the biggest fights of their lives.As they trade blows, Wolverine reflects on their long-standing feud, saying that him and Sabretooth are “normally an even match.”
However, a look at Wolverine’s history with Sabretooth says something different.
Sabretooth and Wolverine Are Some of Marvel’s Worst Enemies
However, Wolverine Did Not Meet Sabretooth Until 12 Years After Victor Creed Debuted
Although Sabretooth may be best known as one of Wolverine’s worst foes, he in fact did not encounter Logan until many years (in the real world) after his debut. First appearing in the pages of 1977’sIron Fist#14, just two years after Wolverine was unleashed upon the world, Sabretooth rose to prominence when he appeared in 1986’sMutant Massacre.
Although Sabretooth may be best known as one of Wolverine’s worst foes, he in fact did not encounter Logan until many years (in the real world) after his debut.
Even afterMutant Massacre,Sabretooth and Wolverine did not encounter each other, but that changed in 1989’sWolverine#10. Written by Chris Claremonth, who uses Sabretooth inMassacreand drawn by John Buscema, the issue saw the two meet for the first time, although it was revealed that, in-universe, they have an extensive history.
For a brief period, Marvel hinted Sabretooth was Wolverine’s father. However,Originrevealed this not to be the case.
Later writers strengthened theconnection between Wolverine and Sabretooth.Both were products of the Weapon X Project, which gave them adamantium skeletons. The duo also had their memories tampered with extensively, making any accounts of their past meetings suspect. Finally, both were savage berserkers who would not hesitate to use lethal force.
Face It: Sabretooth is Stronger and Faster Than Wolverine
Far From Hampering Wolverine, It Makes Him All The Cooler
A chief element of their rivalry is that Sabretooth is bigger, stronger and faster than Wolverine.Wolverine#10 established that the two have known each other for many years, and that Sabretooth has defeated Wolverine several times over. To be certain, Wolverine has scored several victories over Sabretooth as well. Yet the tally of victories favors Sabretooth.
For Wolverine and Sabretooth, their feud is personal. Sabretooth has repeatedly killed or severely injured many of Wolverine’s loved ones. For Sabretooth, it is retribution: Wolverine killed members of Sabretooth’s family a long time ago, and he has never forgiven Logan. Sabretooth hates Wolverine so much, he tracks Logan down on his birthday just to beat him up.
Sabretooth’s major advantages over Wolverine have made their fights legendary, for it forces Logan to fight harder.
Sabretooth’s major advantages over Wolverine have made their fights legendary, for it forces Logan to fight harder. Going into any scrap with Sabretooth, Wolverine knows he is out-powered, and has to think creatively in order to beat him. Any victory Wolverine has over Sabretooth is well-earned. Likewise, Sabretooth has been central to some of Logan’s most humiliating losses.
Wait: Wolverine is Now as Strong and Fast as Sabretooth?
If Wolverine is On the Same Level As Sabretooth, Then Their Relationship Just Changed For the Worse
Now, Marvel has seemingly evened the playing fieldbetween Sabretooth and Wolverine.Wolverine believes he is on the same level, strength and speed-wise, as Sabretooth. While the fight inWolverine#10 might seem to lend some credibility to this idea, it in fact has negated a major component of Wolverine’s backstory.
Sabretooth and Wolverine being the same in terms of strength and endurance gives a new layer to their antagonistic relationship. If Wolverine is in the same class as Sabretooth, then it makes Logan’s losses even more embarrassing. Wolverine should be able to beat Sabretooth more often than he has. If they were even, Sabretooth would not hunt Wolverine on his birthday.
Sabretooth Is Still Bigger (and Meaner) Than Wolverine
This Gives Sabretooth a Major Advantage Over Wolverine
Even if Marvel sticks to this retcon, one indisputable fact remains: Sabretooth is still physically bigger than Wolverine. Wolverine may be able to match him in terms of endurance, but Sabretooth’s larger volume means his punches just hit harder. Sabretooth can still overwhelmWolverinewith his sheer size, ensuring he will continue to be victorious.
