Uncanny X-Men #205 is a true classic. Featuring a one-shot style story titled that Claremont is particularly adept at utilizing along with some incredible artwork, we are able to see a side of Wolverine’s humanity that isn’t often shown. Plus, we get a spectacular clash with none other than Lady Deathstrike!

Titled “Wounded Wolf”, this one-shot issue kicks off with “The Body Shop – We’ll Make a New You!” where Lady Deathstrike gains her deadly new abilities and the confrontation against Wolverine is set up. While it’s undeniable that Claremont’s story is powerful in Uncanny X-Men #205, I honestly can’t emphasize how crucial the artwork is to this book’s success. The digital aesthetic with vibrant colors gives the book an edge that holds up well even after all these years. Everything comes together under Tom Orzechowski’s strong lettering for a book that is a joy to read every time.

While the visuals get a bit muddled during the snowy sequences for my own tastes, this is an issue that you can really only nitpick because it’s just so good. Wolverine and the desperate girl Katie create a stunning dynamic that brings out the best in Wolvie’s sometimes elusive core of humanity. That’s the driving force in the entire story. The relationship they form and the fight that ensues with Lady Deathstrike all help to make the issue a fully realized story that carries weight.

For Wolverine fans, this is fundamental reading. It is more than just a bunch of claw punches to the face, it explores a side of the character in life or death situations that really highlights why he has enjoyed such enduring popularity. Katy admitting she is still a little scared of him, but still reaching out to grasp his hand is an emotionally powerful conclusion that can melt even the hardest of hearts. This is a credit to both the power of the scripting and the artwork execution, it’s just really amazing work from everyone involved.

As a fan of one-shot stories, Uncanny X-Men #205 is absolutely something I recommend any fan checking out if you haven’t already. After all these years, it remains one of the strongest showings of how complex and nuanced Wolverine can be!