Fans finally have confirmation of the longstanding theory thatWolverine’sears are based onBatman’s. Readers have always noticed the similarities between Batman and Wolverine’s characters, and they’ve been apparent enough forartists to pay tribute to them. The most striking of the similarities comes with their cowls, and, as it turns out, that’s no coincidence.
As reported by Popverse, Marvel scribe Dave Cockrum took part in an interviewfor Fantasgraphics' The X-Men Companion, where he confirms thatan artistic mistake by artist Gil Kane transformed Wolverine’s mask into something closer to Batman’s. Wolverine’s cowl is much different tohis 1974 debut inThe Incredible Hulk#180, and even sprouts shorter ears and whiskers. As Cockrum explained, Kane accidentally made Wolverine’s ears larger forGiant-Size X-Men#1’s cover art.
One small mistake in the drawing process created Wolverine’s iconic appearance, and actually improved upon his original depiction in a way that would stick.
Caped Crusader Artist Gil Kane’s Unintended Contribution
As Dave Cockrum put it:
Gil Kane drew [Wolverine’s mask] wrong at some point and we thought, ‘Gee, he looks sort of like Batman. That’s kind of neat.’ So, we kept that look.
By comparison, Wolverine’s original costume first appeared more feral, which makes sense as a means to reflect Wolverine’s vicious tendencies and animal nature. The smaller ears and whiskers on his nose made the then-assassin appear more like an actual wolverine carnivore. It almost looked as if the additions to the mask weren’t necessarily cosmetic additions but rather a part of Logan himself. He was a Wolverine, and appeared as so. His original costume de-humanized Wolverine, while, to an extent,his later and modern look helped humanize the X-Man.
Giant-Size X-Men#1 revealed Wolverine to be a mutant, and he was officially recruited to join the X-Men by Charles Xavier.
De-humanizing Wolverine initially was necessary to help the character look intimidating enough to pose asa threat to the Hulkwhilst also emphasizing that he is the antagonist of the story. The way he’s illustrated for Giant-Size X-Men#1 draws less of a focus on the eyes, as the white lenses remind readers that this is a mask, as do the exaggerated ears. When drawn smaller, the pieces look like Wolverine’s actual ears, whereas exaggerated draws more attention to the man, allowing readers to connect with him.
Gil Kane’s Small Batman-esque Tweak Helped Wolverine Reach Iconic Status
A Small Change Made A Big Difference
Wolverine benefited from sprouting Batman’s similar cowl not only because he looked cooler, but for the same reasons why Batman quickly skyrocketed into one of the world’s most beloved superheroes:it helped audiences build a stronger connection to him. Dating back toBatman’s first comic, the way his mask was designed was crafted in a way that intimidates readers just enough that he doesn’t look like a villain. He looks cool, and it makes sense why criminals fear him. One happy artwork accident helpedWolverineachieve the same results, putting himself inBatman’sleague in the process.
