In Fox’s original X-Men movie, audiences were introduced to the terrifying Wolverine after he developed a close and unexpected bond with the mutant runaway Rogue -- creating the first partnership in a movie franchise full of them. And one of the biggest breaks from the comic canon, too.

Throughout the movies to follow, Logan feels driven to protect Rogue, going so far as to transfer his mutant healing factor to her, risking his own life to save hers. Strangely, this was not the case in the original X-Men comic books.

Related: Marvel’s WOLVERINE is Officially Going Rogue

Inthe original pages of Marvel Comics, not only did Wolverine not have a close relationship with Rogue, he genuinely wanted to kill her. Even more surprising? He had an understandable reason.

How Rogue Met Wolverine – In the Comics

Rogue in X-Men cover art

In the comics, Rogue had a very different introduction than in the X-Men film franchise. Here, Rogue was originally a criminal in Mystique’s group of “evil mutants.” Mystique realized how powerful Rogue’s ability to absorb a person’s memories, skills, and super powers through skin-to-skin contact could be and accidentally motivated the young mutant to absorb the powers of one of the most powerful heroes at the time – Carol Danvers (who was going by the name “Ms. Marvel” at the time). However, Rogue held on to Ms. Marvel too long and the power drain became permanent – leaving Carol Danvers a powerless vegetable until Charles Xavier managed to restore her memories (although not her powers).

Rogue also suffered from the encounter – since she now had Carol’s psyche in her brain. This gave Rogue a serious identity crisis since she no longer knew if her actions were being controlled by Carol Danvers or her own desires. Seeking help, she went to Xavier’s school and joined the X-Men – which didn’t sit well with one Canadian mutant.

It turns out Wolverine and Carol Danvers used to be close friends. Logan was enraged that Rogue had injured and violated his friend on such a deep level (which probably made him recall the damage done to his own mind and body by the Weapon X project). When the two met in Uncanny X-Men #171 during Wolverine’s wedding to Mariko Yashida, Logan was openly hostile to Rogue, telling his fiancé, “If it were up to me… I’d cut out her heart.” Mariko, however, offered nothing but kindness to Rogue, welcoming her into their home.

How Logan Gained a Change of Heart

Rogue Wolverine

Later in the storyline, however, one of the X-Men’s enemies, Viper, poisoned the X-Men’s drinks. Although Logan managed to get everyone to the hospital, only he (thanks to his healing factor) and Rogue (thanks to the invulnerability she stole from Carol Danvers) are in fighting shape. The two team up to discover the ones responsible, although Wolverine still doesn’t trust Rogue.

Their hunt puts them in conflict with Mariko’s half-brother the Silver Samurai who attacked them in an attempt to control the Yashida Clan. Rogue chose to protect Mariko while Wolverine faced off against the Silver Samurai. While Viper attempted to blast Logan with an energy weapon – but Rogue took the shots instead, nearly dying in the process. Convinced that Rogue really is worth redemption, Wolverine gave her a kiss – transferring his healing factor to her (at great risk to himself since he was also gravely injured). Afterwards, the two come to a better understanding and become good teammates and later friends.

Strangely, Wolverine’s decision to risk his own life by giving Rogue his healing factor closely mirrored the final scene in the X-Men movie where Hugh Jackman’s Logan nearly died by transferring his powers to a dying Rogue. Their storylines may differ strongly, but ultimately these characters ended up in the same place.

Next: Rogue is Officially The X-MEN’s Most Dedicated Hero