Logan, Hugh Jackman’s last movie as the X-Man known as Wolverine, is currently in theaters and appealing to comic and superhero fans around the world. Like kryptonite is associated with Superman and vibranium is associated with Captain America, adamantium is the predominant focus in the world of Wolverine. In fact, Wolverine’s iconic claws are made of the the metal. But what is it?
Adamantium is an iron-based alloy that was artificially created within the Marvel Comics universe. It is incredibly dense and strong, making it nearly indestructible. An adamantium blade can cut almost any known substance, with the exception of Captain America’s shield.
The metal was first created in the comics when Dr. Myron MacLain attempted to create a strong metal alloy for Americans to use as a weapon during World War II. During his experimentation, he fell asleep and the materials he was working with—steel, vibranium, and other metals—bonded together. Because he was asleep when adamantium came into existence, no one knows how to replicate it in that form. This original adamantium sample is known as Proto-Adamantium and was eventually worked into Captain America’s shield.
In an attempt to recreate the original formula, True Adamantium was developed. It’s nearly as strong and durable as the original form of the metal, but it can be reproduced (albeit at an astronomical cost). The formula became a US government secret, and was rarely used because of how difficult and expensive it is to synthesize. In an effort to cut costs, Secondary Adamantium was developed. It is still a strong metal, but characters with superhuman strength are able to damage it.
Despite the expense, it was True Adamantium that was fused with Wolverine’s skeleton. Early in life, Logan developed the mutant ability to heal rapidly, along with strength, speed, heightened senses, and animalistic instincts. His ability to heal quickly made him a prime candidate for the Weapon X project, a government project dedicated to weaponizing superpowers. The goal was to build a living weapon. Logan was subjected to a grueling surgery that no one else could’ve survived, in which adamantium was fused to his entire skeleton. He was also given his famed retractable claws. Logan became the project’s most successful subject, though he later escaped and joined forces with the X-Men.
Logan’s healing abilities not only allowed him to survive the surgery, but it also caused a molecular change in the adamantium. The metal did not inhibit the biological processes of his bones and began to act like a part of his body, allowing him to regenerate adamantium. This effectively created a new form of adamantium, known as Adamantium Beta.
Since all forms of adamantium are strong, it’s almost impossible to break or damage Wolverine’s claws. He was transformed into a deadly fighter who essentially cannot be disarmed since his claws are housed within his own forearms. There are a few instances in the comics where Wolverine’s claws were damaged by a particularly strong enemy, but he was able to regrow them since Adamantium Beta is responsive to his body. One particularly gruesome scene showed Magneto, a villain with the ability to control metal, ripping the adamantium from Wolverine’s body. The act resulted in Wolverine needing a lengthy break, but he did regenerate his skeleton and claws eventually.
If adamantium was a real metal, there’s no doubt it would be incredibly valuable. But we’ll just have to live with real life metals like gold and silver. Fortunately, the Superman Then and Now coin and stamp set is a great investment option for comic book and superhero fans.
Wolverine is a well-known character in pop culture, but we want to know which X-Man is your favorite! Let us know in the comments section.
will martin says
I collected those from around The Mid 1970’s to The Mid 1980’s, and, still have most of the ones I bought back then, and, some of the spin offs like the New Mutants and Alpha Flight as well.
Neil lambson says
Rogue, gambit, Phoenix
ProvidentMetals.com says
Solid choices! Anxiously awaiting more news on the Gambit movie!