Wolfpack is a 1987 graphic novel released by Marvel Comics. Written by Larry Hama and with art by Ron Wilson, it tells the tale of a South Bronx-based gang of teenagers, the titular Wolfpack.
The titular Wolfpack is the latest incarnation of an ancient group of warriors that stand against servants of evil known as the Nine. In the then-modern 1980s New York City, the Nine have become a powerful corporation. An aging building superintended known only as Mr. Mack, who in the past once was a member of a previous version of the Wolfpack, trains a group of New York City teenagers to fight the group. All while dealing with life in the streets of the City That Never Sleeps.
After the original graphic novel, the Wolfpack would get a 12-issue maxiseries. Slag and Wheels would get solo stories in the late-1980s anthology Marvel Comics Presents. An adult Wheels would be a member of Hawkeye's Occupy Avengers team in 2016, but the group has generally fallen into obscurity after the maxiseries ended.
Wolfpack provides examples of the following:
- Anyone Can Die: In the original graphic novel, Mr. Mack is killed by two ninja assassins working for the Nine, and Slippery Sam is shot and killed by Christian in Wolfpack #10.
- Bare-Fisted Monk: Rafael Vega is a skilled martial artist.
- Darker and Edgier: The Wolfpack maxiseries is darker and more tragic than many comics of its time.
- Escape Artist: Slippery Sam is an expert escape artist.
- Genius Cripple: Wheels Wolinski is in a wheelchair and an expert mechanic.
- Only Known by Their Nickname: Wheels Wolinski's real name is Nico, Slippery Sam's full name is Samuel Weltschmerz, and Slag's real last name is Slagley, with his first name unrevealed.
- Only One Name: Sharon's last name and Slag's first name are never revealed.
- Revenge'': The Wolfpack kill Christian in retaliation for Sam's death.
- Right-Hand Cat: Wheels is always accompanied by his pet cat Nine-Tails.
- Shout-Out: The series is a homage to The Warriors.
- Super-Speed: Sharon has enhanced speed and endurance, being able to surpass a car at 90mph.
- Super-Strength: Slag has above average strength.
- Tagalong Kid: Malcolm Brown is this to the Wolfpack after being saved by them.
- The Mentor: Mr. Mack is the original mentor of the group until he gets killed off in the graphic novel. The group gets a new one in the maxiseries in the form of a man called "Missionary".
- The Sixth Ranger: Malcolm Brown joins the Wolfpack after Slippery Sam is killed.
- The Team Benefactor: Mr. Mack gathered the group.
