Marvel Kills Off 'X-Men' Great Wolverine

— -- Today, the Marvel Universe said goodbye to an iconic character -- Wolverine.

Yes, the mutant whose healing factor kept him alive for what seems like forever is gone. Even though Wolverine aka Logan has been around well over 100 years in the books, he's been alive for quite some time in the real world.

Wolverine first appeared in "The Incredible Hulk #180" back in October 1974, so it's only fitting this incredible character is gone on his 40th birthday.

"Death of Wolverine #4" hit newsstands on Wednesday and ABC News caught up with writer Charles Soule to see how this huge loss will affect the X-Men and basically everyone else in Marvel comics.

Soule said the first three books focused on Wolverine losing his healing factor.

"He can't heal from the injuries he receives," Soule said, alluding to his death. "That's always been one of his biggest powers. He went to see Reed Richards aka Mr. Fantastic [of the 'Fantastic Four'] and he said, 'I'll figure it out eventually, but you gotta stop fighting.' And Wolverine's like 'Yeah, okay, I'll do my best.'"

But, Wolverine immediately gets into a ton of fights and even finds out there is a contract out on his life.

"The biggest bounty ever is on his head," Soule added. "So, he starts on this global adventure to figure out what's gong on."

The first issue was set in Logan's native Canada. The second and third adventures move to other venues like the South China Sea and Japan, places that factor into Wolverine's rich past.

In issue #4, Wolverine finds out who is hunting him, a guy named Dr. Abraham Cornelius, who actually put the adamantium in his body that you see when he draws his impressive claws.

"We don't know why he wants him [dead or captured] and the reason for all this crazy bloodshed," he added. "But we are going to find out [today] ... It's pretty epic, it's a great showdown."

"Then, he goes out, he goes out like he should," Soule said about his death.

Soule, who's worked for DC Comics in the past and has been called the "real deal" by Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso, added that "I would be lying if there wasn't a little bit of terror" going into a series like this. "This is a huge character. This is one of those stories that I knew if I did it right, I'd be part of his legacy forever."

Soule said books and other series would be coming out after "Death" focusing on how the bad guys are reacting to Logan's demise and of course how the X-Men are dealing with the loss of a close friend and emotional leader. These include "The Logan Legacy," "Wolverines" and "The Weapon X Project."

So, as often happens in comic -- will we see Logan again, ever?

"We have not had any concrete discussion about if and how he'll be back. People love him and I personally hope he comes back at some point, but it's not something we intend to do anytime soon," Soule added. "The idea is to make this something that sticks ... right now, he's gone."