As described by Comic Book Nation, how did Wolverine reflect the cultural and political sensibilities of the 1980s?

Wolverine was a popular 1980s antihero, as he reflected the anti-government sentiment of the era.

According to Wright, 1980s anti-government sentiment resulted from the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War in the 1960s. In that same decade, the Civil Rights movement became connected to the anti-war movement. Both African Americans and anti-war activists disapproved of Lyndon B. Johnson's handling of the Vietnam War. African American activists particularly disliked what they considered a racially biased draft...

Wolverine was a popular 1980s antihero, as he reflected the anti-government sentiment of the era.

According to Wright, 1980s anti-government sentiment resulted from the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War in the 1960s. In that same decade, the Civil Rights movement became connected to the anti-war movement. Both African Americans and anti-war activists disapproved of Lyndon B. Johnson's handling of the Vietnam War. African American activists particularly disliked what they considered a racially biased draft system. They also worried that the costs of the mounting war would affect spending levels on President Johnson's Great Society programs.

The anti-government sentiment which began in the 1960s spilled over into the 1980s. People were wary about domestic and foreign federal policies that they felt did not represent their interests.

According to Wright, Wolverine was an invincible anti-hero, the kind who was unencumbered by "bureaucratic technicalities" and sentimental inclinations. Like the Punisher, Wolverine represented vigilante justice. His adamantium skeleton, mutant healing powers, and retractable claws made him indestructible. In short, Wolverine represented an omnipotent 1980s Dirty Harry, the kind that helped the oppressed when the government was the enemy.