WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Wolverine #3, by Benjamin Percy, Adam Kubert, Frank Martin and VC's Cory Petit, on sale now.
Wolverine and Magneto have never been on the best of terms. Both hX-Men share the characteristics of pragmatic survivalists, yet they're usually on the opposite ends of a conflict. Considering the recent peace between mutants on Krakoa, Wolverine's latest transgression against the master of magnetism is all the more problematic.
During the opening scene of Wolverine #3, Logan and Magneto are seen sharing a drink on Krakoa. Magneto, clearly a few drinks in, cheerfully comments on the two mutants' similarities. Both men have been alive for quite a while and both have been considered heroes and villains. Indeed, Magneto expresses his desire to bond with Logan in friendship. However, Wolverine gets the Blob -- who is acting as their bartender -- to keep the drinks coming until Magneto passes out. Then his plan is revealed: To take down the flower cartel, a group that is stealing and illegally distributing Krakoan medicine on the black market, he intends to steal Magneto's helmet.
The flower cartel employs a mysterious telepath, known as the Pale Girl, who recently manipulated Wolverine into killing his teammates on X-Force. Planning ahead this time, Logan teams with CIA agent Jeff Bannister to hunt down the flower cartel, using Magneto's helmet to shield his mind from the Pale Girl. This allows Wolverine to hide from the telepathic villain while Kid Omega telepathically disguises himself as Logan.
After the Pale Girl leads them to the cartel's headquarters, Logan and the Marauders shed their telepathic veil and destroy the cartel's supply of Krakoan medicine.
Wolverine's victory hinges upon Magneto's helmet, a crucial defense against the Pale Girl. Historically, Magneto has worn this helmet since his first appearance in 1963's X-Men #1, by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Throughout the years, the helmet has remained an iconic part of Magneto's appearance.
While the helmet is known to protect its wearer from telepathy, this was not always the case. Originally, Magneto fended off telepathic attacks through sheer willpower or a protective magnetic field. It wasn't until 2000's X-Men film that the helmet was given its protective capabilities. This feature was then incorporated into Ultimate X-Men and finally became part of the mainstream comics.
Stealing this helmet perpetuates Wolverine's adversarial relationship with Magneto. Since their first encounter, Logan and Magneto have shared a mutual animosity. The X-Men have traditionally had a confrontational history with the master of magnestism, but Wolverine's unhinged ruthlessness in battle, combined with Magneto's unwavering convictions to advance mutantkind, has brought the two into especially fierce combat. Most notably, in 1993's Fatal Attractions storyline, Magneto ripped the adamantium out of Logan's skeleton as retaliation for a near-fatal attack by Wolverine.
In recent years, although the two mutants have more frequently been on the same side, Wolverine and Magneto's past animosity has lingered. Magneto sees Logan as a fellow mutant with similar personality traits, but Wolverine still does not trust Magneto and remains wary of the master of magnetism.
Recently, on Krakoa, the two debated whether or not Omega Red should be allowed on the island, with Magneto in favor. This discussion illustrates Logan's less trusting nature, while Magneto is more willing to accept any and all mutants, regardless of past crimes.
By stealing Magneto's helmet for his own purposes, Wolverine betrays his trust of a fellow mutant -- and Logan will be held accountable for his actions. At the end of Wolverine #3, Logan is called in by Sage, who explains that the Quiet Council needs to speak with him, particularly regarding Magneto's helmet.
Clearly, Wolverine is in trouble with the Council for his questionable methods in this latest mission. Considering Magneto's position as a member of the Council, Logan's actions are not going to be taken lightly. Wolverine and Magneto have never quite been the best of friends -- but Logan's betrayal of Magneto's trust creates serious friction within the harmonious mutant community of Krakoa.