Is the essential wolverine books any good?

no the wolverine graphic novels are fantastic. The only problem I have seen with Marvel's Essential books are that they all seem to be black and white. You miss out on so much great artwork. If you want a great Wolverine story to start with pick up the recent storyline called Wolverine Origins. It will give you a great look at the character and where he comes from and will help get you hooked on Marvel comics.