Posted: 10 July 2019 at 8:10am | IP Logged | 5
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I rather dislike the direction(s) that the original Wolverine was taken. I first encountered Wolverine in Giant Size X-Men #1*, but all along, he seemed to follow the concept that he was a wolverine in human form - even though that was never used as his origin and that was fine.
There were stories to tell about him - how did he get to work for Canadian government? How did he get metal claws? - but once these were established as part of his origin, there was no need to complicate it. Wolverine was a hunter and a killer, with steel claws, incredible senses, and a temper as long as "Jewish Sports Heroes." It was even cool that he speaks Japanese - another little nugget of history.
But stories developing characters should go forward, not backwards to his past. Yeah, it worked for Superman and Batman occasionally, but there was so much crap jammed into Wolverine's past that he became hard to track. As someone noted, it seemed impossible for him to do all the stuff he did, being in four or five monthly comics... each with different history.
Enriching a character should be an ongoing story, not a repeat of an unknown history, or so I feel. James Howlett, Patch, previous wives and/or lovers**, service in earlier wars and historical events... that doesn't appeal to me.
I know it worked for Superman as Superboy... but it's also noted that Superboy was NEVER in real danger. He couldn't be... everyone knew he would grow up to be Superman. Similarly, seeing Logan in danger during World War I is kinda "meh... we know he'll be fine."
And that's not even considering my hatred of a bloodthirsty sociopath headlining a book. I know others got onto that schwerve*** - Punisher, Ghost Rider, probably others that I successfully ignored - but I recall when those used to be the BAD GUYS. Not morally ambiguous characters.
So obviously, I think Wolverine should not have had his own series. If naught else, I thought he was too "one note" - what kind of stories could you write about him?
*I do not own Hulk #181 and #182. If you wish to send them to me, let me know; I'll get you an address.
**I wonder... did Wolverine leave a passel of kids (and now grandkids) in his history? A guy that lives that long couldn't have gotten lucky every single time he made love, could he?
***From the German "schverve", meaning "more consonants at the beginning!"
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