The tragedy of The Wolverine

"I am the best at what I do, bub. And what I do isn't very nice".

Wolverine's most iconic line is also the one line that can sum up his character and what he believes he stands for.

James Howlett Logan, born in the late 1800s, has led a nomadic life throughout his time in the Marvel Comics, traversing the globe in pursuit of a family and a home. The emergence of his bone claws marked the beginning of a journey fraught with loss, as he navigated a path lined with the fallen - both friend and foe. As a mutant with a remarkable healing factor, he is inevitably destined to outlive those he holds dear. This reality, perhaps, contributes to his rugged demeanor, sharpened tactical understanding, and unique skill set. Notable abilities include heightened senses, enhanced physical capabilities, and a skeletal structure reinforced with the indestructible adamantium.

Hugh Jackman's remarkable live-action portrayal of Logan has spanned 24 years, effectively embedding the character in the public psyche. It all began in the 20th Century Fox movie X-Men, with Jackman returning for eight more movies in that franchise, eventually leading to his comeback in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Deadpool and Wolverine.

Over this period, the audience has matured alongside Jackman's Logan, who has evolved from a feral cage fighter and wanderer to an individual prepared to sacrifice himself to preserve and respect the legacy of his mentor, Charles Xavier. Despite his most vulnerable and fractured state, he steadfastly clung to the ideals that Xavier believed he could achieve.

Logan's tragedies have followed him into film

The 2017 film Logan provides a poignant depiction of a deteriorated Logan, whose healing abilities have significantly weakened over time, resulting in adamantium poisoning. His vision is impaired, and he struggles to fully extend his claws. He resorts to excessive drinking to alleviate his physical and emotional suffering. In this state, his primary objective is to acquire a Sunseeker boat and live out his days on the sea with a declining Charles Xavier. The arrival of Laura presents him with an opportunity to transcend his identity as a mere beast or a damaged old man, leading him to face his past demons, embodied by X-24. In a selfless act, he sacrifices himself, granting Laura - X-23, the opportunity for a normal life, free from the demons of his and her past.

In Deadpool and Wolverine, Wade Wilson's quest to find a new Anchor Being leads him to a damaged and weary version of Logan. Although details about his past are sparse, it can be inferred that this Wolverine, like the one depicted in Logan, transitioned from a bar fighter to an X-Man. However, he never fully opened up or embraced team dynamics. In a heartfelt conversation with Laura, he admits his fear of expressing his deep affection for his comrades, which led to tragic consequences. Upon learning of the human-inflicted devastation of his family, his berserker rage took over, leading to a violent rampage that tarnished the reputation of the X-Men. As a form of penance and remembrance, he consistently wears his blue and yellow suit beneath his clothing.

In this narrative, Logan is presented with an opportunity for atonement. By aligning himself with the Anarchy Avengers, he confronts Cassandra Nova and her troops, reconciles with his past actions, and embraces his identity as "the X-Man." He even demonstrates selflessness, ready to sacrifice himself to aid Wade in safeguarding his universe, having reconnected with his heroic purpose and accepting that he has nothing left to lose. Ultimately, through the collaborative efforts of Deadpool, Wolverine, and Madonna, they manage to secure Wade's timeline, providing Logan with an outcome he never anticipated - a fulfilling conclusion.

The narrative concludes with a gathering reminiscent of the Fast and Furious franchise, attended by Deadpool's family and featuring two notable newcomers: a content Logan and his daughter, Laura. Despite the belief held by each Logan that a solitary existence is their fate, there are always individuals like Wade or Charles who remind them that being part of a larger collective, even for a brief period, holds far greater significance than a life of isolation and ostracization.