The X-Men movies have been around for some time now. While there have been some memorable characters and some phenomenal storylines, one character stands above the rest: Wolverine.
Wolverine, a mutant with enhanced strength, speed and reflexes, has been the beating heart of the X-Men franchise since the beginning. Originally created by writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne for Marvel Comics in 1975, Wolverine made his big screen debut in the original X-Men in 2000.
Wolverine (played by Hugh Jackman) quickly became the face of the X-Men franchise as his commitment to justice and his never-ending battle to protect his family (of mutants) became the cornerstone of the series of films. Wolverine showed up to battle when things got tough, always taking the lead, and always taking out the bad guys.
In the first X-Men movie, Wolverine comes to the rescue of Professor X when Magneto and his arms company of mutants launch an attack on Professor X’s school for the gifted. It is Wolverine who steps in to fight and soon the entire X-Men team follows. Wolverine’s courage and loyalty to his fellow mutants propels the X-Men to victory.
In subsequent movies, Wolverine’s character arc follows a soldier’s journey, from a lonesome thug to a true defender of justice. There’s a unique emotional complexity to Wolverine that sets him apart from other X-Men characters. This is clearly evident in his friendship with Rogue and his short romance with Jean Grey. Wolverine not only has strength and courage but he has a heart too.
The X-Men movies have long been an allegory for the plight of real-life minorities. Wolverine’s story of struggle and triumph is a powerful reminder that no matter one’s background, anyone can be the hero.
Wolverine truly was the reliable soldier that Fox’s X-Men needed. Despite his burden of unpredictability, his raw strength, and his struggle with morality, Wolverine led the charge against injustice to ensure the safety of his family and the world. He was the knight in shining armor that the X-Men needed and the hero that countless fans deserved.
