10 (Probably Failed) Attempts At A Measured Response To The Wolverine

By Jeremy Wickett /

6. The Superman II Plot Never Gets Old

I never get tired of this particular song and dance. Let's face it, being a superhero would kinda suck - bad hours, worse pay, super-villains, and lots and lots of death. My favorite comic book stories are the ones that treat a hero's powers - or for the Batmans of the world, the mask and cape - as both a blessing and a curse. It's easy to imagine any hero wanting to give it all up at some point... even Logan. And when Logan is presented with the chance at a normal life, the movie goes in both familiar and new directions. I like the choice given to Logan: he can give up his powers by passing them on to someone else and accepting that person's mortality. Logan doesn't take Yashida's deal because he wouldn't pass on his existence to his worst enemy... which he would actually be doing, in fact. A lot of interesting things happen once Logan gets a taste of mortality. Even though his healing powers become repressed, he can still take more punishment than the average joe. But if he keeps being the best at what he does, it's going to kill him. And it all works because Logan never changes or comprises who he is - he's as determined and angry and claw-happy as ever. In the end, it leaves Logan with an appreciation for what he has and the good he can do with his powers. I rather like that. What can I say, I'm a "with great power comes great responsibility" kind of guy.