Thoughts

You can tell from reading the letters page that, of all the new X-men, Wolverine has built up quite a fan base by 1980. Elements of his character seem to have really struck a chord – whether its his recklessness, his dislike of being told what to do or his outsider nature (or a combination of all three).

The Eighties was to see the character continually grow in popularity, becoming one of Marvel’s big hitters. And I don’t think any of that was guaranteed. I think it follows on directly from the clever way the character was written and presented over the decade. Claremont knew what made the character work, and just kept building on it.

Those three concepts mentioned in the first paragraphs were, let’s be honest, always going to find an audience with those teenage at heart who resent being told what to do, feel they don’t quite fit in and feel the urge to sometimes go a bit wild. But in the next few years, Claremont builds on those, adding elements that just make what seems cool about him even cooler. (awesome friend to have, steeped in Japanese warrior culture)

This issue feels like part of all that. Wolverine the cinematic adventure hero, sneaking into a building to rescue his friends. Taking out villains when required, moving gracefully in the shadows at others. And all against incredible odds and seemingly unstoppable.

That Don’t Make A Lick of Sense

Remember that lovely moment last issue when Cyclops and Phoenix were alone on that rock in the desert together? Yes indeed.

And the moment where Phoenix used her powers to hold back Cyclops’ blasts and allow them to be together without him having to wear his glasses? What a beautiful moment, of course I remember.

And then that bit where Phoenix proposed they create an eternal psychic bond based on total intimacy and total trust? Ye… hey! hang on!