Wolverine is easily the single most popular and recognizable member of the X-Men. He’s known the world over for his unique personality and his power set. Wolvie’s primary power is his healing factor, which allows him to regenerate from nearly any injury, and it has granted him a life far longer than the average human. Paired with his indestructible adamantium skeleton, he is virtually immortal. However, according to some news regarding the future of the character, he may not be that way for long.
Paul Cornette & Adam Davis’ Wolverine #8
Comic Book Resources has an exclusive interview with Wolverine writer Paul Cornell about an upcoming story arc called “Killable.” Cornell couldn’t go into detail regarding how Wolverine will actually end up losing his invulnerability, but he did have some very interesting things to say about how this loss will affect Logan, and what the story is actually about.
“It’s about what happens when someone whose entire persona, fighting style and attitude is shaped by one big factor in their lives loses that. Logan has always gone into battle allowing himself to take a certain amount of damage. That’ll have to change, but that takes doing. He’s always assumed he had a long time to figure things out, to let life happen, but now, should he be more committed, should he make his relationships more important, should he try and start a family and keep it together, just for once? Most warriors have to deal with the idea of death. This is new to him, and it changes the sort of warrior he is. It makes him braver and tougher, because now he has everything to lose. But that journey to braver and tougher is a very difficult one.”
We reported a few months ago that a tip from Marvel’s Creative Summit said that Wolverine could be dying in 2014, and “Killable” could very well be the first step towards that plan. However, I don’t think that’s necessarily the end game for this particular story. Wolverine actually went without his adamantium skeleton for quite a while after it was removed by Magneto, but he was still able to fight alongside the X-Men. Eventually it was returned to him, but he did still have to live without one of his greatest strengths. It’s just the cyclical nature of comic books, really. If he does lose his powers, he’ll get them back after a few years. If he dies, he’ll stay dead for a while but then he’ll get better.
What do you think of the idea of Wolverine becoming killable? Do you think it would be a good idea for the character? Why don’t you just tell us what you think in the comments below?
Source: Comic Book Resources
I actually love that idea. The writer’s rationale is very sound; warriors do become smarter and tougher when they have something to lose. Mortality drives us to do great things. It’s a great way to shake things up, and hopefully the story is well-written enough to take advantage of that aspect in the most effective way possible.