Now, a word about the allegations that Wolverine took over as the leader of the X-Men. It may comfort some of the Cyclops fans to know that I didn't perceive Wolvie's activities in X3 to be a replacement for Scott. Even when he leads the team in battle at the end of the movie, I didn't think we were supposed to take that as a permanent change. I took it as Wolverine just stepping in for a time when he was needed. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Wolverine spinoff started with Logan leaving the X-men to go searching for his past. But I disagree with those who say Wolverine "can't lead" or "isn't a leader". I think that opinion stems from a narrow view of leadership, and from a desire on the part of Cyke fans to defend the title of their favorite character.
Wolvie possesses certain qualities and skills that make him capable of leading in certain capacities, particularly in combat situations. His prowess in hand-to-hand combat, his quickness to act, his innate understanding of how to survive and how to win a fight -- all of these things do qualify him to lead, especially in the field. He is not a tactical leader like Scott, but this doesn't mean he has no leadership skills at all. The main reason Wolvie doesn't lead is because he doesn't want to lead. He lacks the motivation. He has suffered tremendously in the past; he is (understandably, imo) jaded and cynical about groups and causes and taking sides. But the beauty of his character is that, tragic as his life has been, he still knows the difference between right and wrong, and he consistently makes the heroic decision to do what is right in spite of all his suffering and cynicism. I believe this is one of the reasons why people love Wolverine -- because it's not easy for him to be the hero, but he does it anyway.
And, as a side note, I did not at all like the little pep-talk speech that the writers forced into his mouth in X3. (I'm talking about where he speaks to Bobby right before they leave for the big battle.) I, too, thought it was out of character, and I much preferred the dialogue we heard in the trailer, where Wolvie is challenging Bobby to think about what the kids are risking by choosing to fight -- it's much more Wolverine. I think they changed it because they were short on time; it's a shame.
Wolvie possesses certain qualities and skills that make him capable of leading in certain capacities, particularly in combat situations. His prowess in hand-to-hand combat, his quickness to act, his innate understanding of how to survive and how to win a fight -- all of these things do qualify him to lead, especially in the field. He is not a tactical leader like Scott, but this doesn't mean he has no leadership skills at all. The main reason Wolvie doesn't lead is because he doesn't want to lead. He lacks the motivation. He has suffered tremendously in the past; he is (understandably, imo) jaded and cynical about groups and causes and taking sides. But the beauty of his character is that, tragic as his life has been, he still knows the difference between right and wrong, and he consistently makes the heroic decision to do what is right in spite of all his suffering and cynicism. I believe this is one of the reasons why people love Wolverine -- because it's not easy for him to be the hero, but he does it anyway.
And, as a side note, I did not at all like the little pep-talk speech that the writers forced into his mouth in X3. (I'm talking about where he speaks to Bobby right before they leave for the big battle.) I, too, thought it was out of character, and I much preferred the dialogue we heard in the trailer, where Wolvie is challenging Bobby to think about what the kids are risking by choosing to fight -- it's much more Wolverine. I think they changed it because they were short on time; it's a shame.
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Not a dig. It's a fact. In comics, in the movies, etc.
