Summary
Not content to have games based on only one iconic Marvel character in its library, Insomniac Games is currently hard at work onMarvel’s Wolverine. Details surrounding the game beyond what was shown in the initial reveal trailer have been scant, but given that Insomniac has a stellar track record with handling everyone’s favorite web-slinger, it’s safe to say that the studio could provide players with a quality game starring Wolverine himself. Also based on the studio’s track record withMarvel’s Spider-Man, it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume thatMarvel’s Wolverinehas massive sequel potential, and it has a perfect iconic storyline to serve as its inspiration.
In taking a cue from theBatman: Arkhamseries, the potential sequel toMarvel’s Wolverinecould serve as a prequel story instead. Rather than release an immediate follow-up toArkham City, that groundbreaking title was followed-up by theprequel taleArkham Origins. WhileOriginsdidn’t quite reach the heights of the first twoArkhamgames, it did provide fans with a compelling take on the Caped Crusader, usingBatman: Year OneandLegends of the Dark Knightas its source material to showcase a younger and less experienced Batman. Not only would a prequel be a great approach for the nextWolverinegame, but it has the perfect source material in Barry Windsor Smith’s iconicWeapon Xstoryline.
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Weapon X Makes Perfect Sense for a Marvel’s Wolverine Prequel
Mention of Wolverine as being part of the Weapon X program dates all the way back to the character’s first appearance inThe Incredible Hulk#180. After years of fan speculation and hints dropped by writers such as longtimeX-Menmastermind Chris Claremont, artist Barry Windsor Smith both wrote and drew theWeapon Xminiseries event comic in 1991. Over the course of 13 issues inMarvel Comics Presents, Smith provides fans with the startling revelations regarding Wolverine’s dark history and the sinister government program that aimed to turn him from man into beast. For the first time, readers were given information about Wolverine’s past that was part of the official canon.
Similar toBatman: Year One’s use as source material forArkham Origins,Weapon Xcould serve as the perfect inspiration for either a second standaloneWolverinegame or a larger DLC expansion followingthe release ofMarvel’s Wolverine. Outside being one of the most iconic and important storylines featuring the character,Weapon Xdives deep into the psychology of what separates Logan from The Wolverine. Considering that Insomniac has proven itself to be adept at really exploring Marvel characters, adaptingWeapon Xinto the medium of video games has potential to be one of the most emotionally resonant tales the developer has told.
From a gameplay perspective, it’s unlikely thatMarvel’s Wolverinewill have players experience Wolverine’s origins in the Weapon X program. While not much is known about the actual gameplay ofMarvel’s Wolverineat this point, it’s probably safe to say that the studio will drop players right into the action rather than have Logan steadily come to grips with being a living weapon. Just like howMarvel’s Spider-MansidestepsPeter Parker’s transformation into Spider-Manand the loss of Uncle Ben, so too willWolverinelikely start the game with the hero at the height of his powers.
Still, the potential for a prequel game, large DLC, or extended flashback sequence in a sequel looms large overMarvel’s Wolverinelong before the game has even gotten its first gameplay trailer. Wolverine is one of the most iconic and important characters in comic history, becoming the face of the X-Men and capable of carrying a flagship solo title for decades. Comic fans have been gifted with two incredible adaptations of some of the best characters in the medium between theBatman: ArkhamandSpider-Mantitles, and Insomniac has a golden opportunity to keep up the trend withWolverine.
