Closing the show with a bangMarch 06, 2017

If you still followed the complicated X-Men cinematic universe, then you could tell that "Logan" would fit the timeline. It took place after "X-Men: Days of Future Past", when every mutant that Wolverine and Charles Xavier knew were long gone. And then one scene showed the professor watching the finals scenes of "Shane". Director James Mangold wasn't thinking of using James Schaefer's Western classic as a reference. He had "The Shootist" in mind, so Logan would be the mutant version of a dying John Wayne.

There were too many tales about the X-Men, prequels, sequels, and reboots included. 20th Century Fox did its best ever since "X Men" was in production until moviegoers became hooked to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Marvel comic fans knew that Wolverine was an Avenger, but there won't be any chance that Fox might lend this mysterious mutant to Marvel Studios in the near future. For one thing, "Avengers: Infinity War" started filming and Hugh Jackman wasn't around the set. Second, "Logan" would be the final motion picture in the Wolverine trilogy. The final scene showed the seemingly indomitable mutant six feet under, but this won't be a spoiler. Jackman, who was performing "Oklahoma!" in West End when he was cast as Wolverine, had said in past interviews that "Logan" would be the last time he was playing the titular character. The Sydneysider and Margold were making amends for the previous Wolverine pictures, as well as some forgettable X-Men films (after "X-Men").

Chauffeur by day, vigilante by night

Logan was a shell of his former self, making a living (or doing an incognito act) in a seedy chauffeur job. A sickly Professor X kept on rambling about a young mutant coming into their lives. The duo had no idea that the little girl would be a mini-me version of Wolverine. Hardcore X-Men comic fans would identify her right away, as she was no other than Laura Kinney (X-23). Purists won't mind her spitting short Spanish sentences in most scenes, as the brownish hue on the big screen indicated a possible end to Wolverine. It was the closest thing to the gritty atmosphere in the comics, and Zander Rice, whose father was part of the Weapon X Program, wasn't far behind. Viewers would recall the post-end credits scene in "X-Men: Apocalypse". Could Nathaniel Essex (a. k. a. Mister Sinister) be Rice's master? There won't be any post-end credits scene in "Logan", but your guess would be as good as Margold's (or Jackman's).

"Logan" played like Sam Peckinpah's graphic depiction of the Wild West, where dead bodies (and decapitated limbs) appeared every twenty minutes or so. And Margold was cheeky to include some past issues of the X-Men comics in a number of scenes. It was hard to tell if this was a forced attempt to inject humor into what could be a gory journey across America's heartland or a hint that Wolverine might make a sudden appearance in the next X-Men picture. After all, this would be the frequent scenario in the comic books. It was rather a bittersweet end for those who haven't had enough of Wolverine. He could be the perfect foil, if not faux antagonist, to Iron Man. He also had numerous affairs aside from Jean Grey. (Storm was his soul mate.) And he would still be an enigma. This could be his appeal to comic readers (and viewers), and creators Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita wouldn't want it any other way.

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