A Comparative Analysis: Old Man Logan Comic Book vs. Logan 2017 Film

In recent years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has brought the X-Men to the big screen through various films. One notable entry in their history is the 2017 superhero film Logan, which stays true to the spirit of the Old Man Logan comic book published by Marvel Comics. Both the comic and the film present a dark and gritty portrayal of Wolverine's later years, but they have their distinct characteristics that set them apart. This article delves into their similarities and differences, providing a comprehensive analysis of the two versions.

Similarities Between the Old Man Logan Comic Book and the Logan 2017 Film

The Old Man Logan comic and the 2017 film share several notable similarities:

Age and Mentality of Wolverine/Logan: In both the comic and film, our titular character is an elderly hero who has seen many battles and lost much. His mind is frayed, and he experiences a sense of loss and the passage of time, which adds to the overall grim and intense atmosphere of the story.

A Cliché Western Setting: Both the comic and the film adopt a Mad Max-style western theme. This genre choice adds a unique and visually striking backdrop to the story, creating an apocalyptic and desolate landscape that reinforces the overall dark tone.

Road Trip with an Eldery Hero: Both works feature a road trip narrative with the elderly hero as the central figure. The journey serves as a vehicle for exploring the hero's physical and emotional decay, as well as their relationships with other characters.

Inescapable Tragedy: In both versions, it is revealed that the X-Men have perished, emphasizing the end of an era and the futility of their battle against the Reavers and other enemies.

Violence and Intensity: Both works are unrelentingly brutal, with nonstop action and intense gore. The violence serves to heighten the drama and convey the sense of hopelessness and despair.

Emotional Depth: Whether in dialogue or through action, both stories grapple with emotional moments. These range from the tender to the heartbreaking, helping to humanize the characters and add layers to their psyches.

Dark Tones: The overall tone of both the comic and the film is deeply dark, underscored by the themes of loss, decay, and inevitability. This consistent use of darkness emphasizes the storytelling and draws the reader or viewer into the world they create.

Differences Between the Old Man Logan Comic Book and the Logan 2017 Film

While both the comic and the film share many similarities, there are also notable differences that set them apart:

Characters: The 2017 film follows a different cast compared to the comic. In the film, Professor X, Caliban, and X-23 accompany Logan, while in the comic, Hawkeye is a named companion. Additionally, the Reavers and X-24 are the primary antagonists in the film, whereas in the comic, the Hulk Family and Red Skull are the main foes.

Outfitted Vehicles: In the film, the use of the "Spider-Buggy" is a significant element that is absent from the comic. This car plays a pivotal role in the plot and provides a distinctive element that sets it apart from the comic book.

Family dynamic: In the film, Wolverine, X-23, and Professor X are taken in by a non-Hulk family. In the comic, the storyline revolves around the relationship between Wolverine and the Hulk family, with a more poignant focus on their shared past and pain.

Humor: The film includes well-placed humor that is not present in the comic. This humor helps to provide some levity and balance amidst the intense and tragic plot.

Notable Absences: The film omits several characters that are present in the comic, including Daredevil, The Punisher, Venom, and even Captain America. This change in the roster alters the overall tone and direction of the story.

Conclusion

The Old Man Logan comic book and the Logan 2017 film share many similarities in their grim and impactful storytelling, but they also diverge in several key aspects. Fans of both works can appreciate the different ways these stories explore the end of an era for Wolverine and the X-Men. Whether through the complex characters, the stark and brutal settings, or the emotional journeys, both the comic and the film offer a deeply engaging and poignant narrative that resonates with audiences seeking a dark and intense superhero experience.