I Still Think Logan Is the Best Comic Book Movie

Growing up, I fondly recall watching movies like Superman with Christopher Reeves, which I absolutely adored. When Batman hit the screens in 1989, I was there, captivated by it. I continued to watch Batman Returns and the Schumacher Batman series. X-Men and Spider-Man? Absolutely! Since the 1980s, I’ve watched almost every Marvel or DC movie that came out, and like any fan, I have my own thoughts on which one is the best. Over time, my favorite has switched several times – for a while it was Superman II, then Batman, X2 took over for a bit, followed by The Dark Knight. The Dark Knight reigned supreme for years, but then along came Logan.

It’s clear that I wasn’t the only one who felt strongly at the time that Logan was unquestionably the finest comic book movie ever made. James Mangold’s masterpiece, with its unique blend of action and emotion, presented a superhero story like never before – a story about a ruthless assassin nearing the end of his life yearning for more time with the makeshift family he had created. Indeed, it was a powerful piece of cinema. However, since 2017, we’ve been treated to some outstanding comic book movies that have left many questioning which one reigns supreme. But let me tell you, my opinion remains unshaken – Logan is still the best in my books!

Logan is still the best. Here’s why.

The New Contenders Are Great, but They Can’t Stand With Logan

Similar to many others, I was left spellbound by the epic spectacle of “Avengers: Infinity War”. It served as a culmination of ten years worth of storytelling and delivered the thrilling event-movie experience that makes superhero films so enjoyable. The following year, “Avengers: Endgame” tied up the narrative initiated by “Infinity War” and wrapped up the first three Phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Subsequently, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” arrived, a film bridging the gap between Spider-Men from different eras. In the aftermath, most superhero movies seemed to lose their luster until “Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3”, a deeply emotional tale about a family that also happened to be a blockbuster superhero flick. To conclude, “Deadpool & Wolverine” brought back Hugh Jackman, the lead actor from “Logan”, and maintained the signature blend of heartfelt humor and absurdity that the “Deadpool” films are renowned for.

Since the release of “Logan”, these stand out as exceptional superhero films, although some might debate whether “Endgame” fits this category. Each of these movies has its unique merit, yet some, such as “Infinity War”, “Endgame”, and “No Way Home”, are criticized for a certain lack of artistic flair. While they excel in action sequences, their direction is often seen as ordinary, lacking a distinctive personal style. Additionally, these films tend to focus more on nostalgia and epic battles rather than the depth of their narratives.

The third installment of “Guardians of the Galaxy” carries James Gunn’s distinctive touch, offering stunning visuals, emotional depth, and a strong narrative core. Among comic book films since “Logan,” this one came the closest to altering my perspective. Similar to “Logan,” it delves into themes of endings, but more so about concluding a phase of life rather than death itself. It’s an intensely emotional movie, much like “Logan,” and serves as a conclusion for beloved characters. Unlike “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the third Guardians film strays from typical Marvel fare, boasting a deep emotional undercurrent. Deadpool’s pursuit of love and happiness is equally significant, with Hugh Jackman delivering an exceptional performance. It maintains the large-scale action sequences that make superhero films enjoyable, while its sharp wit sets it apart from other Marvel productions.

And yet, as great as both of these movies are, I still love Logan more.

As a longtime enthusiast of Wolverine, I must say that “Logan” truly encapsulates the essence of this complex character. Wolverine’s tale, at its heart, is a poignant one. He was born with an extraordinary ability to live life in ways that most humans could only dream of, yet he found himself transformed into a relentless killer over the years. The “X-Men” movies offered him moments of joy, but even those were eventually taken away. In “Logan,” we find him at the end of his tether, clinging desperately to the last vestige of the only family he ever knew (Charles Xavier, portrayed by Patrick Stewart). Suddenly, X-23 enters his life, offering him a taste of something he’s never known before, all while he grapples with the inevitability of his own mortality.

This compelling story carries a poignant ending, tinged with sadness but also brimming with happiness. Logan, in his final moments, finds peace knowing his family will continue to thrive. His life of suffering had purpose as he saved countless lives. The future looked bright for X-23 and her companions (though we didn’t know about the Multiverse’s impending collapse then). There’s a sense of hope woven into it all. Logan excels in every aspect, boasting exceptional acting performances. Director Mangold gives the film a distinctive visual style, creating both dark and uplifting moods. I rewatched it before seeing Deadpool & Wolverine, and it remains just as impactful years later, evoking the same emotions when I first saw it on the big screen.

Logan Has an “It” Factor That Other Comic Book Movies Don’t

I have a strong affinity for many recent superhero films, such as Infinity War, Endgame, No Way Home, and so on. The experience of watching these grand productions with a hint of personal depth leaves a lasting impression even after leaving the cinema. Movies like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Deadpool & Wolverine share this quality, but their emotional core is more robust, delving deeper into human nature compared to others. If Logan hadn’t been made, these two might have been my favorites because they break away from the usual Marvel template: spectacle first, humor second (if you’re lucky), and character development as a bonus. Nevertheless, Logan stands out as the best in this category for me.

Logan excels because it doesn’t rely on grand spectacle as its primary focus. While there are instances of intense violence and a significant fight scene with X-24, what truly sets Logan apart is its authenticity compared to other comic book films. This authenticity is evident through its clear influence from the Western film Shane. Unlike other superhero movies, Logan isn’t trying to fit a mold. Instead, it is a heartfelt narrative about people – people with extraordinary abilities in an extraordinary world – grappling with their lives. This emphasis on story and character is what makes Logan stand out as the best.

You can stream Logan on Disney+.

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2025-01-09 03:12