Baron Von Strucker Gets a Dark Upgrade

A notorious character from the Marvel Universe, known for a significant past, is set to receive an upgrade comparable to Wolverine’s. Currently, Wolverine has been keeping rather active, with roles in Uncanny X-Men, Deadpool/Wolverine, his own individual series, and now Weapon X-Men. This series unites some of the X-Men’s most powerful members, such as Wolverine, Deadpool, Cable, Thunderbird, and Chamber. The first issue has already hit the shelves, and the second installment of Weapon X-Men is due out this week. However, writer Joe Casey has begun to share his upcoming plans, revealing connections to former Hydra leader Baron Wolfgang Von Strucker.

Joe Casey recently shared insights on developing and advancing supervillains through a Substack post. He delved into the past process of crafting Zodiack for Marvel’s Dark Reign publishing project and his resurrection over 13 years later in Moon Knight, before moving on to discuss similar strategies concerning Baron Von Strucker in Weapon X-Men.

For about fifty years or so, he occasionally appeared with minor modifications to his persona, but to me, he’s been stuck in the same place for quite some time. It wasn’t fair, so when I was given permission to utilize Baron Strucker, I promptly began enhancing him significantly.

In summary, Casey gives a sneak peek of Weapon X-Men issue 2, revealing a menacing upgrade of an LMD (Life Model Decoy) – now known as Wolverines of Mass Destruction (WMD). Baron Von Strucker has merged his consciousness with this WMD, incorporating Wolverine’s ferocious berserker state. This transformation results in Baron Von Strucker assuming a fresh form and persona.

Weapon X-Men turns Marvel villain Baron Von Strucker into Weapon Exile

In the end, due to certain events I’d rather not reveal, Strucker’s consciousness will be confined to a solitary Weapon of Mass Destruction. This weapon, in turn, will transform into an extraordinary, self-governing, utterly destructive entity that he controls exclusively. He even adopts a new identity, “Weapon Exile,” to symbolize this transformation.

In a similar vein to how Ultron challenges the Avengers, Doctor Doom tests the Fantastic Four, Magneto poses a constant threat to the X-Men (especially when not on their side), and Trigon torments the New Teen Titans, Weapon Exile will stand as the formidable adversary for Weapon X-Men.

Casey playfully added, ‘Weapon Exile is quite formidable. He combines the brutal ferocity of weapons of mass destruction with Baron Strucker’s shrewd intellect and cold-blooded demeanor. To make matters worse, he’s equipped with claws reminiscent of Wolverine and knows how to wield them effectively. To top it off, he boasts unique adamantium-based powers that surpass any seen in the Marvel Comics world.’

The artworks Joe Casey posts depict a Life Model Decoy that mimics Wolverine’s appearance, even featuring pointed ears on its head. Despite being robotic, this LMD (or WMD) is destined to transform into Weapon Exile, as revealed by Baron Von Strucker. Interestingly, Casey chose to disclose this information early rather than keeping it as a big surprise. However, Marvel might have already hinted at this in future solicitations for the Weapon X-Men.

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2025-03-25 00:13