Marvel has a dark newWolverine, as the publisher introduces the terrifying Weapon Exile. However, this isn’t just a powerful new supervillain - it’s atotally new form for one of Marvel’s oldest evil-doers.
In a post onJoe Casey Writes, the writer ofWeapon X-Menhas reveals the series' new big bad - codename Weapon Exile. The villain is a dark reflection of Wolverine withthe mind of classic Captain America villain Baron von Strucker, with unbreakable claws and"additional adamantium-based powers unlike any ever seen before.“Casey shared a design of the new villain, set to debut inWeapon X-Men #3:
While Casey keeps some of the upcoming events ofWeapon X-Mento himself, he reveals thatStrucker will transplant a digital copy of his consciousness into Weapon Exile, as well as a copy of Wolverine’s berserker rage, creating a robotic killing machine with no equal.
Casey states that every superhero team needs a true nemesis, comparing Weapon Exile to Ultron for the Avengers or Magneto for the X-Men.
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Weapon Exile Turns Baron von Strucker into a Dark Wolverine
The Villain Will Command an Army of ‘Wolverines of Mass Destruction’
Weapon X-Menis a new series from Joe Casey and ChrisCross, in which various mutants connected to Weapon X form a team to stop a mysterious plot involving adamantium. Now, fans know exactly what that plan is - Baron von Strucker is collecting the unbreakable metal to turn himself into a twisted reflection of Wolverine. Logan’s new team includes Deadpool, Cable, Thunderbird and Chamber.
Casey reveals that Strucker plans to create an army of WMDs -“Wolverines of Mass Destruction”- all controlled as part of a hive mind under Strucker’s control. However, thanks tothe Weapon X-Men team,only one of these robots will ultimately remain, turning Strucker into Weapon Exile. Casey states that every superhero team needs a true nemesis, comparing Weapon Exile to Ultron for the Avengers or Magneto for the X-Men. The villain’s robotic body will be made from unbreakable adamantium, with Wolverine’s iconic unbreakable claws. Casey states:
And Weapon Exile is formidable, possessing all the berserker savagery of the WMD’s as well as the cunning mind and ruthless personality of Baron Strucker. Not to mention, he’s got Wolverine-style claws and he knows how to use them. And, as a cherry on top, he’s got additional adamantium-based powers unlike any ever seen before in Marvel Comics.
The intent, as usual, is to swing for the f**king fences. To create a villain that will stand the test of time. A character that could someday stand alongside the great pantheon of classic Marvel super-villains. A character with one foot in the past… and one foot in the future. Once again… built to last.
It’s clear that Weapon Exile is meant to give Marvel an enduring ‘evil Wolverine’ with major connections to past adventures.
Wolverine Has Unfinished Business with Weapon Exile
Baron von Strucker’s Hydra Connections Demand Payback
Introduced in 1964,Baron von Strucker is the founder of Hydraand an old enemy of Nick Fury and Captain America. During the events of Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.’s ‘Enemy of the State’ arc,Strucker was involved in a plot that brainwashed Wolverine, resulting in the deaths of several innocents while forcing Logan to kill fellow X-Men hero Northstar. In the aftermath, Wolverine slaughtered countless Hydra and Hand agents in revenge, but he never got to close the book on Strucker. Now, he has more reason than ever to bring the villain down for good.
It’s clear thatWeapon Exile is meant to give Marvel an enduring ‘evil Wolverine’with major connections to past adventures. Weapon X-Men may be made up of X-Men’s toughest heroes, but with allWolverineand Strucker’s strengths, Weapon Exile is already shaping up to be a worthy nemesis for the team.
Weapon Exile is coming in April 30’sWeapon X-Men #3, from Marvel Comics.
