I’m dishing today at the lab about a certain character who long, long ago became the reason I love tortured heroes today.

~*~

As an only child, I found escape in books, video games, movies, television, etc. In these things, I could be whatever I wanted. Live any life I wanted.

I’m fortunate enough to be old enough to remember the 80’s (so, maybe that’s unfortunate?). I was a tomboy then (tho I’m still a bit of one) and had Hot Wheels, Transformers, G I Joe, Star Wars, Batman, Superman, X-Men, Spiderman (I’m not loyal to Marvel vs DC – I like what I like). As a bit of an oddity, I also had Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Barbie and My Little Pony. Odd combos to be sure, but I’ve never claimed to be normal.

Most of those things were relegated to my childhood, but a few things managed to carry through to adulthood with me. Even then, one still stands out.

Yup. The man with the claws.

Believe it or not, it has nothing to do with the actor who plays Wolverine. Sure, it helps that Hugh Jackman isn’t hard on the eyes at all, but I have loved this character since I was a giddy 9 year old in a comic book store for the first time.

Next Friday, Marvel Studios will be dishing up another serving of the eternally tortured mutant. And much as I’ve done for the previous movies involving the character, I’ll leave work early next Friday, plunk down in a nearly empty theater, munch on some nachos (always, always nachos at the movies) and watch the next installment of the franchise with my 9 year old self at my side.