Most movie lovers will be aware of the two big-budget X-Men films, and many will know that they were originally comic book (sorry - 'graphic novel') creations. More interested fans will know that their creator was Stan Lee and that Marvel Comics have had a very successful hit on their hands. While it is easy to see the appeal of the special effects-laden, mega-action films, there is not quite the same level of appeal when it comes to the animated adventures of the X-Men, but you can be assured that this is not just for kids.
X-Men - Wolverine’s Story is a little like the films in the story it tells of Wolverine’s attempt to understand what happened to him and the acquisition of special talents he has. What he does know is that he was not born a mutant, rather he is the result of some experiment to fill a human with adamantium, a super strong material that gives Wolverine claws of steel.
The problem for Wolverine is, "why him?". The problem for his “creator” is, "why nobody else?". It seems that Wolverine has so far been the only successful recipient of adamantium.
His search for the answers means he crosses paths with a lot of other mutants, including real mutants under the guidance of Professor Xavier. But even here, Wolverine struggles to fit in. His search is hampered by the arrival of the Alpha League, a band of rebel mutants from Canada and former allies who, unlike the X-Men, have no desire to save humanity from itself. They are currently in the service for Wolverine’s creator who wishes Wolverine back.
Finding the answers may not bring Wolverine the peace of mind he desires, but he is determined to find out.
This is an engaging enough story with no shortage of surprises and mutants battling each other. It is a roller coaster ride where very little screen time goes by before another outbreak of uncontrolled biffo.
The animation is not as stilted as anime and there is plenty of colour and movement. X-Men - Wolverine’s Story is split into four episodes of similar length. They were first released in 1994 and Stan Lee himself is a co-producer, thereby ensuring that the writer and artists didn’t tamper too much with the basic storyline and concepts of the X-Men. There are some sub-plots in the first episode or two that are continued from previous episodes, but you will get the drift of what they are all about.
Being made for television, these episodes are full frame and therefore not 16:9 enhanced. Like most budget-wise animation the quality is average to say the best, but the rough look to it does match the quick and violent nature of the story. There has been no real effort made to ensure that movement is super slick, but neither is it as blocked as Pokemon. Colours are quite varied and blacks look good.
There is no real evidence of grain, but there are some marks in the way of dirt and some white specks. Aliasing and shimmer is present, but not severe. There is some mild evidence of edge enhancement also. There is also evidence that this is an NTSC to PAL transfer as there is some interlacing in evidence. At least the layer change is effectively hidden being placed between episodes.
There is nothing particularly impressive about the Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo track bar the music, which is quite enjoyable. There are similar tracks in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish, but these were not sampled. All dialogue is loud and clear, be they shouting or fighting. There are no synchronisation issues as far as one can tell with animation.
The sound range is fair with some deep lows, but of course no signal from the rear or centre channels, nor subwoofer. It would have served little purpose.
Quite different in budget and style to the big-screen films, these episodes are more likely to appeal to the die-hard fans of the series than most of us latecomers. There are a range of interesting characters and a smattering of extras to make it worthwhile - as long as you are a real fan.
