Roy Thomas’ Wolverine Credit Sparks Debate
Roy Thomas, former Marvel editor-in-chief, has stirred the comic world by claiming co-creator credit for Wolverine in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The new credit has sparked controversy, with many questioning if an editor should receive such recognition.
A Contentious Claim
Roy Thomas took over as Marvel editor-in-chief in 1972. Known for co-creating characters like Vision and Carol Danvers, he now claims credit for Wolverine. This claim, however, has not been without backlash. Thomas was an editor when Wolverine was created in 1974, a role traditionally not credited as a creator.
Thomas argues that he initiated Wolverine’s creation and contributed many key concepts. He insists that the credit formalizes what he has maintained for decades. But this move has rubbed some in the creator community the wrong way.
A Rocky Road to Recognition
Thomas finally watched “Deadpool & Wolverine” after a series of delays. Despite not being a Deadpool fan, he was thrilled to see nearly half a billion dollars in ticket sales.
Thomas hopes this film helps get the MCU back on track. He believes there’s no such thing as “superhero fatigue,” just impatience with poorly done movies. Films like the Avengers series, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Iron Man, Thor: Ragnarok, and Captain America: Civil War set high standards. Thomas hopes for more films of that caliber in the coming years.
Marvel’s recognition of Thomas as a Wolverine co-creator is significant. However, he feels his name should have come first. Still, being listed at all is a step forward. Marvel also included Herb Trimpe’s name, acknowledging his role in Wolverine’s first appearance in The Incredible Hulk No. 181.
Debate and Controversy
Despite the recognition, many believe the four of them — Len Wein, John Romita Sr., Herb Trimpe, and Roy Thomas — made a great team. Thomas, as editor-in-chief, was content to let Len, John, and Herb handle things once he gave general directions. But giving editors co-creator credit could set a troubling precedent.
The controversy has raised questions about the validity of Thomas’s claim. Should editors receive such recognition? Does this move set a bad precedent for future credit claims? These questions remain unanswered as the debate continues.
Celebrating Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine
For the public, the highlight is Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine. Thomas hopes Jackman continues playing the role for years to come. Despite being a bit tall for Wolverine, Jackman embodies the character perfectly. If Jackman isn’t in the next Avengers movie, Thomas might just wait to see it when it streams.
As the debate rages on, the focus remains on the impact of Thomas’s claim. Will this change how we view creators in the comic world? Only time will tell.
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