Wolverine (2011) thrusts Logan, the gruff mutant with adamantium claws, into a Japanese crime saga. He's on a mission to rescue his lost love, Mariko Yashida, who's been kidnapped by her father, Shingen, a yakuza boss, for an arranged marriage to the shady Hideki Kurohagi in Madripoor. The anime, produced by Madhouse, leans into a dark, stylized vibe with neon-lit cities and samurai-inspired battles. Logan teams up with Yukio, a fierce assassin seeking revenge, adding a layer of grit to the tale. The show's themes of loyalty and redemption feel raw, but the romantic focus might not click for fans expecting Wolverine's usual feral edge. I recommend approaching it with an open mind, ready for a blend of Marvel and anime aesthetics, though it may not satisfy those craving classic X-Men action.
Sadly, this anime stumbles more than it slashes. The animation is a highlight-vivid and fluid, with fight scenes like Wolverine versus Omega Red packing a punch. But the story drags, stretching a thin plot over 12 episodes with repetitive fights that lose steam. Logan's character feels off; he's too polished, lacking the rebellious, "don't care" attitude I love. The romance with Mariko feels forced, and supporting characters like Yukio and Kikyo lack depth, making it hard to care about their stakes. The 3/10 rating reflects my disappointment in the weak narrative and character missteps, despite the visual flair. It's a bold swing that doesn't quite connect.
