Spider-Man & Wolverine #1 – “DUALITY”

Off the Cuff Tom and the Hops GEEK News duo teamed up to review this amazing first issue of Spider-Man & Wolverine. This comic wasted not time sucking us in, and making us fall in love.

Creative Team:

Writer: Marc Guggenheim;

Artist: Kaare Andrews;

Color Artist: Brian Reber;

Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham;

Cover Artist: Kaare Andrews;

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Bagley & Richard Isanove; Nick Bradshaw & Jim Charlampidis; Clayton Crain; David Marquez & Matthew Wilson; Dike Ruan & Moreno Dinisio.

Check out another current comic by Marc Guggenheim: Star Wars Jedi Knights.

WARNING: Possible Spoilers Ahead!

The Story & Art for Spider-Man & Wolverine

Tom:

Not that I NEED a reason for these two characters to come together in a comic book, but the fact that they’re using this double agent secret spy thing in conjunction with Peter’s parents’ past is perfect for them to come together. Synergy!

The fact that Logan rides in like Wolverine out of Hell and STILL sets off Pete’s Spidey Sense says something about how Pete quantifies Logan. Adding two of the deadliest hunters in the Marvel Universe just keeps adding to the action, but the sheer camp of the story. Don’t forget the “quips and thwips” between the Web-Head and Weapon X.

Not only do they go back and forth on their own, but they are thrown into a “FISHBOWL,” making a twisted alamgam of their own stories, leading to a breakthrough that will affect both our fan favorites forever.

McFarlane heavily inspires the artwork on this, and considering the amount of action, angles, and agility needed with their dynamic characters, it is a perfect choice as much as the book does still have topical references to modern culture: texts, Olivas Rodrigo, etc. The 90s art aesthetic hits the mark like a well-timed webswing or berserker barrage.

Matt:

This may be a hot take but, I am glad that Marc is keeping up with fresh ideas in this run such as Peter being back in the dating pool. It may seem like a small detail or deal but, to me, I love this because it allows for Marc and the team to play free and loose in this world. This issue has a tremendous amount of humor and captured perfectly is the tone of Peter and Logan. The idea to have them switch up who they are fighting as well as putting them in each other’s memories was another great idea showing how Marc truly grasps the decades of lore. surrounding two of Marvel’s most popular characters. The ending certainly had me gasp as I did not expect Logan to Winter Soldier Peter’s parents which was a shocking twist I think fans may end up divided on and ultimately come to like.

As for the artwork, Kaare and Brian had fun drawing Wolverine dressed as Spider-man and vice versa. Artistically this issue pops out with the reds and yellows leaping from the pages. The action is crisp and violent with my favorite being Kraven and Logan going toe to toe. Their fighting styles are captured and the duo make it seem as though they are almost dancing across the panels. The final shot of Peter leaping after Wolverine was perhaps my favorite and sets the scene for an explosive second issue to come.

Spider-Man & Wolverine #1 is an action-packed and humorous debut issue capturing the spirit of two of Marvel’s most beloved heroes. The ending will send shockwaves through the comic community and I am dying to get my hands on issue 2. The team knocked this issue out of the park!

Lauren:

Spider-Man & Wolverine wasted no time hitting the ground running. We immediately get acquainted with the bitter old man named Logan and the still hopeful and joke making Peter Parker. They’re on a mission to prevent some information getting out that could cause a lot of casualties worldwide. However, who or what they’re up against is not what they expected in the least. We get a stroll through some greatest comic book hits, but in a twisted freaky Friday way. Only to end on a devistating cliffhanger.

Not only did the story immediately suck me in, but the art took it to another level as well. Pictures within pictures showcasing history and pain mixed with some amazing action shots. The art truly complimented a perfectly written comic starring Marvel’s (arguably) two most beloved characters.

Check out another review by Lauren: In Any Lifetime by Marc Guggenheim.

Overall Grade: 10/10

There’s not much more praising we can give it, that we didn’t above. We unanimously give Spider-Man & Wolverine #1 10 out 10 web shooters. We can’t wait for the next issue, bub. SNIKT!

For more from Tom, click here!

For more from Matt & Lauren, check out Hops GEEK News!

Check out recent interviews that Tom, Matt, & Lauren had with the writer, Marc Guggenheim:

Have you checked out any books by Marc Guggenheim? Let us know in the comments!