Spider-Man & Wolverine #1 was a great opening issue, setting up both characters and throwing things into disarray with a dramatic twist. Mix in Kaare Andrews’ detailed and kinetic art, and it was a big winner. But, with Spider-Man in full rage mode and Wolverine known for his temper, will the two heroes last through issue #2?
Cutting to the chase, Spider-Man & Wolverine #2 opens with Spider-Man screaming, “You killed my parents,” and fully decking Wolverine. He saw video footage from the plane in which his parents died, and it appears Wolverine was involved in sending that plane into a mountain. Mixing things up, the very next page is a double-page splash that’s read vertically, maximizing the in-your-face action.
Visually, this issue excels. From Spider-Man’s agility, which isn’t featured enough in my opinion, to the way the video footage of his parents’ plane crashing is seamlessly integrated into the fight, this makes for a kinetic and enjoyable reading experience.
As for the fight scene, the choreography is strong, and the battle damage is fully realized. Spider-Man gets a tattered look that’s reminiscent of iconic moments in the past. At one point, Wolverine takes on some battle damage that’s at once new and grotesque. You will not doubt that both heroes are going as hard as possible. In the case of Spider-Man, it’s unbridled rage, and with Wolverine, it’s his berserker mode awoken because there’s only so much he can take.
Punch and kick and punch.
Credit: Marvel
As for the plot, there’s nearly nothing here. Spider-Man demands Wolverine admit he killed his parents, only for Wolverine to admit that time of his life is fuzzy at best. They repeat this back and forth at least once more. Outside of this, the entire issue is essentially one fight scene, which ultimately delays any resolution or realization. It’s also a bit surprising that Wolverine is the only one with sense, given that Spider-Man is technically a genius. One long, drawn-out fight sequence is all well and good, but the story and characters are basically as far along in the story as they were at the last cliffhanger.
Spider-Man & Wolverine #2 delivers explosive visuals and raw emotion, but its relentless fight sequence comes at the cost of meaningful story progression, leaving readers exactly where they were at the end of issue #1.
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