The expansion of the multiverse can be tiring, especially with it being overused these days, but so far, Spider-Man & Wolverine are having plenty of fun with it. Sent to Earth-4587, the penultimate chapter in their quest to stop a Wolverine and Spider-Man amalgam gets closer to wrapping up. Firstly, they must fight the supervillain team known as the Revengers. Featuring combos like Namor and Thor, and Black Panther and Hulk, surely Spider-Man and Wolverine are outmatched. Right?!
Wrong, as is comically revealed at the start of Spider-Man & Wolverine #9. These villains may seem super strong, but Spider-Man realizes that in a world with no heroes, how well can these villains fight? The answer is not well, which allows artist Gerardo Sandoval a chance to show our heroes taking out these wacky amalgams in creative ways.
The strength of this issue lies in how quickly it presses forward, with scene changes and new foes to vanquish. Before you can catch your breath, Wolverine and Spider-Man are fighting their double-doppelgänger Arachnix, then facing even more superpowered people from this Earth. It’s the kind of comic book read where you think the issue has to be done and reached its page count, and yet it has more to offer. I can’t say if there was a quota of crazy reveals or fun choices, but by the issue’s end, it’s clear there’s more wild stuff going on than in most comics that are trying to have a good time.
How cool does Spider-Man look there?
Credit: Marvel
It’s light on character, but the voice of the main characters is on point, and writer Marc Guggenheim is good for a smirk-inducing joke or two. Will any of this really matter? Probably not, but at least it’s light and bubblegum.
While the stakes can feel high since our heroes are trapped in another universe with loud superpowered people coming in left and right, the comic is light on emotional stakes. Wolverine’s interest in seeing Mariko Yashida doesn’t seem all that compelling, though it’s used to tease the next issue.
Sandoval keeps the action interesting, with Arachnix looking fairly cool even if the design is fairly simple and uninspired. When limbs get lopped, Sandoval makes it look wet and gross. Another highlight is Spider-Man’s suit, with a classic Erik Larsen vibe. Meanwhile, Wolverine’s expressions steal the show in a variety of panels. The dude is miffed or shocked constantly, bringing a different kind of comedy to the page.
Spider-Man & Wolverine #9 knows exactly what kind of comic it wants to be: fast, ridiculous, and unapologetically entertaining. While it doesn’t pretend to add meaningful weight to the Marvel multiverse, it makes the journey worthwhile through constant escalation, sharp character voices, and nonstop action. It’s bubblegum comics done right. It’s sweet, fleeting, and fun while it lasts.
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