Marvel Comics’ synergy with the MCU is at a heightened pace, proven by this week’s Spider-Man: Long Way Home. Not only does the title have some synergy with the last Spidey flick, but this comic features Hulk and The Punisher, both main characters in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Back for a miniseries out of continuity is Jonathan Hickman, who also wrote Wolverine: Revenge. The new series features Marvel legend Adam Kubert, making it an easy add to the buy pile, but is it good?
As someone who had high hopes for a similar project, Wolverine: Revenge, but found very little to like beyond the art, I was pleasantly surprised by this first issue. Not only does it read better with its premise and plotting, but it also throws Punisher into a situation that feels logical for the character. Spider-Man fans get just a taste of him, but his inclusion is also a unique approach to the character. Throw in Hulk, who acts like a force of nature, and you have a rather exciting story. Then add in Kubert, and it’s top-notch stuff.
The story opens with Bruce Banner taking confession in a foreign land. The dialogue and captions are written well, albeit the usual “is he more monster than man” we’ve seen for the character many times over the years. It’s an intro for fans new and old, though, and it works.
Cool face paint.
Credit: Marvel
After that first page, the story jumps to Punisher, who is part of a team of special soldiers, each with a fun codename that adds a touch of character nuance to each. Punisher looks rather rough, with torn clothes and a cool white skull face paint that gives him an edgy vibe. You might think these characters are fighting in Vietnam, given their general look, but the location doesn’t matter. Their mission is to acquire the object before Hydra does, and the evil group is already infiltrating the base where it is held, heightening the intensity at the start of the mission.
That leads to a direct confrontation with Hydra and a rather fantastic double-page splash reveal of Hulk entering the fray. Spilling from this moment is a fantastic chase, as Punisher and his men run for their lives as the Hulk pursues them. Kubert gets to do all the things that make him great, from cool splash reveals to sound effect-filled chaotic scenes. The book leans into adult themes with some gore, making it feel quite adult, all things considered.
We don’t often get war comics these days from Marvel, which helps define this story and make it feel different. It’s unclear if they’ll continue to be in a jungle setting, but if so, there’s a Predator vibe to Hulk chasing down Punisher, which is a clever hook.
After putting this issue down, only two things hampered my overall enjoyment. One was how Spider-Man is drawn in, with little explanation. Wouldn’t a Captain America suit the story better? Likely there’s a reason, but none is given. The other is how Punisher’s men somehow reach the object before Hydra, even though they arrived much later. There’s no explanation, and it’s a rather convenient element you’ll probably forget quickly.
Spider-Man: Long Way Home #1 gets off to a strong start thanks to a focused premise, relentless momentum, and Adam Kubert’s exceptional artwork. Jonathan Hickman wisely centers much of the issue on Punisher and Hulk, creating a tense pursuit story that stands apart from typical superhero fare. The jungle setting, military backdrop, and bursts of graphic violence give the book a unique flavor, while Kubert’s visuals elevate every action beat. A few story choices require readers to go along for the ride, particularly regarding Spider-Man’s involvement, but they aren’t enough to derail the experience. By the final page, the creative team has established a dangerous world, an intriguing mystery, and a conflict that feels ready to explode.
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