This week, Spider-Man & Wolverine is entering a second story arc titled “The Deaths of Spider-Man & Wolverine.” It’s not looking good for this anti-dynamic duo, but with Kaare Andrews back on board to draw and writer Marc Guggenheim going full-tilt with the multiverse, it’s a wild ride.
Spider-Man & Wolverine #7 is a wild ride from start to finish. It’s such a strong entry in the series, I’m frankly shocked it wasn’t what they went with for the first story arc. It deals in multiverse shenanigans, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s here for the action and the fun.
The issue opens with four pages meant to be read horizontally. It seems Guggenheim and Andrews want to make sure the reader knows the stakes are very high, as Wolverine and Spider-Man both die. They are killed by a character that looks a lot like an amalgam of the two, though he’s cast in shadow. The kills are rather creative and ruthless, making for a believable death when it comes to our heroes.
The story then shifts to Wolverine chasing down a guy in traffic. He’s hit by a truck and loses the perp, but soon finds himself outside the old apartment of Mariko. Before you can think about how it can’t be a coincidence, we cut to Spider-Man riding Rhino through New York. The dynamic range Andrews implores with Rhino and Spidey is fantastic, which carries over into Spider-Man swinging his way through the city in the following panels.
Always fun to turn the comic to read it.
Credit: Marvel
What keeps you guessing and having fun with this issue is the fast pace. The characters are jumping to another multiverse, there’s an efficient catch-up on the world they’re in regarding heroes and villains, and soon they’re facing the threat that started the issue. Surprisingly, the issue never feels too fast, nor does it lose you in the details. Guggenheim smartly gives both Wolverine and Spider-Man personal reasons to carry through with the mission, even though they aren’t in their own universe. All this, and there’s still five pages for our heroes to take on the big bad. Now that’s bang for your buck.
Art by Andrews is as good as ever, with the agility of Spider-Man being a highlight. He’s also great at capturing the bizarre, be it Mr. Fantastic’s bizarre stretching or the villain showing off his powers. Can Spider-Man look a touch weird at times? Sure, but it’s all part of the fun.
Spider-Man & Wolverine #7 is pure comic book fun. It’s a confident, high-energy issue that nails its tone and pacing while letting Kaare Andrews cut loose visually. Marc Guggenheim’s script hits emotional beats without slowing down the mayhem, resulting in a story that’s equal parts thrilling and heartfelt. It’s a reminder that the best superhero comics don’t have to reinvent the wheel—they have to spin it really, really fast.
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