Spider-Man & Wolverine #3 is Action-Packed, But Lacks Meat on the Bones (Review)

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In the ongoing comic series “Spider-Man & Wolverine” by Marc Guggenheim and Kaare Andrews, when Wolverine appears rational, it might be you who’s causing trouble. The narrative unfolds as they journey to the Savage Land for its third issue, much like the previous one, offering little advancement in the storyline. The sojourn to the Savage Land seems rather shallow and insubstantial, serving mainly as a backdrop for Spider-Man and Wolverine to engage in dinosaur battles. Battling dinosaurs is always an enjoyable experience, and it’s evident that the creative team is enjoying crafting the action scenes within the storyline.

In contrast, neither Spider-Man and Wolverine’s latest adventure in issue #3 offers fresh or thought-provoking content. Previously, they battled dinosaurs and mythical creatures, with Peter Parker even taking on Sauron in a popular meme. However, there’s an underlying emotional struggle between the two heroes that elevates this comic beyond mere entertainment. The artwork by Andrews, which some might find divisive, possesses a dynamic, almost manic energy that makes reading this issue a delight at times. While Spider-Man & Wolverine #3 is acceptable for those seeking something less demanding, it has the potential to be far more engaging.

Spider-Man & Wolverine #3 Is Silly, Fun Action

Spider-Man & Wolverine #3 picks up where the last issue ended, with Wolverine having stabbed Spidey in the abdomen. The comic tries to explain Wolverine’s actions but it remains tough to accept that he would so casually wound another hero in such a critical manner, even if it was during a heated moment. Peter Parker is grappling with his feelings throughout this issue, torn between collaborating with Logan and outright killing him. Although Peter’s earlier actions were understandable given the recent disclosure that Logan might have been involved in his parents’ death, his ongoing mistrust and desire for revenge seem uncharacteristic of Spider-Man. Despite Guggenheim’s extensive experience writing Spider-Man for Brand New Day, the writer seems to stumble when depicting the legendary web-slinger.

During Spider-Man & Wolverine #3, the character of Logan is given a deeper layer, as Guggenheim emphasizes his evolution over the last few decades. This new portrayal makes Wolverine seem more authentic and sensitive than previously depicted, indicating that he has truly transformed into a different person. Moreover, the comic acknowledges readers’ doubts about Logan being responsible for Peter Parker’s parents’ deaths, offering alternative theories to suggest Logan’s innocence in the crime. Although it softens the impact of the revelation that Logan killed the Parkers, the creators are mindful of fan reactions and concerns.

Moving forward, the story continues with our characters locked in a continuous battle against dinosaurs, Kraven the Hunter, and a fresh antagonist named Dreadshadow, who seems to have emerged straight from the ’90s. In this particular issue, Dreadshadow remains an enigma, only making appearances to deal some blows to the heroes. The villain’s character is not well-developed at this point, and he doesn’t contribute much to the comic. There’s potential for more with this character, but currently, he fails to make a significant impact. With multiple adversaries on hand, the narrative becomes overloaded and chaotic. The main heroes find themselves in the dark throughout most of the plot, making the storyline confusing. A clear link between the events of the first two issues and the heroes’ journey in the Savage Land is missing, which gives the impression that it’s merely a random diversion. The abrupt departure of the heroes from the Savage Land at the end of the issue emphasizes its unnecessary inclusion in the storyline.

Kaare Andrews’ sketches exhibit a lively and flowing style, however, they sometimes have puzzling panel layouts. There’s a peculiar scene showing Spider-Man revealing a concealed wall adorned with webs and dinosaurs that appears disjointed. Regardless, I’ve consistently appreciated Andrews’ unique limb structures and exaggerated character proportions. Andrews’ artwork stands out due to its deliberate style, setting it apart from the low-quality comic art prevalent during the ’90s. The eccentricities of Andrews’ drawings manage to overshadow any artistic flaws. Colorist Brian Reber maintains a mostly muted and uninteresting palette, tinting the issue with warm hues like yellow. This approach is acceptable for the Savage Land backdrop, but I can’t help but wish that Reber would incorporate more vibrant colors to add depth and impact.

The major drawback I found in issue #3 of “Spider-Man & Wolverine” is its predictable nature. Instead of delving into an intriguing exploration of the heroes’ bond, it primarily concentrates on offering exhilarating action sequences. To be fair to the creators, Guggenheim and Andrews, they are transparent about the kind of story they aim to tell. It appears that their goal isn’t to elevate “Spider-Man & Wolverine #3” beyond a thrilling dinosaur-themed action series, which should be acknowledged for its entertainment value.

Rating: 3 out of 5

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2025-07-30 16:13