What happens when the world’s most talkative superhero teams up with the guy who would rather say nothing at all? You get Spider-Man & Wolverine #1.
Marvel Comics just dropped a bombshell on May 21, 2025, with the release of Spider-Man & Wolverine #1, kicking off an exciting new ongoing series. This issue promises to dig deep into the shared, and perhaps more intertwined than we thought, histories of two of Marvel’s biggest names. If you’re looking for classic superhero action mixed with a compelling spy mystery and a jaw-dropping twist, you’ve found it.
But does it deliver?
Spoiler-free thoughts? This issue feels like kicking off a mission with the safety off, and while the gun might not fire just yet, the click is loud enough to make you flinch.
I mentioned earlier that my wife misses me when she was at Midtown Comics in New York City. She got me two variant covers of Spider-Man & Wolverine #1, and one of them is the foil cover.
The Plot: “Janus” and Just Enough Intrigue
Writer Marc Guggenheim wastes no time. The issue opens with a covert operation gone sideways (because, of course, it does), and we’re quickly pulled into a tangled mess involving something called the Janus Directory, an ultra-classified file that may or may not list every deep-cover operative in the Marvel Universe.
Guess who’s on it? Wolverine.
Guess who stumbles into it like a spider in a toaster? Peter Parker.
The premise is clever enough. It’s not just “Spider-Man and Wolverine punch bad guys”; it’s about trust, identity, and secrets, all framed within a spy-thriller setting that brings back serious 1990s vibes (more on that in a bit).
Kaare Andrews’ Art: Dirty, Dangerous, and Delicious
The MVP here is hands down Kaare Andrews. It’s dynamic, expressive, and brings a fantastic ’90s comic book vibe with its focus on detailed musculature and intense action. Andrews perfectly captures the stark visual contrast between Spider-Man’s agile, acrobatic movements and Wolverine’s raw, brutal power. There are some truly striking full-page spreads, and a particularly cool sequence where both heroes experience flashes of each other’s traumatic memories. Brian Reber’s vibrant colors perfectly complement the art, making every panel pop.
The panels basically screams, “Hey, remember when comics were fun but also kind of terrifying?” Yeah, that.
Dialogue & Dynamic: Opposites Distract
Spider-Man and Wolverine are a classic odd couple, and Guggenheim leans into that energy, maybe a bit too predictably at times. Peter’s quips occasionally land, but other times they feel wedged in. Wolverine’s deadpan comebacks, on the other hand, are exactly what you want: dry, mean, and vaguely threatening.
Their chemistry isn’t quite electric yet, but there’s a clear setup for tension and potential conflict. They’re on the same side, technically… but you can already smell a future betrayal brewing. Just the way we like it.
Final Thoughts: Set-Up Issue Done Right?
Let’s be real, Spider-Man & Wolverine #1 is a setup issue. It lays the groundwork for bigger things, hints at twists (is this Janus Directory real? who’s pulling strings?), and plants some character seeds. Does it blow the doors off with a mind-bending plot twist? Not really. But it does something maybe more important: it makes you want to come back.
This book knows its tone: a bit throwback, a bit espionage, and definitely not for kids. It’s like mixing Mission: Impossible with The Amazing Spider-Man, then asking Wolverine to slice the blender in half halfway through.
Spoilers
Their investigation quickly turns personal for Peter, throwing our heroes into immediate conflict. He uncovers some incredibly unsettling information related to his past, specifically concerning the mysterious deaths of his parents. This revelation drags Wolverine right into the heart of Peter’s deepest tragedy, setting up the inevitable and highly anticipated confrontation hinted at by the title.
This bold and controversial move may certainly spark debate among fans. While some might see it as a dramatic ploy, it undeniably creates a compelling mystery and guarantees readers will be back for issue #2.
Is Spider-Man & Wolverine #1 Worth Your Pull List?
YES: If you’re a fan of either character and want a fresh-but-classic vibe.
MAYBE: If you’re here for plot-heavy, twist-a-minute pacing. This is slow burn… but with claws.
Juan’s Score: 8/10
Bold art, solid character beats, and the promise of a deeper, darker story. A stylish opener with plenty of bite, and just enough mystery to keep you hooked.
For Logan’s newest solo story in the wilderness, see our full Wolverine Vol. 8 #1 review. And now with Marvel’s Wolverine confirmed for PS5 in Fall 2026, it looks like Logan’s claws are finally getting the AAA game treatment too.”
