Last issue, we got to meet the Earth-65 version of the Venom symbiote (YES!). This week, we get to become acquainted with the Earth-65 version of Wolverine (ugh).
Writer: Jason Latour
Artist: Robbi Rodriguez
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Read Reactions
- When you’ve got a giant lizard arm and you’re running from Spider-Gwen through Madripoor, it’s time to reflect on your life decisions.
- Coolest. Credits. Ever.
- Mr. Murderhands: Silly name, badass/tragic origin.
- Seriously? She’s in this, too?
- Earth-65 Foggy Nelson makes me sad :(
- Earth-65 Matt Murdock, however, is still pretty awesome (in a terrifyingly evil sort of way).
- Harry Osbourne, Gwen Stacy, and a 20-sided dice vs. A truckload of ninjas. I’m betting on the roleplayers.
The Verdict
Well color me surprised. Despite my misgivings about yet another alternate version of Wolverine, writer Jason Latour manages to channel everything good about the character, mix it with plenty of knowing winks to his worst clichés, and create a really great character. Add in a surprise cameo—along with Gwen’s reaction to her—and the ‘Predators’ showdown is (surprisingly) one of the funniest/best moments in the series’ history.
I do wish we’d gotten a bit more info about the Venom symbiote, especially after the massive tease from last issue. Thankfully, reading Earth-65 Matt Murdock’s scenes are a treat no matter how frustratingly vague they are.
On the art side of things, Robbi Rodriguez is in peak form. In addition to his normal flair for action sequences, the facial expressions of both Gwen and Harry add substantially to the interactions between them. And then there’s that credits page…
…look, I know I sound like I’m going overboard praising such a mundane thing, but as someone who needs to check it every issue, a dynamic framing device like the one Latour/Rodriguez used is very much appreciated.
As someone who has grown tired of stories featuring alternate dimension stories and Wolverine (and alternate dimension Wolverines), Spider-Gwen #20 still managed to be one of the most entertaining comics I’ve read this year. If a crusty old cynic enjoyed it this much, you probably will, too.
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