Wolverine and the mystical Sylvie continue their decades-long, duty-bound mission. Spidey gets to finally see a movie set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Moon Knight battles himself and a mob of enemies to make a grave decision.
The Wolverine feature in this issue lets you know from the outset that this isn’t the old Marvel Comics Presents. Though it definitely had its high points and hidden gems, too often was it filled with some sub-par efforts that were appealing for one reason or another but really lacked substance.
The ongoing Vigil arc leans rigidly towards the likes of Wolverine tales like Weapon X or Blood Hungry even if it hasn’t quite hit those heights yet.
It’s tightly paced, working so well with the brief page count, and some spot-on character work (where was THIS Charles Soule in the recent death and return arcs?). Paulo Sequeira’s art is simply outstanding here. Evocative of the finer elements of Greg Land, John Cassaday, and Steve McNiven.
The mood shifts to suitably lighter shades for the throwback Spider-Man segment. Smartly written by Daniel Kibblesmith (Quantum & Woody, Lockjaw) and jam-packed with retro pop culture references, Kibblesmith applies for the job of future regular Spider-Man writer with style. The art, fun layouts and all, by Pere Perez (Smallville: Season Eleven, Archer & Armstrong) is wonderfully complemented by the fantastic color work of Rachelle Rosenberg. It really should be spotlighted how well Rosenberg locks the feel of the story into the era it’s set in. This really made me miss the way Spider-Man comics used to be produced.
Moon Knight has the last third of the book to himself. This, a character who never really appealed to me outside of Stephen Platt’s work on the book, won me over in such a short space that I’m about to go on a Marc Spector binge.
Benjamin Percy writes a great mystery, intriguing character, and high-quality narrative. As a writer, Percy is going from strength to strength lately.
Juan Ferreyra is an exceptional artist whose style really stands apart from every other working artist today. It has a real peak-80s feel to it while still coming across as cutting edge. His layout work is exquisite, inventive, and a treat to look out. His figures bear all the mood and emotion that the writing calls for. He and Percy make such a great creative team.
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