This limited series teamup has all the makings of a big hit, but people just aren't talking about it that much that I can see. Why is that? Well, I can posit a couple of reasons. First of all, the book is published under Marvel's darker, more mature imprint, Marvel Knights, but aside from the eerie artwork, the book just doesn't seem to boast those qualities. Furthermore, while the writer does a good job of bringing the interaction between these two radically different characters to life, there are a few elements that just don't make sense, that take the reader out of the tale.
Peter Parker accompanies Logan to Paris, where they've tracked a broadcast signal that should lead to the mysterious figure that's put them in harm's way. Their lead crumbles to dust soon after they arrive, though, leaving them to focus on the guy in the car that's trying to run them down in the middle of a Parisien street. A new lead turns up, and it results in another trot around the globe... this time to a much chillier locale.
Mavlian's artwork reminds me more than a little of the exaggerated and strange qualities of Sam Kieth's style, but Mavlian's stuff lacks definition. As a result, his figures are often inconsistently rendered. The tone of his work makes for a supernatural, ghostly look that might work well with some material, but this is more of an espionage/super-hero story. Mounts's colors reinforce that strange, dark mood, and not the kind that might reinforce tension.
There are moments in this issue that really shine, though. Wolverine's reaction to his reluctant partner's power, though awkwardly phrased, brings a smile to the reader's face. The same can be said of Spider-Man's mocking glee at the sight of Wolverine in a super-hero costume. Unfortunately, in the context of these characters and Marvel continuity, that moment really doesn't make a lot of sense. It's clear Spidey knows Wolverine, and it makes no sense that the notion of Logan in a costume would be a new idea to the wallcrawler.
The plot doesn't make a lot of sense either. The trip to Paris here turns out to be a completely pointless tangent, contributing nothing to the story. The reader is brought into a mad scientist laboratory setting for no apparent reason, as the scene lasts for all of two pages. The plotting scattered and is beginning to feel more than a little padded.
