Review: Spider-Man/Deadpool #38, prehistoric mayhem

What happens when Spider-Man and Deadpool try to parent Master Matrix as they travel to the Savage Land? An amazing issue that will make you laugh every step of the way. Read our review for Spider-Man/Deadpool #38 below!

Spider-Man/Deadpool #37 surprised us with well-written characters, a fresh story and top-notch humor. In fact, the issue was so good we rated it an A+, as it proved why both Spider-Man and Deadpool make a fantastic duo. As a result, I was a bit worried about where the series was heading next. Was the Savage Land the right call? Was it going to slow things down or make them too weird for the series? Fortunately, Robbie Thompson always knew what was best for our heroes.

The story

This story succeeds not because it moves things forward at a fast pace or because it delivers some shocking plot twists. Anyone expecting any of those things could be left feeling disappointed. On the contrary, it works because it knows what it wants to do, and that is showing how our heroes would react to everything that has happened before. They are trapped in the Savage Land, so how will this affect them?

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This issue really shines with the way it treats its characters. It really helps that the narrative focuses only on Spidey, Deadpool and Master Matrix. Therefore, the story can dive deeper into the relationship between them and deliver some really touching moments. I was surprised at how genuinely strong some bits of the story were. But for every heartfelt panel, there are two more that will make you laugh. And that’s great, as the story manages to balance a lot of things at the same time without making everything feel like a mess.

Of course, the issue also manages to push the narrative a little forward, even if it’s not a lot. But that’s okay, as the characters and their dialog do most of the work.

The characters

The only thing that I wish was a bit different is the way Spidey is treated. He doesn’t really reflect the jokey attitude everybody knows him for. He does make a joke or two here, but I think that side of him has been missing on the last couple of issues. Besides that, Deadpool behaves just as you would expect. He wants to do some bad things, he jokes a lot and he breaks the fourth wall on a perfect way at almost every panel. I think Robbie Thompson is at his best when writing Deadpool.

With Master Matrix, things get a bit more interesting. He’s still trying to figure out who he is and what is his place in this world. That makes for a great and three-dimensional character arc that has a lot of impact on the story. As a result, you want to see where this journey takes him next and whether he will manage to be a good guy or not.

The action

Readers might be underwhelmed at the little amount of action this issue offers. As I said earlier, the story is more about the main characters’ relationships than their confrontations. Still, this isn’t something bad at all, as watching our heroes grow may be even better than watching them throw punches. Don’t get me wrong, though, they do manage to throw some punches at the end. Maybe not a lot, but it happens and it finishes the issue on a high and exciting note.

Overall, this is a fantastic issue that fans of the series will enjoy a lot. Not a single problem matters when Deadpool makes you laugh with his frequent fourth-wall break or when Spidey and Master Matrix get on a personal and emotional moment. Because of this, Spider-Man/Deadpool #38 is one of the best entries in the saga and one of my personal favorites.

Let us know in the comments below what do you think about this issue! And be sure to stick around with Whatever A Spider Can for everything Spider-Man related.