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Claws #1-3

Wolverine & Black Cat: Claws

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Shanghaied and transported to a remote desert island, Wolverine and the Black Cat find themselves at the center of a deadly game. A team of filthy-rich hunters have slapped down some serious cash for the opportunity to hunt the most dangerous prey on the planet, and they've got the high-tech weapons to do just that. Like it or not, the key to Logan and Felicia's survival just might be their ability to cooperate long enough to evade their hunters and uncover the identity of the deadly ringmaster. Collects Wolverine/Black Cat #1-3, plus extras.

104 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

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About the author

Jimmy Palmiotti

1,681 books175 followers
James "Jimmy" Palmiotti is an American writer and inker of comic books, who also does writing for games, television and film.

Photo by Luigi Novi.

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5 stars
38 (13%)
4 stars
81 (27%)
3 stars
105 (36%)
2 stars
48 (16%)
1 star
18 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Scott.
2,319 reviews276 followers
December 11, 2018
[shots fired] "You might want to keep that pile of frosting you call a head tucked down." -- Wolverine

"Cute . . . I'm beginning to dislike you." -- Black Cat

Artist Joe Linsener notes in the bonus materials section that he wanted writers Gray & Palmiotti to "come up with an action-packed story filled with snappy dialogue - lots of verbal sparring between our stars." Well, sir - mission accomplished! Taking a chunk of inspiration from Richard Connell's oft-used short story The Most Dangerous Game, the lively B-movie style plot has the abducted Felicia Hardy and Logan thrown together on a tropical island to face all sorts of random peril. They bicker (call it dueling cynicism) and blow stuff up as they slice 'n dice their way out of the mess. The 'reveal' of the villain responsible for their woes - and the rough justice he ultimately has coming to him - was pretty good, too. Claws won't change your life, but it will keep you entertained for 30 minutes.
Profile Image for Marco.
641 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2014
Not much bang for the buck (three-issue limited series in a hardcover package) but I got this very cheap and it was rather entertaining, so I'm not complaining too loudly.
Not a must-read, but not a complete waste of time, either.
Profile Image for Megan.
64 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2008
A fun light comedy featuring two of my favorite favorite Marvel characters, with art by the incomparable JML. Quick banter, goofy villains, lots of explosions, and even a little romance -- what more could you ask for?

I'm just sorry that this was only a three-part series; I'd love to see these two teamed up again, especially if the same creative team is involved.

*Bonus points to anyone who spots the Dawn cameo!
Profile Image for Christopher.
354 reviews62 followers
April 20, 2016
Is it good in a general sense? Not particularly. But is it fairly entertaining considering the nonexistent expectations such a title begins with? Absolutely.
Profile Image for James DeSantis.
Author 17 books1,211 followers
May 18, 2025
Well, that's another one off the black cat reading list, and unfortunately, Wolverine & Black Cat: Claws by Jimmy Palmiotti lands squarely in the disappointing category. While I often appreciate a bit of lightheartedness and even some playful sensuality in comics, Palmiotti's attempts at humor here just don't connect, making those intended comedic moments feel tedious rather than amusing.

On the visual side, the artwork is undeniably dynamic and engaging, injecting a much-needed energy into the series. However, the character work and plot leave much to be desired. Peter Parker's portrayal feels off, Wolverine seems unusually brooding even for him, and the overarching plot simply lacks substance.

It's frustrating because pairing morally complex characters like Wolverine and Black Cat holds such promise for a compelling narrative. Instead, this series seems to squander that potential. Ultimately, Wolverine & Black Cat: Claws earns a 2 out of 5 for me.
Profile Image for L..
1,514 reviews74 followers
March 5, 2020
What can I say, it was short and cheap.

On the downside: This begins with a guest appearance by a supposed Spider Man. I say supposed because this guy didn't talk or act anywhere near what I consider Peter Parker. Blech. Thank goodness he's not around for long. The artwork was not all that. The artist sure liked to concentrate on women's rear ends. Interestingly, at the end of the book he says (about Black Cat) that he "wanted to downplay her bust-line". My God, if that's your idea of downplaying, I'd hate to see what in-you-face looks like.

On the upside: I'm not all that familiar with the character of Black Cat, but this version of her I could almost like.
Profile Image for Quentin Wallace.
Author 34 books178 followers
January 5, 2024
This was pretty much just what I expected. A fun story teaming Wolverine and the Black Cat. Nothing too deep here, probably no long range repercussions, but a cool story with cool art.
Profile Image for Craig.
6,796 reviews193 followers
February 5, 2013
There are some nice witty lines in the dialog and the painted covers are quite good, but overall this "Most Dangerous Game" pastiche is a little slim for the price. The art reminds me of the kind of thing Richard Corben used to do back in the day, but I had trouble with the eyes; there are a couple of Spider-Man pages where he appears to have bugging-out bug eyes, and when Felicia is wearing her mask the whites of her eyes turn too-completely emerald green. It's not a bad book, there are some nice touches, but I don't think they took it with enough sincerity.
Profile Image for April .
486 reviews14 followers
August 27, 2008
Amusing with very nice illustrations and entertaining snark.
Profile Image for Craig.
49 reviews18 followers
April 4, 2012
Fantastic plot, story, and a great ending. Great team up choice by Marvel!
290 reviews17 followers
August 7, 2014
These are two of my favorite comic book characters. I absolutely love the story line and these two have such great personality clashes. I can't wait to get the next one.
Profile Image for Justin.
46 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2014
I'm not usually one for the super hero comics but I liked this story line. It was fun without being too over the top. A lot of references to other novels.
Profile Image for Samra.
568 reviews
September 4, 2012
Fun and entertaining. I love felicia s costume.
1,010 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2023
Man is supposed to be the most deadly game there is to hunt. If that's true, then what do you call it when the prey is no other than the mutant Wolverine? The X-Man finds himself on a deserted island and locked in a cage. It seems that Arcade, the wonder-kind behind such deadly projects as Murderworld, has arranged it so that a bunch of rich jerks can go on the hunt of a lifetime.

Added to the mix is Felicia Hardy- AKA The Black Cat. How she got mixed up in the mess is beyond her comprehension. And don't bother asking Wolverine about this. He doesn't even know who Felicia Hardy is.

One is a gruff Canadian cigar chomping beer-swigging mutant. The other is a socialite thief with the ability to change a probability field to her odds and a taste for champagne. Despite the fact that Wolverine and Black Cat are one of the most unlikely pairs to ever team-up in the Marvel Universe, there's one thing linking the both of them: they're both mad as hell at this deadly situation and ready for payback! Oh! And they both have claws! Sharp claws ready to draw the first blood!

Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn/Gossamer Special) crafts a fun read full of action, adventure and mischief. Arcade is at his murderous best. Though, I really liked the inclusion of his girlfriend. There's a real Harley Quinn quality to her and they play off each other with such a banter of the likes of Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn or Hepburn and Cary Grant!

(Oooh! Oooh! I just had a thought. Wouldn't a team-up of Arcade and The Riddler be rich?! I'd play good money for such!)

The artwork is by Joseph Michael Linsner (Red Sonja). His illustrations of the Black Cat and Arcade's gal pal are ultra sultry. But the way he's drawn Wolverine is kinda feral. But not like a wild animal. More like a furry kitten. I'm sorry but Felicia Hardy's face looks more deadly and dangerous than that of Logan's. At least Arcade and the murderous 'proud boys' look pretty dastardly.

Too bad that they never made a sequel to this Marvel Knights tale! WAITAMINUTE!!!! They made a sequel!?! That's immediately going on my wishlist!
Profile Image for M.
1,712 reviews17 followers
October 7, 2017
Jimmy Palmiotti and Joe Linsner team up to deliver a weird and wild romp through the Marvel Universe with their Claws miniseries. Black Cat is up to her classic shenanigans, escaping from the advances of Spider-Man to pull a simple jewel heist. Wolverine is attempting to fly back home to the States, encountering all sorts of difficulties with airline security due to his Adamantium skeleton. Both are targeted by a mysterious force that gasses the clawed combatants and sets them up as prey for a pack of rich hunter. Logan naturally dives into the fray, absorbing bullets, arrows, and missiles; Black Cat wants nothing more than to get back to New York. As the duo discern that Arcade and White Rabbit are behind the entire situation, they switch from evasion to revenge. Jimmy Palmiotti pens a ridiculous tale that evokes hints of the Greatest Game with none of the finesse of that novella. His Logan is brutish, his Black Cat ostentatious, his antagonists are one-note jokes, and his main villains are shadows of themselves. It does not help that the final issue of the three-issue series is told as a flashback; the whole event feels rushed and out of character. Joe Linsner does a fine job with his artistry, bringing his good girl art styles to a new and improved Black Cat costume. His Logan is much more animal than man, which only serves to heighten the dynamic between the two heroes. His remaining designs feel off ,however, as a bug-eyed Spider-Man, laughing Cyclops, and male model Kraven just do not fit. Claws takes a daring stab into the Marvel Universe, but most likely should have been trimmed before reaching production stage.
Profile Image for Tyler Zamora.
263 reviews
March 25, 2025
I absolutely loved the random pairing of Wolverine and Black Cat! I never would’ve thought to put them together, so when I saw this graphic novel existed, I had to read it. The wise cracking Felicia paired with the hot headed Logan made for a perfect duo. Their banter is worth reading alone, but the action is also good. We see conflict in the form of villains Kraven, Arcade, and White Rabbit. This made me geek out a little more since any 90’s geek knows that Arcade is the villain of the Sega game Spider-Man/X-Men: Arcade’s Revenge, so this felt very correct.

The story is fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. I find it believable that rich people and bad guys would want to hunt these two notorious individuals. I also think that Logan and Felicia would get on each other’s nerves so it’s really fun to watch the writers have fun with that dynamic. The writers make it feel like these two characters were meant to have a storyline together (hence why there’s probably a sequel to this graphic novel).

The art is also very well done. I love the Neanderthal look they give to Wolverine. I think it fits very well and I like how the artist mentions they intentionally did this to pay homage to his original look. Black Cat’s design is sleek and sexy. I love the claws they give her. It helps her looks more intimidating to match up with Wolverine. My only negative critique is how much they sexualize Felicia. I don’t appreciate the zoom shots on her tits and ass, but that’s just me as a gay man being aware of the heterosexual male gaze. If they zoomed on Logan’s bulge and booty, maybe I would’ve felt different because the objectification would’ve been equal, but it wasn’t. This was a typical trope that I wish I didn’t find in this comic. Other than that one complaint though, I really enjoyed this ride and can’t wait to check out Claws 2!
Profile Image for pastiesandpages - Gavin.
525 reviews13 followers
April 9, 2023
A fun mini series with great art. It's only 3 issues but we also get a 32 page sketchbook to round out the book.

It's the equivalent of a popcorn movie. A simple story, some good action sequences and also some laughs.

Wolverine and Black Cat are thrown together when they are both captured and awake on a deserted island. Deserted apart from a group of hunters who have signed up to get their thrills by hunting the heroes. Kraven the Hunter turns up to lead the bad guys, but wait, isn't he supposed to be dead? What's going on? Is there some other villain involved?

The opening issue has a quick (and rather cheesy) appearance by Spiderman but then we get into the story proper.
It's very tongue in cheek as the villains even admit it's Wolverine they want to hunt and test themselves against and that they've brought Black Cat along for eye candy. It does appear that way to start with but thankfully as the story progresses she ends up saving Wolverine as much as he saves her and proves that she has been underestimated.

It's like a buddy movie with this unlikely pair squabbling and joking but developing a level of friendship.
The writers have fun by pushing Wolverine's healing factor to the max. It's a running joke that he's constantly getting shot, blown up, etc.

A quick, fun bit of entertainment. Just don't take it too seriously.
61 reviews
January 4, 2020
An excellent read for anyone looking for a light-hearted, comedic approach to storytelling. Unfortunately, for me, that's not why I get into the books. Even so, this one definitely had its moments, and I enjoyed Black Cat throughout. They could have done better with some of Logan's depictions and certainly chosen a better villain, not to mention a better ending with that particular villain. I also didn't care for his sidekick. But if you're looking for comedy, as my husband prefers, and like either of these characters, you'll enjoy this book!
65 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2020
Hmmm

Ugh. I know this was supposed to be a "funny book," but stick to the characters. Wolverine does not have super strength of a level to throw a woman 50 feet in the air, or even 12 feet. And Black Cat's powers really did not do much. This was just making fun of Logan, which happens often enough.
Read this at the library, or pass on it.
Profile Image for Alex G.
88 reviews
September 4, 2025
How dare they completely screw up spiderman!!!

Aside from spiderman, this comic is alright although rather ridiculous and corny. I've got many complaints but meh, it's a "so bad it's bad kind of situation". Nothing worth reading (or rereading) but definitely funny that it does exist.

Who greenlit this?
Profile Image for Brandon.
2,880 reviews40 followers
April 9, 2021
Utter filth. They literally say that Black Cat is only included in this book so that there's someone to ogle at. Then factor in the groping, body-shaming, racism, and so many other small things that make this a thoroughly unsatisfying experience on every single page.
Profile Image for Roberto Diaz.
737 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2022
A fun little mini-series

A fun, fast-paced mini-series, showcasing two characters from the Marvel universe that Joseph Michael Lisner wantend to draw. Cool behind the scenes material included.
104 reviews
February 22, 2018
This was a really fun book! My only complaint was I wasn't crazy about the artwork, and I wish it was more than just 3 issues. But overall it was very good!
Profile Image for Crazed8J8.
788 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2020
Creative take on these classic heroes. I love Linsner's work, and he really shines here. Great story, fun, worth reading!
Profile Image for Niche.
1,142 reviews
July 16, 2022
2.5
Thought it was okay, always nice to see anything X-Men related that isn't angst, drama, or doom'n'gloom. Horn-dog Spidey in the opening was the biggest minus and just felt really creepy/cringe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews