REVIEW: ‘Werewolf by Night,’ Issue #3

Werewolf By Night #3 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Taboo, and B. Earl, art Scot Eaton, inks by Scott Hanna, colors by Miroslav Mrva, and letters by VC’s Joe Sabino. Additionally, “The Song of the Wolf” art by Jeffrey Veregge. Jake Gomez has bitten off more than he can chew, and now the beast inside is threatening to overcome him. With a little help from an unsuspecting source.

Previously, Jake had attempted to sabotage a shipment of kidnapped test subjects to be used in illegal human experiments. To Jake’s shock, though, the entourage was being protected by three technologically advanced monsters. While he’d survived the battle royale, Jake was left in bad shape. Alone in the desert, and with Life Pharmaceuticals patrolling the area, the resident teen wolf was in an unfamiliar spot. While he’d gotten used to being the hunter, now he was the prey. Just when things felt lost, Red Wolf and JJ happened upon the lycanthrope in the hopes of bringing him in without harm.

In the current issue, Red Wolf must overcome the beast inside Jake to rescue the teenager from himself. The ancient warrior shares a myth from his past, about a man who sacrificed everything to wield the power of the wolf, to ensure that their true love was protected, but forever cursed to pass down this mutation through their family genes. Meanwhile, Life Pharmaceuticals has set its eyes on a new prized target, and they will land this asset no matter the cost.

Werewolf By Night #3 was an exciting read. Taboo and Earl found a unique way to present the origin story that I’ve not seen used before in comics. Using a list of lyrics, a song was scripted on a page titled “The Song of the Wolf” with a subsequent full-page spread drawn by Veregge that visually details the story. We find out later that Red Wolf drew it on a napkin. Each lyric of the song is linked with a number on the art so you can follow with the optics from the perception of Jake.

The dialogue initially was engaging as Red Wolf narrates the battle with Jake. Realizing the wolf’s raw power, the man out of time has to calculate each step very carefully. It’s one thing to go into a fight with the notion of winning, but to fight with a monster by only wanting to incapacitate it, is a whole other story.

Additionally, I appreciated the level of bonding that was attempted here. Having Jake see a male elder be gentle, patient, and understanding to counteract the nature of animalistic ex-con of a Father. Taboo and Earl have been threading this narrative throughout all of the issues so far, showing Red Wolf’s concern for the youth on the preservation and the need to value and protect them for the future.

Eaton and Hanna’s work throughout the issue was ok. The introductory art detailing the fight between Red Wolf and Jake was excellent, but it lacked a real granularity level as the issue progressed. The second half of the issue visually feels flat and somewhat rushed. Secondary to this, the colors from Mrva feel dull and bland and don’t particularly suit the art. With the ability to draw, include monsters, and shootouts, I was expecting more POP, but sadly it just doesn’t deliver as expected.

Sabino’s lettering was well-balanced and placed. The design of the onomatopoeia was catchy and jumped from the page. All in all, a good performance.

Overall, the story was enjoyable, but nothing mind-blowing. Werewolf By Night #3 lacks some of the impact the prior issues had visually, even while the story’s depth does deliver an entertaining plot. The ending of the issue does set up an exciting conclusion to this mini-series, so we’ll have to wait and see what’s in store from this creative team.

Werewolf By Night #3 is available wherever comics are sold.