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Spider-Man (1990) #8–12
Spider-Man: Perceptions
An graphic-novel adventure in which Spider-Man comes up against Wolverine. When news comes that there's a murderous bigfoot on the loose in Canada, Peter Parker - Spider-Man's other self - is sent off with orders to snatch photographs of the monster before anyone else does.
118 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
About the author
Todd McFarlane
1,947 books468 followersTodd McFarlane is a Canadian comic book artist, writer, toy manufacturer/designer, and media entrepreneur who is best known as the creator of the epic occult fantasy series Spawn.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, McFarlane became a comic book superstar due to his work on Marvel Comics' Spider-Man franchise. In 1992, he helped form Image Comics, pulling the occult anti-hero character Spawn from his high school portfolio and updating him for the 1990s. Spawn was one of America's most popular heroes in the 1990's and encouraged a trend in creator-owned comic book properties.
In recent years, McFarlane has illustrated comic books less often, focusing on entrepreneurial efforts, such as McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane Entertainment, a film and animation studio.
In September, 2006, it was announced that McFarlane will be the Art Director of the newly formed 38 Studios, formerly Green Monster Games, founded by Curt Schilling.
McFarlane used to be co-owner of National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers but sold his shares to Daryl Katz. He's also a high-profile collector of history-making baseballs.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, McFarlane became a comic book superstar due to his work on Marvel Comics' Spider-Man franchise. In 1992, he helped form Image Comics, pulling the occult anti-hero character Spawn from his high school portfolio and updating him for the 1990s. Spawn was one of America's most popular heroes in the 1990's and encouraged a trend in creator-owned comic book properties.
In recent years, McFarlane has illustrated comic books less often, focusing on entrepreneurial efforts, such as McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane Entertainment, a film and animation studio.
In September, 2006, it was announced that McFarlane will be the Art Director of the newly formed 38 Studios, formerly Green Monster Games, founded by Curt Schilling.
McFarlane used to be co-owner of National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers but sold his shares to Daryl Katz. He's also a high-profile collector of history-making baseballs.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 28, 2014
This was hard to read at the start, but it got progressively better once the real star of the story made his appearance. Despite having his name on the cover, this was pretty much a Wolverine show. Spider-Man was simply out of his element in the forests of Canada and he was practically useless. Wolverine though was at home, story-wise and literally.
Without a doubt, the art was (to borrow an adjective from McFarlane's prior assignment) amazing. This was McFarlane at his prime; and on the character he was born to draw and revolutionized. His writing, although would significantly improve later on, was the weakest link on this story. It seemed that McFarlane the writer didn't trust McFarlane the artist enough to tell his story. There was an over reliance on captions.
I must give credit to McFarlane though for using a mature subject matter to construct his story around. Child abuse would be a topic that McFarlane would revisit in his Spawn stories.
If I were you, I'd buy this for the art.
Without a doubt, the art was (to borrow an adjective from McFarlane's prior assignment) amazing. This was McFarlane at his prime; and on the character he was born to draw and revolutionized. His writing, although would significantly improve later on, was the weakest link on this story. It seemed that McFarlane the writer didn't trust McFarlane the artist enough to tell his story. There was an over reliance on captions.
I must give credit to McFarlane though for using a mature subject matter to construct his story around. Child abuse would be a topic that McFarlane would revisit in his Spawn stories.
If I were you, I'd buy this for the art.
March 16, 2025
4/5 Stars
Individual issues rated below -
Spider-Man (1990) #8: 3/5
Spider-Man (1990) #9: 4/5
Spider-Man (1990) #10: 5/5
Spider-Man (1990) #11: 4.5/5
Spider-Man (1990) #12: 3/5
Individual issues rated below -
Spider-Man (1990) #8: 3/5
Spider-Man (1990) #9: 4/5
Spider-Man (1990) #10: 5/5
Spider-Man (1990) #11: 4.5/5
Spider-Man (1990) #12: 3/5
October 23, 2021
The storyline is more mature than Marvel's more modern fare and Todd McFarlanes artwork is gorgeously detailed and darker, which is perfect for this story type. The narrative tackles what it's like for Superheroes when they have to face real monsters instead of supervillains, following Wolverine and Spiderman on the trail of a killer. Having a moral value that explains the real monsters aren't always so obvious and sometimes the ones we as society trust most.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2023
2.5 at best. Some great art and wolverine is actually pretty intense here. But spidy side B reporter story is dull as can be and windigo starts off fresh than boring zzzzzzz.
A 2 out of 5.
A 2 out of 5.
June 23, 2021
Pues fue una mejora bastante considerable respecto a Tormento y Máscaras.
Percepciones es la última etapa de Todd Mcfarlane con Spider Man haciendo tanto de escritor como dibujante. Consta de una miniserie de 5 números donde en el mismo tono crudo y amoral de las anteriores sagas se mantiene.
Todo comienza cuando aparece un monstruo terrible que aparentemente esta matando y devorando a los niños y dejando sus cuerpos regados en los bosques de Canadá. La prensa esta montando un circo y es por eso que J.J Jameson manda a Peter Parker como fotografo al epicentro de todo, al mismo tiempo Wolverine inicia una investigación por su propia cuenta pues el es canadiense y tiene un interés personal en el caso, no solo por los niños, tambien por los cazadores furtivos que estan aprovechando el caos para matar animales sin restricciones, en esta historia ambos cruzaran sus caminos y pondran en juego sus habilidades para tratar de resolver el misterio del monstruo devorador de niños.
A diferencia de las otras historias de McFarlane esta vez no encontraremos grandes peleas pero en contraposicion a eso la narrativa y la intriga mejoran bastante pues genuinamente el caso tiene un sentimiento de misterio en el que varios personajes se ven envueltos, la historia tambien funciona como una crítica a los medios pues en varios momentos de la trama se hace hincapié en el poco interés de la gente en encontrar una solución y prefieren solo hacer correr rumores y tener primicias independientemente de que tan ciertas son las fuentes. Por parte de Wolverine tambien vemos otra crítica que trata hacer conciencia por los animales y lo perjudicial que es el factor humano en la naturaleza. Asi que el guion es muy bueno y el arte ni se diga, si ya de por si en Tormento y Máscaras McFarlane se había lucido aca se supera asi mismo y nos vuelve a entregar a un Spidey intimidante con poses imposibles pero geniales, un Wolverine muy enojado y el monstruo de esta historia extremadamente detallados y bueno, esta por demás decir que las escenas violentas y la sangre estan a la orden del día.
Percepciones creo que es un gran cierre a la etapa de Todd Mcfarlane y sin duda alguna ha sido una de las lecturas del arácnido que más he disfrutado en meses recientes...
Percepciones es la última etapa de Todd Mcfarlane con Spider Man haciendo tanto de escritor como dibujante. Consta de una miniserie de 5 números donde en el mismo tono crudo y amoral de las anteriores sagas se mantiene.
Todo comienza cuando aparece un monstruo terrible que aparentemente esta matando y devorando a los niños y dejando sus cuerpos regados en los bosques de Canadá. La prensa esta montando un circo y es por eso que J.J Jameson manda a Peter Parker como fotografo al epicentro de todo, al mismo tiempo Wolverine inicia una investigación por su propia cuenta pues el es canadiense y tiene un interés personal en el caso, no solo por los niños, tambien por los cazadores furtivos que estan aprovechando el caos para matar animales sin restricciones, en esta historia ambos cruzaran sus caminos y pondran en juego sus habilidades para tratar de resolver el misterio del monstruo devorador de niños.
A diferencia de las otras historias de McFarlane esta vez no encontraremos grandes peleas pero en contraposicion a eso la narrativa y la intriga mejoran bastante pues genuinamente el caso tiene un sentimiento de misterio en el que varios personajes se ven envueltos, la historia tambien funciona como una crítica a los medios pues en varios momentos de la trama se hace hincapié en el poco interés de la gente en encontrar una solución y prefieren solo hacer correr rumores y tener primicias independientemente de que tan ciertas son las fuentes. Por parte de Wolverine tambien vemos otra crítica que trata hacer conciencia por los animales y lo perjudicial que es el factor humano en la naturaleza. Asi que el guion es muy bueno y el arte ni se diga, si ya de por si en Tormento y Máscaras McFarlane se había lucido aca se supera asi mismo y nos vuelve a entregar a un Spidey intimidante con poses imposibles pero geniales, un Wolverine muy enojado y el monstruo de esta historia extremadamente detallados y bueno, esta por demás decir que las escenas violentas y la sangre estan a la orden del día.
Percepciones creo que es un gran cierre a la etapa de Todd Mcfarlane y sin duda alguna ha sido una de las lecturas del arácnido que más he disfrutado en meses recientes...
February 5, 2020
C'è il Wendigo, c'è il Wolverine, c'è L'Uomo Ragno.
Migliora leggermente la scansione delle tavole di McFarlocco, ma ancora non arriva alla sufficienza. Inoltre, ancora una volta, la storia è una nullità assoluta.
mezza stella.
Migliora leggermente la scansione delle tavole di McFarlocco, ma ancora non arriva alla sufficienza. Inoltre, ancora una volta, la storia è una nullità assoluta.
mezza stella.
June 28, 2009
I was pleasently surprised by this book, considering it's by Todd McFarlane, a man best known for Spawn, a comic series I found utterly without merit.
"Perceptions" itself was a good story, set in Canada, with Spiderman on the trail of a mystery of savage attacks in the middle of nowhere. Also on the trail is Canada's favoured son, Wolverine, and together they make a fantastically mismatched pair trying to track down and stop the bloody path cut by the monsterous Sasquach.
"Perceptions" itself was a good story, set in Canada, with Spiderman on the trail of a mystery of savage attacks in the middle of nowhere. Also on the trail is Canada's favoured son, Wolverine, and together they make a fantastically mismatched pair trying to track down and stop the bloody path cut by the monsterous Sasquach.
March 31, 2015
I must say, I love these gritty storylines for old Spidey. Todd McFarlane's interpretation of Wolverine...perfect, so raw.
February 11, 2025
(3.5 stars)
So much potential, so much greatness, but did disappoint a bit.
It’s redundant to discuss how amazing Todd McFarlane’s artwork is, but it’s so outstanding that I can’t not talk about it. His designs take previously perfected characters by Steve Ditko and John Byrne, and turns the dial up to 11. This is the best Wolverine has ever looked in the comics, more than the others, this captures the brutal, animalistic nature of him, with the shading and choice of visuals. He constantly looks awesome, and Spider-Man is made to be very vibrant and animated with only still frames, but you can still get a sense of his buggish movements. The forest aesthetic is so cool, it makes me wish we got to see it more in superhero comics, because there’s nothing I love quite like a jungle action sequence. It creates a memorable atmosphere and is made to look both foreboding and stunning. Also the action is just amazing, very gruesome without relying on brutality, a careful tightrope that McFarlane balances, even little moments like Wolverine putting his claws up to Spider-Man, have as much aura as him fighting Wendigo, who also looks great.
The story, much like Torment, needs work. I think it’s got a great idea behind it, with an intriguing premise, but the execution had me disappointed. First of all, Wolverine’s vegan monologues talking about animal suffering were preachy, and hypocritical, because I know you eat meat Logan! Don’t lie to me, and lecture me about the evil of killing animals, when they do it to each other constantly, it’s called the wild, it’s not like animals all lived in harmony until humans came along, we kill, they kill, everyone kills, get over it! Also, you of all people shouldn’t be morally objecting Wolverine, YOU ARE A KILLER! IT’S YOUR ONE THING! Like being told to lose weight by a fat guy.
Anyway, despite that annoyance, Wolverine was pretty cool, his investigation of the truth of the murders was cool, and it created this neat murder mystery, a whodunnit with a baffling ending. Typically in whodunnits, the villain is someone we are familiar with, and was introduced earlier in the story, but the killer who’s name I don’t know, wasn’t previously established to be a character, and if he was, it was so forgettable, he left my brain after I turned the page. It’s such a lame twist, just some random guy, who is of course one of the poachers, making it both predictable and unpredictable because who would’ve guessed one of the expendable henchmen. The actual story of a guy kidnapping, molesting, and killing kids, then blaming it on Wendigo, could’ve been powerful, but it’s made to be uninteresting due to the structure. If it wasn’t a mystery, and this guy was introduced as a villain from the get go, but the characters didn’t know, then he could be established and had depth, and even be threatening, making his capture more satisfying, but no.
The final sentiment of Spider-Man being mad about the lack of justice of the situation, and all these antihero’s being more concerned with catching the bad guy as opposed to saving the innocent, is a fitting end to the story, and leads into the black suit arc next fittingly. The story as a whole was enjoyable, and has some very gripping moments, but needs work (not the art though, that’s perfect). Anyway, my final thoughts are that I liked the Twin Peaks/Simpsons reference, and the fact there’s a character called Melvin Gooner, what a mad lad.
So much potential, so much greatness, but did disappoint a bit.
It’s redundant to discuss how amazing Todd McFarlane’s artwork is, but it’s so outstanding that I can’t not talk about it. His designs take previously perfected characters by Steve Ditko and John Byrne, and turns the dial up to 11. This is the best Wolverine has ever looked in the comics, more than the others, this captures the brutal, animalistic nature of him, with the shading and choice of visuals. He constantly looks awesome, and Spider-Man is made to be very vibrant and animated with only still frames, but you can still get a sense of his buggish movements. The forest aesthetic is so cool, it makes me wish we got to see it more in superhero comics, because there’s nothing I love quite like a jungle action sequence. It creates a memorable atmosphere and is made to look both foreboding and stunning. Also the action is just amazing, very gruesome without relying on brutality, a careful tightrope that McFarlane balances, even little moments like Wolverine putting his claws up to Spider-Man, have as much aura as him fighting Wendigo, who also looks great.
The story, much like Torment, needs work. I think it’s got a great idea behind it, with an intriguing premise, but the execution had me disappointed. First of all, Wolverine’s vegan monologues talking about animal suffering were preachy, and hypocritical, because I know you eat meat Logan! Don’t lie to me, and lecture me about the evil of killing animals, when they do it to each other constantly, it’s called the wild, it’s not like animals all lived in harmony until humans came along, we kill, they kill, everyone kills, get over it! Also, you of all people shouldn’t be morally objecting Wolverine, YOU ARE A KILLER! IT’S YOUR ONE THING! Like being told to lose weight by a fat guy.
Anyway, despite that annoyance, Wolverine was pretty cool, his investigation of the truth of the murders was cool, and it created this neat murder mystery, a whodunnit with a baffling ending. Typically in whodunnits, the villain is someone we are familiar with, and was introduced earlier in the story, but the killer who’s name I don’t know, wasn’t previously established to be a character, and if he was, it was so forgettable, he left my brain after I turned the page. It’s such a lame twist, just some random guy, who is of course one of the poachers, making it both predictable and unpredictable because who would’ve guessed one of the expendable henchmen. The actual story of a guy kidnapping, molesting, and killing kids, then blaming it on Wendigo, could’ve been powerful, but it’s made to be uninteresting due to the structure. If it wasn’t a mystery, and this guy was introduced as a villain from the get go, but the characters didn’t know, then he could be established and had depth, and even be threatening, making his capture more satisfying, but no.
The final sentiment of Spider-Man being mad about the lack of justice of the situation, and all these antihero’s being more concerned with catching the bad guy as opposed to saving the innocent, is a fitting end to the story, and leads into the black suit arc next fittingly. The story as a whole was enjoyable, and has some very gripping moments, but needs work (not the art though, that’s perfect). Anyway, my final thoughts are that I liked the Twin Peaks/Simpsons reference, and the fact there’s a character called Melvin Gooner, what a mad lad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
When media hysteria erupts around the murder of a boy in Canada, seemingly at the hands of a sasquatch, Peter Parker is sent north of the border to help report on the story. However, as more bodies are discovered, Spider-Man finds himself having to try to prove the innocence of the Wendigo, with help from none other than Wolverine.
As a Spider-Man story, this one feels somewhat lacking, not entirely fitting the tone of Spidey's usual adventures.
However, the truth is that this is really a Wolverine story and his aspects of it are far better, as he explores the moral ground that stands between animal and man. We get to see humans being inhumane, animals suffering as a result and the bestial-natured Wendigo caught between the two sides, all of which is a nice extrapolation of Logan's own internal conflicts.
The big downside to this book, other than not really being a Spider-Man story at all, is that the solution to the mystery is not all that hard to predict. The plot more or less unfolded as expected and not even the pointed criticism of sensationalist media can entirely counterbalance that.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
As a Spider-Man story, this one feels somewhat lacking, not entirely fitting the tone of Spidey's usual adventures.
However, the truth is that this is really a Wolverine story and his aspects of it are far better, as he explores the moral ground that stands between animal and man. We get to see humans being inhumane, animals suffering as a result and the bestial-natured Wendigo caught between the two sides, all of which is a nice extrapolation of Logan's own internal conflicts.
The big downside to this book, other than not really being a Spider-Man story at all, is that the solution to the mystery is not all that hard to predict. The plot more or less unfolded as expected and not even the pointed criticism of sensationalist media can entirely counterbalance that.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
April 12, 2024
Read this as a localized version that also includes Spider-Man issues #6 and #7 from the Masques storyline. It's part of a series of 60 volumes organized in random order, so characters appear from nowhere and newcomers are left a bit confused.
I found Perceptions to be good, but not great. I love Todd McFarlane's style and the grim tone of the story, and also that it involves justice for wildlife and nature. What I don't like is that the story feels a bit dragged out. It reminds me of Batman - Long Halloween, in the sense that Spidey tries to be more detective than hero.
I found Perceptions to be good, but not great. I love Todd McFarlane's style and the grim tone of the story, and also that it involves justice for wildlife and nature. What I don't like is that the story feels a bit dragged out. It reminds me of Batman - Long Halloween, in the sense that Spidey tries to be more detective than hero.
July 6, 2026
Typical McSpidey, dynamic artwork, though all the non masked faces still look like they’ve been formed by Play Dough, a nonsensical story and a complete misunderstanding of the guest star, in this case, Wolverine. Everything about how McFarlane depicts Logan is off, from his dialogue to his motivations to the way he resolves the situation. Todd may have been hot in the day, but his storytelling hasn’t held up.
October 15, 2024
Writing was much better on this one than earlier issues from Todd. Darker themes overall for Spider-Man, but with the inclusion of Wolverine and an alternative location, it helps to separate the story from normal spidey activities.
Art doesn’t disappoint.
Art doesn’t disappoint.
August 5, 2026
It was much better than the last 2 series I've read by Mcfarlane. Peter was a little more normal Peter, the art style was pretty cool, the Wendigo/Wolverine/Mystery was pretty solid. I love Wolverine, and the spookiness of this one was fun. It was interesting and written pretty well:)
March 6, 2026
would give half a star more for batman lol, great artwork and interesting topic for spiderman
August 27, 2026
One of the best Spider-Man stories that I have ever read!
October 23, 2012
I wasn't a big fan of Torment (or to an extent, McFarlane's work) but I'm a collector and cannot stop buying the trades. Slightly out of order, I've read the first 2 from the Masques collection but thought I'd read them in publication order.
Perceptions is quite a dark Spider-Man story, set in Canada and featuring a string of child murders, a mythical creature living in the woods and Wolverine. To be honest, it's more of a Wolverine story as he develops an intense love of furry animals, investigates the deaths, works out what's going on and engineers the finale. Pete just seems to be along for the ride, not offering much help or input. There are a few asides commenting on the ethical nature of newspaper stories but it feels a little forced.
Still, the story is interesting and McFarlane really does a great job on pencils this time, reigning it in a little (there are a few self conscious in-jokes) while still creating a sense of movement and playing with some lovely silhouettes. The end seemed to fall apart a little in coherency and the revelation was a little obvious, but all in all a step up for McFarlane, even if he isn't focussing so much on Pete.
Perceptions is quite a dark Spider-Man story, set in Canada and featuring a string of child murders, a mythical creature living in the woods and Wolverine. To be honest, it's more of a Wolverine story as he develops an intense love of furry animals, investigates the deaths, works out what's going on and engineers the finale. Pete just seems to be along for the ride, not offering much help or input. There are a few asides commenting on the ethical nature of newspaper stories but it feels a little forced.
Still, the story is interesting and McFarlane really does a great job on pencils this time, reigning it in a little (there are a few self conscious in-jokes) while still creating a sense of movement and playing with some lovely silhouettes. The end seemed to fall apart a little in coherency and the revelation was a little obvious, but all in all a step up for McFarlane, even if he isn't focussing so much on Pete.
November 21, 2013
The story was a tad warped but decent. The art was amazing.. spoiler ahead..
so spidey is sent to cover a story about boys being found dead and mangled. It gets so outta hand that wolvie comes.. long story short it was all kinda exciting then the end a tad anti climatic. . not bad though .. my 1st from mcfarlane
so spidey is sent to cover a story about boys being found dead and mangled. It gets so outta hand that wolvie comes.. long story short it was all kinda exciting then the end a tad anti climatic. . not bad though .. my 1st from mcfarlane
December 18, 2016
Zatím nejlepší Toddův Spidey. Některý témata mohl trochu víc rozvinout, ale fajn - 3,5*
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