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The Astounding Wolf-Man
The Astounding Wolf-Man, Vol. 4
The final storyline of Astounding Wolf-Man begins here as Gary Hampton, The Astounding Wolf-Man, learns the secrets behind his origins and the dark future it hints to for him, his family, and those who wish to destroy him. The Walking Dead and Invincible writer Robert Kirkman combines his beloved mastery of superheroes and horror into one gut-wrenching adventure.
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2011
About the author
Robert Kirkman
2,651 books7,180 followersRobert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 26, 2020
A good read with many Kirkman-ish twist and turns, that was even better on rereading. Gary finds out his true origins, so what path will this take him down, or up? What will be his legacy?
I read the complete 25 issue comic book run, covered by the 4 graphic novel volumes. A series that sees Robert Kirkman's take on the werewolf legend but in the Invincible reality. 7 out of 12
2017 read; 2011 read
I read the complete 25 issue comic book run, covered by the 4 graphic novel volumes. A series that sees Robert Kirkman's take on the werewolf legend but in the Invincible reality. 7 out of 12
2017 read; 2011 read
January 6, 2022
60% | C+ | Good
"I'm starting a new journey, Rebecca"
The second I finished reading this, the first thing I could think of was how much it reminded me of watching The Avengers. Both are full of flashy fight scenes which don't convey much depth, yet prove to be mindlessly entertaining nonetheless. The climax is, of course, a fight scene which gives off major 'plot armour' vibes which can be found in a lot of superhero content. The most interesting character, The Elder, gets a little bit more of a backstory here, but it is cut short far too quickly and feels like Kirkman only just scratched the surface of what could have been an extremely compelling character. Also, Chloe is essentially functioning on vampire blood steroids now so...yeah, that's a thing they are continuing with 👁👄👁 It's a fitting end to a series which tip-toed between the lines of cheesy, mindless fun and a rushed solo story for a character who would have worked far better in an ensemble cast.
"I'm starting a new journey, Rebecca"
The final showdown between Gary and Zechariah has come, but interferences from the wolves leads to secrets being uncovered and unexpected allegiances being formed
The second I finished reading this, the first thing I could think of was how much it reminded me of watching The Avengers. Both are full of flashy fight scenes which don't convey much depth, yet prove to be mindlessly entertaining nonetheless. The climax is, of course, a fight scene which gives off major 'plot armour' vibes which can be found in a lot of superhero content. The most interesting character, The Elder, gets a little bit more of a backstory here, but it is cut short far too quickly and feels like Kirkman only just scratched the surface of what could have been an extremely compelling character. Also, Chloe is essentially functioning on vampire blood steroids now so...yeah, that's a thing they are continuing with 👁👄👁 It's a fitting end to a series which tip-toed between the lines of cheesy, mindless fun and a rushed solo story for a character who would have worked far better in an ensemble cast.
March 4, 2023
Overall, this one was really good. This series was definitely one of Kirkman’s best in my opinion and the characters and lore he played with are responsible for that. I really enjoyed how everything wrapped up, but I want more!
November 26, 2022
You ever read a comic and think its so up your alley that its like it was made for you ? Cause that’s how I felt with The Astounding Wolf-Man. This comic took my three favourite genres (Werewolves, Vampires, and Superheroes) and mashed them all together and the result was something awesome !!
This final volume in particular had some really sweet stuff; Gary in the Mecha Maid armour, the truth behind Mecha Maids daughter, the wolf car robot, and the big final fight. Only thing I didn’t like was that issue cover implying a romance between Wolf-Man and Mecha Maid, so glad that didn’t happen lol.
I love Gary’s story, he really went through a lot of shit to get to where he is now. It was great to see him go from being a hero to a fugitive to being the King of the werewolves over the course of the series. Now he’s got the Wolfcorps which is probably the coolest hero group out there.
I’m bummed that this was the final volume, that Dracula tease at the end made me want more so badly lol. I would love if one day Robert Kirkman returned to this, but it’s also nice to know that Gary got his happy ending. I also can’t wait to see Wolf-Man show up in the Invincible show !
Who knew that such a minor character from Invincible would make such an incredible protagonist in his own story.
This final volume in particular had some really sweet stuff; Gary in the Mecha Maid armour, the truth behind Mecha Maids daughter, the wolf car robot, and the big final fight. Only thing I didn’t like was that issue cover implying a romance between Wolf-Man and Mecha Maid, so glad that didn’t happen lol.
I love Gary’s story, he really went through a lot of shit to get to where he is now. It was great to see him go from being a hero to a fugitive to being the King of the werewolves over the course of the series. Now he’s got the Wolfcorps which is probably the coolest hero group out there.
I’m bummed that this was the final volume, that Dracula tease at the end made me want more so badly lol. I would love if one day Robert Kirkman returned to this, but it’s also nice to know that Gary got his happy ending. I also can’t wait to see Wolf-Man show up in the Invincible show !
Who knew that such a minor character from Invincible would make such an incredible protagonist in his own story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
Reprints Astounding Wolf-Man #19-25 (October 2009-November 2010). Gary Hampton’s life has been put through the ringer, but a battle to save the world with the help of Mecha-Maid might finally turn Gary’s string of bad luck around. Exonerated in the death of his wife, Gary has a score to settle with Zechariah, but the return of the Elder could mean a change for Wolf-Man that he never expected.
Written by Robert Kirkman, The Astounding Wolf-Man—Volume 4 is an Image Comics superhero Invincible spin-off title. Following Astounding Wolf-Man—Volume 3, the collection features art by Jason Howard. The issues in the volume were also collected as part of The Astounding Wolf-Man Complete Collection.
The Astounding Wolf-Man never seemed more than a second fiddle to Invincible. The character, the supporting cast, and the whole flow of the comic never clicked. It had the same tone as Invincible, but it never seemed to pack the same punch. With the last collection, the story of the Astounding Wolf-Man is wrapped up (relatively), but it doesn’t entirely feel satisfying.
The previous volumes had Gary taking a lot of hits (even more than necessary). His wife was killed by his mentor, his daughter was separated from him and attempting to kill him, and the world thought he was a monster…here, it all gets fixed relatively easily. In Invincible, it never felt like the characters were given the easy way out, but here, it seems like too perfect of an ending. Everything turns out roses for Gary and his friends.
With such a happy and quick ending, I have to wonder what the original plan was for Wolf-Man since this feels like an emergency wrap in a lot of ways. I don’t know if the series was in trouble since it had very little buzz to it, and I don’t know if Kirkman maybe got bored (since he seemed to do that with other titles). It feels like Wolf-Man probably was supposed to run longer (and it even introduces Dracula as a possible future foil).
The Astounding Wolf-Man does make other appearances in the Invincible Universe, but in general, it doesn’t feel like the character really deserved his own continuing spin-off series in a world full of rich and interesting characters. While The Astounding Wolf-Man wasn’t necessarily a bad series, it doesn’t feel like it was anything special (something Invincible at points felt like). Maybe the Wolf-Man can resurface someday and have a better send-off (but I also don’t particularly care if he does).
Written by Robert Kirkman, The Astounding Wolf-Man—Volume 4 is an Image Comics superhero Invincible spin-off title. Following Astounding Wolf-Man—Volume 3, the collection features art by Jason Howard. The issues in the volume were also collected as part of The Astounding Wolf-Man Complete Collection.
The Astounding Wolf-Man never seemed more than a second fiddle to Invincible. The character, the supporting cast, and the whole flow of the comic never clicked. It had the same tone as Invincible, but it never seemed to pack the same punch. With the last collection, the story of the Astounding Wolf-Man is wrapped up (relatively), but it doesn’t entirely feel satisfying.
The previous volumes had Gary taking a lot of hits (even more than necessary). His wife was killed by his mentor, his daughter was separated from him and attempting to kill him, and the world thought he was a monster…here, it all gets fixed relatively easily. In Invincible, it never felt like the characters were given the easy way out, but here, it seems like too perfect of an ending. Everything turns out roses for Gary and his friends.
With such a happy and quick ending, I have to wonder what the original plan was for Wolf-Man since this feels like an emergency wrap in a lot of ways. I don’t know if the series was in trouble since it had very little buzz to it, and I don’t know if Kirkman maybe got bored (since he seemed to do that with other titles). It feels like Wolf-Man probably was supposed to run longer (and it even introduces Dracula as a possible future foil).
The Astounding Wolf-Man does make other appearances in the Invincible Universe, but in general, it doesn’t feel like the character really deserved his own continuing spin-off series in a world full of rich and interesting characters. While The Astounding Wolf-Man wasn’t necessarily a bad series, it doesn’t feel like it was anything special (something Invincible at points felt like). Maybe the Wolf-Man can resurface someday and have a better send-off (but I also don’t particularly care if he does).
January 12, 2025
The Astounding Wolf-Man (4th collected volume) serves as a satisfying conclusion to Gary Hampton's origin story as the titular Wolf-Man, while also acting as a potential prologue for future developments. As a fan of werewolf fiction, I found this to be a fresh take on the genre, though it doesn't entirely break new ground. Marvel's Werewolf by Night explored similar themes decades ago, but this series still brings enough unique elements to stand out.
What truly elevates The Astounding Wolf-Man is its integration into the Invincible universe, offering a rich backdrop for crossover appearances. Fans of Invincible will recognize familiar faces such as Cecil, Damien Darkblood, Donald, and even Invincible himself, who all contribute to the story in varying degrees. These connections add depth and a sense of continuity to the narrative.
That said, parts of the story felt a bit rushed, particularly toward the end. It seemed as though Robert Kirkman was eager to conclude within the 25-issue run, which may have left some elements underdeveloped. However, there’s hope for more from Gary Hampton, as rumors suggest he may appear in future Invincible content, possibly even in the animated TV series.
Overall, I recommend The Astounding Wolf-Man to fans of werewolves, vampires, supernatural comics, and the Invincible universe. While it’s not a particularly deep or groundbreaking read, it’s undeniably entertaining and well worth exploring.
What truly elevates The Astounding Wolf-Man is its integration into the Invincible universe, offering a rich backdrop for crossover appearances. Fans of Invincible will recognize familiar faces such as Cecil, Damien Darkblood, Donald, and even Invincible himself, who all contribute to the story in varying degrees. These connections add depth and a sense of continuity to the narrative.
That said, parts of the story felt a bit rushed, particularly toward the end. It seemed as though Robert Kirkman was eager to conclude within the 25-issue run, which may have left some elements underdeveloped. However, there’s hope for more from Gary Hampton, as rumors suggest he may appear in future Invincible content, possibly even in the animated TV series.
Overall, I recommend The Astounding Wolf-Man to fans of werewolves, vampires, supernatural comics, and the Invincible universe. While it’s not a particularly deep or groundbreaking read, it’s undeniably entertaining and well worth exploring.
April 2, 2025
finished wolf-man, honestly not that bad. the series ended off fine, im upset with chloe aka VAMPIRE GIRLS character, she was so quick to switch up on her father, then obsessed with the power that came with being a vampire? as if that power wasnt literally what destroyed her entire life? also, i feel like gary's wife and butler's death were so melodramatic, super underdone. they feel like they had no impact to the story, even tho they technically did. anyways, the whole elder plot was an interesting one, but was one that was rushed. how convenient the elder has a whole immortal ahh story, talking about some "kill me because ive lived too long. or else ill kill you", like here damn. its a waste of a really good character. all and all, the series wasnt so bad, it really wasnt necessary for the invincible universe, but its a fun little fairytale-esc take on the vampire vs. werewolf trope by kirkman.
January 28, 2019
Although this final volume is still a fun read with a lot of action to it, I can't help but feel that the way a few of its threads were wrapped up felt a little rushed, cheesy and convenient. Obviously there was some plan to use the character again in the future (and I think he might have appeared in a few issues of another Invincible spin-off), so that guides some of it, but one of the final conflicts in this book seems a little bit shoehorned in when there could have been more twists. But the art is still awesome, there's a fun little hook in the end which probably will never bear out to fruition. Overall, The Astounding Wolf-Man is one of Kirkman's better outings along with Walking Dead, Invincible, and Outcast. I'm happy to have gone through it.
July 9, 2018
The culmination of the series as a whole, this volume wraps up things pretty nicely.
The artist really has a great handle on the characters and the book looks great.
I really enjoyed that this volume focused a lot on character building and filling in a lot of the backstory that we were missing. All the characters are now assembled and the book moves as one cohesive whole. Very cool to see the book take on a life of its own.
Unfortunately i think this is the last of Wolf Man, for now at least, even if it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger.
Good stuff, cant miss it if you have been reading this whole time.
The artist really has a great handle on the characters and the book looks great.
I really enjoyed that this volume focused a lot on character building and filling in a lot of the backstory that we were missing. All the characters are now assembled and the book moves as one cohesive whole. Very cool to see the book take on a life of its own.
Unfortunately i think this is the last of Wolf Man, for now at least, even if it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger.
Good stuff, cant miss it if you have been reading this whole time.
April 22, 2020
Kirkman and Howard end the Astounding Wolf-Man series with a pretty epic finale. The book starts a little slowly but the last half is non-stop. All the storylines come to a pretty perfect ending while leaving open the possibility for more. Jason Howard's art is always good but its kinetic here. I still wish there was less from the Invincible books but at times it makes sense. Overall, a very good ending to a very good series.
September 5, 2022
A nice conclusion to this series. I don't know if Kirkman always intended this to be short run but it works having this story span only four volumes. It certainly leaves things open enough that if there's more story ideas out there we'll see more of the Astounding Wolf-Man but I love that this gets wrapped up so concisely.
April 19, 2024
A weirdly incomplete ending to the series, it just didn't really have any "oomph" like there's no real reason we couldn't just have more comic after this. It just kinda stops. Also the pacing was weirdly slow too it's a 7 issue book that could have easily been 5 or even 4 issues. Jason Howard's "code blue" backup story was pretty fun if astoundingly short.
That just did not feel like an ending
That just did not feel like an ending
March 13, 2021
It's a shame that just as the story picks up to what I wanted to read about...it ends.
Literally. The words I waited to read on on the last page.
I'm going to cross my fingers that maybe one day this revives and we get to see more adventures.
Literally. The words I waited to read on on the last page.
I'm going to cross my fingers that maybe one day this revives and we get to see more adventures.
June 14, 2021
I would like to see more from the wolf-man
June 21, 2023
Kirkman and Howard close out the series, wrapping up all of the plot threads while leaving the door open to a resumption of the series at some point in the future.
November 18, 2023
Closer to a 3.5. Good wrap up to series.
July 2, 2024
This, the fourth and final trade in the series, leaves many doors open for a hopeful re-visitation down the road.
February 2, 2019
It's like this series jumped from season 1 to season 7 with no warning. I liked the early issues and was less interested in the huge climactic end run.
March 6, 2011
Writer Robert Kirkman, of Walking Dead fame, had decided to end this series with volume 4. This is the best entry in the series. Gary has come to grips to with his being a werewolf, and while he is still dealing with wife's death and his daughter's semi-vampirehood he has been cleared of being his wife's murderer. As readers we get almost all of the mystery of the Elder werewolf and werewolves in this universe (it cross over with other Kirkman works) explained and resolved in a nice (to my way of thinking) manner. There is a tease towards the very end that lets us know who the Big Bad would be if Kirkman was to bring the series back.
April 2, 2018
I really hope that their is more as their is so much awesome in this volume. While the first part with the face is kind of a let down. But the rest was really good with some really cool character development with Gary, Mecha-Maid, and Chole. Also some good resolution with Zechariah and the Elder. And it does leave enough plot points that the series could continue and I see where the story would have gone next and I really want to see more of Gary Hampton as their is just so much awesome in the final pages.
March 24, 2011
Suite et fin des aventures de Wolf Man. Les différentes intrigues se recoupent et se rejoignent pour se terminer violemment, clôturant parfaitement l'histoire (avec une piste de suite possible).
Le dessin est toujours bon, dynamique, et l'histoire prenante. Les personnages sont intéressants, et les seconds rôles surprennent parfois par leurs concepts.
Une bonne série de super héros moderne, complète, et qui ne se termine pas en queue de poisson.
Le dessin est toujours bon, dynamique, et l'histoire prenante. Les personnages sont intéressants, et les seconds rôles surprennent parfois par leurs concepts.
Une bonne série de super héros moderne, complète, et qui ne se termine pas en queue de poisson.
April 15, 2011
This series started strong, but finishes in a rather muddled, weak, unsatisfying way with this volume. Far too many plot threads, none fully developed. I guess maybe they could see the writing on the wall, with the book's cancellation at issue #25, but I'd sure have preferred a better wrap-up to things. Kirkman can usually be counted on for much better work.
February 14, 2014
The story of Gary Hampton comes to an end in volume 4. Some may say that it's a short series, especially when you compare it to Kirkman's other books, but I think that the series is the perfect length. Long enough to build something and to have characters we love, but not so long as to become monotonous or boring with desperate plot twists just to keep people awake.
May 28, 2012
Cierra la saga y la logra redondear con referencias a otros cómics de Kirkman (Invencible, Capas SA, etc.). Han sido 4 tomos (25 números en total) muy recomendables. No es lo mejor de Kirkman, pero utiliza su clásico diseño de "sorpresa al girar la página" y "no te encariñes con nadie".
January 19, 2011
Sad the show is over but It was a good ride. The first couple issues in this trade are a little off but I still love the series.
March 5, 2011
Ive really enjoyed this series.Its fun,well drawn and interesting.I really hope this isnt the last issue.
April 11, 2011
When all is said and done, I was just left with a feeling of "Yeah, I read it. Meh." Not great, not terrible, just okay. Werewolves shouldn't be pabulum.
July 30, 2014
I really love this series. It got mixed reviews when it debuted and I kinda lost track of it. But this and invincible are on par with the walking dead. Kirkman be da man!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews