He is a priest who wields a large cross-shaped gun named the Punisher, which he and his former colleagues use either in saving people or for complete destruction.

Wolfwood's characterization was praised for his portrayal that acts as a foil to the protagonist's morals and backstory related with the villains.

Though Vash the Stampede, the protagonist of Trigun, was Yasuhiro Nightow's original creation, Wolfwood on the other hand came from an outside inspiration.

[1] His outfit was made simple and Nightow prevented himself from adding a lot of stuff, commenting that if he did, he'll be hard to draw.

In the anime, the side arms of the cross open up to reveal storage racks for several semiautomatic pistols.

His potential was recognized as exceptional, and so he was given the tenth incarnation of the organization's most powerful weapon, a special large cross-shaped gun called the Punisher, which becomes his official title within the Eye of Michael.

He battles his childhood friend, Livio the Double Fang, and his crippled master in a confrontation that spans two volumes.

Vash later carries the Punisher as a way of honoring Wolfwood's memory, and uses it against Knives after hearing the priest's voice urging him to do so during the brothers' battle.

[9] Mania.com listed him in 9th place in their 10 Biggest Bad Ass Anime Gunslingers, commenting that "Wearing the clothes of a priest and carrying a cross on his back Wolfwood roams the desert planet of Gunsmoke.

Before Wolfwood met Vash, he was a do whatever it takes individual who had no problem with dispensing lead as for his sacraments and introducing those in his way to God in a very up close manner.

[11] Jian DeLeon of Complex magazine named him sixth on a list of "The 25 Most Stylish Anime Characters," labeling him "The epitome of "speak softly and carry a big stick.

"[12] Anime News Network referred to Wolfwood as a foil to Vash due to how he challenges his pacifists methods while working together.

[15] Elena M. Aponte from Bowling Green State University wrote that Wolfwood's characterization serves to contrast Vash's values which is heavily displayed when Wolfwood kills one of Knives' men confronting him and claims that Vash's desire to save others does not make sense if he does not want to execute violence.

[16] In regards to his role in Stampede, Dual Shockers lamented how the removal of Milly's character negatively affects the characterization of Wolfwood as the two were into a romantic relationship in Madhouse's original series.

[17] Anime News Network enjoyed the handling of Wolfwood in Stampede due to how more expanded are his relationships and backstory.

[18] Anime Corner acclaimed Wolfwood's backstory episode as one of the best ones in the entire season for the execution and visuals.

When questioned about these conflicting ideals by Vash, Wolfwood laments and confesses at the church altar before his death stating, "I've always chosen the right path, haven't I?"

There is John the Baptist, a non-conforming ambassador for Christ, who walked around in the wilderness, much like Wolfwood hiked through the desert.

Samson from the Old Testament lived life wildly and violently, killing because of grudges, and carrying on outside of marriage with the two-faced Delilah.