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gothamgal's review against another edition
4.0
Gwen Stacey needs to take on the Lizard--time to go all Spider Gwen!
serenarae's review against another edition
3.0
I wish I could give this 3 1/2 stars, it's not quite up to 4 stars but not quite as low as 3. I like the characters, I like most of the art but some of the dialogue sounds like they are trying too hard to be quirky. It took me out of the story when that would happen and decreased my enjoyment of the whole book.
vale8's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
soaringclaws's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like it more, but it showed enough promise to pick up the next volume. I was honestly hoping for something lighter, more along the lines of Ms Marvel. This is heavier and is setting up for a good amount of angst and struggle. There are definitely jokes and fun references, but not enough for me to consider the comic funny. Is it too shallow of me to want to love it because of the badass character design?
apoppyinthewind's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
adoras's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a really interesting idea; a universe where Gwen Stacy was bit by the spider instead of Peter Parker and became Spider-Woman. What I like about this idea is that in addition to exploring a universe where Gwen lived, Peter Parker is also the Green Goblin, and Spider-Woman is blamed for his death.
The strength of this story, beyond that general concept, is the gritty "modern detective noir" setting, in a universe where characters like Matt Murdock are also corrupt and villainous instead of fellow superheroes. The art is also beautiful, with a sketchy, neon look that fits the tone without having a boring dark/dull appearance. What keeps this from being a 4 or 5 star is the actual writing. It's not terrible by any means, but I don't think it lives up to the concept. Some of the jokes are incredibly forced, and information is given in an odd, disjointed way; it would be completely confusing to someone who just picked up the first run without reading Edge of Spider-Verse #2/Spider-Gwen #0 (included in this collection), and/or without understanding a lot about the Spider-Man story in the first place.
Essentially, Spider-Gwen feels like a cool AU fanfic, and that's both a pro and a con. It shouldn't simply be interesting and fun to see "this version" of M.J. or Frank Castle or Felicia Hardy; we also need to enjoy the universe on its own merit, even if we don't know or care about any other version of those characters. I don't think this comic accomplishes that, and a lot of the choices feel like they're being made just because they look or sound cool, not because they say anything deeper about the characters, relationships, or universe. It's hard to get invested in a story like that.
I will continue the series, but I'm not sure I'll finish all 34 issues of the second Spider-Gwen run.
The strength of this story, beyond that general concept, is the gritty "modern detective noir" setting, in a universe where characters like Matt Murdock are also corrupt and villainous instead of fellow superheroes. The art is also beautiful, with a sketchy, neon look that fits the tone without having a boring dark/dull appearance. What keeps this from being a 4 or 5 star is the actual writing. It's not terrible by any means, but I don't think it lives up to the concept. Some of the jokes are incredibly forced, and information is given in an odd, disjointed way; it would be completely confusing to someone who just picked up the first run without reading Edge of Spider-Verse #2/Spider-Gwen #0 (included in this collection), and/or without understanding a lot about the Spider-Man story in the first place.
Essentially, Spider-Gwen feels like a cool AU fanfic, and that's both a pro and a con. It shouldn't simply be interesting and fun to see "this version" of M.J. or Frank Castle or Felicia Hardy; we also need to enjoy the universe on its own merit, even if we don't know or care about any other version of those characters. I don't think this comic accomplishes that, and a lot of the choices feel like they're being made just because they look or sound cool, not because they say anything deeper about the characters, relationships, or universe. It's hard to get invested in a story like that.
I will continue the series, but I'm not sure I'll finish all 34 issues of the second Spider-Gwen run.
panichistory's review against another edition
3.0
Loses a star because I really disliked some of the art in the middle.
aprilpoole's review against another edition
5.0
A strong expansion on Gwen's character, this trade delves into her past as she is forced to confront her difficult past. Her past comes back to haunt her in multiple forms and we watch her struggle to do the right thing. I really enjoyed her character development and her interactions with other heroes as she tries to convince them and herself that she's doing the right thing. I also enjoyed her brief jumps to an alternate world so she can talk to her mentor, Spider-woman. The art, design and colors in this comic are top of the line and absolutely breathtaking. I savored each page and was constantly impressed by the stellar design choices. This is one of the most incredible comics visually that I have ever read, and I can't wait to see the story and art develop more in the future.
acepersephone's review against another edition
5.0
Skipped around a bit more than I wanted, lacked flow, but I'm always delighted to read more of my fav Spider-Gwen. I am in love with this alternate universe of hers.
queenrikki's review against another edition
4.0
I would grade this book closer to the 3.5 - 3.75 mark. Decent but flawed.