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A review by adoras
Spider-Gwen, Volume 1 by
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.