Gwen Stacy relocated to Earth-616! But she must abandon her life as a superhero and avoid meeting any of her friends. Find out if she manages in Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1 by Marvel Comics!

SPIDER-GWEN: GHOST SPIDER #1

Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Federica Mancin
Colorist: Matt Milla
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Editor: Ellie Pyle
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: May 22nd, 2024

Previously in Spider-Gwen: Gwen Stacy of Earth-65 has a symbiotic suit and a Spider-Sense. She travels the multiverse as the Ghost Spider! However, after saving Dazzler from Bruce Banner on her home Earth, Gwen is now a permanent resident of Earth-616. Unfortunately, she cannot use her powers, reveal her identity, or suit up!

FIGURING OUT ONE’S IDENTITY

Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1 starts with Gwen Stacy trying to open a bank account. She cannot open an account since she doesn’t have the necessary paperwork for this Earth. When bank robbers show up, Gwen decides to suit up and stop them before finding O.B. of the Time Variance Authority. He repeats the rules: she can’t suit up or reveal her identity here because people may die. Gwen was also taken here because no other Gwen Stacy is alive on this Earth, making it safe for her. Despite that, Gwen struggles with her desire to be a hero.

When she notices a runaway truck about to hit a school bus, she has to take action and suits up to save the kids. But this is just a trap by Kraven, who manages to poison her and throw her into the water—the same place where Earth-616’s Gwen died.

A LOT TO THINK ABOUT

I don’t know if I would prefer to see Gwen on her own Earth or in 616. She is such an exciting character with intriguing characterizations in Earth-65 that bringing her here feels like a crime. Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1 didn’t convince me this is the best choice. There is a lot of exposition, setting up the conflict and tone. There is some exciting characterization with Ghost Spider’s parallel to Earth-616’s Gwen’s death, but I haven’t seen the direction the story is taking yet. I don’t know why we are using Kraven as a villain, and I’m not convinced of the reason she is here. Her interactions with the rest of the Spider family will make or break this story if the creative team goes in that direction.

The art was solid and standard Marvel fare, but nothing really stood out to me except the dynamic character design of Ghost Spider. Ghost Spider’s suit looks great on the comic page, and the creative team did the costume justice.

BOTTOM LINE: ON THE FENCE

I enjoyed my read of Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1, but I am hesitant to say if this will be impactful for the character. Not all stories need to be impactful, but I hope this comic gets the attention the title character deserves. 3.5 out of 5 stars for Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1.

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