MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY- SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER (2024) #1 REVIEW

Gwen is back in action once again, but this time around, she is a permanent resident of Earth-616. Now, while it feels like there is a new Gwen series practically every week, I do believe this particular volume will be a long-term gem that new and old fans alike will be able to enjoy for a considerable amount of time. This is literally a totally new world for Gwen to live in, despite her many past visits, so there are an infinite number of new stories to be told for the coming years. Now, Gwen not only has to deal with her super-heroics (or lack thereof, depending on how strictly she follows the rules) but she also has to face a ton of personal issues, starting with finding her rightful place in this brave, new world of hers.

OFFICIAL MARVEL DESCRIPTION:

PUBLISHED

May 22, 2024

WRITER

Stephanie Phillips

PENCILLER

Christopher Campana, Federica Mancin

COVER ARTIST

Mark Brooks

TRAPPED IN THE 616…FOR GOOD! Welcome to New York! Gwen truly becomes a Ghost-Spider when she moves full time to the universe where Gwen Stacy died years ago. But why did she leave Earth-65? Why aren’t the other spiders supposed to know she’s here? Why isn’t she supposed to suit up? And who will get hurt when she does?

PROS:

• As mentioned earlier, it feels like we’ve been given Gwen series after Gwen series lately, but this month’s start feels like a true beginning, finally. So, I feel this book is a way for Gwen and readers both to restart, recharge, and revamp as we get ready for what is hopefully a long ride in Earth-616. This initial issue is serviceable as a jump-off and jump-on point and is inviting enough for whoever wants to take a chance with this new arc.
• Seeing the likes of Kraven and Tarantula really make for a lot of excitement if we’re talking about the possibilities for Gwen’s new gallery of rogues. Villains always seem to work overtime when there is new prey around, so it will make for some exciting adventures when we see Gwen the target of all these 616 baddies.
• On a personal level, it is interesting to see Gwen dealing with being away from her real home, looking for her own place in this new world, while also coming to terms with the harsh realities of not being able to be as free as she once was. Right now, her life as a crusader in spandex is in somewhat of a limbo, but that may all change very soon if she survives this latest attack by Kraven. It’s hard to not let the world know about you if you are part of the Spider-Man family, after all.
• The art team nailed Gwen’s web-slinging and wall-crawling perfectly this issue, and I know that the book is in good hands for the next few parts. There is always a unique flair, energy, and vibe when it comes to Gwen, so Marvel definitely does not disappoint in bringing their A-game to her titles. While the overall look may be more realistic now, and not as colorful or trippy as previous incarnations, I think the approach towards Gwen for this new beginning is apt for her personal crisis in a setting closer to our own.
• Gwen doing her best Tobey Maguire impression is a winner. You’ll know what I mean when you see it. Trust me.

CONS:

• Many members of the Spidey crew are alerted to Gwen’s presence, though we don’t get to see any real interactions yet. Those who anticipate cameos will get a big treat, but it doesn’t really go any further than that… although I have a feeling a lot of Gwen’s friends will have to step in considering her situation at the end of the first issue.

FINAL GRADE: B+

This issue’s pace is quick and hard-hitting. While the action comes fast, this chapter is just the opening salvo into what is truly in store for Gwen, both as a superhero and as a citizen of Earth-616. She is no stranger to the world at all, but the game totally changes when you have to stay in a place you only ever really had to visit in the past.