MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY: SPIDER-WOMAN #15 REVIEW

At first glance, it is easy to pass quick judgement on Jessica’s family, and the curse that haunts it… and you’d actually be accurate in your assessment. Quite simply put, Jessica’s family is pretty darn messed up. But perhaps looking a little bit deeper into their situation, you will find that they all mean well in their own little way, and that their hearts are in the right place. But the radiation and sickness that plagues the bloodline is simply just too much at times for people like Michael… and this eventually forces Rebecca to bear an even heavier burden, knowing that her father wants to save people but is just so terrible at doing that job. This is a somewhat quieter issue than the previous installments, but we get a more extensive look and perspective on the family’s current context and struggles, setting up for an action-packed ending in the next few issues. Overall, I am glad that I have stuck around for as long as I have, and I do not plan on dropping this title at all in the near future.

OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:

SPIDER-WOMAN #15

STORY BY: Karla Pacheco

ART BY: Pere Perez

COVER BY: Jung-Geun Yoon

VARIANTS BY: Bengal

• WHO IS THE AETERNUM?! He’s incredibly powerful and more than happy to destroy Jessica Drew and anyone else standing in his way.
• The fight of Jess’ life lands on her doorstep and puts her best friend and child in danger. Uh-oh — for Aeternum — as Jess WILL NOT TAKE THIS LIGHTLY!

PRESERVE THE BLOODLINE!

PROS:

• I appreciate the fact that Jessica initiates the most important discussion at the moment, digging for the truth behind Rebecca’s mom/ Michael’s wife. So, apparently, Rebecca’s mother had a fairytale beginning, as it was love at first sight, and the couple even got pregnant before they graduated. It was all looking bright and dandy until Michael realized the Drew curse, the radiation that their daughter brought to the mother, killing her in the process. The Drew family radiation and Michael’s altered DNA struck the final blow, and it was all downhill from there. This issue really gave readers a better insight into the workings of Aeternum’s mind, and makes us understand why a person can go crazy just like that in similar environments.
• Rebecca is able to get some spotlight on herself, proving to Jessica and to the world that she is a strong, and extremely intelligent young lady. I, for one, cannot wait to see her in action, using her new suit, and fighting side-by-side with Jessica. This can be a pairing that can last a whole arc, and even extend throughout the rest of the ongoing series.
• That is one cute-looking and obviously loyal dog at their side. The dog is a Spider-Woman’s best friend, indeed.
• The airplane scene was very funny, entertaining, and over-the-top, as well, which provided the much-need booster shot of energy to this current issue. The fight scenes were pretty solid as well, even though they seemed a bit rushed, in order to make way for the different narratives and character development taking place.

CONS:

• In terms of action, the pace of the issue did take quite a dip, especially compared to the previous chapters. But since we have a new dynamic duo capping off the comic, I am confident the momentum will quickly pick up once again when we start the succeeding installment.

FINAL GRADE:

B+

This felt more like an analysis behind motivations of characters, as well as a chance to show some love to Jessica’s supporting cast and family. All these factors will come together as we approach the climax of this arc, and it will truly be a magical moment seeing all these strong women assemble to stop the threat of Rose and Michael. Again, one cannot fully blame the guy… he must be so traumatized and filled with guilt because of what happened to the love of his life. After all, it was his radiation and his DNA that caused the death of the mother of his child. But his daughter sees and holds onto the belief that ultimately, there is good in him, and nobody can deny a child speaking up for her father.