Review: Ghost-Spider #1 (Marvel)

Gwen is Back in Ghost-Spider #1

Gwen is back! Again! This time she’s back with a new title and name. It’s something that they’ve been building for over a year now, but it’s still exciting to see it in action. Now it’s time for Gwen to rock the new Ghost-Spider name.

Ghost-Spider #1 does pick up right where Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider left off. The biggest change is Gwen’s new hero name and the fact that she’s fully embraced it. And we’ve got to say; we love the new branding. It’s a better fit in a lot of ways.

Gwen’s life has been pretty rocky lately. But as we saw after the last series, she’s been working hard to make positive changes in her life. Thankfully, she’s got heroes in other dimensions she can rely upon for a little help.

Ghost-Spider #1 brings us back the Gwen we all know and love, but with some significant changes. These changes have given her a new lease on life. And come alongside a healthy dose of drama and humor.

Writing

Seanan McGuire has been having fun since she took Spider-Gwen’s reins. Because of her, Gwen got a new name, which eventually led to the new title. That’s not the only change that McGuire has made to the character – yet everything she’s done has felt so natural and organic.

Ghost-Spider #1 is a fresh start to the series, and it perfectly mirrors the fresh start Gwen has managed to grab in her own life. Fans have been hoping for some of these changes ever since Spider-Geddon. Other changes are a bit more surprising.

This issue was relatively light, in the way that most establishing issues are. There was a lot of groundwork that had to be done, though McGuire did manage to sneak in a hint or two about a larger threat looming on the horizon.

There was also plenty of humor to be found. Gwen’s personality lends well to quips, just like Peter Parker. Though she certainly has more sass. The references made in this issue will make fans of Spider-Man chuckle, that’s for sure.

Art

The artwork behind Ghost-Spider #1 was on point. Even the credits page was vibrant and fun to look at. Gwen may be rooted in reality and thus have to deal with some boring backdrops from time to time. But on the whole, her series is so bright and full of life and motion. It’s one of the things that has made her series so iconic.

And Ghost-Spider #1 is no exception. Takeshi Miyazawa made plenty of dramatic moments in this issue. And no Spider-related issue is complete without at least one web-slinging shot. Miyazawa’s portrayal of Gwen’s version of venom is certainly a highlight of this issue. But there are many other subtle moments to appreciate as well.

Meanwhile, Ian Herring’s coloring truly brings the issue to a new level. His work does enhance the lines that Miyazawa has provided. I hope these two keep working together for as long as possible.

Conclusion

Ghost-Spider #1 was a fantastic first issue of Gwen’s newest series. It’s vibrant and full of life – just like Gwen Stacy. And, of course, we appreciate the ironic mirroring between the two fresh starts here. It was a nice touch.
This issue dropped some hints for a darker plot that is about to hit Gwen – and we’re looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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