Review: Ghost-Spider #6 (Marvel)

The Perks of Being A Superhero in Ghost-Spider #6

Ghost-Spider #6 is a different sort of issue when Gwen Stacy gives herself a chance to breathe for a few moments. Though that won’t stop her from stumbling across trouble – that seems to be a talent of hers.

Everybody needs a break, even the one, and only Ghost-Spider. Things have been hectic lately, and it’s about time that Gwen allowed herself to have some fun. And to treat her friends/fellow bandmates to some fun as well.

This issue is going to be perfect for the fans out there that have been desperate for more comparisons between the different earths.

Writing

Ghost-Spider #6 is one of those issues that surprises you with how much information has been snuck into the pages. Given that Seanan McGuire is at the helm of the series, that probably shouldn’t be so surprising. But it is impressive.

This issue is full of flashbacks, introductions, fun, and action. It seems like Gwen is still being pulled in a hundred different directions – but she’s starting to master balancing all of it. There’s something so liberating about seeing Gwen this free and happy.

Perhaps the most notable part of this issue isn’t the positive side but rather the effort spent introducing a new plot. You see, those flashbacks were shown to us with intent. There’s something bigger going on here, and it feels like it will blow wide open in the next issue.

Gwen’s latest adventure was the ideal balance. It was fun and light while still being packed with action and foreshadowing. It’s exactly what a fan could hope for regarding an issue spent establishing a trend. And I, for one, am very much looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Art

As mentioned above, a lot is going on in Ghost-Spider #6. The fact that the artistic team can keep up with the changes makes it all the more impressive. We have flashbacks from two different sets of people alongside several present-day events. And yet they’re all clear and distinct.

Additionally, there’s a fairly satisfying bit of action that occurs. That scenario was fun to see because it showed just how useful Ghost-Spider could be in that situation. Artists Ig Guara and Rosi Kampe worked well together here to provide us with something both light and dynamic.

Then there’s the color palette provided by Ian Herring. Those colors are divine – especially the transitions between the different scenes. The bright colors match each scenario perfectly while also providing some intense backdrops to look at.

Finally, there’s VC’s Clayton Cowles, the letterer for this issue. Their work is always solid, but I found myself especially fond of the work shown in this issue. Especially regarding all of the sound effects shown.

Conclusion

Ghost-Spider #6 was a fun diversion for our Gwen Stacy – while also taking the time to set up something looming on the horizon. It’s a perfect balance that will go a long way in holding our interest.

I can’t wait to see what sort of twist this latest revelation will cause. But we’ll just have to be patient for the next issue, huh?

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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