Saying Goodbye and So Much More in Gwenpool Strikes Back #5
Gwenpool Strikes Back #5 concludes the chaotic Gwenpool’s latest run in series format. But that doesn’t mean that her story is over. Fans of the series and character have long hoped that we’ll see her again. So this is a feeling we’re used to, and we’ll just go back to hoping we’ll see her once again.
Gwenpool Strikes Back has been a chaotic and fun series, bursting with fourth-wall-breaking elements. That includes Gwen’s painful awareness of her fate should her series come to a true conclusion. It made for some painful moments (for the fans who adore her). But it also opened up the room for some frank discussions about comic book sales.
This series also gave fans more opportunities to laugh and enjoy the character we love so much. Yes, Gwenpool is quirky and crazy. And we love her for it. So this issue is already a given for being bittersweet since it forces us to say goodbye. Again.
Writing
Gwenpool Strikes Back #5 was, in many ways, the most surprising issue of the series. Each and every issue of this miniseries has had something different to offer, be that a cameo, an insane plot, or an emotionally compelling twist. But this final issue takes all of that and rolls it into something much bigger – a proper sendoff.
Leah Williams gave Gwenpool – and the fans – an ending she deserved. It hit many of the notes from Gwenpool’s first series ending. But it also wasn’t afraid to strike a path of its own. This was not the goodbye I was expecting. It was just as powerful and emotional as I had hoped – but completely different.
There are several laugh-out-loud moments in this issue (which I refuse to spoil for the readers – they’re worth waiting for!), so don’t try drinking anything while reading this issue unless you like soggy comic books.
There’s a dramatic switch about halfway through, which is quite shocking. It’s not shocking from an emotional standpoint, as it’s a series ending. But it is a surprise for some of the changes it brings with it. And it ultimately left me (and hopefully other readers) filled with hope.
Art
As with the rest of this series, Gwenpool Strikes Back #5 was full of some seriously fun artwork. Gwen’s powers have always lent well to some creative scenes, and that’s a fact that was once again pushed to the extreme here.
Those scenes were beautifully rendered – and quite comical at times. That is not the highlight of this issue, however. That goes to the sheer amount of expression on our beloved character’s face. Gwen is so beautifully and painfully expressive in this issue. It made the whole ending that much more bittersweet.
David Baldeon was the lead artist for the issue, working alongside Jesus Aburtov and Guru-eFX for colors. Then there’s VC’s Joe Caramagna, who provided the lettering for this issue. Together they did a remarkable job, showing off several vital scenes to this conclusion.
Conclusion
It’s hard to believe that Gwenpool Strikes Back #5 concludes this series. In many ways it’s so tempting to pretend otherwise. At least this series has given fans a new sense of hope, and a feeling like we’ll have a chance to see this amazingly adorable and quirky character again.
So thank you, Leah Williams, David Baldeon, Jesus Aburtov, Guru-eFX, Joe Caramagna, and everybody else who was involved in this project. You made at least one fan very happy with what you produced here.
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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