Reality Come Crashing Down in Spider-Gwen Ghost Spider #9
Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider has been putting Gwen through the ringer; this latest issue is no exception. This series has focused on Gwen and her struggle to get her feet on the ground (or hands on the web) and figure out her path as a superhero in her own right.
Reading Gwen Stacy’s story as she transitions from Spider-Gwen to Ghost Spider has been thrilling. Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #9 is quite possibly one of my favorites in this series (so far). And there’s good reason for me to feel that way.
The last issue ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, which this one resolves. Actually, it does more than that. It pushes this plot to the farthest edge, all while testing Gwen and her line in the sand. That’s the reason why this issue quickly became my favorite.
Side note: For those who didn’t already know this, Gwen’s story will change its name soon. Instead of being a mouthful (Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider), the series will move forward as Ghost Spider. I’m so excited for this moment, and it’s almost here. Just have to wait until August…
Writing
Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #9 combined so many elements that I loved. It was dramatic, it was emotional, and it was fascinating. Gwen has come up against many enemies in her time, but never a monster like this one. She’s never had to face somebody who made orders like this. Nor has she ever had to see her reactions to somebody like him. This is all new territory for our webbed hero.
To be honest, I loved this issue. And I’m not really surprised that I loved it, either. I’ve been adoring what Seanan McGuire has been doing with Gwen’s character. And this is no exception. She’s pushing the boundaries of her backstory here and forcing her character forward. It’s refreshing.
When I say this issue was emotional, I’m not discussing the female stereotypes in comics. Gwen got forced through the wringer here – she was upset, hurting, and furious. This sort of emotional cocktail is something we rarely see in raw form, and it made for some seriously compelling writing.
These raw moments were balanced out well with some straight-up fascinating moments. Gwen’s way of handling the situation – gathering information and actually dealing with the problem – was quite simple. And fascinating, don’t forget that bit.
Art
There were many dramatic scenes to show in Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #9. I don’t even know where to begin! There was one scene where a newer ability of Gwen’s was shown – or rather, she used an older ability in a new way. Regardless, it was by far my favorite image in this issue. Though the fight scenes were a close second.
Takeshi Miyazawa and Ian Herring really do work well together. This series has been proof enough of that. Together, they’ve brought us dynamic fight scenes, fascinating spider moments, and much more. While I still maintain that the scene I described above is my favorite, I must admit that the fight scene at the end of this issue was pretty spectacular as well. But I can’t describe it because of spoilers and all that. Just trust me when I say it was amazing to read.
Conclusion
Spider-Gwen Ghost Spider #9 surpassed my already fairly high expectations. It was a fun read, but more than that, too. I can see how it’s setting up for the Ghost Spider transition. And I’m looking forward to seeing that happen.
For me, the highlight of this issue was seeing Gwen deal with this problem in her own unique way. Nobody could have done what she did. At least, not the way she did it. And she did it all while dealing with some intense emotions. It just reminds us that our heroes have to deal with a lot and still get the job done.
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.
Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
Quirky Cats Comics 
Leave a comment