Edge of Spider-Verse #2

The Good

GWEN STACY: SPIDER-WOMAN hits on a sensory level; from page one, we're locked in with Robbi Rodriguez' and Rico Renzi's bright, in-your-face visuals, but it's also nearly impossible not to have a little soundtrack playing in your head.

The character design is stunning -- we've known that since the first teaser images came out -- and the creative team really keeps the energy up on all levels. Spider-Gwen is dynamic, thiwp-ing and thawp-ing with a parkour energy across bold, neon-streaked panels. The SFX are rockin' and completely tone-setting, and the overall effect is gorgeous.

It's easy enough, given the compact format, to go with cookie-cutter inversions with this story, but Latour doesn't do it. This Gwen isn't the usual Gwen avec spider-bite, nor is she Rule 63 Peter Parker. Gwen has attitude and is very much the protagonist here, her relationships with other characters are interesting riffs on what we're used to, and we get to see new dimensions of Ms. Stacy that make her both an easy character to cheer for and a nuanced, flawed human. All of the requisite Spidey angles are present -- it's a Spider-Verse story, after all -- but Gwen is totally her own brand of Spider-Woman.

The Bad

I'd read an entire miniseries about Spider-Gwen. That there's such limited space to introduce this version of the world and start (and wrap) a story is a shame; Latour and Rodriguez could've run much deeper with more pages. (I'll be looking out for AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #9, but I'd love to see this Gwen in more issues.)

The Verdict

EOS:GS:SW nods appropriately to familiar Spidey characters and lore, but twists the script enough that it's really something of its own. The mark of a good What If? story is its ability to balance the existing continuity with bold, exciting ideas, and this issue really lands. I can't wait to see more Spider-Gwen in ASM #9, and I'm glad that this book was at the top of my pile this week.

who else wants an ongoing of spider-gwen

I gotta say, I find her face and hands on the cover really weird. No disrespect to the artist though. The costume looks pretty neat.

Man, when was the last time Jen reviewed a Big 2 book? Anyway this review has me pumped for not only this book but for how all of Spiderverse is going to play out. Almost like too much awesome is getting packed into it.

I want this so bad, it's the only title I'm buying this week.

@aeroman: Hear Hear!!

Seems awesome.

@drellassassin: I know, right? I'm reading lots of them, but I don't usually get to the comic shop until Thursdays or Fridays lately :( and I get my Image books digitally.

@aeroman: Me. This looks awesome

Just in case it wasn't obvious.

@aeroman: Totally. I'd even settle for a mini.

Here, here!

This mini series is pretty good so far.

Glad it was good. I'll definitely be picking it up and hoping for an ongoing.

Man....I really wish she got her own ongoing. *Crosses fingers she gets one at the end of the story*

@aeroman: Count me in. I think Marvel would be giving up a great opportunity if they don't give Spider-Gwen at least a full 5-issue mini-series.

This is a great idea for a book about Gwen Stacy without having to deal with a completely ruined character.

Truly the only Gwen Stacy which could work in Marvel at this point is an alternate universe one.

Great design too.

@aeroman:

I'd be down with that

I almost picked this up at my store, but then decided not to. I am regretting this now

Really wanna pick this up.

Gwen SUCKS!

*grabs popcorn*

Ignore the troll!

GWEN IS LIFE! GWEN IS LOVE!

@humanrocket: GWEN'S DEAD AND MISERABLE!!!

This was a fun book. But realistically I don't think it could put up the sales numbers to maintain an ongoing. Maybe a mini.

@punyparker: at least being dead means she's safe from being written out of character like a certain kitty car I know :p

To all who have read this issue: Do you guys see potential for this Spider-Woman to get an "All-New X-Men"/"Spider-Man 2099" treatment and bring her permanently to the Marvel U?

I didn't like this that much

@humanrocket: Or a certain red head...........

I don't think so.......maybe,but my opinion is that Spider-Verse,as an event,is all about clearing the Spider-field up....i mean,already some Spider-Men are dead......

The issue wasn't quite what I was expecting but its a nice set up for potential Spidey X-overs so I'm excited to see what comes ahead

as I've said before..Marvel would be crazy not to give an ongoing or at least a mini a shot with all the hype the character has received

They should bring her to the 616 and she and Spidey can start dating. And fighting crime together of course.

Marvel, PLEASE. This needs to become an ongoing! Or even just a mini-series!

not that great of an issue especially compared to the noir issue, but still pretty decent. the writing was good, the story was mediocre. the art was great though. 3/5

marvel should definitely consider having an ongoing series with various alternate universe spidermen

This was even better than the last issue. The artwork was perfect.

Terrific issue.

This was fantastic. Like everyone else has said, I'd definitely read a Spider-Gwen ongoing, at least if Latour and Rodriguez were creating it. I think I'd prefer if it stayed in this universe, but I wouldn't mind if she got stuck in the 616 either.

This is the best Spider comic I've read in a long time, I loved it. They have to find a way to make this an ongoing series.

@aeroman: In a heartbeat!

Loved this book, i would add it to my pull list in a heartbeat if this creative team was on it, bravo.

Loved Gwen, loved 95% of the plot, but as a Daredevil fan I can't say I like the way Matt Murdock was depicted here.

I agree about more expansion on this character, I'd read a mini series on the two page spread ,alone, at the start of the issue, this gwen is so likable and so many dynamic relationships we didn't get a big look at. Captain Stacey was a favourite of mine in this book, but I want more insight as to why matt murdoch is "bad".

I loved this! Hopefully there is at least a mini-series in the future.

I understand that part of the event, the thing is that we know that by the end a handfull of Spider-Men will survive: Miles Morales, Miguel O'Hara, Jessica Drew (Ultimate), Kane, Spider-Woman, Anya Corazón, Silk and of course Peter Parker. My question is, Will Spider-Gwen?

Don't be 100% sure for everyone ^ except Pete Miles and Miggy......you never know.
But i think she's gonna die.

@sora_thekey: no i like it to be in its own universe . no need to mash up the characters from other universe/timelines

YES GOD YES.

That was really good. Would totally read more.

damn right

anyone know what's up with the variant? my LCS didn't get the first or second variant and they ordered a ton...

I would hate to see this Gwen Stacy not brought into 616 universe and have a relationship of short with 616 Peter Parker.

This was great. I would love it if they turned this into an ongoing book set in it's own universe. Like how they have Ultimate Spider-Man they could make this series Paramount Spider-Woman, and if it does good enough even branch off and have Paramount Fantastic Four, Paramount X-Men, and The Paramounts(Like the Ultimates).

I'll be suprised if marvel doesn't do a ongoing after this is over......i'll like the twist they made with peter being gwen's uncle ben

For I moment I read that as Peter being Gwen's uncle and I was like...Wut?