Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #15 Review

 

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artist: Von Randal & Paolo Villanelli

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artists: Mark Brooks & Kris Anka

Design & Production: Carlos Lao

Editors: Kaeden McGahey, Jordan D White & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: July 2, 2025

 

When King Loki abandoned the world he created, Monster Loki saw an opportunity to help others. He took the throne but left the ruins to remind them of their past. Spider-Gwen used the Cosmic Cube's energy to travel to the world King Loki created. She watched as Monster Loki greeted King Loki as a brother. Monster Loki explained his belief that they have grown beyond the monsters King Loki created. Sadly, King Loki doesn’t take kindly to usurpers. And any monstrous variant who thinks they’re as good as King Loki deserves to die.

 

Spider-Gwen began her interstellar adventure with Loki in the New York subway. When Ouroborus traces Gwen’s cosmic cube energy to King Loki’s world, the Time Variance Authority field agent discovers her cradling not Fabian LaMuerto, but Hulk Loki’s dying body. Can Gwen use her Cosmic Cube energy to resurrect Fabian and the monster who dared call King Loki his brother? And will King Loki answer any more of Gwen’s 1,293 questions? Let’s put on our symbiote space suits, thwip into Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #15 and see!

 

Story

When Spider-Gwen saw King Loki pursuing the Cosmic Cube, she prevented him from capturing it. But when she touched the artifact, it bonded with her. Gwen couldn't control the immense energy she wielded. It ruined her low-key superhero life playing drums in the Mary Janes and foiling the Bodega Bandit.

 

Ouroborus rescued Gwen from the apocalypse devouring Earth-65 and hid her on Earth-616. He asked her to lie low, but that wasn’t going to happen. Every time she used her abilities to help others, Gwen drew villains into her web. Eventually, Fabian died protecting her. At her lowest ebb, King Loki offered to relieve Gwen of the power she never meant to wield.

 

In Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #15, the other monsters King Loki created find Spider-Gwen standing beside their fallen leader. Even though King Loki's scepter rests in Monster Loki's body, they can't blame their creator. So Theodore and the others seek vengeance on the unwanted visitor to their world. Even if King Loki killed Monster Loki, it must be the outsider’s fault.

 

Gwen opens this journey into vengeance by contemplating the merits of a great story. As Stephanie Phillips pits Gwen, OB, and superpowered guest stars against King Loki’s monstrous creations, she asks how we frame the story of our own lives. Do we regard ourselves as pawns or kings? Are we the masters of our fate, or do we let others dictate our paths?

 

Art

Von Randal opens this final issue by revisiting key moments from the series. Then Spider-Gwen thwips across the barren world, battling the enraged monsters that King Loki created. Directions lines accompany fraught action as doorways appear, and familiar heroes emerge in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #15.

 

Matt Milla lavishes a loaded palette as intense conflict knocks fangs from jaws and kicks rocks into the air. A luminous glow surrounds King Loki as he ponders his next attack. The green magic banishes the blue star fields as King Loki unleashes the next volley in his psychological campaign. The energy strands and green waves he unleashes evoke Loki’s decision to bring order to chaos in the Disney+ TV series. Then blue replaces green, as Spider-Gwen realizes that she’s already fought this battle, in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #15.

 

Ariana Maher thwips uppercase black letters into white and green dialogue balloons with long white arrows. She outlines narrative boxes with green and blue. The text grows bold for intonation, enlarges for raised voices, and shrinks for distant voices. Pink punctuation marks visualize Gwen’s conflicting thoughts. Sound effects enliven a fistfight, demonstrate the power of Vibranium, and awaken us to Gwen's fate in Paolo Villanelli’s detailed epilogue. Thanks to Marvel for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Like gazing into a mirror as she dresses for a gig, Gwen Stacy studies her choices and contemplates a change. After saving the life of a corrupt judge, Gwen must decide how best to dispense judgment on a criminal, and where she belongs, in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #15.

 

Rating 9/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #13 Review

 

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artist: Paolo Villanelli

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artists: Mark Brooks & Nimit Malavia

Design & Production: Carlos Lao

Editors: Kaeden McGahey, Jordan D White & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: May 7, 2025

 

“You can’t win,” Mary Jane Watson once sang. “The system’s rigged.” Gwen Stacy liked the song, but Em Jay wasn’t sure about the lyrics. Then the Cosmic Cube found Gwen, and Ouroborus from the Time Variance Authority brought Gwen to Earth to hide her from King Loki. Unfortunately, Carlos La Muerto of Earth-616 didn't attend the Mary Janes' rooftop practice session on Earth-65. If he had, the Black Tarantula of Earth-616 might have reconsidered trying to reform New York City's legal system.

 

Silk of Earth-616 warned Gwen she was playing with fire. OB cautioned Gwen that using her cosmic powers could unleash a catastrophe. Still, Gwen let King Loki show her how to channel her powers, and she freed the imprisoned psychics on Solara Prime. How will Gwen deal with the destruction she unleashed on a utopia? Can anyone free Gwen from this burden so she can resume playing the drums and apprehending the Bodega Bandit on Earth-65? Let's thwip into Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #13 and find out!

 

Story

Forget Anulax (or Havily) batteries. The most powerful batteries in the universe are the caged psychics of Solara Prime. Or at least they were until Gwen broke the machinery that powered the planet. Now, Solara Prime resembles the apocalypse OB rescued her from on Earth-65. Gwen thwips among the wreckage. She rescues those she can. But while Gwen saves individuals, the planet burns.

 

When Jean Grey hears millions of voices crying out in terror, she flies to their aid and extinguishes the psychic storm. But the Phoenix is more concerned with its cause. In Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #13, Gwen struggles to explain her overwhelming transformation. So Jean says, "My mind to your mind," and relives Gwen's journey with the cosmic cube.

 

In Stephanie Phillips' story, Gwen wrestles with her self-image. She yearned to resurrect Fabian. Gwen tried to free the oppressed. Instead, Gwen destroyed a planet. She took solace in wearing a "Cyclops Was Right" tank top after flipping police cars and turning a park into a crater amid her battle with Chameleon. Now, people have died after Gwen flexed her cosmic muscles.

 

In Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #13, Jean is a patient, supportive counselor. Phillips sprinkles this cosmic counseling session with humor, as Gwen's thoughts evoke Spider-Man shouting Doctor Strange’s spells when battling Cyttorak’s scions. Still, Gwen must decide how to channel her thoughts effectively and make the right decisions each day (and every hour).

 

 

 

Art

As Gwen rescues tentacle-faced children in her spacesuit, Jean descends on wings of fire. By the time she reaches Gwen, the fires have disappeared. Jean takes Gwen's hand, her red hair regal like a lion's mane. She stares down at Gwen as she awaits an explanation. When Gwen mentions bonding with a Cosmic Cube, Jean's eyes widen, her jaw drops, and every muscle tightens.

 

As Paolo Villanelli's art flows from page to page, Matt Milla lavishes a loaded palette of bright colors on Gwen and Jean's interactions. Pink and purple flashbacks radiate from the similarly-colored women as Jean samples Gwen's memories. Then the two omnipotent women reclaim their vibrant coloring in a multihued mindscape. But another creature inhabits this colorful realm. And despite their powers, the women must work together to survive.

 

Ariana Maher thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons with long white arrows and places rouge words in white narrative boxes outlined with turquoise. The text grows bold for intonation and enlarges for raised voices. Screeching, the whoosh of flames, and a blast of cosmic energy accompany Gwen's struggle to chart her path in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #13. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Solara Prime is an epic tragedy. Still, learning how to wield godlike powers isn't easy. Jean Grey understands how difficult it can be to live with the deaths of others on her conscience.

 

Gwen harnessed the Cosmic Cube’s power to free Chameleon from his out-of-control nanites. Whether the Cosmic Cube sought her out or Gwen chose it is immaterial. Gwen has received a great gift. Responsibility always accompanies an upgrade. Gwen must learn to accept that and move on in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #13.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #12 Review

 

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artist: Von Randal

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artists: Mark Brooks & Kasia Nie

Design & Production: Carlos Lao

Editors: Kaeden McGahey, Jordan D White & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: April 9, 2025

 

How do you rectify social inequities? Carlos La Muerto wanted to help the unhoused. So Carlos forced an app onto everyone's phone and pointed a gun at Judge Barbour's head. The Black Tarantula's actions deepened the social divide between the haves and the have-nots, opening the door for Mr Fear to throw New York City into crisis.

 

Fabian risked his life to save Gwen Stacy from Mr Fear's toxin. But Gwen couldn't save him. When app users condemned the corrupt judge, Fabian threw himself before his father’s gun to save the judge.

Now, King Loki offers Spider-Gwen an opportunity to revive the handsome man she met at Bear Coffee on Earth-616. But first, she must graduate from King Loki’s training program. Can Gwen Stacy trust King Loki? Or is he as scheming and manipulative as all his other selves in the multiverse? Let's thwip into Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #12 and find out!

 

Story

After introducing her to the war between the Olyrians and the Vyrroks, King Loki brings Gwen to Solara Prime. Unlike New York in Earth-616, no one goes hungry, and everyone has a place to live. But Spider-Gwen discovers the dark side of paradise when she helps children in the park.

 

Gwen tried to prevent King Loki from capturing the cosmic cube. She never expected the cube to bond with her. Ouroborus from the Time Variance Authority wanted Gwen to keep calm and not carry on fighting crime on Earth-616. Now, King Loki is teaching Gwen to harness the power he wants in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #12. After driving Chameleon’s nanites wild, Gwen understands how necessary this is.

 

While seeking to master her new abilities, Gwen struggles to change her perspective in Stephanie Phillips's story. She can play the drums with the Mary Janes. Gwen can protect the streets from street villains like purse snatchers and the Bodega Bandit. As she wields Phoenix-level powers, Gwen discovers why Jean Grey is on a "scavenger hunt for redemption." Gods like King Loki have a cosmic view of the universe. Individuals like Gwen and Jean fight to protect the endangered and oppressed. But like Carlos La Muerto, Gwen discovers that addressing social inequities often brings unexpected consequences in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #12.

 

Art

Matt Milla shows a flashback of King Loki surrounded by red, orange, and purple. King Loki beholds a glowing white cube. The chains hold the cube more effectively than those wielded by the Black Tarantula’s men in the New York underground. And when King Loki reaches for the cube, his features distort in horror. As for Gwen, she is in her element with the Mary Janes on a New York City rooftop. Yellow and lavender capture her emotions and love of music as she keeps time to Mary Jane’s strumming and singing, Glory’s keyboards, and Betty’s bass guitar. Then clouds gather, and lightning tears through the skies like an out-of-control blaster.

 

Von Randal shows Gwen and King Loki gaze up at the buildings hovering in the green-blue sky above the skyscrapers of Solara Prime. As they walk along a path through a park, King Loki plucks a piece of fruit from a tree. When children clad in tunics approach, Gwen retrieves their ball. She stares through the faceplate of her spacesuit at a design that evokes the moons orbiting this perfect planet. Then, the alien children scatter as guards with blasters surround her. Their suits seem a cross between AIM and the Martians in Mars Attacks.

 

Ariana Maher thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons with long white arrows and places rouge words in white narrative boxes outlined with turquoise. The text grows bold for intonation and enlarges for raised voices. The sounds of thwipping, blaster fire, and cosmic power enhance Gwen’s descent into Paradise Lost in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #12. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Politicians seek quick fixes to correct societal problems. Policies that benefit the majority often take a toll on those in the minority. While Gwen Stacy wonders if she can trust King Loki to teach her to wield a cosmic cube, her dedication to heroism prevents Gwen from embracing a larger perspective in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #12. 

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8 Review

 

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artists: Paolo Villanelli

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artists: Mark Brooks; Ernanda Souza; Edwin Galmon & Federico Blee;

Design & Production: Carlos Lao

Editors: MR Daniel, Kaeden McGahey, Jordan D White & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 4, 2024

 

Black Tarantula kidnapped Jeffrey Barbour. He accused the judge of misappropriating public funds and releasing violent criminals onto the streets. Black Tarantula created an app detailing the judge’s corruption. He gave the public five hours to vote on Barbour's innocence or guilt. How will the kidnapping and trial of a New York judge affect the city? And how will it impact Gwen Stacy’s relationship with Black Tarantula? Let's thwip into Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8 and find out!

 

Story

Luke Cage ran for mayor because he wanted to uphold justice. He tried to imprison Tombstone for becoming the new kingpin of crime. But Tombstone bribed the judge hearing his case. Even after Tombstone tried to kill his daughter and had a brutal fight with Spider-Man, the judge freed Tombstone. So now Black Tarantula presents another corrupt judge to the public. No payoffs can prevent the public from voting on Judge Barbour’s innocence or guilt. No lawyers can raise objections, make arguments, or delay the trial. Black Tarantula wants to sweep aside New York City’s representative form of government and replace it with a direct democracy. But as Gwen asks in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider #8, can an unjust man provide justice?

 

This is a vexing question for Gwen, as Chameleon tarnished her reputation. By perpetuating crimes using her image, Chameleon made it impossible to grant Spider-Gwen a fair hearing. Everyone saw her traumatize children, vandalize buildings, and steal cars. Then, Gwen saved Chameleon from Black Tarantula, making her look more guilty. The police issued an arrest warrant for her. But when Black Tarantula's "news" builds on people's suspicions of government corruption, Mayor Cage needs help to put down civil unrest. Although she hails from Earth-65, Spider-Gwen is one of the "heroes" Luke fought to protect by overturning Fisk's law.

 

While Stephanie Phillips weaves a complex story around our trust in the government, she keeps the spotlight on Gwen. Black Tarantula tried to kill her. Then he invited Gwen to dinner, invaded her home, and sent her flowers. Gwen wants a relationship with Fabian, the young man she met in a coffee shop. Yet her days are filled with threats like Chameleon and Black Tarantula. She is a visitor to this world. Her apartment isn't safe anymore. And she fears whatever apocalypse affected her world will impact Earth-616. Jessica Jones proves the voice of reason in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8. After encouraging Gwen to pursue her interest in Fabian, Jessica tries to get Luke Cage to see the larger picture. But tackling Black Tarantula and getting him to defuse the tension he created in New York City falls on Gwen Stacy's shoulders.

 

 

 

Art

As a storm descends on New York City, the streetlights switch on. People grab their umbrellas and gather outside City Hall. But the mayoral address takes on a crazed look as an aggrieved citizen pulls a gun, and Spider-Gwen bursts in to protect Mayor Cage. After Chameleon sprayed graffiti on buildings and Black Tarantula invaded her home, someone invaded and defaced the atrium of City Hall. But unlike Black Tarantula's flowers and Miles Morales' artistic displays, crude spraypainted slogans greet visitors who ascend the central staircase.

 

Gray, purple, and blue dominate the dark streets, punctuated by green and magenta, and the energy Spider-Gwen unleashes. As a shadow hangs over Gwen’s future, darkness seeps into the ivory walls as Gwen and Luke converse. When the clouds vanish, and two men share a table in a cheery diner, Matt Milla unleashes a palette of brilliant color while a man clad in gray armor looks on. A green gas seeps into panels in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8, aggravating people's fears and transforming those nearby into monsters. Amid the furious clash of colors, Gwen relives the devastation of her world, and an adversary assumes the appearance of the ravens that flock to her.

 

Ariana Maher thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons with long white arrows and places rouge words in white narrative boxes outlined with turquoise. The text grows bold for intonation and enlarges for raised voices. Amid all the thwipping, the sound of rushing air links violence at a news briefing with a villain who transforms reality into nightmares. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

The Gang War brought New York City to its knees. Now, the Black Tarantula arouses people's distrust in government. As Spider-Gwen fights to protect elected officials and the frightened public, another villain inflames Spider-Gwen's fears that the apocalypse that hit Earth-65 will follow her to Earth-616 in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #6 Review

 

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artists: Paolo Villanelli

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artists: Mark Brooks & Audrey Mok

Design & Production: Carlos Lao

Editors: MR Daniel, Jordan D White, Nick Lowe & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 2, 2024

 

Gwen Stacy’s compassion for Chameleon won her a fan. But the way they hide their identities behind masks and aliases makes the relationship weird. At least Chameleon told Gwen who was gunning for her. Chameleon may have tarnished her hero image, but if Gwen takes out Black Tarantula, perhaps the police will stop hunting her. Can Gwen adopt a new strategy and get her life on Earth-616 back on track? Let's thwip into Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #6 and find out!

 

Story

Fabian finds Gwen enchanting. Black Tarantula's son plays her game while “bumping” into her in Bear Coffee. Perhaps she connects the dots between the man clad in black leather who wanted to buy her a coffee and the man before her who makes the same offer. Perhaps not. But a social life can wait. After she foiled his bank heist, Black Tarantula sent Chameleon to deal with New York's latest spider hero. Gwen needs to send Black Tarantula back to Rykers before he sends someone else after her. But villains lurk in the shadows. Perhaps she should take a leaf out of their book.

 

Gaining respect from the criminal fraternity gives Gwen the confidence to descend into the shadows in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #6. But questioning people in a bar is a skill that doesn’t come naturally. Gwen can disguise her appearance. Still, she lacks the subtlety to get the answers she seeks. Jessica Jones intervenes when Gwen's questions in the Low Life bar raise the villains' threat level. While Jessica admires Gwen’s willingness to try new things, she encourages Gwen to play to her strengths. Their heart-to-heart over pizza helps Gwen relax and envision what life could bring once she gets over this bump in the road. But then, Ouroborus of the Time Variance Authority and Silk also know the soothing power of pizza.

 

Gwen has a lot on her plate (aside from a slice of pepperoni). She wields a strange power she is only learning to understand and control. Her superpowers should have made her a hero. Instead, they have made her hunted, feared, and hated on two worlds. Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #6 gives Gwen a moment to pause and reflect on the hero she wants to be. But she doesn't have long. Black Tarantula won't back down. And even as Gwen makes a new friend, she seems destined to lose another.

 

 

 

Art

Descend the stairs from the sidewalk and venture inside the Low Life, where a flatscreen nestles among the shelves of bottles behind the bar. More TVs hover at the periphery of the pipe-adorned ceiling, surrounding the patrons with the latest news, weather, and sports. Gwen ventures into the bar clad in a black trench coat. With her white hoodie pulled over her head and a green scarf further obscuring her face, Gwen pulls a wad of green notes from her pocket. The burly bartender in a white tank top appears less than impressed by a secretive, overdressed customer who doesn't order a drink. Shadows fall blue and purple on the patrons as they gather around Gwen in the dimly lit bar. Yet white flares behind Jessica as she steps through the orange door.

 

Gwen’s gray laptop blends with the window frame in the colorful Bear Coffee. The peach and gold sign on the street draws customers inside Bear Coffee’s grand reopening. Pink, purple, and peach balloons mingle among green potted plants and tan loveseats. More balloons cluster near the pink and purple pennants adorning the ceiling. In his gray clothes and trench coat, Fabian seems more attuned to Jessica Jones’ shadowy vibe than Gwen’s usual green, blue, and yellow casual attire. But even though Gwen seems better suited to a colorful, vibrant world, she is testing a new life in the shadows in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #6.

 

As Paolo Villanelli and Matt Milla populate inviting settings with compelling characters, Ariana Maher thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons with long white arrows and places rouge words in white narrative boxes outlined with turquoise. The text grows bold for intonation and enlarges for raised voices. Sound effects accompany a colorful bar brawl and herald an emerging arachnid threat amid pages steeped in blue, purple, and pink. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

When Gwen begins a new career in the shadows, she makes a new friend and discovers a web of protection in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #6.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #5 Review

 

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artists: Paolo Villanelli

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artists: Mark Brooks, Rian Gonzalez & Inhyuk Lee

Design & Production: Carlos Lao

Editors: MR Daniel, Jordan D White, Nick Lowe & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 11, 2024

 

Gwen unleashes energy blasts but tells Silk it’s nothing new. Chameleon doesn’t care. Gwen’s power supercharged his nanites. Like a drug addict, Chameleon craves another fix. Ouroborus of the Time Variance Authority warned Gwen that using her powers could destroy Earth-616, but Chameleon doesn’t leave her a choice. Chameleon uses his glitching powers to transform into the Scorpion and destroy Bear Coffee. That’ll teach the management to charge $10 for a coffee and a croissant! Then Chameleon-Scorpion grabs Gwen and carries her up a building. Will Spider-Gwen’s laser battle with Chameleon turn New York City into a Spider-Ghost Town? Let's thwip into Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #5 and find out!

 

Story

Gwen loves to thwip through the sky. But police helicopters survey the air, and patrol cars search the streets. So, Gwen and Chameleon hide beneath the city. Their tangle on the rooftops evoked the Russian fable of a frog helping a scorpion cross a river. Now, Gwen helps Dmitri splash through the sewer. She can tell he’s hurting. Gwen wants to ease Chameleon’s pain. Does she have time for a crash course in reprogramming nanites?

 

It never fails. Every time you take the time to figure something out, an interruption strikes! In Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #5, Vermin objects to their intrusion. Vermin and his gang may be friendly with Peter, Miles, and Shift in the sewers beneath Empire State University, but the humanoid rat doesn't extend the hand of friendship to Gwen and Chameleon. His powers may be glitching, but Chameleon keeps them safe. But then Black Tarantula and his gang invade the sewers. Carlos may enjoy a good match, but he wants two first-round knockouts. Who knew the sewers were so lively?

 

In a complex world, myths, fables, children’s stories, and analogies can illuminate the truth. Chameleon used artificial enhancements to steal others’ abilities. In Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #5, she guides Dmitri toward a revelation. Gwen also discovers that she can’t hide from growth and change. She must accept who she’s becoming and learn to wield her new abilities for the betterment of others. Stephanie Phillips sprinkles her story with the importance of family, guarding those we love, and the need for the next generation to forge their paths. After issues filled with fun chats with friends and daytime adventures, Phillips delivers a taut nighttime thrill ride that prompts character growth. Gwen may show less concern for those injured amid her battles than for Chameleon. But in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #5, Gwen Stacy reigns.

 

 

 

Art

Lights glare off police cars as a helicopter flies past a tower. Light from below makes a sewer drain glow. Matt Milla’s vivid colors enliven Paolo Villanelli’s heavy inks as Chameleon's nanites spark and flare in the darkened sewer. Chameleon's face threatens to melt, and Spider-Gwen raises a hand to shield her eyes. Yet her eyes radiate light like the police car headlights. She perches on a concrete support as his energy brightens the green water. Then light overexposes Gwen's head, and she turns to see Vermin.

 

The humanoid rat wears rags and a bone necklace. Gwen thwips as Vermin and his rats crash into her with red glowing eyes and hungry teeth. Brown hands force her beneath the angry green surf. Chameleon bathes the air in a yellow light that sends Verminkind scurrying. But the power appears to tax his soul in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #5. 

 

Ariana Maher thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons with long white arrows and rouge words into white narrative boxes outlined with turquoise. The text varies in size as it grows bold and enlarges for intonation. Letters wobble as Vermin hisses. Vibrant and energizing sound effects accompany fights beneath the city and above, while blue letters surround a character crouching in an angry ball of light. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Gwen's descent into darkness leads to enlightenment, and a secret admirer may resolve a Spiderific mystery in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #5.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #4 Review

 

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artists: Paolo Villanelli

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artists: Mark Brooks, Pasqual Ferry & Rachelle Rosenberg; Jeehyung Lee

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: August 28, 2024

 

Chameleon captured Gwen, stole her face, and became a menace to society. Gwen escaped and fought him. But now she wields the power of a god. Worse, her new power has supercharged Chameleon. Can New York City sustain another confrontation between these superpowered combatants? Let's thwip into Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #4 and find out!

 

Story

Ouroborus of the Time Variance Authority stole Gwen from Earth-65. OB hid her away on Earth-616 and stole her identity. Then, Chameleon stole Gwen's Ghost-Spider appearance and powers. Now, she's supposed to lie low as Lisa Rogers, yet she wields Thor's lightning. Gwen is keeping secrets from her spider friends, and they are keeping secrets from her.

 

As in issue #2, Gwen awakens in her apartment in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #4. This time, Peter and Miles are elsewhere, but Silk is there. Like OB, Silk wants Gwen to lie low and not use her powers. The police have issued a warrant for her arrest after Chameleon used her identity to steal cars and kids' ice cream cones. More importantly, Silk senses that Gwen's anxiety is nearing a tipping point. After two explosions yesterday, Silk worries about what Gwen might do if she feels overwhelmed and loses control of her emotions.

 

When Silk encourages her to share her burdens, she unknowingly echoes George Stacy’s warning in issue #3. Gwen understands Silk's concerns. But OB insisted she cannot share what she knows, or the apocalypse that struck Earth-65 can consume Earth-616. OB also warned her that acting as Spider-Gwen could initiate the apocalypse. So, in addition to keeping secrets from those who want to help, Gwen feels guilty for ignoring his advice. Is her strange transformation the first step toward the end of this world?

 

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #4 begins with an analogy and ends with a fable. Both speak to Gwen’s guilt. But while the fable speaks to her actions, the analogy addresses actions yet to be performed. Stephanie Phillips' intriguing installment raises a question. If OB asked her not to do anything, why does Gwen feel overwhelmed by all the actions she has not yet performed? 

 

 

 

Art

Gwen thwips past devastated buildings while ravens fly alongside. Then her web snaps, and she falls. Lightning flares from her eyes as Gwen awakens on her mattress. She doesn’t start a fire, but Silk does her best to turn Gwen's apartment into a burnt place by making her breakfast. Darkness falls on Silk as she drops a charred pancake onto Gwen's place. Then Silk crosses her arms over the lightning-bolt letter S on her chest and frowns at the message on Gwen’s white tank top.

 

Matt Milla lavishes vibrant colors on the spider-gals' chat in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #4. After surrounding the girls with bright greens, blues, and pink, Paolo Villanelli’s conversation between Chameleon and Black Tarantula occurs amid purple and dark blue pipes and blue-tinged brown shelves. Tarantula's exhalations appear as white clouds. But after consuming Gwen's power and the nutrient energy of a future generation, the Chameleon crackles with white lightning. Gwen seeks anonymity at Bear Coffee. Amid her conversation with a stranger, a purple shadow obscures her yellow hoodie and fern-green hat as a police car siren glows outside their window. Is the whirling yellow light radiating a red glare a metaphor for the all-consuming fire rising on Earth-616?

 

Ariana Maher thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons with long white arrows and rouge words into white narrative boxes outlined with turquoise. The text varies in size as it grows bold and enlarges for intonation, while epic-sized dialogue elevates tense drama and action. Vibrant and energizing sound effects accompany a Giant-Size Lively Marvel bursting through a wall, Gwen saving a bystander from an explosion, and Gwen hitting someone she later helps in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #4. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Peter Parker’s concerns about Gwen’s presence on Earth-616 echo through Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #4. After Silk suggests she rely on others for support, Gwen makes a new friend and helps someone in need. She may elude the cops who want to lock her away. But can Gwen escape her destiny as the power within her grows?

 

Rating 9.2/10

 

To preview interior art see the Previews World website.

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #3 Review

 

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artists: Federica Mancin & Paolo Villanelli

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artists: Mark Brooks, Ryan Stegman, Annie Wu & Skottie Young

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: July 31, 2024

 

Spider-Man lured Gwen Stacy to a cargo ship at the docks. He fought her and transformed into Kraven before his face went blank. Who is this man of a thousand faces? Let's thwip into Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #3 and see if we can unravel this web of mystery!

 

Story

Chameleon stole her face. Like Joan Jett, Kraven’s half-brother is giving Ghost-Spider a Bad Reputation. Why is Chameleon hurting people in her name? Why is he making everyone think Gwen is a criminal?

 

Gwen Stacy is a woman in chains. While hanging inside the cargo ship, her father appears. He reminds her that force can’t solve every problem. Then something happens she doesn’t understand. A startling metamorphosis occurs. Gwen escapes her chains amid this strange event and fights Chameleon. Now, people see two Ghost-Spiders terrorizing citizens and destroying public property. Could things get any worse for Gwen?

 

In Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #3, Ouroborus’ words haunt Gwen Stacy. He warned her that wearing the suit would bring deadly consequences. The Time Variance Authority agent pulled her out of an apocalypse on Earth-65 and asked her to live as Lisa Rogers. But Gwen refused to stay in her apartment. She blamed the symbiote for her insatiable acts of heroism. Now, while she transforms, so does Chameleon.

 

As Stephanie Phillips reveals Gwen's growing powers, Phillips populates her story with classic Spidey villains like Kraven, Chameleon, and Black Tarantula. She intrigues us with the perils facing Gwen and the multiverse. But at its core, Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #3 is a horror story. Someone stole Gwen’s identity. They are ruining her new life on Earth-616. Wait! Someone caused an apocalypse on Earth-65. As Gwen's powers grow, so do Chameleon’s. Did Gwen unleash chaos in her world? Might she be the instrument of destruction for Earth-616? Could she become a cancer afflicting every planet in the multiverse?

 

 

 

Art

Families enjoying a cheery day in the park are stunned by Gwen’s obnoxious thwips. She frightens a child with a Venomous grin. The Ghost-Spider’s graffiti can’t compare to Miles’ artistry, but she tears up the streets in a car chase through New York City. Yet Gwen hangs by chains in the damaged cargo ship. Fog hovers over the deck as her father appears. Through her ripped mask, she watches him emerge from the darkness. When he fades, light blasts from her mouth. The energy rips through the deck and becomes a cyclone above the ship. Identities lose their meaning as Gwen fights Gwen. Only the powers they unleash distinguish one Ghost-Spider from another.

 

Matt Milla lavishes a loaded palette of vibrant colors on Federica Mancin’s fanciful and action-packed art in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #3. Milla grounds bright blues, greens, oranges, and yellows against beiges, tans, and browns. People glow in the sunlight and grow purple in the shade. Yet white proves most potent as it whirls and crackles from Gwen's black, lavender, pink, and yes, white suit. Purple dominates the evening sky as Paolo Villanelli steeps Federica Mancin’s final scenes in greens, yellows, and oranges.

 

Ariana Maher thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons with long white arrows and rouge words into white narrative boxes outlined with turquoise. The text varies in size as it grows bold and enlarges for intonation, while epic-sized dialogue elevates tense drama and action. Vibrant and energizing sound effects accompany rattling chains and spur on an energy storm while brawling Ghost-Spiders split a taxi in two like the Hulk fighting the Abomination in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #3. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

With power comes responsibility. But Gwen Stacy didn't heed OB's warning. Now, her powers are growing, and her friends are frightened for her. Perhaps they're scared of her. But no one is more terrified than Gwen is in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #3. A bonus multipage installment of a serial about a brawl across the multiverse featuring Deadpool, Wolverine, and excessive facial hair makes this a Can't-Miss issue!

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.