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Creative Team- Stephanie Phillips(writer). Paolo Villanelli(artist). Matt Milla(color artist). VC’s Ariana Maher(letterer). Mark Brooks(cover artist). Mirka Andolfo, Zulema Scotto Lavina & Edgar Delgado(variant cover artists).
Published by Marvel Entertainment
Catch up with Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8 here!
*spoilers ahead!*
Fear All Around
“WHO CAN YOU TRUST? With the city held in grips of fear, Gwen does not know who she can trust. With Black Tarantula taking his aim off her and onto the corruption in the system, Gwen needs to decide which side she is on before the situation gets out of hand!”
After Mr. Fear attacked the city, everyone is in a fear toxin-induced state of panic. That includes Gwen, who is currently at the mercy of delusions that came from the toxin. Her delusions include seeing her friends and family and all the Spider-People in between blaming her and saying she let them down. Of course, this fear shows the guilt she feels from abandoning people from her old universe like her father, so it makes sense they show up in her worst fears. With no ending of the fear toxin effects in sight for Gwen, an unexpected player has come to her rescue.
The Writing
Stephanie Phillips immediately sets the tone with starting the comic off with showing the fears that are driving Gwen into this extreme state of panic. With all of the Spider-Heroes in danger, while blaming Gwen for their situation, it’s easy to see where Gwen’s head is at a lot of the time. She’s terrified she’s going to hurt the people she loves, or already has hurt them by having to leave with the TVA for this new universe. Phillips keeps this high energy going throughout the comic, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I’m really enjoying the dynamic that’s changing between Black Tarantula and Gwen, as they come from opposite sides, but still have the same morals of wanting to do the right thing. Granted, Black Tarantula goes about it in an entirely different way than Gwen would, but he still has the right reasons behind his motives.
The Art
The artwork of Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #9 matched the tone really well, as it really brought the fear Gwen was experiencing to life. I appreciate how dramatic the characters were drawn, as it added much more depth to the storyline. Paolo Villanelli just doesn’t miss when it comes to his artwork, and this comic proves that. With Matt Milla on colors, and Ariana Maher on letters, they all created something dramatic and compelling and perfect for the story.
8.9/10
This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #9, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
