SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER #12 – New Planet, New Problems

Creative Team – Stephanie Phillips(writer). Von Randal(artist). Matt Milla(colorist). VC’s Ariana Maher(letterer). Mark Brooks(cover artist).

Published by Marvel Entertainment

Catch up with Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #11 here!

The Story

Now that we know why Gwen was removed from her home universe and taken to Earth-616 by the TVA, we see there’s much more to the story and it involves King Loki and a Cosmic Cube. Gwen bonded with a Cosmic Cube so Loki wouldn’t be able to get his hands on it, but that didn’t stop him from still using its power. The TVA relocated Gwen to Earth-616 so Loki couldn’t find her or the power, but she can’t control the power of the cube.

Not being able to control the power she has within herself is a huge problem because one blast from the Cosmic Cube is exactly how Loki can locate her, which is what happened. Now Loki is taking her on an adventure across the multiverse so she can learn how to control the power. But that’s not just it, Loki is also using the power of the Cosmic Cube that Gwen has to reshape the worlds just the way he wants them shaped.

This brings us to Solara Prime, a world that’s ran completely by their own government. All seems well on the outside looking in; the basic necessities their people are in need of are offered to them free of charge such as foods.

All seems well, and as Gwen would describe it, a “utopia”, but Loki brought her here for a reason. While on a walk, some kids asked Gwen to get them the ball they were playing with, as she did just so but used her web-slinging powers. This had an immediate reaction as the Solara Prime police, the Solarity Council, put Gwen under arrest. It seems like a huge overreaction, until Gwen gets interrogated and accused of having psychic abilities. It turns out that anyone with psychic abilities are being hunted on Solara Prime, for some very dark reasons. Gwen, being the hero she is to her core, cannot sit idly by and allow this to happen.

The Writing

I absolutely love where this story is going! Finally, we’re getting answers as to why Gwen has been relocated by the TVA, and what the deal is with her powers. Plus, I really love that it involves King Loki, as Gwen and Loki are so far apart on the spectrum of super-powered people.

I think Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #12 does a great job at showing Gwen as a true hero who reacts to a call of action immediately, without think of what comes next, which is also her flaw as a hero. On Solara Prime, she sees a problem or an injustice, and uses her newfounded powers to save whoever she can. But with fixing one problem, it creates a ton of new problems, which is on brand for a Spider-Hero. I’m excited to see what comes next, especially with that cliffhanger involving a certain mutant.

The Art

The artwork of Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #12 did a really great job elevating the already exciting storyline. Von Randal gave it that old school comic vibe with his drawings, while Matt Milla gave it that otherworldly feeling with his use of juxtaposing bright colors. All was wrapped in a nice bow with Ariana Maher and her excellent work on the letters of the comic. I think the artists talents were showcased the greatest on the very first page involving Loki, which set the tone immediately, showing what a treat you’re in for regarding the rest of the comic.

Overall Grade – 9.3/10

Let me know in the comments below what you thought of Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #12!

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 #12, 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!