All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #6 -Making of the Band

Spider-Gwen feels the pressure of living two lives now more than ever in this continuation story of All New Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider.

Creative Team

Stephanie Phillips (Writer), Von Randal (Artist), Matt Milla (Colorist), VC’s Ariana Maher (Letterer),
David Marquez & Federico Blee (Cover Artists)

C.B. Cebulski (Editor-In-Chief), Jordan D. White (Editor), Martin Biro (Associate Editor),
Emerald Bensadoun (Assistant Editor), Kat Walkington (Designer)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

“Rock On”

Issue six of Stephanie Phillips’ All New Spider-Gwen Ghost-Spider (Marvel Comics) begins with Gwen’s new rock band jamming out to a group of senior citizens within a retirement home. Sure, things for the band are not going as Gwen would hope, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. You get to see real bonding between the band mates as they brainstorm their band name. Unfortunately, there is still the issue of not having a “knock-out” song for Battle of the Bands.

Though there is not a lot of action within this story, there is plenty of plot building. That is what makes comic books so unique, there doesn’t need to be action or fighting to have a good comic story. Within the story telling we are introduced to the villain for this story, Shriek. We first see Shriek confronting a bar owner who is in debt to her. It is during this time that Gwen and Murphy write their song for the Battle of the Bands. During those panels, you witness Murphy presenting a calm aura to help Gwen settle down to write the song. Which goes to show that everyone needs a friend with a calming presence.

Battle of the Bands has arrived and our newly named band, “Threadbare,” is ready to take the stage! The fans love their song, except for one, Shriek. She manipulates the minds of the audience to start a fight, just to approach Gwen on stage. A mild battle ensues but comes to a comedic end with Murphy breaking a guitar over Shriek’s face.

With the battles over, the story is not finished. We are taken back to Gwen’s bedroom where Gwen enters still wearing her Ghost-Spider suit. Not paying attention to the fact that Murphy is standing in her room! The true meaning of friendship appears as Murphy knows that Gwen is Ghost-Spider and shows no true emotion towards that knowledge. She simply wants to discuss the new shirts she made for the band.

Artwork

This comic had so much excitement in the Nerd Initiative Bullpen, that we have Megan and Travis reviewing it!

Travis: Von Randal‘s art in this book is raw and rugged with hard lines and tone setting shading. You get very subtle hints from the art that this is definitely a Spider-Gwen book based off of the background colors matching her suit colors. Some of the most eye-catching art falls on the splash pages. They are so beautifully orchestrated with so many colors used. The best way I can describe it is to compare it to the movie “Into the Spider-Verse.” Beautiful panels for a hard rock story.

Megan: Time and time again, Von Randal has proven why he’s the perfect artist to take on Stephanie Phillips’ thrilling story of Spider-Gwen, and this issue is no exception. With Randal’s perfect use of details in every panel, you find yourself right in the middle of all the different drama that happens in the story. With characters like Spider-Gwen and Silk practically popping off the page, there’s an excellent usage of the characters as the focal points. Complimenting Randal’s work expertly is Matt Milla, who handles the colors of the comic. Matching the tone of a rockstar life with vibrancy and contrasting that the darker colors, Milla is able to create gorgeous depths throughout the comic that’s eye-popping.

Final Thoughts

Travis: 9/10. Stephanie Phillips is an amazing storyteller! This story incorporates so many emotions into twenty-two pages. You have somber defeat, excitement, nervousness, and acceptance. But one of the most powerful things in this story is at the end with Murphy. She (Murphy) knows who Gwen is and does not belittle her for not telling her about being Ghost-Spider. That is where the feeling of acceptance comes into play for Gwen. I strongly suggest you pick not only this issue, but this entire run of All New Spider-Gwen Ghost-Spider!

Megan: 9/10. After all the excitement of Tantrum, I was very curious where Stephanie Phillips would take Spider-Gwen’s story, and I have to say, I am not disappointed one bit! There’s new connections made, new foes introduced, and Gwen is just trying to hold on to the idea of a normal life. I am very excited to see where Phillips goes with this new arc, especially after such a strong start!

Grade: 9/10

For more Spider-Gwen Ghost-Spider reviews: All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider

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