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Creative Team – Stephanie Phillips(writer). Von Randal(artist). Matt Milla(color artist). Vc’s Ariana Maher(letterer). Mark Brooks(cover artist). Mirka Andolfo, Lee Garbett, Joëlle Jones, Rachelle Rosenberg(variant cover artists).
Published by Marvel Entertainment
CATCH UP WITH SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER #9 HERE!
“TRAPPED by SECRETS AND LIES! As Ghost-Spider takes on a city in the grips of chaos, secrets begin to come to light! The truth about Black Tarantula will come out… and the reason for Gwen abandoning her home dimension makes itself known!” (Credit: Marvel)
It All Comes Down to This
Stephanie Phillips sets the tone immediately with OB running for his life in the TVA from what looks to be demonic monsters. He finally gets to safety when he’s confronted by Mobius, who says this is all about Gwen, and makes it known he’s been against OB helping her from the start. Despite Mobius trying to be understanding at how he must’ve felt, OB makes it clear he’s still going to help her, no matter what.
Cut to Black Tarantula showing Spider-Gwen the subway tunnels he’s turned into a new hideout, which makes Gwen like him even more. Granted, he did kidnap a judge and has plans to kill said judge, but she’s starting to see him more as a anti hero than an actual villain. Gwen understands his reasoning for it, but knows there has to be a better way, a morally correct way.
It seems Gwen is close to making an understanding with, but in walks his father, the original Black Tarantula, Carlos LaMuerto. Carlos is less than pleased to see Gwen and his son together and decides to break the glass of mystery surrounding his son’s identity. Gwen now knows the true identity of the Black Tarantula, which gives her even more of a drive to put their plans of hurting the judge to a stop.
Left to be killed by two henchman, Gwen has to call in reinforcements if she has a ghost of a chance to save the life of the corrupt judge. With her backup, absolutely no plan in place, and now knowing the true identity of the Black Tarantula, which thread can she possibly pull next? Turns out, a huge one is waiting for her, and I have to say, I really didn’t see that coming.
The Writing
With so much happening in one comic, Stephanie Phillips flawlessly keeps the flow even while exciting throughout Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #10. There are so many tones at play, starting with the terror from OB, to the shock from Gwen as she finds out Black Tarantula’s identity. All of the different tones are handled expertly and only add to the exciting storyline.
With all the moving parts, you find yourself hurrying to want to read the next page. There are a few points in the tenth installment of Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider that I really didn’t see coming. It feels like the stakes are getting higher and higher and we’re really elevating the story as a whole with the new factors that Phillips has added to the plot.
The Art
Von Randal was behind the art of Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #10, and I’d say he brought a lot of depth to the already invigorating storyline. Something I really appreciate that he did was how he made Black Tarantula look otherworldly with his suit. It gave him the proper villainous vibes, but then there’s a huge change in that energy once Black Tarantula removes his mask, and you can feel it immediately. Another thing I really appreciate is how well Randal was able to illustrate the emotions of the characters through their facial expressions. I think this shows the best with Black Tarantula and his father, Carlos. It certainly added a lot of emotion to each and every panel.
Over Grade – 9.3/10
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 #10, 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!
