Spider-Women Part 2 Review

Spider-Women Part 2: Spider-Gwen #8, Silk #8, & Spider-Woman #7, Spider-Women Beta.

Marvel Comics
Review by Hafsa Alkhudairi
Story by Dennis Hopeless, Jason Latour, & Robbie Thompson

Spider-Women is a mini-event compromised of 8 comics. It includes Spider-Women Alpha #1, Spider-Gwen #7 – 8, Silk #7 – 8, Spider-Woman #6 – 7, and Spider-Woman Omega #1. This review discusses the second half of the event for the trade. First half can be found here.

The story starts with the Spider-Women wanting to hang out with each other and have brunch. They wanted a moment to take a break from being superheroines and just explore their friendship. As per usual, whenever superheroes hang out, chaos erupts. Past the first half of the Spider-Women mini event, as well as resolving the problem of heading back to the correct earth. The story now deals with Earth-65’s Cindy Moon and the agents of S.I.L.K. and resolve the issues in their friendships.

Spider-Gwen #8

Written by Jason Latour
Art by Bengal
Color by Rico Benzi
Letters by Clayton Cowles

The first half of the mini-event ends with Earth 65’s Cindy Moon leaving her earth for Earth-616 and has been wrecking that earth’s Cindy’s life. Here we see the first interaction between the two Cindys and the unfolding of their respective histories. This issue opens the way to resolution of the event. However, as any good storyteller, you can’t present 3 issues of filler. Spider-Women’s Spider-Gwen is left knowing that evil may not always be fought with brute force.

The Spider-Women in this issue are represented in a rounder format. You start seeing more of their unique personalities shine through. This is highlighted by the rounder art and the beautiful formatting of the origin story of Earth-65 Cindy Moon. The most interesting part visually was the spread with Jonah because it is both hilarious and entertaining. It is also completely in character!

Silk #8

Written by Robbie Thompson
Art by Tana Ford
Color by Ian Herring
Letters by Travis Lanham

Earth 65 Cindy Moon’s actions has attracted S.H.E.I.L.D’s attention. However, as usual, it’s not the villain who is actually prosecuted. This phenomenon is funny because it calls out the justice system and is a trope in comic book history. Of course, beyond the story the progression of the story, the readers see the difference between justice and due process. This issue in Spider-Women reflects on how superheroes know this as well and how Jessica Drew is the older sister that everyone trusts.

The art here is true to Silk’s run so far and her story also progresses outside of the progression of the Spider-Women event. This breaks up the group as each character is moving towards their own goal. This style of art really suits Silk’s spidey powers and her costume especially in contrast with the other characters. Also, the most visual appealing part of the comic was a dark scene reflecting the reality of the scene and the claustrophobia attached.

Spider-Woman #7

Written by Dennis Hopeless
Art by Joelle Jones & Lorenzo Ruggiero
Color by Rachelle Rosenberg
Letters by Travis Lanham

Mama Spider is back home and she is not pleased! This part of the event is my favorite, other than the first issue being Spider-Women Alpha. Spider-Woman is still a mother no matter the situation. She is motherly towards the other Spider-Women and she is motherly towards her child. Her counterpart is the same. However, this story slightly reflects on some privileges being a father society gives a man, if he is not stay at home. Yet, this parental and laving instinct is still present. There is a carefulness when interacting with the child. This creates an adorable dynamic between Roger, Jessica, and Jess. Hence, that is my favorite part of the issue.

The art here is the same as the rest of the series, as it was true of Spider-Gwen and Silk’s parts in the event. However, when reflecting the past, the coloring and the art becomes more dramatized. This shows how a memory can be distorted based on the experience. However, the actual events are factual. Beyond that, there is an ethical conversation that develops. Jessica also approaches this with a view that asks the rest of the women to slow down and think of their options before making a decision.

Spider-Women Omega #1

Written by Robbie Thompson
Art by Nico Leon
Colours by Rachelle Rosenberg
Letters by Travis Lanham

The conclusion of this event was both anticlimactic and fantastic. Readers know that the evil must be defeated and that the Spider-Women will not kill the villain. However, the actual events that lead Cindy Moon of Earth-65 to her demise is amazing! She is mad that her minions have minds of their own. However, this issue is not full of dramatics and fight scenes. There is more interaction and bickering between the characters. Also, I have to admit the fight scenes are epic.

The fight scenes are epic not only because the art shows an interaction that is constantly moving and fluid, but there is an abundance of references. This makes the story hilarious and fun to read. It’s not just the art that effect but the paneling as well. It shows a level of importance given to the actual event. In the end, the Spider-Women have learned the importance of their relationship and their dynamics are developing beyond the expected. Also, the story ends with my personal favorite joke because it is self-deprecating and slightly morbid.

Verdict:

Buy it! This event has been one that showed me that there is potential for mainstream comics to be successful, while portraying diverse women. These women are of different ages and different experiences. They have different viewpoints and motivations. Yet, Spider-Women did not feel overwhelming or slow. The event has more character and relationship development than the most events. This development makes this event unique in the sense that stories can be more than fight scenes.

So go to your closest comic book shop or go to Amazon and grab a copy!