Warning: Spoilers for Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider (2024) #9 forward!Since Marvel Spider-Verse exploded in reputation, I feel it's secure to say there was a transparent quintessential Spider-Hero: Gwen Stacy, or as she is extra colloquially recognized, Spider-Gwen. However reputation is usually a double-edged sword, and I feel there's ample proof in Gwen's newest collection to show that Spider-Verse's reputation is hurting the character.
Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider (2024) #9 – written by Stephanie Phillips, with artwork by Paolo Villanelli and Matt Milla – is emblematic of the issues presently plaguing the character. Having been poisoned by the villain Mr. Worry, Gwen spends a lot of the ebook convalescing. As an alternative, a lot of the motion is pushed by collection newcomer and potential romantic curiosity, Black Tarantula (who's secretly concerned in one other villainous subplot).
Like a lot of the collection, Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider (2024) #9 takes plenty of the main target away from Gwen herself, lowering her to a damsel in misery inside her personal title.
Marvel has a Gwen Stacy downside on its arms
By now, I feel most Marvel followers are aware of Spider-Gwen: Gwen Stacy from an alternate universe the place she by no means died and as a substitute turns into Spider-Lady in Peter Parker's place. Though this model of the character has existed since Fringe of the Spider-Verse (2014) #2, her reputation has reached entire new heights since she appeared as a predominant character within the smash hit Spider-Verse animated movie franchise. The character proved so widespread that Marvel moved her into its mainstream continuity beginning in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider, now not having his adventures going down in his house universe.
Readers bought to know Gwen very properly in her house on Earth-65. Inventive, slightly cussed, and acrobatic, Gwen's tenure as Spider-Lady is distinct from different Spider-heroes. In her civilian life, Gwen is caring however cautious following the dying of her universe's Peter Parker, along with her superhero duties conflicting along with her function because the band's drummer. The Mary Janes. Gwen is especially pushed, and though this could lead her to create her personal issues, she additionally has the abilities and dedication to come clean with her errors and face her issues head on.
Gwen Stacy doesn't have an actual 'function' on Earth-616
My downside is that the Gwen Stacy described above doesn't appear to be current in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider. 9 points, and a lot of the tales are about Gwen feeling responsible, scared, or needing to be rescued ultimately. The covers replicate this, with seven of the eleven portraying Gwen because the sufferer. Whereas it's widespread for comedian ebook covers and plots to put their heroes at risk to drum up curiosity, I'm struck by what seems to be an alarming lack of company for Gwen in what ought to be her personal collection.
I see Gwen caught in a lifeless finish: widespread sufficient that Marvel wished to put her within the mainstream continuity, however unable to say a distinct segment when there are already so many different Spiders. That is solely made worse by Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider #1 reiterating to readers that Gwen Stacy's function on Earth-616 can be a tragic aspect in Spider-Man's life. Whereas this might result in a compelling fish-out-of-water narrative, I'm fearful that now that Marvel has taken Gwen out of her aspect, the writer received't know what to do along with her outdoors of the usual romance-or-rescue tales.
What's going to Marvel do with all these spiders?
Earth-616 is flooded with Spider-Individuals. Peter Parker and Miles Morales have a joint title along with their very own collection, and veterans like Jessica Drew, Madame Net and Silk are joined by newcomers like Spider-Boy. With so many heroes, it's already tough for Gwen to face out with out her title itself underestimating her capabilities. Though there are narrative strains linking her to the TVA, even putting her as the primary character in TVA (2024)this simply places her again in her unique function as a multiversal variant hero - it doesn't assist her declare a spot on Earth-616.
Gwen Stacy is an thrilling and widespread character, however sadly, I see her bearing the brunt of Marvel's Spider-Man's issues. I do know Gwen has plenty of potential – she's already confirmed her attraction in a number of titles and movies. This transfer to put her within the mainstream continuity perplexes me, not as a result of she doesn't deserve consideration, however as a result of it's taking her out of an surroundings tailored to play to her strengths and forcing her to share Spidey's already crowded highlight. Marvel wants to determine the way it needs to deal with its Spider-Versewhy Gwen Stacy is struggling due to it.