Some thoughts about Spider-Gwen #1

Gwen Stacy has helped save the multiverse but her problems are just starting.

Gwen is your typical girl who plays in a band and was bitten by a radioactive spider who gave her superpowers and now she's forced to use those powers for good. Nonetheless, there will always be people who are against her and one of them is the terrifying Vulture.

This issue marks the beginning of a new series based on one of the most famous characters from the Spider-Universe, not really because of her personality but because of the way she died. I think is everyone's knowledge that Gwen Stacy died in the regular Marvel universe and that marked Peter Parker's life forever.

However, in this universe something different happened, Gwen actually was the one who gained spiderpowers, became a superhero and survived while Peter was the one who died. This presents great opportunities to finally develope her character with modern sensibilities. So does this issue delivers on that promise?

Well, yes and no.

For one, Jason Latour does a pretty good job at making this a nice entry for new readers, you don't really need to know what happened in the event Spider-Universe (where this Gwen was introduced) to understand what's ocurring in this particular world and that's definitely a plus.

The story also delivers a nice view of Gwen's life including her relationship with her friends and especially Mary Jane who is presented much more selfish than he usually is. The contrast with different versions of characters like Frank Castle is also interesting and the superheroics are solid overall.

Still, I feel like this issue lacked a bit more of everything. More characterization, more impressive ideas and direction, more interaction between Gwen and the rest of the cast, etc. As it is, is a nice first entry into this universe but not one that particularly surprises me.

About the artwork, Robbie Rodriguez is in charge and his work is pretty distinctive and expressive but I feel like the colors end-up hurting the product. They're way too washed out and I think this could have benefited from more vibrant tones.

So, it's an okay beginning but nothing really that makes it spectacular.