REVIEW: ‘Spider-Woman,’ Issue #7

Spider-Woman #7 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Karla Pacheco, art by Pere Pérez, colors by Frank D’armata, and letters by Travis Lanham. Jessica Drew’s hunt for the High Evolutionary is put on hold as the Earth has come under attack by the King in Black. Having been recruited by Captain Marvel, Jessica now tries to fend off one of the King’s many minions as it terrorizes East Harlem. But the greatest battle Jessica will fight, may not be the external one.

There is an overarching narrative in most super hero storytelling that explores the struggle for balance within the protagonist’s life. The need to be a person, and to do what one needs to do for one’s self, weighed against larger concepts such as the greater good. So many of the most classic super hero moments come from these sort of struggles, as opposed to the world ending threats those same heroes over come on the regular. For Jessica, this struggle has become deeper than the usual concerns over being an absent friend, or possibly losing one’s job. With a disease killing her, as well as possibly her child, and the only current cure more harmful than the disease itself, Jessica can be forgiven for feeling frustrated when other causes pull her from her current objective.

Spider-Woman #7 centers it’s narrative directly on this emotional struggle. Utilizing the King in Black event, writer Pacheco takes what could’ve been a simple one off story, side tracked by the demands of a big cross title event, and uses it to deepen her protagonist’s dilemma. Jessica’s worsening condition is seen throughout this story, especially in the way she interacts with Carol Danvers.

As always, Carol is on the front line of the fight to protect earth from the latest world ending threat. And when one faces such a threat, looking for back up from the people you trust the most is only natural. So Carol turns to Jessica. And while Jessica clearly doesn’t want to be sidetracked from her mission, how can she say no?

While her motivations for helping are undoubtedly good, they don’t keep the situation from rapidly crumbling to pieces. As the foe that threatens them proves to be more powerful than initially expected, Jessica turns toward the power augmenting serum that has been keeping her alive, while making her behave in ways that are contrary to her usual self. Her inner frustrations quickly surface, as she begins to lash out at those around her. And her dearest friend is no exception.

Pacheco delivers Jessica’s rage, frustration, and pain brilliantly. As those around her try to gain control of the situation, the pain and sorrow of the moment are never lost. Jessica is struggling to deal with too much. Without any good option to turn to, she turns to the worst possible option. Even as Carol and others try to help her, Jessica can only feel her own anger and sees everyone as obstacles trying to hinder, instead of help. Her and Carol’s last moments together in this story are extremely emotional. I hope the two friends will have a chance to patch things up soon.

The art of Spider-Woman #7 does an amazing job of forcing the reader to not just see, but truly experience the pain of the story’s narrative. Artist Pérez never shies away from putting the reader right in the middle of these moments. Whether it be combat or confrontation, the reader is always right there amongst the various characters in the scene.

Pérez’s art is further helped in this emotional delivery by D’armata’s gorgeous colors. The panels in this book feel alive with energy, in no small part thanks to the skillful colorwork.

Rounding out the visual presentation is Lanham’s lettering. This issue has no shortage of raised voices and the lettering does nothing to hold back the volume here. Big bold prints push the energy of the moments, allowing the words to be truly projected off the page.

When all is said no done, Spider-Woman #7 does an excellent job telling a deep and emotional tale. It works the King in Black event into its own narrative, keeping this issue from just becoming an unnecessary side adventure.

Spider-Woman #7 is available on December 23rd wherever comics are sold.