REVIEW: ‘All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider’ Issue 1

All-New Spider-Gwen Ghost Spider Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Stephanie Phillips, art by Paolo Villanelli, colors by Matt Milla, and letters by Ariana Maher.

As Gwen tries to settle down, a brutal murderer rolls into town.

All-New Spider Gwen Ghost Spider Issue 1 brings with it a lot of change, as Phillips explains all the new elements within the world of Spider-Gwen. There are new relationships, a new place to live with her father, and even a new set of bandmates.  All of these features are brilliantly explained, creating a busy opening chapter in All-New Spider-Gwen Ghost Spider Issue 1.

The pacing is always moving forward, but alas, the scenes feel full instead of rushed in All-New Spider-Gwen Ghost-Spider Issue 1. For most of the comic, it’s domestic and relatively calm. So it’s very unexpected when the story becomes much bloodier. It’s not just a random victim that gets brutalized, and it’s both dramatic and shocking.

All-New Spider-Gwen Ghost Spider Issue 1 has a large supporting cast, but it has a lot of focus on the protagonist. Having so many voices in the comic gives Gwen many different conversations and tones. Things are fractious with Black Tarantula, her boyfriend, who’s not really her boyfriend. She’s developed a rock that is her father, a great support system that can also be seen later in the book when things get darker. And there’s also the band, with a brand new roster.

There’s a fun cameo from another spider character, and the other new inclusion is very important to the future of the series, too. That moment with the band is an absolute peak of the issue. For several pages, there is a lot of angst within the captions, but Gwen does seem happy, and the jam session is the perfect representation of that happiness. It’s scarily contrasted with the frightening villain that’s emerging.

The art in All-New Spider-Gwen Ghost Spider Issue 1 has a nefarious twist to it. Gwen is very slick and superbly designed by Villanelli. The costume with the hood is now iconic, having starred in two Spider-Verse movies. Her body language and facial expressions, especially when the mask is off, are also fantastic. When she’s shocked, she really looks dumbfounded. But around her, the world is incredibly sinister. The chassis are shadowy, appearing like demons in puffs of smoke. Even Black Tarantula, the man she’s seeing, appears as a shroud. This makes Gwen always look like she’s in extreme danger and surrounded by really dark figures.

Black Tarantula is an excellent introduction to what comes next, because he’s the nice version. He pulls his punches in the most action-packed part of All-New Spider-Gwen Ghost Spider Issue 1. That fight, although it doesn’t have much weight, has a terrific sense of speed and the unnatural athleticism of a spider. And what comes afterwards does not pull its punches. It’s grizzly and gory. It’s alarming to see how much blood is spilled. What also rocks is the way the music is adapted. Obviously, the sound can’t be translated, but the energy and excitement on the faces of the band coming together for the first time is the most important part.

The colors are phenomenal. All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider Issue 1 is a comic where the pink of Gwen had to stand out among thick clouds of shadows. When she isn’t present and the villain is taking over, the pages turn pitch black. The light comes from Gwen, whose costume is covered in white and light pink. The band also generates vibrancy, as each member radiates their unique personality. The lettering is stark and clear, which is to be expected from the highly experienced Caramagna.

All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider Issue 1 submerges Gwen into a murky world. This book isn’t encased in misery. Gwen herself brings energy and enthusiasm, and having her father with her again provides her with safety in her home. But there is a darkness outside, seeping into every page as something monstrous starts to tear people apart. It is the music and the light that stop her from being dragged into the darkness. But that war between the two and the contrast of the noise from Gwen’s love and the roar of the darkness is what makes the first issue intoxicating.

All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.