Spider-Woman #15
W) Dennis Hopeless (A) Veronica Fish (CA) Robbi Rodriguez
Rated T+
In Shops: Jan 25, 2017
SRP: $3.99
After a deadly confrontation with THE HOBGOBLIN, Jessica Drew is going to be saying R.I.P.P… (Hint: the extra P stands for PORCUPINE!)
Spider-Gwen #16
(W) Jason Latour (A/CA) Robbi Rodriguez
Rated T
In Shops: Jan 18, 2017
SRP: $3.99
Continuing the story from SPIDER-MAN #12, Miles and Gwen find themselves in an Earth-65 adventure that’s going to rock both of their worlds (and universes). Don’t forget to reserve your copy of this mini-crossover!
In Spider-Gwen #16, Miles Morales learns that there are many differences between Earth-65 and his home Earth-like sodas using real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup and that Daredevil is evil and has an army of ninjas. (Thank goodness he was in the Ultimate Universe for Shadowland, or Miles would’ve gotten some bad flashbacks.) He’s still too young to get into clubs on most worlds in the multiverse, but this doesn’t prevent him from having a little team-up fun with Spider-Gwen in this bouncy second chapter of the “Sittin’ in a Tree” crossover where writer Jason Latour focuses on building the relationship between the two young heroes instead of skipping straight to the smooching like Brian Michael Bendis did in Spider-Man.
Miles Morales is a great fit for Robbi Rodriguez and Rico Renzi‘s brighter, animation-meets cool indie band poster art style. The red and black adds some new hues to Renzi’s usual pink, green, and white world, and Latour writes Miles as completely out of his element the whole time. He’s freaking out about being in an alternative universe while simultaneously freaking about his dad going missing while on a mission for SHIELD. This is why he sounds like he’s hopped up on caffeine and fear, and where Gwen comes in with some much-needed empathy. They bond over their love for their dads, their superhero lives, and the weirdness of other worlds with Rodriguez’s full page spread of them hugging showing how much they’ve already bonded.
The colors and art pop even more once Spider-Gwen hits the Scorpion Club, and this leads to the 
funniest joke in the issue, which is 16-year-old Miles being left behind. He has a superhero costume, but no fake ID. The short fight scene inside the club featuring Earth 65’s Dr. Octopus is weird, yet fun and shows off Miles’ “other” powers, like venom stings and invisibility, as well as the fact that he has yet to be able to rattle off one-liners in battle like Earth 616’s Peter Parker. Renzi uses a lot of flashing yellows for the club fight scene to show characters getting their “lights knocked out”, or just how disorienting this environment is for both Gwen and Miles. And then the cliffhanger blows their minds even more.
The parts of Spider-Gwen #16 that resonated with me were when Gwen and Miles were becoming friends in an organic way. Because she keeps her secret identity from her bandmates in the Mary Janes and her dad is in jail, Gwen doesn’t really have anyone to talk to about her life as a superhero. Now, she has Miles, and they talk about how Earth-65 is like a sad pop song, and how it’s okay to be afraid even though they’re superheroes. (And is kind of visually designed that way.) Gwen is in a dark situation where the source of her superpowers is controlled by the Kingpin so it’s nice to have Miles pop up and bring some light and empathy to her comic even though his dad is in a terrible situation.
With its focus on building a connection between Miles and Gwen instead of multiverses and annoying supervillains, Spider-Gwen #16 is superior to the opening chapter of the “Sittin’ in a Tree” crossover. The final night club scene also ups the intrigue as Robbi Rodriguez and Rico Renzi continue to (web) sling out the cool visuals.
Story: Jason Latour Art: Robbi Rodriguez Colors: Rico Renzi
Story: 8 Art: 9 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Spider-Woman #14
(W) Dennis Hopeless (A) Veronica Fish (CA) Robbi Rodriguez
Rated T+
In Shops: Dec 28, 2016
SRP: $3.99
SCARE TACTICS CONTINUES!
Jessica Drew is in the fight of her life against THE HOBGOBLIN! Jessica is pushed to the absolute brink physically, mentally and emotionally, as Hobgoblin does the unthinkable…
DC Holiday Special #1
(W) Paul Dini, James Tynion IV, Steve Orlando, Vita Ayala, Cullen Bunn, Tim Seeley, James Asmus, Heath Corson, Kate Perkins (A) Robbi Rodriguez, Gustavo Duarte (CA) Jorge Jimenez
In Shops: Dec 14, 2016
SRP: $9.99
DC’s biggest and brightest heroes celebrate the holidays in this new special! Don’t miss a Chanukah crisis for Huntress, a Flash family Christmas, Wonder Woman interrupting John Constantine’s hellblazing pagan party and more-including the return of Detective Chimp! Today’s top talents bring you a very special holiday gift that’ll keep on giving through the New Year! And writer Paul Dini crafts a Harley holiday tale featuring DCU guests that bridges all the stories in the weirdest, wildest way.
*Warning Spoilers Below*
Spider-Gwen #13 is nothing like what you would expect after the issues leading up to it. Jason Latour doesn’t try to fill in any of the blanks that we needed filled after the first 12 episodes in this issue of Spider-Gwen. We start out with a nice flashback giving us the rundown of the story so far and then heads straight into the meat of the story. We find Gwen and friends trick or treating and the teenagers not so inner
We start out with a nice flashback giving us the rundown of the story so far and then heads straight into the meat of the story. We find Gwen and friends trick or treating and the teenagers not so inner monologue lets us know exactly where Gwen’s friends stand. Mary Jane is still certain that Gwen is Spider-Woman and that’s why her dad is in prison. The other girls in the group are not so sure about her theory and this issue kicks off with us wondering what they’re going to discover on this night out.
The girls, dressed as superheroes, set out on a trick or treat adventure hitting up some scary spots on their route.When the girls find themselves in a pretty sticky situation, complete with gravestones for Gwen’s Dad, Peter Parker, Harry Osbourne, Aunt Mae and Uncle Ben, they know something is not right . Mary Jane tries to get Gwen to use her powers to climb out of the hell hole they’re in and get help but, Gwen can’t even if she wanted to because she’s all out of juice.
The comic quickly evolves into all of Gwen’s worst nightmares and she comes face to face with herself. The rest of the girls are caught up in a rave from hell where dancing is the only way to stay alive and not have their souls eaten by the darkness that has them trapped. They finally realize that they’re not seeing what they think they’re seeing and someone or something is playing with their mind they decide to fight back. There’s an unmasking that leads to more unmasking that leads to more questions and then with the spirit of Ghost Rider channeled the girls break free.
This issue isn’t a continuation of the story or even some big baddies trying to get at Gwen, it’s a Halloween special. Nothing about this issue adds anything integral to the arc at hand. It’s only purpose is to provide a diversion from the seriousness of the current arc. Robbi Rodriguez‘s art work serves up some vintage 80’s horror comic book graphics complete with Rico Renzi giving us a muted color palette to seal the deal.
Overall, as a stand alone it’s a decent read but, if you’re reading through it trying to find out what’s coming next or to connect to what happened before you will find yourself disappointed. The issue isn’t a bad one, it’s just kind of out of place in the arc and that serves up some problems in the continuity. There are no long-term repercussions for Gwen, other than facing her fear and we are never really sure if any of this is actually happening or if this is just a dream.
With all the questions in my head from the previous episode, I was looking forward to having them answered and seeing how Gwen’s new alliances and foes worked out. I felt a bit cheated. That’s not to say this is a bad issue just to say that it would have been better as a one off or special edition so that the reader would know what they were getting into. It was more about Gwen’s friends and less about Gwen herself or the struggle that Spider-Gwen is dealing with outside of this issue.
Story: Jason Latour Art: Robbi Rodriguez Colorist: Rico Renzi
Story: 7.4 Art: 8.9 Overall:8 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
It’s new comic book day tomorrow? What’s everyone excited for? Sound off in the comments below! We’ll have our picks in a few hours.
Until then, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
Around the Tubes
Newsarama – Retiring Robbi Rodriguez To Say Comics Goodbye with Gwenom – A shame, his art is fantastic.
Around the Tubes Reviews
CBR – Extraordinary X-Men #8
CBR – Monstress #4
CBR – Power Man and Iron Fist #2
CBR – Superman: American Alien #5
Comic Attack – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #56
Newsarama – Best Shots Reviews: Scarlet Witch #4, Black Canary #9, Legends of Tomorrow #1, More
Bust out the Eggnog, hang the Mistletoe and prepare for some Marvel style holiday cheer. It’s an All-New, All-Different Marvel holiday extravaganza and it’s coming to you this December in Gwenpool Special #1! You read her first adventure in Howard the Duck #1 this week – now follow her adventures as she crashes She-Hulk’s holiday party! That’s right, Charles Soule returns to the Jade Giantess alongside artist Langdon Foss as Jennifer Walters, Angie Huang and the rest of Shulkie’s law office throw the biggest party the Marvel Universe has ever seen – and everyone is invited!
But that’s not all! Several of those partygoers have their own separate stories of holiday cheer – and you can read about them in this can’t-miss special! Gerry Duggan and Danlio Beyruth bring you a tale of two Hawkeyes and the one and only Deadpool as they team up to stop a holiday pickpocket – and try not to kill each other in the process. Then, New York Times Bestselling Black Widow: Forever Red scribe Margaret Stohl teams up artist Juan Gedeon as Kamala Khan battles her most dangerous foe yet – the holiday blues! Finally, the woman of the hour make her appearance as writer Christopher Hastings and Gurihiru bring you a new Gwenpool story! Can she adjust to her new home in the Marvel Universe without killing everyone in it?
So grab some milk and cookies and join us as the merriest creators tackle the ho-ho-ho-iest characters for a holiday special unlike any you’ve seen before.
GWENPOOL SPECIAL #1 (OCT150807)
Written by GERRY DUGGAN, CHARLES SOULE, CHRISTOPHER HASTINGS & MARGARET STOHL
Art by DANILO BEYRUTH, LANGDON FOSS, GURIHIRU & JUAN GEDEON
Cover by KRIS ANKA
Variant Covers by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ (OCT150808), EMANEUELA LUPACCHINO (OCT150809) and JAMES HARREN (OCT150810)
FOC – 11/09/15, On-Sale – 12/09/15
Because you demanded it, the character that took the world by storm is back and she’s better than ever for a brand-new ongoing series this October! Marvel has released a first look at Spider-Gwen #1 – coming to you from the team of Jason Latour, Robbi Rodriguez and Rico Renzi!
Now is your chance to jump in with a clean entry point into Marvel’s breakout sensation of the year! The answers you’ve been waiting for are here: the secret history of Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker revealed! Someone out there has recreated Peter’s Lizard formula. The same formula that mutated him, branded Gwen a fugitive and ultimately cost Peter his life. Gwen WILL NOT let that happen to anyone else – no matter the cost. But with NYPD Captain Frank Castle and the Kingpin of Crime Matt Murdock still on her trail, that won’t be so easy. Plus, the introduction of Norman Osborn and Harry Osborn. What could possibly go wrong?
The next epic chapter of Gwen Stacy’s life is about to begin. You won’t want to miss the bombastic debut!
SPIDER-GWEN #1 (AUG150805)
Written by JASON LATOUR
Art & Cover by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ & RICO RENZI
Variant Covers by NICK BRADSHAW (AUG150806), SKOTTIE YOUNG (AUG150808),
And BRUCE TIMM (AUG150811)
Kirby Monster Variant by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (AUG150813)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (AUG150809)
Hip Hop Variant by HUMBERTO RAMOS (AUG150812)
Cosplay Variant by KATHRINE ZAN (AUG150807)
Blank Variant Also Available (AUG150812)
FOC – 09/21/15, On-Sale 10/14/15
Your eyes do NOT deceive you. She’s real, and she’s making landfall in the Marvel Universe this November! Introducing…GWENPOOL! The cosplay sensation is coming to comics! The character makes her debut in November’s Howard the Duck #1.
She’s smart, she’s charming, and she can shoot and stab her way through a gaggle of Hydra goons before you know it! Gwenpool will be first featured in backup stories in Howard the Duck #1-3, written by Christopher Hastings with art by Danilo Beyruth.
A stranger in a strange land, she’ll enlist the aid of someone who knows a thing or two about being from an alternate universe – Howard the Duck! Now birds of a feather, the Marvelous Mallard is about to show Gwenpool the ins and outs of her new home – the All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe!
Then, tis the season in December’s Gwenpook Special #1 – as the biggest creators and biggest heroes from across the Marvel Universe band together for holiday cheer! She-Hulk throws a party and invites the entire Marvel U! Deadpool and both Hawkeyes – Kate & Clint – team up to take down a holiday pickpocket! Ms. Marvel battles her most dangerous threat yet: the holiday blues! And of course, the woman of the hour, Gwenpool herself! Featuring Gerry Duggan, Charles Soule, Christopher Hastings, Danilo Beyruth, Langdon Foss, Gurihiru and more – this is one you won’t want to miss!
She’s here, and she’s ready to slice and dice her way into your heart – literally.
HOWARD THE DUCK #1 (SEP150773)
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY & CHRISTOPHER HASTINGS
Art by JOE QUINONES & DANILO BEYRUTH
Gwenpool Variant by RON LIM (JUL158701)
FOC – 10/12/15, On-Sale – 11/04/15
GWENPOOL SPECIAL #1
Written by GERRY DUGGAN, CHARLES SOULE, CHRISTOPHER HASTINGS & MORE
Art by DANILO BEYRUTH, LANGDON FOSS, GURIHIRU & MORE
Cover by KRIS ANKA
Gwenpool Variant by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
She-Hulk Variant by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
On Sale in December!
