If it was Marvel’s intention to get its own version of the new Batgirl with the implementation of Silk then it would appear that it has it.  Silk was introduced during the events surrounding Spider-Verse, but also immediately began a fan favorite because of her back story and design.  This new series takes a look at Silk following the crossover as she tries to enter back into a normal life after being stuck in that bunker for 10 years.  The background story is that she was bitten by the same radioactive spider that gave Peter Parker his powers, and parts of her new life mirrors his, as she gets a job at the Daily Bugle and she has to struggle with her normal life combined with that of a superhero.

While it seems like this is indeed Marvel’s attempt to mirror the success of Batgirl at DC, it is also evident that they are going about it in a smart way so as to not seem like a direct rip-off.  There are in fact a few different plot devices here that are cliched enough, but work well together here.  One of those is that Silk is dealing with her powers in a different way.  After being locked in the bunker, her spider senses are now like a raw nerve, picking up problems all over the place, whether big or small.  The anachronistic aspect of her being locked in a bunker adds a layer to her character, as does The Fugitive like mystery surrounding her family, and so does her eclectic group of friends and the way in which she interacts with them.

The overall balance is one which is great first start to this new series, something which Spider-Woman should have had the chance to do instead of being thrown straight into Spider-Verse.  The character has a surprising amount of depth despite being new, and the ongoing story lines are compelling but do not confuse each other with their trajectories.  This is a great new character from the big two, which all too often are a bit too male-centric in their creative choices, and if this new wave of female led series is any indication, then it would appear that this is no fad, and that these new outlooks on these characters is here to stay.

Story: Robbie Thompson  Art: Stacey Lee
Story:  9.0 Art: 9.0  Overall: 9.0  Recommendation: Buy