Writer: Tim Seely
Art: Jodi Nishijima
Colorist: Federico Blee
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Price: $3.99
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Release Date: April 20, 2022
Reviewer: Lukke Sweet
Following last month’s reveal of a now-evil Nightbird, Gwen Stacy of 2021’s Heroes Reborn storyline, Spider-Gwen: Gwenverse #2 picks up with Nightbird and Dr. Cephalopod in 800 CE Norway. The Finale sent the Terminal Six to search for the Gwen-Variants throughout time and eliminate them so she can finally become truly immortal as she lives the lives of famous heroes. Meanwhile, Spider-Gwen and Thorgwen have traveled to 1951 to meet Gwen Rogers, Captain America. Things quickly go sideways as the Gwens clash, leading to the introduction of another Gwen: WOLVERGWEN! Let’s dive into Spider-Gwen: Gwenverse #2 my Tim Seely and see what shakes out as this series begins to take shape.
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STORY
Tim Seely is crafting a story that attempts to tackle not only time travel, but multiple variants of the same character. It’s a fine line to walk, but Seely manages to keep the story clear and focused as he introduces the new Gwens. I’m particularly enjoying how each of the Gwen-Variants is a different aspect of the original Gwen, forcing her to face parts of herself that she doesn’t like.
Over the next three issues, I’d like to see a deeper look at how the original Gwen is dealing with this and the effect it will have on her inner dialogue. Two issues in, Seely has left me with a lot of questions, and I think he’ll be able to answer them in a satisfying way over the rest of the series.
However, the biggest drawback to the series, is the villains. I’m hoping that Finale and Nightbird will be more fleshed out in the next issue. Seely dropped a teaser into Spider-Gwen: Gwenverse #2 that Finale will be revealing her master plan to the last surviving member of her audience and I can’t wait to hear it. Nevertheless, the bigger question is around Nightbird and what causes a hero to flee her Earth and turn to villainy? Hopefully, Seely has a compelling answer.
ART
I’m absolutely loving the art and colors of the Gwenverse! Jodi Nishijima and Federico Blee have worked together to create a unique feel for each of the distinct time periods and Gwens that we’ve seen in the first two issues of this series. Nishijimi’s designs of the Gwen variants have been extremely well done, making them easily recognizable as both Gwen Stacy and the heroes that she’s merged with.
I really want to call out colorist Federico Blee, the color palettes chosen for each time period, flashback, and alternate timeline which set the stage for the story so well. Blee completely captures the essence of each time period and helps draw readers into each panel. The scenes of a small-town fair had me craving a warm slice of apple pie with a side of ice cream.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Spider-Gwen: Gwenverse #2 is a fun read. Tim Seely has crafted a really intriguing story and I’m excited to read the next issue, especially after the last page reveals of two characters’ identities. But what really has me enjoying the series, and this issue particularly, is the art and colors of Jodi Nishijimi and Federico Blee. If you’re a fan of Gwen Stacy, time travel shenanigans, or anything Spider-related, I would definitely recommend picking this up!