Writer: Emily Kim
Art: Kei Zama
Colors: Triona Farrell
Letters: VC’s Ariana Maher
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 5th, 2023
Last issue, on Earth-65, a displaced Sinister Six attacked Spider-Gwen, and though she was able to defeat them, she unknowingly destroyed a scientist’s life. Now, in Spider-Gwen: Shadow Clones #2, the scientist continues her assault on Gwen, sending yet another clone (this time a hybrid of Gwen and Sandman) to take Gwen out. With Reed Richards and Doc Ock Gwen (a hybrid clone of Doctor Octopus and Gwen) at her side, will Spider-Gwen be able to defeat a clone with Sandman’s powers who thinks and reacts exactly as she does?
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The Story
Welcome to Earth-65, where Reed Richards is a kid, Mary Jane Watson is in a rock band and Gwen Stacy, much like Peter Parker used to be on Earth-616, is a young person whose social life is nonexistent and free time is consumed with fighting crime and web-slinging. Spider-Gwen: Shadow Clones #2 starts in the middle of the action from last issue, as Gwen desperately tries to get young Reed Richards out of harm’s way as Sandgwen continues her attack. It’s a thrilling start to the issue, with Doc Ock Gwen alongside Spider-Gwen and both of them trying to find a way to remove the mind-control implant that has enthralled Sandgwen. Oh, if only had a nickel for every time I’m going to say “Gwen” in this review, I could buy out Disney!
After the initial battle, we get some great scenes with Spider-Gwen and Doc Ock Gwen arguing. This was my favorite part of the issue by far. It’s hilarious but also thought-provoking, as Doc Ock Gwen, like any sentient being, wrestles with her identity. She wants to know who created her and why and doesn’t want any guff from Spider-Gwen about it. Doc Ock Gwen is a bit more snarky than Spider-Gwen, but rightly so. I mean, if I found out I was just a second-hand copy of someone else, I’d be taking a deep sour dive into existential angst myself. Also, she has a bit of good old Otto Octavius’s personality too, and we all know how “superior” Otto thinks he is.
The two forge an uneasy bond in order to find Sandgwen for round two, both of them determined to stop Sandgwen from wreaking any more havoc, and the issue concludes with a frantic and very satisfying final battle with her, with Doc Ock Gwen wrestling with herself and her memories as much as she wrestles with Sandgwen. Overall, I enjoyed this issue. I’m not a big fan of the overarching concept of the series (Spider-Gwen battling hybrid clones of herself and different Sinister Six members), but last issue and this issue have been fun. I’ve grown fond of Doc Ock Gwen, her constant snark and her need to find answers to her existence. She’s a relatable character and I hope Marvel keeps her around after this miniseries ends.
The Art
Kei Zama’s art on Spider-Gwen: Shadow Clones #2 renders the characters in just the right amount of detail, adding fun background touches throughout the issue. In one scene, Gwen delights over a possible date with someone, and hearts hover above her head in formation, almost looking like Cupid’s arrow. The action scenes are frenetic and Sandgwen looks like a malevolent mass of destruction and very formidable throughout, a great contrast to Spider-Gwen and Doc Ock Gwen’s more acrobatic and nimble fighting style.
Final Thoughts
Spider-Gwen: Shadow Clones #2 is a great continuation of the miniseries, giving us some great moments between Doc Ock Gwen and Spider-Gwen. The two play off each other in fun ways and it’s a blast watching them battle Sandgwen together. Though I’m not sure the concept of the miniseries will last, for now it’s a great ride. Recommended.