Writers: Steve Foxe
Artist: Carola Borelli
Colors: Arif Prianto
Letters: VC’s Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 24th, 2024
As the Gang War storyline rages on, Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) continues her conflict with Diamondback and Hydra in Spider-Woman #3. Madame Web lends a hand as Jessica goes on a vendetta, determined to take Diamondback and his operation down. But Green Mamba lurks in the shadows, threatening to strike once again.
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The Story
I yearn for the day when Marvel and DC stops doing these multi-issue storylines like “Gang War” that involve multiple different books. There was a time when series like Daredevil, Thor, Spider-Man, etc. were able to explore their stories and characters without having to stop every couple of months to be pulled into some overblown story, where in most cases they have little impact. As part of this massive crossover, Spider-Woman #3 isn’t bad, giving us some good interplay between Jessica and Madame Web and insights into Diamondback and Viper’s alliance, with some furious fight scenes thrown in.
Where the issue fails is in its handling of Green Mamba, with a predictable denouement for him that even the most hopelessly clueless person could see coming for miles. I found it incredibly disappointing and another example of comics being unable to evolve their characters, leaving them locked in some hellish status quo forever. The Fantastic Four, Superman and a handful of other characters have succeeded in evolving over the years, but even then, it took a LONG time to happen. The best parts of the book are the fight scenes, where Spider-Woman uses a mixture of martial arts and her powers to take out multiple opponents, and the climax of the issue has a great battle between Spider-Woman and Green Mamba. I like that Spider-Woman’s fighting style is so different from the other members of the vast web-slinging family, incorporating her years of martial arts training in her arsenal of skills.
The Art
Carola Borelli’s art on Spider-Woman #3 is the highlight of the issue, showcasing Jessica Drew’s lithe physique and elegant motion in the fight scenes. When she uses her venom blast, the panels crackle with emerald energy. Green Mamba is a striking and terrifying figure and the city of New York feels real and palpable throughout the book.
Final Thoughts
Spider-Woman #3 is saved by the fantastic artwork and the battle scenes, but the predictable course of Green Mamba’s story hurts the book. I look forward to the series getting away from the Gang War story and move into devoting time to making Jessica Drew the spectacular and unique character she has been in the past.