Gwen Stacy #1 can’t really be classed as on origin book; in fact you could argue its more of a prequel. Gwen and Harry are at a neighbouring school to Messrs Thompson and Parker. This issue sets the scene somewhat, giving us the low down on Gwen. It also goes to show how her father got his bum leg. Characters are thrown into the mix, serving as cannon fodder due to the fact that we know that the majority of them have no bearing on Gwen down the line.
The book is written by Christos Gage, who has a difficult job on his hands. Firstly, as a prequel book Gage’s characters can have no lasting impression; the question therefore is, am I really going to care about them in just five issues? Chances are slim. Then there is Gwen herself. At her inception she was a tad stuck up, siding with Flash more than she did Peter. Time, and the subsequent relationship with Peter may have rose tinted peoples memories, but in the first instance she was hard to like. This version is apple pie in comparison; with such a perfect level of perfection where is the drama? Being so well adjusted means no angst. Does anyone remember how classic Spidey stories worked? The final nail is that other then Captain Stacy getting his wound, nothing else happens! This is going to be a very long five issues.
At least the art works on the book, kind of. The art is supplied by Todd Nauck who delivers his usual style, a heavy J. Scott Campbell look though with stronger lines Nauck excels at movement and works hard to show motion through the panels and pages. His life is made harder by the lack of any plot movement and the sheer verbosity of the dialogue. Despite being known for more action orientated work, overall, Nauck shows that he is too good for this book. Lets have him on a regular Spider-Man book please. Colorist Rachelle Rosenberg keeps thing bright and breezy, as high school life should be, with a scheme that exudes confidence. If I were VC’s Joe Caramagna, I would charge per letter on the following issues, such is the amount of work he puts into this issue.
I guess the writing was on the wall with this title. Mary-Jane gets the “Amazing” title, whilst poor Gwen, arguably the love of Peter’s life, get no adjective. She is Gwen, just Gwen. Along with the various Spider-Man books, Marvel have seen fit to give us titles starring his loves. We have Black Cat, Mary-Jane and Gwen. I for one cannot wait for the new Debra Whitman book that must surely be waiting in the wings.
Writing – 2.5 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
Overall – 3 Stars
Written by; Christos Gage
Art by: Todd Nauck
Colors by: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letters by; VC’s Joe Caramagna
Published by; Marvel Worldwide
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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