All good things come to an end, and unfortunately, that holds true even in Ghost-Spider. This is the finale of “When the Chips are Down” story arc as Gwen attempts to figure out Human Torch and Invisible Woman’s unexpected visit to her town. We know they’re a bit evil, but can Gwen overcome? Fat chance!
This issue has a few staples that Ghost-Spider fans will love. That includes Gwen and her Dad talking things out, Gwen being totally awesome fighting in her suit, and developments in the plot that change everything. This issue also develops on the Human Torch and Invisible Woman alternate universe characters, giving them a proper back story. I can’t say they’re truly heroes given the circumstances, but it’s an interesting twist that seems natural given the right circumstances.
Unfortunately, I can’t say the book has enough pages. It ends rather abruptly, and save for some humanity in Human Torch, so far we’ve seen the Fantastic Four characters as borderline evil and scary, which makes the choice Gwen makes hard to believe. I don’t want to say she gives up — she’s likely making the right decision, but it’s not the most heroic development. If Seanan McGuire gets the chance I’m sure we’ll get more resolution to things, but I was left unsatisfied by the abrupt rush to get Gwen to make a final decision.
Credit: Marvel Comics
The art by Ig Guara continues to be great. Want a new costume for Ghost-Spider? You’ve come to the right place. It’s dark, brooding, and suits the weird sci-fi relationship she has with the costume. The flashbacks to Human Torch and Invisible Woman’s rise in power are also well done. You get the sense of what Johnny and Sue go through adding to their humanity and complex rise.
I liked turns in this story, but it felt rushed at the very end. Another issue or two might have helped develop things, but even as it stands it’s got enough here to satisfy longtime Gwen fans.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login