Ever since her creation, Spider-Gwen has been a fan favorite, which has led to many successful solo series and a large prominence in comics. Spider-Gwen: Shadow Clones #2, by writer Emily Kim, artist Kei Zama, colorist Triona Farrell, and letterer VC’s Ariana Maher, is the sophomore issue in Gwen’s latest series where, as the title suggests, she is dealing with a classic spiderhero dilemma.
This issue is light on action sequences, but it’s made up for with strong character development for Spider-Gwen. We get to see more of her relationship with Reed Richards, and Kim writes them in a way that makes them feel like they have a brother-sister dynamic. As someone who loves Earth-65 and its take on Marvel characters, I always appreciate it when they get some time to shine. The conversations between Spider-Gwen and Gwen-Ock are incredible, as they offer a look at what Spider-Gwen is going through and how she feels in a unique way we haven’t seen in other Spider-Gwen comics. Through these conversations, we also can clearly see while she is a clone of Gwen, Gwen-Ock is her own individual and will not be remembered as simply Gwen Stacy with Doc Ock tech.
While I did enjoy the strong development of Spider-Gwen and Gwen Ock, I feel it came at the expense of Sand-Gwen getting more of a spotlight. She has no dialogue and few scenes in this issue, but I am hopeful she will get more to do in future issues. I also appreciate the threads from Gwen’s civilian life being continued, as sometimes those storylines get lost and forgotten in books with larger-than-life concepts. While we don’t see much of the series main villain, Lyla, it’s clear she will make her big move next issue, and I can not wait to see how our heroines face her and the rest of the Gwen clones.
The art gives this book a distinct feel compared to other Spider-Gwen comics. Gwen’s movement is clearly illustrated and looks fluid, from web-slinging in fights to the slightest motion of pulling on a mask. Sand-Gwenwen’s powers also look exceptional, as does Gwen-Ock’s suit. Both Gwen’s expressions are also very human, and it adds a lot of emotion in the scenes where the two are talking about their shared memories. The colors are bright, but not overly so which makes the book feel too childlike. The action sequences are cleverly done, and it utilizes each of the Gwens’ powers in an individual way.
Spider-Gwen: Shadow Clones #2 continues an engaging storyline that is a must-read for Spider-Gwen fans. While it is light on the action sequences, it offers a look at Spider-Gwen’s inner thoughts and develops Gwen-Ock. Unfortunately, Sand-Gwen gets the short end of the stick, but I feel she and the rest of the Gwens will get their moment as the series progresses. The bright, fluid art ties the story together, as it adds more humanity to the characters.
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