Marvel Comics has announced Spider-Woman 50th Anniversary Special #1, a one-shot arriving this September that honors Jessica Drew’s legacy while charting a bold new direction for the character.
The oversized special features two all-new stories from acclaimed creative teams, beginning with a lead tale by writer Dan Watters (Loki) and artist Andrea Broccardo (Spider-Man Noir).
The story follows the fallout of major events unfolding in Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity, where a devastating turn of events sends Spider-Woman into unfamiliar territory. Returning to her roots as a private investigator, Jessica teams with journalist Ben Urich to uncover mysteries lurking in some of the Marvel Universe’s darkest corners. As she embraces a more shadowy path, questions emerge about the cost to her heroism and mental state.
Discussing the opportunity to write the character, Watters said:
“Mysterious and dangerous, Jessica Drew has always been one of my very favorite Marvel heroes. I’m so pleased to be bringing Spider-Woman venom-blasting into a new chapter of her story!”
The anniversary issue also welcomes back legendary writer Ann Nocenti, who returns to Spider-Woman alongside artist Stefano Raffaele for a detective-focused adventure set in Los Angeles.
Jessica becomes entangled in a strange case that sends her across the city in search of answers before a confrontation with longtime foe Flying Tiger.
Nocenti reflected on the character’s enduring appeal and the inspiration behind her contribution:
“Everyone has flaws, and it’s heroic to overcome them. When Editor Kaeden McGahey asked me to spin a tale for Spider-Woman’s 50th Anniversary, I thought of how Jessica Drew’s spider pheromone scent can be isolating. It’s a great test of her detective skills to sleuth out clues despite her creepy vibe and also hits a universal chord—we all have occasional ‘everyone hates me’ moments in life.”
She also reflected on her previous history with the character:
“In the 1980s editor Mark Gruenwald gave me the assignment to ‘retire’ Spider-Woman, ending the book’s run with issue #50, so returning to write a story about how Jess’s friendships and battles are hard won feels redemptive. Added bonus—with art by the spectacular Stefano Raffaele, the story will be gorgeous!”
Marvel also revealed the issue’s main cover by Olivier Coipel, along with variant covers by Greg Land and Rose Besch.
Readers can follow the events leading into the special now in Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity, where major developments will reshape Jessica Drew’s future.
SPIDER-WOMAN 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1
Written by DAN WATTERS & ANN NOCENTI
Art by ANDREA BROCCARDO & STEFANO RAFFAELE
Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
Variant Cover by GREG LAND
Variant Cover by ROSE BESCH
Virgin Variant Cover by ROSE BESCH
On Sale 9/2
You must be logged in to post a comment.