Spider-Gwen #30 Review

Spider-Gwen #30

Writer: Jason Latour / Artist: Robbi Rodriguez / Marvel Comics

The meandering plot of Gwen Stacy finds new lows in Spider-Gwen #30, in what is arguably the most difficult-to-read issue of the series thus far. What’s more disappointing is that it comes at the cost of the one plot we’ve been enduring this long to see—Spider-Gwen versus Daredevil—and instead, the issue takes a side path to more convoluted dimension travel and failed jokes from dimensional Watchers. This is becoming a bit of a habit for Spider-Gwen, taking the long road for a scenic view without much scenery at all, just a longer, more frustrating trip. And if you want to get out, at this point, I would hardly be surprised.

Spider-Gwen #30 pulls Gwenom into another dimension where she is faced with herself, leading to a series of conversations that give her a wider perspective on her life and what she could be. Interspersed with Gwen’s conversations with an alternate version of herself are scenes of the Watchers in a zany-type comedy, as they try to reset the dimensional timeline back to a point of stability. It all leaves you unsure if you’re meant to worry, speculate, or laugh, making it difficult to take any of those options at all. As with most distraction plots that feel like fillers, it’s hard to tell exactly what you’re meant to gain from it at all.

The best thing Spider-Gwen can do right now is jolt itself back to when its plot was clearest, set a clear goal, and ignore any luring distractions and get back to basic storytelling. For all its great moments—and this series has had plenty—Spider-Gwen right now is doing the most to do the least. We can’t wait until it weathers this storm and finds itself intact on the other side.

6 out of 10

Reading Spider-Gwen? Find BNP’s other reviews of the series here.

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  • Jordan Calhoun is a writer in New York City. His forthcoming debut book "Piccolo Is Black" is a celebration of the common adaptations we made while non-diverse pop culture helped us form identities. He holds a B.A. in Sociology and Criminal Justice, B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Japanese, and an M.P.A. in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy. He might solve a mystery, or rewrite history. Find him on Instagram and Twitter @JordanMCalhoun

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