Making her on-screen debut in 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Spider-Gwen was enthusiastically welcomed to the big screen; however, many were left longing for more information on the mysterious new Spider-Woman’s origins, which are largely found in Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez’ must-read comic, Spider-Gwen (or Ghost-Spider). To help you learn more about Gwen, we’ve put together an overview of the must-read Spider-Gwen comics!
The following synopses are provided in order of the paperback editions of Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriquez’s hit comic, which will give you a focused look at Spider-Gwen’s introductory story.
Spider-Gwen Volume 0: Most Wanted?
The easiest and cleanest place to start reading about Spider-Gwen is Most Wanted?. The volume picks up immediately after Gwen’s introduction in the Spider-Verse comics. They introduce Gwen’s life, how she came to be Spider-Woman, and the demons she must face. Gwen’s father is the chief of police, and in classic Spidey fashion, she is being hunted after she was wrongfully accused of killing her universe’s Peter Parker. Her own father, who has no idea of Spider-Woman’s identity, is tasked with hunting Gwen down. Vulture is also introduced in this comic, featured alongside plenty of dynamic fight scenes.
Spider-Gwen Volume 1: Greater Power
Gwen’s Peter Parker died after attempting to become ‘special’ like Spider-Woman. He steals Dr. Curt Connors’ formula to transform into the Lizard to exact revenge on those who tormented him. Gwen later grapples with the fact that she killed her own best friend when she fought the Lizard. The Greater Power comic explores the repercussions of Gwen’s actions, as a new Lizard appears to hunt down Spider-Woman. Gwen also appears on S.H.I.E.L.D’s most wanted list, and meets Samantha Wilson a.k.a. Captain America. Eventually, Gwen must seek advice from another universe’s Spider-Woman.
Spider-Gwen Volume 2: Weapon of Choice
Gwen is fighting to keep her identity a secret. Her closest friends are seemingly catching onto the fact that she disappears whenever Spider-Woman appears, and detective Frank Castle is hellbent on proving that Gwen is Spider-Woman after taking over the case from Gwen’s father. Gwen has also lost her abilities and is struggling to come to terms with the fact that her time behind the mask may be coming to an abrupt end.
Spider-Gwen Volume 3: Long Distance
This volume takes a break from the events of the main plot, focusing mostly on humorous side stories. It highlights the jovial approach many readers expect from Gwen (and all spider-people). These side stories include Gwen and Laura Kinney a.k.a. Wolverine body-swapping, comically struggling to understand each other’s powers. One particular short story, ‘Eight Days a Week’, explores Gwen’s adventures in everyday life, covering the never-ending antics of each day in her week. More fun like this, please!
Spider-Gwen Volume 4: Predators
This volume explores Gwen’s moral dilemma between giving up being Spider-Woman and letting Harry Osborne succumb to the Lizard infection. This universe’s Wolverine (as well as multiple ninjas) appear to hunt down Harry, amongst several powerful new threats to Gwen. This edition offers some of Spider-Gwen’s most intense encounters and battles yet, also exploring Gwen’s sacrifices to save those she loves when she bonds with the Venom symbiote.
These volumes serve as a strong basis for understanding the story behind Spider-Gwen. There are other fantastic comics that follow, but these are the foundational volumes that will guide you through Gwen’s opening arc. If you’re itching for more information on Gwen and enjoy beautifully illustrated comics, Spider-Gwen is an absolute must read!
