Marvel’s toy licensee finally made a new run of Spider-Gwen figures and I scored mine from Rogues Gallery. Gwen Stacy is a favorite because the team behind the character and story line have done more than just reverse the genders in the comic’s alternate universe. Firstly, the backstory detailing how Gwen became Spider-Woman is just a quick explanation taking up one page. The title didn’t bother to spend several issues covering the heroine’s journey, it’s closer to being in media res. Also, only Gwen has traded places with Peter Parker on having the spider powers. Everyone else is the same, gender-wise, but they have different roles:
- Peter died fighting Gwen. He tried to create superpowers for himself, it turned him in to the traditional villain The Lizard.
- Uncle Ben is alive, he and Aunt May blame the Spider-Woman for their nephew’s death/murder.
- Frank Castle (the Punisher) is a police captain out to capture Spider-Woman.
- Matt Murdock (Daredevil) is Kingpin’s chief lawyer.
- Ben Grimm (the Thing) is a beat cop.
- Janet Van Dyne (the Wasp) provided the tech for Gwen’s webslingers.
- Mary Jane is the lead singer in the band Gwen plays drums for.
Another cool thing about Spider-Gwen, her costume was designed by other women who are professional/semi-professional CosPlayers. These people did a bang up job. I think Gwen has one of the more realistic superhero costumes for the NYC climate.
You can change the heads to show Gwen unmasked.
One day soon, I hope Marvel and DC have Spider-Gwen team up with Batgirl to solve a mystery. That would be pretty cool.