SPIDER-WOMAN #1
Written By Dennis Hopeless
Art by Javier Rodriguez & Alvaro Lopez
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: November 18, 2015

My review for Spider-Woman’s solo return is: buy this comic.

Jessica Drew is adjusting to new developments in her life and she has a host of characters to help her. There are a lot of decisions to be made, and Jessica is just trying to figure out just where she fits into everything. In her attempts to handle everything by herself without her connection to the Avengers, she sees some value in taking help when it’s offered, even if humility is part of the equation. However, just like anything else in Jessica’s life, not everything goes according to plan and her reaction from here on out is going to be rather spectacular to see.

Dennis Hopeless has accomplished something I’ve longed to see in a Jessica Drew comic, and I am more than ecstatic. Her relationships with other characters serve an integral purpose in framing this issue and Jessica’s life as she moves forward. Personalities mix in expected and realistic ways that highlight, for me, one of Jessica’s core elements: even if not on the front lines, she’s important to a bevy of Marvel characters. I hope this trend continues through the series, because it is an excellent way to showcase Jessica. She is someone who helps to bring out the best in others, even if it can be challenging for her to rely on them in turn.

Not much has changed with art since the last issue of Spider-Woman around Secret Wars, and that’s definitely wonderful. Javier Rodriguez and Alvaro Lopez create a distinct feel that matches the shifts in Jessica’s life. There’s a simplicity to Jessica’s world that fits her solo affiliation to the Marvel Universe which lends to a sense of relatability. This team does a great job of conveying the diverse parts of Jessica’s life without losing the street-level tone. I like that this art in this issue feels real, and that it’s not so sensational. Spider-Woman may still essentially be a cape comic, but art that is too active or flashy would not help to illustrate Jessica’s purpose for striking out on her own. Considering Jessica’s move in the previous volume of Spider Woman, it make sense for the art to have a slice of life vibe, and Rodgriguez and Lopez do Jessica justice in this respect.

I loved the pre-Secret Wars series, and I’m in still love with Spider-Woman post-Secret Wars. Jessica Drew has some interesting adventures ahead of her, and her supporting cast looks like it’ll show up in a lot of awesome ways. This series gets into some interesting dynamics regarding the varied lives of super-heroes, so it’s definitely worth a read. There are some important dialogues that reflect some very real-life experiences, which makes me curious how many people will see Jessica in this new light.

The Verdict: 9.0/10