Review: SILK #7

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SILK #7
Written by Robbie Thompson
Art by Tana Ford and Ian Herring
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: April 20, 2016

Cindy Moon is searching for her parents. That is the driving force behind many of Cindy’s thoughts and actions since the very first issue of Silk. In this third chapter of the Spider-Women crossover, Cindy is stuck on an alternate Earth and goes to meet this Earth’s version of her parents. Robbie Thompson throws a spin we didn’t expect: her parents are alive and well, but they haven’t seen their Cindy in three years since she cut them off.

Tana Ford is the real hero of this issue. There are many upset emotions coursing throughout, and Ford nails every expression in every panel. We feel Cindy’s horror at realizing her alternate self has been estranged from her parents. We see the anger on Cindy’s mom’s face, and the torrent of hope and relief between Cindy and her brother Albert. Ford also immerses us in the cavernous Agents of S.I.L.K. control room, drawing numerous computer screens with painstaking detail.

I like Ian Herring’s subtle yet stylish color choices of Earth-65 Cindy’s wardrobe. The way Herring blends colors in Cindy’s bathroom mirror is impressive. I also like the bright green when the bathroom mirror turns out to be more than just a mirror. Jess’ signature motorcycle jacket looks fantastic illustrated by Ford and Herring.

Thompson includes Jessica Drew, Spider-Gwen, and Earth-65 Reed Richards in an organic way that doesn’t feel rushed. I like the dynamic between Jess and Gwen — Gwen fittingly calls Jess “Mom.” Thompson is an expert at writing conversation between Jess and Gwen that entertains and feels fully formed without ever being wordy.

While many comics fans sometimes feel “event fatigue,” the Spider-Women crossover is hype-free and unfolds naturally. Unlike many Avengers or X-Men crossover events with sprawling casts of eight or more main characters, the focus on Jess, Cindy, and Gwen lets these three heroes figure out how to work together.

Tana Ford’s art is a delight. Every page is potent with emotion and rich characterization. The Spider-Women crossover digs deep into what family means for Cindy, Jess, and Gwen. This is superhero storytelling at its best.

The Verdict: 9.0/10

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