A New Woman on the Scene: Silk’s Introduction (Spider Woman #1)

Her cynical, sarcastic attitude paired with her undeniable super abilities, makes her the perfect modern day female superhero. Marvel’s very own Jessica Drew – also known as Spiderwoman – has been around the block but has now been revamped for a new series. For readers unfamiliar with her, Drew was ill as child and was injected with spider serum by her scientist father, which gave her spider powers.

The creators of this new series – Dennis Hopeless and Greg Land – created a storyline that readers are sure to get sucked into. A war has broken out and anyone with spider powers is at risk. SILK – a new woman in the multiverse – is the newest spider and she holds all of the others fate in her hands. The spider characters – including Drew and the 1930’s prohibition Spiderman, along with others – need to keep SILK alive so she can in turn save them.

It is important to mention that I read this comic issue online, one page at a time, which most definitely plays up the anticipatory factor. Reading this issue on screen did not alter much else for me except for the mentioned anticipation it provided me not being exposed to images before I was ready to see them.

Readers are introduced to Drew on the cover of the comic, which is presented like a movie poster, including the details of her origin story. Just like in many other comics, Hopeless deciphers thoughts from speech by putting them into differently shaped text boxes.

The Spiderverse is drawn very realistically; however, the colour choice of the panoramic landscapes depicted in every panel is dulled – but, this is strategic as it makes the characters themselves pop off the page.

As it has come to my attention, and many others I am sure, the modern day female superhero is incredibly sexualized, and Jessica Drew’s costume is a sheer example. Her body suit is tight and revealing – but creators know that sex sells.

The multiverse is depicted as futuristic, as there are hovercrafts present at the characters disposal; however, two pages later it is discovered – just as in many other comics – that these characters are located in New York.

Greg Land uses quick lines to depict motion and particularly fast speed, and readers understand this concept through their knowledge of film (intertextuality!!!). This superhero comic works at a fast pace, and the reader can tell the creators want them to read it as a fast action scenario due to their use of overlapping panels, accompanied by vibrant action words. These action to action moments jump right off the page simulating a 3-D effect, which I absolutely loved. The time jumps are made to be understandable – when the comic goes back in time, all the colours are dulled – there is no confusion.

This story is encompassed by and created around what Spiderman calls “a big scary war” – no exciting adventure to be had here! Readers will come to discover that SILK is really a superhero fan girl with ADHD – and her protection over the other spiders is crucial.

And just like with any other good hero comic, we are left with a cliff-hanger ending. Who will survive? Who will die? The combination of Spiderwoman and SILK will not disappoint. One thing is for sure, if you are looking for a new modernized female hero to follow, then this is a series for you!

-- Kerrie Laforet