Ghost-Spider #9: Where Does the Good Go

COMICS ARE BACK! Marvel has taken the first steps in getting new books to its readers using the digital route. The list is small but one of those books is Ghost-Spider and that means the rollercoaster ride that is Earth-65 is fully operational!

Ghost-Spider has spent a good amount of time bouncing back and forth between Earth-65 and Earth 616. With issue 9 the whole story takes place in Earth-65 which was a refreshing turn for the series, and I say that with the utmost respect with what Seanan McGuire has done with Gwen so far. Seanan McGuire has done a great job in balancing numerous storylines and keeping them fresh exciting while giving each their own space to grow and flourish. From the “Outlawed” tie-in to the Storms returning, and Gwenom showing up not to mention not trying to strain her relationship with her father. With all that is going on in this issue, we cannot forget the bigger storyline that is starting to show up, and that is how Gwen is using the Venom symbiote. When Latour and Rodriguez were writing Spider-Gwen we were shown how extreme things can get. McGuire has taken that a step further and seems to be starting the long-game with her take on Gwen and the symbiote which is working by leaps and bounds as we are starting to see Gwen’s emotions start to play a bigger role in her life as a superhero.

The whole plotline with Sue and Johnny Storm took the best direction it could as McGuire is introducing more classic Fantastic Four elements with an Earth-65 twist. Both Sue and Johnny are clearly famed obsessed and their experience with how they got their powers only elevated that fact in the worst possible way. Seeing how they killed their own mother with pure joy on their faces made it clear that they will become villains as the story develops. That is honestly something Ghost-Spider needs because since there aren’t any major threats on Earth-65 beyond Man-Wolf for Gwen to be constantly active as a normal superhero.

Continuing to build on the mystery of Sue and Johnny Storm’s story we get teased with the possibility of a connection to Earth-65 version of Doctor Doom is a smart play. Especially since we know on Earth-65 that Reed Richards is not friends with Sue and Johnny adding in Doctor Doom to the mix adds an element of a unique unknown. It is only a matter of time before we see McGuire’s unique take on the Fantastic Four in Earth-65.

Ig Guara continues to deliver solid art throughout Ghost-Spider #9. Guara has grabbed the environment of Earth-65 and brings it to life in great feel for its detail. His ability to catch pure emotion in facial expressions adds to the great story provided by McGuire.