Spider-Woman #10: And The Beatdown Goes On

As the issue begins we see a Jess and Octavia standing over a dead, sinking Ophelia into a glowing bowl of goo, when Octavia lets the cat out of the bag that she’s aware Jessica was faking still being under her control, and we end up in a no holds barred fight between the two women. The two women seem to be evenly matched, with Octavia having a slight advantage strength wise, but she’s missing something Jessica isn’t: an indomitable will to get things done to fix her family. The battle ends, and Jessica heads back home to repair the mess that recent events have made of it.

The issue is kinetic, and high octane adventure, which Pacheco has been doing since the beginning of this series, and I’m liking it. She’s missed the mark on the quieter, more introspective moments, but not to the point where it negatively impacts the book. It’s fun, and irreverent, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Pere’s art gets better with each issue, mixed with Frank’s colors, and it’s a beautiful book to behold. The lines are crisp, each face looks unique, and the bodies are fluid. Pere is an artist I can see becoming a star before this run is done. Octavia has been a standout treat in this run. We don’t have enough elderly women as supervillains, and Octavia definitely fills that role well. She’s ruthless, and tongue in cheek at the same time.

This issue also marked the end of the black costume era, which I’m more than happy to see over. Perez’s art lessened my disdain for it, but the look was not a stellar design. Next month we see a return to the original (yet modified) costume! This book is just high octane fun, with a beautiful art that’s sure to keep you coming back for more.

Unfortunately this isn’t a flawless book. Karla’s pacing could really use some work in developing the more quieter moments. Also her voice for Carol, and the friendship Carol and Jess has isn’t as nuanced as Kelly Thompson’s Captain Marvel book, but it’s serviceable.