Spider Gwen is a popular alternate version of Spider-Man from another universe where Gwen Stacy gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes a superhero instead of Peter Parker. In her original comic series, Spider-Gwen faces many threats, but perhaps none so deadly as the one who ultimately kills her. Let’s explore the key questions around Spider Gwen’s death:
Who is Spider Gwen?
Spider Gwen is the superhero alter ego of Gwen Stacy, who in main Marvel comics continuity is best known as Peter Parker’s ill-fated girlfriend. But in an alternate reality, Gwen is the one bitten by a radioactive spider, gaining spider powers and becoming a web-slinging crime fighter known as Spider Woman or Spider Gwen.
Some key facts about Spider Gwen:
– Secret identity: Gwen Stacy
– Powers: Superhuman strength, speed, agility, spider-sense, wall-crawling, web shooting
– Home dimension: Earth-65, part of the Spider-Verse multiverse
– Member of the Spider-Army and Web Warriors superhero teams
– Fights crime in her home dimension while trying to clear Peter Parker’s name
So in summary, Spider Gwen is an alternate version of Gwen Stacy as a spider-powered superhero protecting her own universe.
What is Spider Gwen’s backstory?
In Spider Gwen’s universe, she is bitten by the radioactive spider instead of Peter Parker. Meanwhile, Peter develops experimental treatments to replicate Spider Gwen’s powers and becomes the Lizard. He ends up dying in a fight against Spider Gwen, leading the public to blame her for his death.
Spider Gwen is then forced to operate as an outlaw and vigilante, trying to clear her name while also protecting her city from threats like the Vulture and Green Goblin. She joins forces with other spider-powered heroes from different dimensions as part of the Web Warriors.
Key details of her backstory:
– Got bitten by a radioactive spider
– Peter Parker died as the Lizard
– Wanted for Peter’s death, operates as an outlaw
– Protects her dimension from villains
– Member of the interdimensional Web Warriors
So Spider Gwen has had a tragic backstory of being blamed for Peter Parker’s death, which sets her apart from other spider-powered heroes.
What are Spider Gwen’s key abilities and weapons?
As with most versions of Spider-Man, Spider Gwen has an impressive array of superhuman abilities gained from her radioactive spider bite, including:
– Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, agility, reflexes, and coordination
– Ability to stick to and climb walls and other surfaces
– Spider-sense warns of immediate danger
– Immune to spider venom and can utilize it via wrist bio-shooters
– Genius-level intellect especially in biochemistry and engineering
She utilizes wrist devices that can shoot various types of webbing, similar to web shooters used by other Spider-Man characters. Her webs can be used to immobilize enemies, grab objects, or swing from building to building via web lines.
Spider Gwen also uses razor-edged throwing weapons shaped like spider emblems, which she can use to weaken or distract foes from a distance. She is a skilled martial artist as well.
Who are Spider Gwen’s main enemies?
As one of the prominent spider-themed superheroes in her dimension, Spider Gwen has naturally gained several dangerous enemies seeking to destroy her. Among her primary foes are:
– The Vulture – Adrian Toomes is a former electronics engineer turned flying criminal inventor. His suit grants him flight and strength to battle Spider Gwen in the skies over the city.
– Green Goblin – In Earth-65, this is not Norman Osborn but actually Peter Parker, who uses a serum to gain powers. He seeks revenge against Spider Gwen for his perceived wrongful death.
– Venom – The symbiote suit initially starts out working with Spider Gwen but ultimately turns against her when rejected.
– Cindy Moon / Silk – Gwen’s former best friend who gained similar spider powers from the same lab spider. She blames Gwen for her condition.
– Murdock – An evil alternate version of Matt Murdock without powers but willing to kill Spider Gwen by any means necessary.
– Frank Castle – Becomes a violent vigilante wanting to punish Spider Gwen for perceived sins.
So Spider Gwen has a dangerous rogues gallery made up of both classic Spider-Man villains and new threats tailored to her specific backstory.
How Does Spider Gwen Die?
Spider Gwen meets her shocking demise in the Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #10 issue published in 2019. In the final battle, she faces off against her nemesis Murdock and ultimately dies saving her father. Here are the key details around her death:
The Lead Up to Spider Gwen’s Death
In the issues leading up to #10, Spider Gwen is plagued by her relationship with Murdock, an alternate version of Matt Murdock who lacks powers but uses his legal skills and violent techniques to try and destroy Spider Gwen.
Murdock frames Spider Gwen for crimes she didn’t commit and manipulates public opinion to turn against her. He also digs up dirt on her father, police captain George Stacy, to blackmail Spider Gwen.
Spider Gwen partners with Jessica Drew to try and clear her name. But Murdock continues to outmaneuver her at every turn.
The Final Battle Against Murdock
In issue #10, Murdock has kidnapped George Stacy and holds him hostage, forcing Spider Gwen into a final confrontation to save her father.
They clash at a ruinous theater where Murdock has rigged the area with sound-based weapons powered by The Scream symbiote. Spider Gwen manages to free her father but Murdock unleashes the full lethal force of the sound weapons.
Spider Gwen’s Heroic Sacrifice
As the theater starts to crumble and explode due to the sonic vibrations, Spider Gwen uses her body to shield her father from the debris. She sustains mortal wounds in the process while George Stacy survives.
Spider Gwen unmasks herself in her final moments and gets to have one last conversation with her father, who tells her he is proud of her. She then tragically dies from her injuries.
The Aftermath
Although Spider Gwen perished, Murdock does not ultimately win. Jessica Drew clears Spider Gwen’s name and exposes Murdock’s crimes after her death.
Spider Gwen’s spirit still lingers and makes appearances from time to time. Her heroic sacrifice inspires George Stacy to later become his universe’s version of Captain America.
So in summary, Spider Gwen met her end protecting her father from her greatest enemy, dying a hero in the eyes of many. Though gone, her inspirational legacy lives on.
Why Did Marvel Choose to Kill Off Spider Gwen?
Killing off a popular character like Spider Gwen was certainly a controversial decision that carries some risk for Marvel. Here are some of the likely reasons behind making this narrative choice:
Shock Value
Killing off major characters generates attention and emotional reaction from readers. Spider Gwen’s death was unexpected and created major buzz and debate among fans.
Drive Plot Development
Character deaths are used as pivotal plot points that fundamentally change stories moving forward. Spider Gwen’s demise deeply affected other characters like her father and Jessica Drew.
Raise the Stakes
Having heroes die makes it clear that there are real risks and consequences. With Spider Gwen gone, threats like Murdock seem even more dangerous.
Natural Conclusion to Journey
Spider Gwen had been through an emotional journey across her series. Her sacrifice completed her overall character arc in a heroic and satisfying way.
Renew Interest
Major shake-ups like killingSpider Gwen can renew interest in a series that had started to stagnate. Her death provided opportunity for new directions.
Of course, the downside is that fans are outraged and disappointed to lose a beloved heroine. But that is part of the inherent risk Marvel accepted with this move.
Reactions to Spider Gwen’s Death from Fans and Critics
Given Spider Gwen’s popularity, her death in Ghost Spider #10 elicited some intense reactions, both positive and negative. Here’s a summary of how fans and critics responded:
Positive Reactions
– Praise for the emotional resonance and heroic nature of her sacrifice.
– Appreciation for the bold and impactful storytelling decision to kill her off.
– Admiration for how her death completed her overall character arc.
– Intrigue over how her legacy will carry forward.
– Enjoyment of the shocking surprise factor.
Negative Reactions
– Anger and frustration over losing such an iconic female character.
– Disappointment that her story potential was cut short.
– Dissatisfaction with how abruptly her death felt.
– Concerns that her diverse representation as a heroine was ended.
– Fear that her loss represented the trend of fridging female characters.
Debate Over the Decision
– Some felt Spider Gwen’s death was well executed while others saw it as exploitative.
– Question over whether the shock value was worth angering devoted fans.
– Disagreement on whether her story truly needed to end this way.
– Arguments over whether her legacy will continue being impactful.
Overall the controversial decision evoked intense discussion, with reasonable perspectives on both sides. But it energized interest in Spider Gwen.
Theories on Reversing or Revisiting Spider Gwen’s Death
Given Spider Gwen’s immense popularity and the mixed fan reactions to her fate, there are already theories on Marvel potentially revisiting her death in some way, such as:
Resurrection
With parallel universes and time travel plots, there are ways for a version of Spider Gwen to be brought back to life or returned. Perhaps an alternate version of her could emerge.
Prequel Stories
Marvel could do prequel tales focused on earlier points in her life and career as Spider Gwen before her final fate.
Legacy Continuation
Other characters like George Stacy and Jessica Drew could honor Spider Gwen’s legacy with stories focused on them.
Ghostly Returns
Spider Gwen could appear again as a ghostly presence guiding other Spider-verse heroes.
Undoing Her Fate
Time travel or reality manipulation could be used to actually prevent her death, erasing it from continuity.
Of course, reversing major deaths does threaten to undermine the original dramatic purpose. But Spider Gwen clearly resonated enough that fans are hungry to see more of her in some form.
Conclusion
Spider Gwen’s death in Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #10, sacrificing herself to defeat Murdock and save her father, was certainly one of Marvel’s most shocking recent character fates. The reaction from heartbroken but engaged fans underscores how beloved Spider Gwen became across her relatively short time as a star heroine.
While Marvel took a bold risk removing such a uniquely popular character, Spider Gwen’s legacy seems destined to live on. With Marvel’s multiverse offering limitless possibilities, fans hold out hope this may not be the last we see of the web-swinging, drum-playing Gwen Stacy of Earth-65.