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Lunch » Tags » Comic Books » Reviews » SPIDER-WOMAN (2009-2010)

SPIDER-WOMAN (2009-2010)

2 Ratings: 4.0

Comic Mini-series by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev

Spider-Woman is a 2009–2010 comic book limited series written by Brian Michael Bendis, drawn by Alex Maleev, published by Marvel Comics and starring Spider-Woman. It is the fourth Marvel series released under the title Spider-Woman. … see full wiki

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1 review about SPIDER-WOMAN (2009-2010)

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Jessica Drew Returns...Hunting Down Skrulls and Taking Back Her Life!

Jul 24, 2010

by woopak_the_thrill
posted in Speech Bubbles: Comics & Graphic Novels

Exclusive to the Lunch Network

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Following the events of New Avengers and the Secret Invasion, among the heroes who made a return to the pages of comic pages are Mockingbird and the real Jessica Drew, the original Spider-Woman. This launched the 2009-2010 7-issue mini-series with Jessica as the title character as she attempts to find the last vestiges of her life, as she has been held captive by the Skrulls for a significant number of years and replaced by the Skrulls’ own “Queen’. Published by Marvel Comics and written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Alex Maleev (both made a legendary run in the pages of Daredevil), the series blends the elements of a spy thriller, revenge drama and dark fantasy with a tough, gritty attitude.

Jessica was given her powers as a result of an experiment by terrorists, she has led lives as an agent, investigator, an Avenger and as Spider-woman. After being abducted by the shape-shifting skrulls, Jessica is trying to re-enter her life while feeling paranoid and unsure of who her real friends are. Jessica is then approached by Abigail Brand, the leader of a new planetary defense agency called S.W.O.R.D. that sets her on a mission to hunt down the remaining sleeper cells of the Skrull empire. Jessica is taking her life back…one skrull at a time.

What would you do if you’ve kidnapped and held captive a lot longer than anyone can bear? One would look for the best avenues to find closure from the horrific experiences that one has been forced to bear. So Jessica Drew goes for closure, the only way she knows how--taking down Skrulls. I liked the way Bendis plays on the paranoia inherent when one has been through such an experience. Drew is shown as angry, afraid, unsure and definitely skillful in her hunt. Most of the series is pretty straight-forward, Drew hunts down her targets, in costume and in civilian garb. From super-skrulls, and enhanced shape-shifters, she engages them in combat, and plays for keeps.

variant cover

Going through some figures from her past, Madame Hydra shows up to haunt Jessica. (keep in mind that this story arc happens while Norman Osborn is in charge of H.A.M.M.E.R., Shield’s replacement agency) as she tries to play her psychological mind games with her. That was quite a story line, as Madame Hydra seeks to break Jessica’s confidence and maybe once again join up with her. The organization called “Sword” is also one mysterious organization, as we barely get to know any info about this agency. It was a nice touch to have the reader wondering and expecting different things.

Alex Maleev does the illustrations with pure gritty style that gives the comic its very atmospheric feel. The series has action in it, but it is the type that doesn’t feel cartoonish. The fights are almost realistic and has the quality of dramatic impact that most people have seen in crime dramas on TV. The dialogue by Bendis is real good, and feels real mature as with the sharp language used in the comic book. The series succeeds in bringing together a sci-fi, espionage super-hero story arc that was effective, precise and simple. The series also has a brief cameo of the New Avengers.

One may say that “Spider-Woman” is lacking in intricacies to its plotline, and I agree. I did wish that there was more of a story here and it feels predictable in some areas of the series. It is a simple effort to bring forth the Jessica Drew character, but once you realize that the series isn’t about intricacies but rather it is about the strength of the character, then it will satisfy. “Spider-Woman” returns with a vengeance, and she is an Avenger.

Highly Recommended! [4 out of 5 stars]

Jessica Drew RETURNS...Hunting Down Skrulls and Taking Back Her Life!

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FM_ALEX July 24, 2010

Yes this is indeed a good one WP, I love the artwork as well.

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Count_Orlok_22 July 24, 2010

Well, you damn sure got my attention... 100%. What can I say?! I like Spider-Woman. You know that I haven't been the biggest fan of the direction Marvel has been taking things the past few years, but this sounds interesting from what you've laid out in the review. And wow, that is some terrific artwork. You made me a happy Orlok.

woopak_the_thrill July 24, 2010

Love this series, man. It was simple but it sure took Jessica Drew to new heights. Maleev is an awesome artist and he makes his own style, and the hell with the usual mainstream art that makes heroes look pretty.

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Count_Orlok_22 July 25, 2010

Spider-Woman always looks lustrous.

woopak_the_thrill July 25, 2010

I meant the mainstream art incomics that has the women looking like supermodels as with Silvestri and Jim Lee. I like Benes and Epting's art of super-heroines. Too bad John Buscema is gone :(

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