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Youth Modernized In A Spectacular Spider-Gwen

by Vince Brusio

Nobody dies in comics and stays relegated to a framed picture on the wall. That’s just the way it works, folks. But what we’re going to see soon is more than just a resurrection of a Marvel character. We’re going to see a transformation of a fan-favorite character, and the launch of a series that puts Gwen Stacy on the map as a new breed of web slinger. In this PREVIEWSworld exclusive interview, we talk shop with some of the creators behind Spider-Gwen #1 (DEC140832) to find out what new tangled webs will soon be found in the corners of the Marvel Universe.

Spider-Gwen #1 (DEC140832) is in comic shops February 25.

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Article Image 1532PREVIEWSworld: So for those out there who may be a little confused by the claim that Spider-Gwen #1 is “an ongoing series about Gwen Stacy as Spider-Woman,” could you let our readers know where the line is drawn in the sand between your title, and Dennis Hopeless’ Spider-Woman #1? How do the two ladies share the same stage, but not steal each other’s spotlight?

Rico Renzi:  Our Spider-Woman is operating in her own universe following the events of Spider-Verse. Who knows what Jessica Drew is doing on our side of the Marvel U (Jason knows!). The only challenge I've had is not talking about Spider-Gwen ALL the time. The fans aren't alone in their excitement for our version of Gwen Stacy. Everyone in my house has Spider-Gwen fever!

Jason Latour: I honestly think there’s as much room for two Spider-Women as there is for the dozens of other superheroes on the shelf.  Maybe even more so.

A lot of what people will find entertaining about both books ultimately has to do with the creative teams. Dennis Hopeless is a great writer and I’m really looking forward to Spider-Woman. So I don’t see the two competing in any way.

Really though, it’s as simple as being the heroes of different worlds. Spider-Verse has established that the Spider-mythos reaches far and wide across the multiverse and that there’s room for it to breathe and be re-explored on different stages.

Article Image 2db8Gwen has her own world where she is the only Spider-Woman, and though the driving thrust of her struggle is similar to the themes and ideas Spider-fans have come to love, the threats and situations are very different than the ones Jessica Drew or Peter Parker might face.

She’s a wanted criminal, being hunted by her own father, Captain George Stacy. She’s a struggling artist and young woman trying to find her place in her band and the world.

It’s an attempt to really modernize, separate, and find a unique and fun new angle on everything we all love about the Spider-Mythos.

PREVIEWSworld: No one stays dead for long in comics. That’s a given. But it’s been since 1973 since Gwen passed away in Amazing Spider-Man #121. For those who may just be getting their feet wet with the new Spider-Verse storyline, could you explain for us how Gwen will be assimilating back into the Marvel Universe?

Article Image f8ddJason Latour: Well, again, for the time being and hopefully for quite some time, Gwen will be exploring her own version of the Marvel U. Having that clean slate will give us a tremendous opportunity to explore more of the characters we introduced in Edge of Spider-Verse. It’s essential that we get to build that core cast that informs who Gwen Stacy is as much if not more than her spider powers. So we’ll see a lot of her father, Captain Stacy, and her band The Mary Janes, and we’ll also meet a lot of new takes on Marvel heroes and villains. It’s all designed to be something you can jump into and hit the ground running with. That doesn’t mean we’ll never see the Marvel U or touch base with it. Gwen was born of a multi-dimensional crossover, and the awareness of that bigger existence is some of what drives the book and hopefully makes it unique. She’s aware of all the Peter Parkers and Jessica Drews out there, and they are a large part of what drives her to be a better hero as Spider-Woman.

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PREVIEWSworld: What were some of the most challenging hurdles to jump in writing this new title? How quickly did your email inbox fill up with people who thought you should put stories A, B, and C into motion once it got out that you were writing Spider-Gwen?

Article Image 1d09Jason Latour: There’s obviously been a huge stir about the book online, our supporters have been really amazingly vocal and enthusiastic from day zero.

I feel like they’ve always been a part of making this book exist, and what’s been really refreshing about it so far is how open they seem to be letting Robbi and Rico and I chart our own course for Gwen.

There’s been some clamoring for specific elements, sure, but none of it has been too overbearing, and in a lot of ways it’s been a helpful reminder of just how potentially fruitful this whole universe is. I really do think I could write this book a LONG time.

PREVIEWSworld: What qualities about Gwen do you think will endear her most to the readers? What makes readers want to root for Gwen to be in a happy place?

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Jason Latour: What I’m drawn to about Gwen is her struggle, because to me she’s sincere about her place in life. She wants to be a good person, an artist, and a good superhero. Maybe a little too badly. To me that’s endearing. I’ve always been drawn to people who give life a real effort, no matter what they’re dealt.

Article Image 76a2She also REALLY loves Spider-Ham. So we share that.

PREVIEWSworld: If people can read more about what you’re doing for this series as it progresses, how could they follow you online and comment?

Rico Renzi: I'm frequently posting Spider-Gwen (and Unbeatable Squirrel Girl) process pics over on Instagram and Twitter. I'm @whoisrico on both of those. I'll also post more extensive process posts and videos at nolongermint.com

Jason Latour: We’re all pretty active across all the social media platforms. Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram. For me it’s as simple as just searching my name “Jason Latour.” We’ve even begun curating kind of an official Tumblr page for fan art and all things Spider-Gwen related at: http://spidergwensday.tumblr.com

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