Written by Christopher Hastings, Illustrated by Irene Strychalski
Gwenpool #5 kicks off a new story arc to kick off Gwen taking over for M.O.D.O.K.’s mercenary for hire business, complete with a new shady character and a team-up story with Miles Morales (Spider-Man for those that don’t know by now). There’s nothing incredibly groundbreaking about this issue, but it instead adds on to the charm and thoroughly entertaining story that’s been established already, with one or two small hints at future storylines to come. It’s a good read, and a nice book to try and bring new fans on board with a winning cameo from Miles.
What I liked most about this issue:
- Hastings’ has found a great way to turn Gwen’s power of being meta and all-knowing into a vital story plot rather than a comedic device. This is what helps set it apart from most other 4th wall breaking characters.
- Miles’ addition to the cast for this arc is a nice reprieve between changing arcs, providing a way to not only show off more of Gwen’s qualities and ability to communicate and think with so many characters, but to also start showing off a bit more of his character and how he grows as a hero.
- The art from Strychalski, stepping in for Gurihiru, is great, not straying far from the original style. Some characters such as Miles do seem a little younger with the new style, but it doesn’t take much away from it.
- Batroc the Leaper is slowing turning into a great mercenary mentor rather than a throwaway C-List villain, aiding Gwen and company with his knowledge and mercenary wisdom rather than being easily dispatched by heroes in all other comics he features in.
- The newfound ghost abilities of Cecil, or lack thereof.
Brandon Scribes 