Spider-Gwen Vol. 5: Gwenom

by Jason Latour

[Quirky Cat]

I read Spider-Woman Vol. 3 as individual issues through the Marvel Unlimited app.

Spider-Gwen Vol. 5: Gwenom is almost exactly like what you’re probably picturing, thanks to that title. What is surprising is just how much I actually love this pairing. Gwen Stacy and Venom, who’d have thought? Granted, nothing is quite what it seems – or what we’re used to from Earth 616.
Spider-Gwen’s story has been amazing and so much more emotionally compelling than I expected. I’m so glad I ended up giving it a chance. And frankly, I adore the risks they’ve been taking with her character.
I’ll confess that it took me longer than I’d like to get to and through the original series. I may have jumped ahead a bit – I’m reading the current Spider-Gwen series as it releases. I just couldn’t resist! Especially not after everything that happened in Spider-Geddon.


Spider-Gwen Vol. 5: Gwenom was a really fun and dynamic read. I’ve loved Gwen’s story up through now, and I am glad to say that this volume was no exception. Actually, I love the introduction of the Venom suit (and I’ve seen where it’s leading too, love it!).
This suit isn’t quite like the Symbiotes I’m used to seeing, but I’m okay with that. Actually, I love the spin on it. Gwen does live in a different universe after all, so why not have Venom look and act differently?
There were a lot of great moments in this volume. And, like the last volume, there was a lot of emotion as well. I love that Gwen isn’t perfect. That she has to fight for what is right, while also trying to figure out what is the right path along the way. I love that she has to struggle, both with herself and with the people around her. It makes her whole story that much more genuine and human.
This volume shows us a different side of Gwen, courtesy of Venom. And it was fascinating. It’ll be interesting to see where the next volume takes us – it looks like a bit of a diversion, while still fitting in with the story as a whole.
To counterpoint what is going on with Gwen’s arc, we have this universe’s Frank Castle. I’ve got to say, I really love the take on his character here. In fact, he may actually be my favorite altered character from Gwen’s universe (not counting Gwen, that is, because duh). They really pushed his character to the extreme in this volume…and it was excellent.
Speaking of alternate characters…Uncle Ben? That was an interesting decision, to change something so foundational in a way that at first appeared so miner. But it was very well done, and I feel like what he said had just as much impact as what everyone else was doing combined. It spoke volumes (no pun intended) about the situation. While also being a tiny bit foreshadowing for what was to come. Or rather, what may come, since I don’t yet know.
I loved Gwenom, and can’t wait to get started on the Life of Gwen Stacy. Luckily, I don’t have to wait before digging in. I’m almost caught up with this series!


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