Spider-Woman #14 Review - Not All Is As It Seems

12/31/2016 05:18 pm EST

Superheroes are always confronted with the possibility that the next day might be their last, but risk it all anyway on a daily basis for the betterment of mankind. Being fearless is different from dealing with grief, however, and at times the process can be even more difficult when you factor in that superheroes aren't used to feeling powerless.

Spoilers for Spider-Woman #14 incoming, so if you haven't read it yet beware.

After the surprising events of the last issue, Jessica Drew is still reeling, attempting to process that her friend, confidant, and impromptu nanny Roger isn't around anymore. A credit to writer Dennis Hopeless, as Drew's grief feels real, bouncing from sadness to anger, a left turn at confusion, a right at acceptance, and then a U-turn when unexpected hope arrives. For anyone who has dealt with grief, you know those emotions tend to come in sudden and unexpected flurries.

For longtime fans of this run, there are so many wonderful character bits within the issue, and the realizations aren't always rosy. After Roger's ex-wife unloads on Jess, Ben Ulrich has to break it to her that her pain and anger is valid, and as much as you might love Roger you also see where she is coming from. It's a genuine dilemma, and neither party is completely without fault.

While the issue is on the heavier side, Hopeless spreads some welcome moments of levity throughout, something that this series excels at, like when Captain Marvel babysits for Jess. Baby Gerry doesn't get Dora the Explorer or Little Einsteins to watch but is instead distracted by intergalactic security feeds. Hey, you go with what you know right?

On the art front, Veronica Fish and Rachelle Rosenberg deliver a delightful combo of stylish pencils and lush colors. Fish's characters are so expressive, and the action scenes are filled with movement and energy. The team is putting together some fantastic stuff here, and hopefully, it continues.

Spider-Woman continues to reward longtime fans with rich relationships and character development, and always delivers enough comedy to keep things from getting too dark. This issue is no exception.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Written By: Dennis Hopeless

Art By: Veronica Fish

Colored By: Rachelle Rosenberg

Lettered By: VC's Travis Lanham

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