It’s always nice tosee Gwen Stacyhave her time to shine. Now, in a new comic fromStephanie Phillips, Gwen finds herself with a new suit, new friends, and in a completely different universe. InALL-NEW SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER #1, Gwen finds herself on Earth-616 — Marvel Comics fans know that as our Earth in the main comic universe. Since coming to Earth-616 she’s been hanging out with Loki and having adventures, but now she’s here to stay. In celebration of the new Ghost-Spider run, we got to ask Phillips a few questions abouther take on Gwen, her new suit and powers, and what to expect as she settles in and makes Earth-616 her home.
One of the exciting parts ofthis run for Gwenis having her permanently in Earth-616. “The biggest challenge is honoringGwen’s unique voicewhile weaving her into a universe with decades of continuity. It meansredefining connectionsand creating new ones without losing what makes her Gwen,” Phillips said about taking on this storyline. “But, honestly, that’s part of the fun of getting to tell this story as well!”
But every great hero needs the suit and powers too, and for Phillips' run, she gets to introduce anew styleto the hero. Phillips said part of the journey is trusting in artistPaolo Villanelli. “Trust in Paolo Villanelli. He’s such a master at updating and redesigning costumes in the Marvel universe. He did it in previous arcs with characters like Mister Fear, and I really love his new look for Gwen in this arc.” With her suit comes some “new” powers for Gwen, or as Phillips says, powers that take Gwen back to her roots. “I’m not sure I’d call them new powers…they are actually old powersthat will be bringing Gwen back to her roots a bit. I can’t give too much more away, but Gwen will be explaining to readers herself very soon.”
Ghost-Spider Is a Beloved Marvel Hero
InALL-NEW SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER #1, there are a lot of “new” things for Gwen. The comic is described as follows:
“Gwen Stacy isn’t from this Earth, but she’s here to stay, so it’s time to make herself at home! A new costume, a new home life– heck, she’s even starting a new band! Unfortunately for Gwen, new threats are also heading her way, starting with one that just might be her own fault! Follow theGhost-Spider as she settles into Earth-616to stay!”
New suits, a new band, and Gwen heading back to her roots should be incredibly exciting for fans. So, given the chance to ask about writing for Ghost Spider, we asked Phillips what the best part about telling Gwen Stacy’s story is. “The best part has been exploring Gwen’s resilience—she’s funny, flawed, and constantly fighting to define her own story,” Phillips said. “Getting to show that journey to readers of all ages is an incredible privilege. And, of course,working with the great teamon this book, like artist Paolo Villanelli, colorist Matt Milla, and editor Jordan D. White. I feel so lucky that I get to tell this story with amazing partners.”
Our favorite Marvel heroes get their chance to live many lives. Whether it be in their own universes or others, and that means that it is an exciting time for Gwen. We asked Phillips what the chance of her own story means for Gwen. “For Gwen, this new start is about possibility.She’s carrying the weight of her past, but she’s finally in a place where she can build something new—new allies, new purpose, and maybe even a new sense of self… or, recovering an element of herself we haven’t seen in a while. Like playing in a band. (Spoilers!)”
You can seeGwen’s new life, new universe, and new suit whenALL-NEW SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER #1hits comic stores near you!
