If Steve Foxe ever writes a Diamondback solo it will likely be top notch, every one of that character’s scenes shine. I am enjoying the straightforward tone of the book, and the artist and colourist are doing consistent work.
Okay so we didn’t have to wait until the final issue for the info-dump, but getting it here, as she is already in the process of being saved, completely destroys any sense that she was ever in danger, and positions us away from any immediate, visceral involvement with her story. Discovering her powers were fried as she fell would have covered that better.
Why would Jess think Julia, or her powers, creepy? It seems the most closed minded, petty take, especially as she’d previously accompanied Magnus across the Astral Planes, and worked with the previous Madame Web to help Mattie Franklin. It devalues her. People used to call Jess herself creepy, you think she’d be a bit more empathetic.
Unless, that’s supposed to explain why Jess didn’t approach Julia before, in which case, rude. Jessica’s argument that only Hydra could have organised things is too pat, any number of malevolent forces could have done the same. I guess I should be happy that we didn’t have to wait until the final issue for that info-dump but it wasn’t elegant.
As for the reveal, it was too obvious to be shocking, it simply went exactly as expected, which was disappointing. The info-dump came too late. Instead we got heavy-handed clues, delivered in a clunky manner, that meant there was no chance for it to build and become horrifyingly inevitable.
It’s such a shame. I love the clean, real world elements of this book, the approach is great. However, Jessica’s monologue voice has slipped back into the same wonky poetry-slam pattern as the first issue. The second issue was better. I think because there’s a lot of tell don’t show. For instance, at one point Julia says Jess is no longer on her own, and I thought we were about to get a sassy three page team-up, instead Julia sidled quietly off page, leaving Jess to assume the Basil Exposition role as she steals aboard the ship, and a bit of momentum got lost. However, in general, the pacing is better in this issue than its predecessor.
I don’t know. This certainly isn’t bad by any means, but I want it to soar. Hopeless pretty much muffed up the four part Spider-Verse book that preceded his straight run, and then turned things around. Not in a way I liked, but the difference was palpable, so maybe Foxe can do the same going forward. I think I’m finding niggles because it has so much promise as a fresh take on Jess. The last time I enjoyed a portrayal of her unreservedly was in ‘Secret Avengers’ by Kot and Walsh, so I remain hopeful.
In the meantime, I’m hoping this book ends big. Another bombshell? I’d like to think so.
One final thing. Jess and her son appear to be using the fear element of their Pheromone powers within fights, presumably, as some form of Martial Arts “Kihap”. If that is the case, it’s a brilliant idea.
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By: Steve Foxe, Carola Borelli
Released: Jan 24, 2024
GANG WAR RAGES ON!
Spider-Woman tried to take down Diamondback's operation from the top...and barely escaped with her life. Now she's angrier than ever and ready to hit him - and Hydra - where it hurts. Jessica Drew goes street level as GANG WAR nears its brutal conclusion!
RATED T+