With No Power Comes No Responsibility
Written by: Christopher Hastings
Art by: Gurihiru & Stacey Lee
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: May 11, 2016
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Review by: Branden Murray (@bmur3660)
It was eventually bound to happen. The nature of my Marvel Comics Guerilla Review Segment, after all, was to sneak my evil way into all aspects of this website and the cultures it’s established. After months of begging, pleading, kicking, and high pitched screaming using Eric’s megaphone, I have finally wore Jim down and am here to bring you the official first “Guerilla Review” of a Marvel Comic in its written form here on the site. Now to be fair, I think it was the charm of Gwenpool herself and not so much my petulant childish attitude that allowed this to happen. Regardless of the reason, a smarter person than me once said something about a gift horse and a mouth and I really took it to heart. So, here we are and awaaay we goooo...
For those of you who don’t find my mini segment to be the worst part of Jim, Eric and Reggie’s weekly ramblings, you may be up to date on the adventures of Gwenpool. Her current status in the Marvel Universe and just what the hell she is doing there in the first place. If not, first of all, shame on you and secondly I would suggest you get off your wallet and go buy issue numbers zero and one! It's well worth your time and money. You can thank me later or in the comments below if you’re so inclined.
This issue picks up with Gwenpool beginning her new status quo as one of M.O.D.A.K.’s henchmen. We get a brief rundown of her new teammates and each of their abilities. There is the Terrible Eye (the magic user), Mega Tony (the science guy), and Batroc the Leaper (a “classic adventuring party guy”). It’s so obvious to Gwenpool, from her history of reading Marvel and playing video games that the team is missing a “tank” guy. You always need a tank! This is where she finds out that’s who she killed last issue (read issue one to find out how or go listen to me- I spoil it all this week on the podcast) and it’s whose place she will be taking in the group.
From there, Gwenpool and her group of misfits are sent off to capture their mark. From the start, they use some clever teamwork and look to be successful as they sneak in and quickly get their guy in classic Looney Tunes fashion. However, Thor comes to crash the getaway party and this page isn’t playing any games as it brings the funny to a gut cramping level. Gwenpool is stunned, not by Thor’s arrival or presence, but by the beauty of her (Jim's Note: If you are wondering why it's "her", get out from under your rock and read something other than Telos!) hair stating “Girl, how did you get that hair? It’s a dry shampoo isn’t it?” I guess we’re all suckers for Thor’s stunning gold locks.
As Thor dispatches our team one by one, Gwenpool, using her knowledge of the comics, hollers Thor’s secret identity (Jane Foster for those uninformed) to distract her and save the team. They go back and forth about what was really said (was it “Jane” or “sprain”?) and really, go out and buy this just to see how Gwenpool is able to save the day for everyone... It’s worth the price of admission alone.
I keep saying it when I bring this book up so I'll just continue here, Christopher Hastings is hysterical! I actually laugh out loud reading it and get dirty looks from my girlfriend for interrupting Teen Mom time. God forbid! The art team also does an awesome job capturing the tone of the what Hastings is cooking and it all rolls up neatly in a hilarious little burrito of funness. There have been a few different artists on this title so far each bringing their own flavor to the book. However the anime-ish type art style of the last few issues is really starting to grow on me and I hope it remains this way going forward.
You do not have to be a fan of Marvel Comics or their characters to enjoy Gwenpool for what it is, but it certainly doesn't hurt. This is a comedy book that hits the right spots every time. I don’t think The Unbelievable Gwenpool has been confirmed as more than a mini-series, but I’ll be happy to enjoy every bit that Marvel is willing to throw at me. Kudos to Hastings and Company for putting this title together the way they have. Everything is surprisingly original and fresh for a character whose namesake is borrowed from two of Marvel's most popular characters going right now. As your resident Marvel advisor here at Weird Science, I really can't endorse this book enough. Go buy it and maybe share your digital codes with Jim... he likes that. (Jim's Note: No, I Love That!)
8.8/10
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