Spider-Gwen, also known as Ghost-Spider, has taken the comic book world by storm since her debut in 2014’s Edge of Spider-Verse #2. As a comic artist, I’ve been captivated by her unique design, her punk rock attitude, and her compelling story. There’s just something about Gwen Stacy with spider-powers that’s incredibly fun to draw.
From Earth-65 to the Main Marvel Universe: A Modern Icon
Created by Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez, Spider-Gwen hails from Earth-65, an alternate reality where Gwen Stacy, not Peter Parker, was bitten by a radioactive spider. This simple twist on the classic Spider-Man origin has led to a wealth of fascinating stories. In her world, Gwen’s best friend Peter became the Lizard and tragically died, an event that deeply impacts her and fuels her sense of responsibility.
She wasn’t just a one-off character, though. Spider-Gwen quickly became a fan favorite, playing a key role in the Spider-Verse crossover event, where she teamed up with other Spider-heroes from across the multiverse. She even got her own series, which included the storylines like “Most Wanted?”, where she was framed for a crime, “Greater Power,” where she dealt with her newfound responsibilities, and the “Spider-Women” crossover with Silk and Jessica Drew. She even bonded with a symbiote and became “Gwenom”!
More Than Just a Spider-Woman: The Appeal of Gwen Stacy
What makes Spider-Gwen so compelling? For me, it’s the combination of a visually striking design (that costume is just iconic!) and a relatable character. She’s a drummer in a band called The Mary Janes, she’s got a rebellious spirit, and she grapples with the same insecurities and challenges that many of us face, even with superpowers. Plus, her stories often take familiar Marvel characters and turn them on their heads. On Earth-65, Matt Murdock is the Kingpin!
Gwen’s popularity has led to her becoming a permanent resident of Earth-616, the main Marvel Universe. It’s been interesting to see her interact with characters who knew the original Gwen Stacy, adding another layer of complexity to her story.
My Take on Ghost-Spider: Original Drawings
As you can see from these original drawings, I love capturing the energy and dynamism of Spider-Gwen. She’s a joy to draw, from her acrobatic poses to the intricate details of her costume. In these pieces, I’ve tried to showcase her strength, her agility, and that hint of rebellious spirit that makes her so unique. She is shown here wielding her signature web-shooters. These pieces are created with old-fashioned pen & ink on bristol board, at 11″ x 17″.
What are your favorite Spider-Gwen moments? Let me know in the comments!
You can also see these drawings and more of my work in person at one of my comic convention appearances. Swing by and say hello!
And don’t forget to check out my Comic Art page