Spider-Woman returns with intriguing vengeance

November 6, 10:53 PMDC Comic Books ExaminerMark Ruffin

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             Cover for Issue #2

Sometimes there's nothing more than how the story is relayed. Whatever alchemy makes the narrative work for Spider-Woman, the method streamlines a hero's begrudging renewal of identity to accompany a page-turning reawakening. The story is on the threshold of a noir categorization.

"Agent of S.W.O.R.D." takes a direct cue in issue one. In her daily attired alter-ego, Jessica appears to have nothing pertinent about her life other than carrying day-to-day as a down-and-out without any addictive burdens. The start to some level of intrigue begins, with a focus on Skrulls and similar aliens camouflaged amongst myriad nations. These non-human entities still conspire global invasions or kidnapping for experimentation. S.W.O.R.D. initiates Jessica with a routine search and destroy assignment overseas.

Spider-Woman reminds of that instance of recognizing someone at a slanted line of sight; only to realize a mistaken identity at close approach. Jessica Drew aka Spider-Woman first appeared in the 1970s. Her titles never found a consistent audience. Down the years every revitalization attempted a new take for Spider-Woman's powers, situation of life, or profession. Instead of the character being defined, she became tangled. With this factor in mind, the latest Spider-Woman is introduced as conflicted over her past. She expresses herself as a tragic figure from a tragic past.

Issue two's "Agent of S.W.O.R.D." continues from her search and destroy. Jessica's actions brought
police attention and arrest. In a foreign jail, Jessica begins to settle into former training and experience. The intrigue level gets raised, but revelations from the rapidly disclosed clues are uncovered in the thick of firefights and chases. By this time the crescendo story has made an impression.

There's just an appeal of concise page coordination, similarly found with the string of scenarios. Working just as strongly is a corresponding catch to the eye that delivers an urban accentuation.        That metropolitan semblance from coloring and depictions adds an exhaust murkiness and confining concrete impact to the superhero styled cloak-and-dagger. The correlation of environs to Jessica's state of being reinforces the quality of reading.

Spider-Woman's creative team is at full talent stride on this title. What expectations are held with
all confidence from leading talents in their field are conclusively given within the series.

Issue three of the "Agent of S.W.O.R.D." story arc goes on sale Nov. 18. Marvel Comics has also placed a motion comics version on iTunes.

  Issue #1           Price: $3.99 U.S.          Original Release Date: Sept. 23

  Issue #2           Price: $2.99 U.S.          Original Release Date: Oct. 21