Spider-Woman (2015) #12

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Previously in Spider-Woman #11

Spider-Woman #12 | Writer: Dennis Hopeless | Artist: Tigh Walker | Color Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg | Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham | Cover Artist: Javier Rodriguez

This series is such a breath of fresh air, and what it’s doing is not just unlike anything I’m currently reading, it’s also important. Just as Ms. Marvel is breaking down stereotypes and providing much-needed representation to young Muslim-Americans, Spider-Woman is making several bold statements about parenthood. As a mother, this series resonates with me, but most importantly, I think it’s beautiful that young boys and girls can see their hero have (and juggle) it all. Jessica Drew’s pregnancy could have easily been a marketing device; just something to get people talking and reading a few issues here and there, but it hasn’t been that at all. It has always felt like Dennis Hopeless knows exactly who Jessica Drew is, and that makes it easy for the reader to identity with her as well. Despite the powers, she feels like a real person.

This issue is Bring Your Child to Work Day on steroids. Jessica and baby Gerry travel to Staten Island (via three trains and two buses, proving she’s a better friend than I am) to spend a day at the beach with Roger and his daughter, Kalie. I love that Hopeless is revisiting the fact that Roger also has a kid. I’d wondered about their relationship and how it was faring after the events in which we first met her and her mother. With Roger spending so much time working with Jessica (and babysitting for her), it’s nice to see some light shed on his personal life.

Here, Roger agrees to take on any criminal activity so Jessica and the kids can soak up some rays and play in the sand. Of course, it’s not long before he’s donning his Porcupine duds to take on Sandman, who decided to show his entire ass after a failed robbery attempt. And true to her word, Jessica allows Roger to handle his business, even though it takes him awhile to remember the notes on his Sandman flashcard on what it takes to defeat him.

But best of all, Kalie got to see her daddy be a hero. This is a great turn because we know the reason her mother faked their kidnapping before was to keep them away from Roger’s criminal lifestyle. He’s made a sincere effort to change, and Jessica knows that, but it’s awesome that his family now knows it too.

As usual, this was a laugh-out-loud and visually stunning experience. Tigh Walker’s style fits in perfectly with the tone started by Javier Rodriguez (who does cover duty on this issue and will be working on the new Doctor Strange dropping soon), and the colors are as delicious as ever. Hopeless teased the next arc on Twitter the other day, and I’m just dying to read it.

This next Spider-Woman arc, you guys. THE MOST Hopeless thing I’ve ever written. Haters gonna HAAAAATE. But you fine folks will love it.

— Dennis Hopeless (@HopelessDent) October 21, 2016