Comic Review: Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #2 – The Ballad of Gwen Stacy

 

After a strong opening in the first Ghost-Spider issue, Gwen Stacy continues her adventure in the middle of Spider-Geddon but as it turns out, this isn’t just a pit stop on the way to a big finale. It’s a deep, emotional story about identity, guilt, the need to help others, and… confronting yourself in an alternate reality.

Whether we call her Spider-Gwen, Ghost-Spider, or Spider-Woman doesn’t matter in this issue, what counts is that she’s still Gwen Stacy. And the creative team writer Seanan McGuire, artist Rosi Kämpe, and colorist Ian Herring understands that perfectly.

Story – Meeting Yourself

Gwen is stranded in a strange reality after the events of Spider-Geddon #2. Her teleportation device is destroyed, and her friends in her home world are in mortal danger. But she must face something she never expected alternate versions of the people closest to her.

During a conversation with this world’s Peter Parker, Gwen learns a dark truth: in this reality, Harry Osborn was Spider-Man, and the Green Goblin… was Gwen Stacy. At first, they were partners, but after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of Gwen’s father and Harry, this Gwen succumbed to madness and fully embraced her Goblin persona.

To get home, our Gwen must first help find and perhaps save her alternate self. She teams up with this world’s Mary Jane, though their relationship is tense, at times downright hostile. Together, they visit Betty and Gloria to gather information on the Goblin. The issue ends with a question that lingers long after: is there any Gwen Stacy left in the Green Goblin?

Narrative – Heart Over Event

McGuire focuses on dialogue and character psychology, rather than just the breakneck pace of an event book. The central conversation between Gwen and Peter is the emotional core of the issue we get revelations, heroism, grief, depression, and madness. These are classic beats of a tragic superhero arc, but delivered here in a fresh and personal way.

The most compelling theme is Gwen’s unshakable empathy. Though she pretends not to care about this world, she can’t stand by while others suffer. This is what makes her worthy of the Spider-Gwen name in any universe.

The only small flaw in the writing is the overextended coldness between characters. The relationships between Gwen, MJ, and Peter are sometimes so frosty that it feels forced especially when they should be working toward the same goal.

Artwork – Colors That Speak

Rosi Kämpe continues the energetic, expressive linework from the previous issue, while Ian Herring once again steals the show with his colors. Pastel blues, pinks, and purples matching Gwen’s costume  contrast with sharp greens and oranges, creating a striking visual effect that amplifies the story’s emotional beats.

The first half of the book, painted in muted tones, conveys melancholy and uncertainty. In the second half, as the story’s pace shifts, the palette becomes brighter and more contrasting.

Although much of the issue is dialogue-heavy, Kämpe works to keep scenes dynamic gestures, facial expressions, and framing ensure that conversations aren’t static. Still, there are moments where keeping compositions interesting in long dialogue sequences is clearly a challenge.

Final Verdict

Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #2 proves that even in the middle of a major event, it’s possible to tell an intimate, character-focused story. This is a comic about identity, the consequences of choices, and confronting your own shadow both literally and figuratively.

McGuire shows a better understanding of Gwen than many past writers capturing both her wit and her vulnerability. The visuals and colors give the story a unique atmosphere, and the cliffhanger sets up an exciting continuation.

 Pros:

+Deep, emotional narrative despite event backdrop

+Strong character development for Gwen Stacy

+Excellent dialogue — alternately funny and heartfelt

+Ian Herring’s color work sets a unique tone

+Interesting twist with alternate Gwen as Green Goblin

+Maintains decent visual dynamism despite heavy dialogue

 Cons:

-Relationships between characters sometimes feel artificially cold

-Second-half dialogue scenes are less creatively staged

-Some threads require prior knowledge of Spider-Geddon

My Score: 8/10