There’s no need to review writer Brian Bendis’ strong infatuation with Marvel Comics’ original Spider-Woman. (Or maybe we do. Um, she’s not for real…) He is clearly intent on turning the long-neglected character into a superstar, and is succeeding beyond any reasonable expectations.
Appearances in the ultra-hot (and ultra-wretched) New Avengers, one-shot specials, miniseries, even a new ongoing title are either complete or in the pipeline for the Arachnid Avenger.
The Keeper knew her back when.
As written by Marv Wolfman and (especially) Mark Gruenwald, Jessica Drew was unlike any other character at Marvel. She was a reluctant (OK, perhaps not completely unique) avenger of the night who popped pills and regularly visited a therapist.
Her powers weren’t carbon copies of a certain web-slinger. Aside from the requisite super strength and ability to climb walls, she could fly, fire “venom blasts” and secreted pheromones that attracted men and repelled women.
But what especially stood out to a certain adolescent fan was her rogues gallery, which included some of the most bizarre villains ever seen.
There was Waxman, a would-be Romeo who couldn’t prevent his skin from oozing on (and devouring) his victims; the Needle, an amoral vigilante who sewed people’s lips shut; the Brothers Grimm, life-size puppets animated by the spirit of a dead gangster; and - because all ’70s heroes fought supernatural menaces - the sorceress Morgan Le Fey.
Spider-Woman was illustrated by a number of grade-A artists, including such legends as Carmine Infantino, Frank Springer and (in my book, at least) Steve Leialoha.
Although the character was popular for a time and even earned a (not terribly good) Saturday morning cartoon series, Marvel eventually stripped Jessica Drew of her powers and gave the moniker to a succession of other, progressively less memorable, heroines.
Now, thanks to Bendis, the original Spider-Woman is more popular than ever. Those who enjoy her modern adventures are advised to check out the Essential Spider-Woman collection, which reprints the stories mentioned.
They’re less “hip,” to be sure, but are beautifully illustrated and remain some of the most bizarre stories Marvel has ever published.
