The Electrifying Transformation of Gwen Stacy: Unveiling the True Identity of Spider-Woman!
Gwen Stacy's evolution as a spider-powered hero is captivating From her origins as Spider-Gwen to her various aliases, including Ghost-Spider, this article explores the intriguing transformation and the reasons behind her name changes
Since her debut in the 2018 film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Gwen Stacy has become a beloved Spider-Person among fans. However, this alternate-universe version of the character actually first appeared in comic book panels back in 2014. In the main Marvel Comics Spider-Man storyline, Gwen dated Peter Parker and tragically met her demise during a failed rescue mission. Writer Jason Latour was initially approached by longtime Spider-Man writer Dan Slott and editor Nick Lowe with the idea of creating a story featuring Gwen Stacy as Spider-Woman. Latour had some reservations at first.
In the original storyline, Gwen Stacy was more of a catalyst for change in Peter's life rather than a fully developed character. Her death served as a tragic turning point in Spider-Man's journey. However, this event and its aftermath had a significant impact on Spider-Man's mythology for forty years, which is why Latour was initially unsure about introducing a new version of Gwen Stacy. Fortunately, the decision to reinvent the character prevailed, and Spider-Gwen made her debut in Edge of Spider-Verse #2. With the upcoming film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse generating even more interest in Gwen, fans are curious about her origins as a Spider-Person and whether her official name is Spider-Woman or Ghost-Spider.
How Does Gwen Become Spider-Gwen?
In the comics, Gwen Stacy of Earth-65 shares similarities with the Gwen audiences are familiar with from the film Across the Spider-Verse. She is a drummer for the band the Mary Janes and has a close relationship with her bandmates, particularly Mary Jane Watson. However, unlike the Spider-Gwen in the film, Earth-65's Gwen Stacy has a stronger bond with her bandmates. Similar to Peter Parker and Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy of Earth-65 is bitten by a radioactive spider, gaining the ability to sling webs and inspiring her to become Spider-Woman.
Although this version of Gwen Stacy from an alternate universe does not meet a tragic fate, not everyone is spared from tragedy. In a reversal of roles, it is Peter Parker who meets a tragic end. To confront the bullies who torment him, a chemically-enhanced Peter transforms into the Lizard in Earth-65. In Across the Spider-Verse, Gwen manages to stop Lizard-Peter, resulting in his death. This storyline unfolds similarly in the comics. Subsequently, J. Jonah Jameson, the beloved news reporter, falsely accuses Spider-Woman of causing Peter Parker's death. This leads to a manhunt for the webslinger, which is spearheaded by Gwen's father, a police officer.
Are Spider-Gwen and Spider-Woman The Same?
Gwen Stacy's uniqueness lies in the fact that she is the only Spider-Person who is also Gwen Stacy, hence why she is referred to as Spider-Gwen. Unlike other universes, where Gwen Stacy is close to Spider-Man and meets her demise, Gwen's connection with Peter Parker on Earth-65 resulted in his death, mirroring the fate of Gwen's counterparts across the multiverse.
Why Is Spider-Gwen Now Called Ghost-Spider?
After her adventures in the Spider-Verse, Gwen Stacy, also known as Spider-Gwen, teams up with the Web Warriors, a group of Spider-People from different dimensions. During this time, she forms a romantic relationship with Miles Morales. However, upon returning to her own universe, Gwen loses her powers and turns to scientist Elsa Brock for assistance. In a twist, Gwen's transformation into "Gwenom" is aided by the Venom symbiote, leading her to publicly reveal her true identity as Gwen Stacy.
Arrested for the murder of Peter Parker, Gwen serves time until the events of Spider-Geddon unfold. (A sequel to Spider-Verse, the Spider-Geddon volumes compose a universe-hopping crossover event, too.) During the fifth volume of this thrilling crossover, Gwen miraculously survives an explosion, causing Miles to briefly question if she is a ghost. However, the true origins of the Ghost-Spider name are not revealed in this particular incident. Following the conclusion of the crossover, Gwen grapples with the challenges of balancing her life as a superhero and a regular person in Earth-65. Without a secret identity, she faces numerous difficulties – and the presence of the symbiote only adds to her troubles, especially since scientist Elsa Brock has mysteriously disappeared.
Gwen's journey to improve her situation leads her to Earth-616, the primary Marvel Earth, in search of Eddie Brock, Elsa's counterpart. However, she soon realizes that Eddie is not a scientist. Fortunately, Peter Parker is both intelligent and willing to assist Gwen. While on Earth-616, Spider-Gwen joins forces with Spider-Man. When questioned about her identity while in costume, Gwen hesitates, as there is already a Spider-Woman on Earth-616. Eventually, she decides on the name Ghost-Spider as a tribute to her deceased counterparts from different universes, acknowledging that "Death loves Gwen Stacy."
Earth-616 proves to be a favorable place for Gwen. With her secret identity protected, she can attend college without any issues, and the fact that Ghost-Spider travels between dimensions is accepted without question. Considering that Ghost-Spider is the latest incarnation of Spider-Gwen, with its run beginning in 2019, it's not surprising that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse would highlight Gwen Stacy's most recent "Spidersona."
