Jessica Drew is a character that the Marvel Universe never seemed sure how to use. In many parts a cheap knock-off of Spider-Man, the original Spider-Woman series dabbled in evolutionary concepts (at one point making Jessica a genetically mutated spider who looks human, instead of a human with spider powers) and mysticism (involving a variety of ancient mages, including the Arthurian villainess, Morgan Le Fay). She was a superhero, a spy, an unwitting crook and a private investigator. She lost and regained her powers several times. She was, in short, a mess.

Writers Brian Michael Bendis and Brian Reed attempt to fix all that with Spider-Woman: Origin, a retrofit of the character that brings her back into the modern Marvel continuity with less garbage in her past. And this book, for the most part, succeeds admirably.

This stand-alone book traces Jessica's development from the early days of her mother's pregnancy, when a lab experiment gifted her with unusual abilities, through a 10-year coma, her introduction into the criminal organization Hydra and training by the skull-faced Taskmaster, up to a life-changing series of meetings with S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury.

Coupled with the darkly colorful illustrations by brothers Jonathan and Joshua Luna, Spider-Woman: Origin is an entertaining read. However, to be honest, I'm not sure Spider-Woman warrants an ongoing series of her own. At least, this book didn't convince me. But Bendis and Reed still managed to intrigue me, and I look forward to seeing how the character is rewoven back into the fabric of the Marvel Universe.

I won't be disappointed if they prove me wrong.

by Tom Knapp
Rambles.NET
24 February 2007