If you weren't already sold on writer Jason Latour (Southern Bastards) and artist Robbi Rodriguez (FBP) doing a re-imagining of Gwen Stacy in which she is a new version of Spider-Woman in Edge of Spider-Verse #2, what if I offered you this to sweeten the deal: Gwen is the drummer in a band, they're called the Mary Janes, and they have a song that ruminates on Mary Jane Watson's classic "Face it tiger, you just hit the jackpot" line from Amazing Spider-Man #42.

Wait, you thought Gwen Stacy was dead, right? Edge of Spider-Verse is a prelude to Marvel's Spider-Verse event, which brings in "every Spider-Man ever," including versions from alternate universes, to fight a common threat. This version of Gwen Stacy is one of those alternate universe characters. Possessing her own spider-powers and a rad costume, she's already been a hit with Spidey fans based on the few images seen so far.

Beyond all that cool band stuff, there's the plot point that Spider-Woman is apparently under investigation for murder. “Spider-Woman is wanted for a crime she didn’t commit," Latour told Marvel.com. "So where as her life in costume before was a lot of adventuring and fun, she’s now being forced to decide what it means to her. Her own father is helming the manhunt for Spider-Woman and lot of what drives this story is based on what drives their relationship. There’s also a mystery villain lurking around who seems to empathize with Spidey’s plight, in very dangerous ways.”

Naturally, it looks great, courtesy of Rodriguez and colorist Rico Renzi, the art team behind Vertigo's uncommonly cool looking FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics. Take special note of the two-page "previously in Spider-Woman" spread, which details in dynamic fashion the prior adventures of a character who's never appeared before.

“Robbi’s a huge reason to read this comic,” says Latour. “One of the main reasons I wanted to do it. It’s honestly been a real pleasure to watch him grow into a really great cartoonist over the years. He’s got a boundless energy and desire to fearlessly experiment, coupled with a powerful work ethic. He’s got the real makings of something special. So more than even being an artist myself, it’s my fondness for his work as that makes me want to raise my game and try to give him a script that will excite and elevate his work as much as I know he will mine. Really he’s the perfect guy for a book about a drummer who’s swinging from the cops.”

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Greg Land
Greg Land
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Edge of Spider-Verse #2 will be available in comic shops and digitally on Sept. 17.

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