Connect with us
Gwenpool Strikes Back! #5 Review
Marvel

Comic Books

Gwenpool Strikes Back! #5 Review

A mighty fine ending to this character’s run.

It’s the end for Gwenpool as the fifth and final issue drops today. The chaotic good character goes out with what is now the usual excellent meta jokes, fantastic visual ideas, and a little finality in her last hurrah. Is this the last we’ll see of the character? Read this to find out!

This issue opens with a great two-page gag concerning Punisher and bees. It’s a nice bit of humor thanks to David Baldeon’s structure of panels that allow her to climb a ladder, dump bees on Punisher through a few panels, and then do it all again. It’s an infinity-joke if you will. The comic then proceeds to wrap up the event-style competition Gwenpool set up and at this point, only Ms. Marvel is left standing. It’s an inspired choice to leave Ms. Marvel the last contender as things get deep between the two. Ms. Marvel can sense Gwenpool isn’t quite right and there are some truths laid bare. Gwenpool goes through a lot of hurts and a bit of a walk through her past here and it’s nice to see the character humanized so well. She is of course wacky throughout the issue, but it gives her a moment to feel a bit more complex.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!
Gwenpool Strikes Back! #5 Review

Everyone knows fireball beats everything!
Credit: Marvel Comics

The second half of this book offers up a reveal that’s an exciting turn for the character. I can’t say it’s actually real or a meta-gag, but the fact that she walks through a portal to get there has to be confirmed, I’d think. It’s a clever idea too since it explains her powers a bit and gives her a place amongst the merry Marvel heroes. She’s always been a bit unstuck from continuity and this seems like a good first step for the character to take a bit of ownership of her role in the universe.

The art by Baldeon with colors by Jesus Aburtov and GURU-eFX continues to explore the comic book space very well. The opening Punisher gag is proof of that and there is some interesting framing in the last few pages using newer visuals from the Marvel universe (staying vague to avoid spoilers here people!). There also seems to be some digital effects at work in these pages that add a surreal feel that puts you in Gwenpool’s head during this troubling moment. Also, it’s a small thing, but I love how consistent Gwenpool’s hair is as it blends from pink to blonde.

This is a mighty fine way to end the character if it is, in fact, her last rodeo. This issue gives the character a new purpose, reflects on her past, and digs into who she is deep down too. For a character that is so zany, this book ends on a respectable and moving final statement on the character that’ll likely be picked up and further explored someday.

Gwenpool Strikes Back! #5 Review
Gwenpool Strikes Back! #5
Is it good?
This is a mighty fine way to end the character if it is, in fact, her last rodeo. This issue gives the character a new purpose, reflects on her past, and digs into who she is deep down too. For a character that is so zany, this book ends on a respectable and moving final statement on the character that'll likely be picked up and further explored someday.
Continues to deliver on meta fourth wall breaking humor
Goes deep with the character, her personality, and who she is
Enjoyably wraps things up for this character
Wait, so is the big reveal actually a thing or not?!
9
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024 'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024

‘My Adventures with Superman’ gets new comics series starting June 2024

Comic Books

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Vault's Wassel brothers talk Zoop partnership for 'Crowdbuilding' campaign Vault's Wassel brothers talk Zoop partnership for 'Crowdbuilding' campaign

Vault’s Wassel brothers talk Zoop partnership for ‘Crowdbuilding’ campaign

Comic Books

Vault Comics and Zoop partner for 'Barbaric' Crowdbuilding Campaign Vault Comics and Zoop partner for 'Barbaric' Crowdbuilding Campaign

Vault Comics and Zoop partner for ‘Barbaric’ Crowdbuilding Campaign

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup