Show pageBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== Spider-Woman ====== ===== Part 1: The Dossier: An At-a-Glance Summary ===== * **Core Identity: A legacy title held by several extraordinary women across the Marvel Multiverse, most iconically by Jessica Drew, a former HYDRA agent turned super-spy and Avenger, defined by her complex past, bio-electric powers, and unwavering resilience.** * **Key Takeaways:** * **A Legacy of Heroes:** The "Spider-Woman" name is not one person but a mantle. While Jessica Drew is the original and most famous, other key figures include Julia Carpenter, a former government agent who became the cosmic entity [[madame_web|Madame Web]]; Mattie Franklin, a young hero tragically empowered by dark magic; and Gwen Stacy of Earth-65, the breakout star known as [[spider-gwen_ghost-spider|Ghost-Spider]], who has become a cornerstone of the [[spider-verse]]. * **Beyond the Webs:** Unlike many spider-themed heroes, Jessica Drew's powers are unique and not derived from a radioactive spider bite in most tellings. Her abilities are bio-genetic, granting her superhuman strength, wall-crawling, and her signature "Venom Blasts"—focused bursts of bio-electricity—along with potent pheromone emissions, making her a distinct and formidable combatant. * **Espionage and Redemption:** Jessica Drew's story is fundamentally one of redemption. Created and brainwashed by the terrorist organization [[hydra]], her journey has been a constant battle to overcome her past, working as a private investigator, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, and a core member of the [[avengers]] to prove her heroism and forge her own identity. * **Cinematic Distinction:** Critically, while the concept of Spider-Woman is a major part of Marvel media, there is a clear separation between universes. The most popular on-screen version is Gwen Stacy in Sony's animated //Spider-Verse// films, which are **not** part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The SSU (Sony's Spider-Man Universe) introduced a pre-powered Julia Carpenter in //Madame Web//, but as of now, Jessica Drew, the original Spider-Woman, has yet to make her debut in the live-action MCU. ===== Part 2: Origin and Evolution ===== ==== Publication History and Creation ==== The creation of the first Spider-Woman, Jessica Drew, was a pragmatic business decision that blossomed into one of Marvel's most enduring female characters. In the mid-1970s, Filmation was producing a popular cartoon called //Tarzan/Lone Ranger Adventure Hour// and planned to introduce a new character named "Spider-Woman." To prevent a competitor from owning the rights to a name so similar to their flagship character, [[spider-man]], Marvel Comics publisher Stan Lee preemptively commissioned a character of the same name to secure the trademark. Writer Archie Goodwin and artist Marie Severin were tasked with her creation, and Jessica Drew debuted in **//Marvel Spotlight// #32** in February 1977. This first appearance was a self-contained story establishing her as a HYDRA agent. Following this, she appeared in //Marvel Two-in-One// before launching into her own solo series, //Spider-Woman//, which ran for 50 issues from 1978 to 1983. This series, primarily written by Marv Wolfman, established her backstory, her break from HYDRA, and her new life as a private investigator in Los Angeles. The second notable Spider-Woman, Julia Carpenter, was introduced during Marvel's first universe-wide crossover event. She debuted in **//Secret Wars// #6** in 1984, created by writer Jim Shooter and artist Mike Zeck. Her striking black-and-white costume and psionic webs made her visually distinct, and she quickly became a staple of teams like Freedom Force and the West Coast Avengers. Over the years, other characters have taken the name, such as Mattie Franklin (created by John Byrne and Rafael Kayanan) and the Skrull Queen Veranke. However, the next character to achieve massive popularity under a similar moniker was Gwen Stacy of Earth-65. Created for the //Spider-Verse// comic event by Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez, she debuted in **//Edge of Spider-Verse// #2** in 2014. Initially a one-off concept, her dynamic design and compelling backstory led to an immediate fan outcry for more, launching her into stardom as "Spider-Gwen" (now officially known in-comics as Ghost-Spider). ==== In-Universe Origin Story ==== The origin of Spider-Woman is as varied as the women who have held the title. The stories differ significantly between the prime comic universe and their adaptations in other media. === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === //Jessica Drew// Jessica's origin is one of the most complex and frequently retconned in Marvel history. The definitive modern version is a synthesis of several stories. Her parents, Jonathan and Merriam Drew, were geneticists working with Herbert Wyndham (the future [[high_evolutionary]]) at Wundagore Mountain. While pregnant, her mother was struck by a laser beam containing the DNA traits of several different spider species, which were absorbed by the unborn Jessica. Years later, as a child, Jessica fell gravely ill due to uranium poisoning from her father's research. In a desperate attempt to save her life, Jonathan injected her with an experimental serum derived from the irradiated blood of spiders that had adapted to the uranium-rich environment. To survive the radical treatment, she was sealed in a genetic accelerator by the High Evolutionary for decades, aging at a decelerated rate. When she finally emerged, she was a young woman with no memories and incredible powers. She was found and manipulated by Count Otto Vermis of [[hydra]], who brainwashed her into believing she was not human but an evolved spider. He trained her to be HYDRA's ultimate assassin, codenamed "Arachne." Her first mission was to assassinate [[nick_fury]], Director of [[shield]]. During the attempt, Fury confronted her with the truth of HYDRA's evil, shattering her conditioning. Horrified by what she had become, Jessica turned against her masters and escaped, embarking on a long and difficult journey to reclaim her identity and use her powers for good, first as a vigilante and private investigator, and later as a world-renowned Avenger. //Julia Carpenter// Julia Carpenter was a single mother living in Denver when she was contacted by an old college friend, Val Cooper, who was working for a secret government group called The Commission. Cooper manipulated Julia into participating in what she claimed was an "athletic study." In reality, she was an unwitting test subject. The Commission injected her with a serum composed of a rare mix of spider venoms and exotic Amazonian plant extracts. The experiment was a success, granting Julia superhuman abilities nearly identical to Spider-Man's. She was given the codename "Spider-Woman" and was thrust into her first mission when the cosmic being known as the Beyonder transported her and other heroes to Battleworld for the first //Secret Wars//. //Gwen Stacy (of Earth-65)// While not of Earth-616, her prominence warrants inclusion. In her reality, high school student Gwen Stacy was the one bitten by a genetically-engineered spider. She became her world's Spider-Woman, balancing her life as a hero with being the drummer for the band "The Mary Janes." Tragedy struck when her friend, Peter Parker, bullied and desperate to be special like her, experimented on himself and became the Lizard. In the ensuing battle, Peter died. The public, egged on by J. Jonah Jameson, blamed Spider-Woman for his death, and her own father, police captain George Stacy, led the manhunt against her, unaware she was his daughter. This guilt and persecution became the defining elements of her early heroic career. === Cinematic and Major Media Adaptations === It is crucial to note that the most prominent on-screen depictions of a Spider-Woman character exist **outside** of the mainstream Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). //Sony's Spider-Verse Film Series (Earth-65B)// The most culturally significant adaptation is Gwen Stacy, voiced by Hailee Steinfeld, in //Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse// (2018) and its sequel. Her origin closely mirrors her comic counterpart: she was bitten by a radioactive spider, became Spider-Woman, and her best friend Peter Parker died, causing her to close herself off emotionally. Her father is still the police captain hunting her. The film introduces her when she is pulled into the universe of [[miles_morales]] by Kingpin's Super-Collider. Her character arc in the films revolves around learning to trust and form bonds again, particularly with Miles. Her abilities are portrayed with incredible artistic flair, her movements often compared to a graceful ballet dancer. This version of Gwen has become the definitive take on the character for an entire generation of fans and is wildly popular, cementing her status as a flagship Marvel hero in the public consciousness. //Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU)// The live-action film //Madame Web// (2024), part of Sony's separate cinematic universe, introduces Julia Carpenter (portrayed by Sydney Sweeney), though she is named Julia Cornwall in the film. This is an origin story set in 2003 where Julia is a shy, bullied teenager. She does **not** gain powers or become Spider-Woman within the film's main plot. Instead, the protagonist, Cassandra Webb, has clairvoyant visions of a future where Julia, along with Mattie Franklin and Anya Corazon, are fully-fledged Spider-Women fighting alongside her. The film serves as a prequel to their potential heroic careers, with their comic-accurate costumes appearing only in these brief precognitive flashes. //Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Status// As of now, **no version of Spider-Woman has appeared in the main Earth-616 continuity of the MCU**. The rights to the character, particularly Jessica Drew, are complex, shared between Marvel Studios and Sony. However, she remains one of the most heavily fan-requested characters for future MCU projects, particularly given her close ties to characters like [[captain_marvel_carol_danvers]] and her history with S.H.I.E.L.D. and S.W.O.R.D. ===== Part 3: Abilities, Equipment & Personality ===== === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === The powers and personalities of the different Spider-Women are highly distinct, reflecting their unique origins and life experiences. ==== Jessica Drew ==== Jessica is arguably the most powerful and skilled individual to hold the title. * **Powers and Abilities:** * **Superhuman Physiology:** She possesses superhuman strength (lifting approximately 7 tons), speed, stamina, agility, and reflexes. Her durability allows her to withstand impacts that would kill an ordinary human. * **Wall-Crawling:** Jessica can adhere to virtually any surface through an unknown bio-chemical reaction. * **Venom Blasts:** This is her signature ability. She can generate powerful bio-electric energy from her body and discharge it through her hands. These blasts can be focused to stun a person or scaled up to a destructive force capable of shattering concrete or shorting out complex electronics. Overuse can exhaust her. * **Pheromone Secretion:** She produces highly concentrated pheromones that can elicit a range of psychological responses in others. Typically, this manifests as an attraction and allure in men and a deep-seated fear or repulsion in women. With concentration, she can use this to intimidate or command others, though she finds the ability manipulative and rarely uses it. * **Contaminant Immunity:** Her unique metabolism grants her a high degree of immunity to all terrestrial poisons, toxins, and radiation. * **Skills:** * **Master Spy & Investigator:** Trained by both HYDRA and S.H.I.E.L.D., she is an expert in espionage, stealth, infiltration, and intelligence gathering. She is also a licensed and highly capable private detective. * **Expert Combatant:** She is a master of multiple martial arts, including Boxing, Judo, Karate, and Capoeira. When combined with her superhuman physiology, she is a fearsome hand-to-hand fighter. * **Equipment:** * Her classic red and yellow costume includes small, retractable web-like glider wings under her arms, allowing her to glide on air currents for considerable distances. * **Personality:** * Jessica is defined by a cynical, sarcastic wit that she uses as a defense mechanism. Having been betrayed by nearly every organization she's ever trusted, she is slow to trust others and is fiercely independent. Beneath this tough exterior, however, she is deeply loyal and protective of her few close friends, especially Carol Danvers. Her journey into motherhood has significantly softened her, forcing her to confront her own traumatic childhood and strive to be a better person for her son, Gerry. ==== Julia Carpenter ==== Julia's powers are psionic in nature, setting her apart from other spider-heroes. * **Powers and Abilities:** * **Superhuman Physiology:** Her physical abilities are comparable to, if slightly less than, Jessica Drew's. * **Psionic Webbing:** Instead of biological or mechanical webs, Julia can generate and manipulate strands of pure psionic energy. She can shape these psi-webs into nets, snares, or focused concussive blasts. Because they are a projection of her will, she can control them mentally even after they have been "fired." * **Wall-Crawling:** She can psionically manipulate the flux of inter-atomic attraction, allowing her and other objects to stick to surfaces. * **Precognition (as Madame Web):** After being blinded and later chosen as the successor to the original Madame Web, Julia gained powerful psychic abilities, including telepathy, astral projection, and the ability to perceive future events. * **Personality:** * Julia is often portrayed as more earnest and dutiful than Jessica. Her primary motivation for much of her career was the safety of her daughter, Rachel. She carries herself with a sense of responsibility and professionalism, a remnant of her time as a government agent. As Madame Web, she became more distant and mysterious, burdened by the immense knowledge of the Web of Life and Destiny. ==== Gwen Stacy (Ghost-Spider) ==== * **Powers and Abilities:** * **Standard Spider-Powers:** Gwen possesses the familiar suite of powers: superhuman strength (lifting around 10 tons), speed, reflexes, and a "Spider-Sense" that warns her of impending danger. * **Wall-Crawling:** She can adhere to any surface. * **Equipment:** * **Web-Shooters:** Devised by her reality's retired hero Janet van Dyne, Gwen uses mechanical web-shooters to swing through the city and ensnare foes. * **Dimensional Travel Watch:** A gift from the Spider-Army, allowing her to travel between dimensions in the Multiverse. * **Personality:** * Gwen is sharp, witty, and has a rebellious streak, befitting her role as a rock-and-roll drummer. She is haunted by the death of her Peter Parker, which initially made her reckless and emotionally guarded. Her experiences in the wider Spider-Verse have forged her into a confident and capable leader, but she still struggles with the loneliness of her double life and her complicated relationship with her father. === Cinematic and Major Media Adaptations === //Gwen Stacy (//Spider-Verse// Films)// This version of Gwen is portrayed as exceptionally skilled and experienced. Her powers are the standard spider-set, but her application of them is what stands out. Her movements are fluid and balletic, a visual representation of her grace and control. She is shown to be a brilliant tactician and a more seasoned hero than Miles Morales initially. Her personality is the core of her arc: she is outwardly cool and confident but inwardly isolated by trauma. Her journey across two films is about tearing down her emotional walls and learning to rely on her friends. //Julia Carpenter (//Madame Web// Film)// As depicted in the film, Julia has no powers. She is a normal teenager. The glimpses of her future show her in a comic-accurate black and white Spider-Woman costume, suggesting she will eventually gain her powers from the comics, including psionic webbing and superhuman strength. Her personality is quiet and shy, a stark contrast to the confident hero she is destined to become. ===== Part 4: Key Relationships & Network ===== Jessica Drew's long and tumultuous career has led her to forge deep connections—both positive and negative—with some of the most significant players in the Marvel Universe. ==== Core Allies ==== * **Carol Danvers ([[captain_marvel_carol_danvers]]):** This is Jessica's most important relationship. Their friendship is the bedrock of her support system. They met as fellow Avengers and bonded over their shared experiences with trauma, memory loss, and the pressures of being a top-tier hero. Carol is the one person Jessica trusts implicitly, serving as her confidante, her staunchest defender, and the godmother to her son. Their interactions are filled with genuine affection and witty banter, making their bond a fan-favorite element of modern Marvel comics. * **Nick Fury ([[nick_fury]]):** A complex and paternalistic figure in her life. Fury was the one who showed Jessica the truth about HYDRA, effectively saving her soul and setting her on the path to heroism. He recruited her into S.H.I.E.L.D., giving her purpose and a place to belong. However, their relationship is often strained by his manipulative nature and penchant for secrecy. Despite this, a deep-seated respect remains between the old spy and the woman he helped create. * **Lindsay McCabe:** During her initial solo series, Jessica moved to Los Angeles and became a private investigator. Her business partner and best friend was Lindsay McCabe, a non-powered actress. Lindsay was Jessica's anchor to a normal life, providing emotional support and a human perspective outside the chaotic world of superheroes. Though she appears less frequently in modern comics, her role in humanizing Jessica was foundational. * **Clint Barton ([[hawkeye_clint_barton]]):** Jessica and Clint had a brief but memorable romantic relationship during their time on the New Avengers. While the romance didn't last, it evolved into a strong, platonic friendship. They share a similar sarcastic sense of humor and a grounded, street-level approach to heroism, and often team up or seek each other out for advice. ==== Arch-Enemies ==== * **HYDRA ([[hydra]]):** More than a simple foe, HYDRA is the source of Jessica's original sin. The organization stole her childhood, twisted her mind, and turned her into a weapon. Her lifelong battle against them is not just about stopping a terrorist group; it's a deeply personal war against her own past and the monster they tried to make her. Key figures like Count Vermis and Viper have served as personal tormentors throughout her history. * **The Skrulls ([[skrulls]] / Queen Veranke):** Jessica's greatest trauma came during the lead-up to the //Secret Invasion// event. She was abducted by the Skrulls and replaced by their Queen, Veranke, who infiltrated the Avengers for years. Veranke used Jessica's body, reputation, and relationships to sow discord and prepare for the invasion. When the real Jessica returned, she was a pariah, distrusted by her friends and the public. The psychological toll of this violation—having her life stolen and her image used for evil—was immense and took her years to overcome. * **Morgan Le Fay:** The ancient Arthurian sorceress was the primary antagonist of Jessica's first solo series. Morgan Le Fay's spirit became psychically untethered from her physical body and she attempted to possess Jessica to live again in the modern world. This conflict pulled Jessica into the mystical side of the Marvel Universe and established her resilience against powerful psychic and magical attacks. ==== Affiliations ==== * **Avengers ([[avengers]]):** Joining the New Avengers was a turning point for Jessica. It elevated her from a street-level P.I. to one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. It was here she forged her key friendships and truly cemented her place in the superhero community, proving to herself and the world that the ghost of HYDRA was truly behind her. * **S.H.I.E.L.D. & S.W.O.R.D.:** Jessica's skills make her a natural fit for intelligence work. She has served multiple tours with both S.H.I.E.L.D. (Earth's defense) and S.W.O.R.D. (interplanetary defense), often working directly for Nick Fury or Abigail Brand. Her role in these organizations allows her to operate in the gray world of espionage where she thrives. * **Spider-Army / Web-Warriors:** While Jessica has been a key player, this is more the domain of Gwen Stacy. These multiversal teams of spider-heroes come together to fight threats to the Web of Life and Destiny. Gwen, in particular, has become a leader within these groups, forming close bonds with other spiders like Miles Morales and Spider-Man India. ===== Part 5: Iconic Events & Storylines ===== Jessica Drew's journey is marked by several character-defining arcs that have shaped her into the hero she is today. ==== Secret Invasion (2008) ==== This event is arguably the most impactful storyline for Jessica Drew's character, precisely because she was absent for most of it. The premise, conceived by writer Brian Michael Bendis, revealed that numerous heroes had been replaced by Skrull infiltrators. The shocking climax of the first arc of //New Avengers// revealed that the Elektra they were fighting was a Skrull, and she died with the words "He loves you." The "Spider-Woman" who had been on the team was the one to first suggest this meant a Skrull had replaced a hero. In a moment of supreme irony, it was later revealed that this Spider-Woman was Queen Veranke herself, the mastermind of the invasion. For years, Veranke had lived Jessica's life, using her position to manipulate the Avengers from within. The real Jessica was found in a stasis pod after the invasion was thwarted. Her return was not triumphant; it was agonizing. She had to reclaim a life that had been defiled, facing suspicion from her friends and the public. This storyline profoundly explored themes of identity, paranoia, and trauma, and its fallout defined Jessica's character for the next decade. ==== Spider-Verse (2014) ==== While a Spider-Man-centric event, Jessica Drew played a vital field-commander role. As the Inheritors hunted down spider-totems across the multiverse, Jessica was one of the first heroes recruited by the Superior Spider-Man. Her spy skills and level-headedness made her an invaluable asset. She undertook a dangerous mission to the Inheritors' home dimension of Loomworld and later became a protector of the infant Benjy Parker, "The Scion," a key piece of the Web of Life prophecy. This event showcased her leadership and competence on a cosmic scale. Crucially, it was this storyline's prelude, //Edge of Spider-Verse//, that introduced the world to Gwen Stacy's Spider-Woman, whose instant popularity made her a permanent fixture in the Marvel Universe. ==== Motherhood (//Spider-Woman// Vol. 6, 2015-2017) ==== In a bold and critically acclaimed run by writer Dennis Hopeless (now Hallum), Marvel took Jessica in a new direction: she became a single mother. The series depicted her pregnancy (conceived via a sperm bank) and her subsequent adventures trying to balance being a superhero and P.I. with the realities of raising her infant son, Gerry. She sported a new, more practical costume designed by Kris Anka. This storyline was celebrated for its humor, heart, and realistic portrayal of the challenges of parenthood. It represented a major evolution for Jessica, moving her beyond her spy-related trauma and grounding her in a new, deeply personal set of responsibilities that gave her a renewed sense of purpose. ===== Part 6: Variants and Alternative Versions ===== The "Spider-Woman" concept has been explored in numerous alternate realities, showcasing fascinating variations on the theme. * **Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610):** A truly unique take on the character. This universe's Jessica Drew is a female clone of Peter Parker, created by Doctor Octopus for the C.I.A. as part of their attempt to replicate Spider-Man. Initially codenamed "Spider-Woman," she possesses all of Peter's powers and memories up to the point of her creation. She escaped her creators and forged her own identity, becoming a hero and a key ally and mentor figure to [[miles_morales]] after Peter Parker's death. She later adopted the codename Black Widow. * **Gwen Stacy: Ghost-Spider (Earth-65):** The most famous alternate version. As detailed previously, this is a world where Gwen Stacy was bitten by the spider. Her bright, iconic hooded costume and punk-rock attitude made her a breakout star. After the events of //Spider-Verse//, she became a multiversal traveler and eventually spent significant time in the prime Earth-616 universe, officially changing her codename to Ghost-Spider to avoid confusion. * **Mary Jane Watson (Multiple Realities):** In several alternate realities, such as the //Exiles// series and the //Marvel Mangaverse//, it is Mary Jane Watson who gains spider-powers and operates as Spider-Woman, often called "Spider-MJ." * **1979 Animated Series:** Jessica Drew's first adaptation was her own Saturday morning cartoon. This version was significantly different from the comics. She was the editor of Justice Magazine, and her powers were more explicitly defined, including the ability to shoot "venom-rays" from her fingers and possessing a heightened sixth sense. She was assisted by her photographer nephew and fought a variety of sci-fi and monster-of-the-week villains, including a memorable version of Dracula. The series toned down the dark, espionage elements of her comic origin for a younger audience. ===== See Also ===== * [[jessica_drew]] * [[spider-gwen_ghost-spider]] * [[julia_carpenter]] * [[avengers]] * [[hydra]] * [[captain_marvel_carol_danvers]] * [[secret_invasion]] * [[spider-verse]] * [[madame_web]] ===== Notes and Trivia ===== ((The original creation of Spider-Woman in //Marvel Spotlight// #32 was notoriously rushed. The primary goal was to secure the trademark before the Filmation animation studio could release their own, unrelated character of the same name. This business-driven origin is a well-known piece of Marvel history.)) ((Jessica Drew's origin has been retconned multiple times. Early stories suggested she was literally an evolved spider. Another version by Brian Michael Bendis posited that her powers were temporary and she lost them, only to have them restored by a HYDRA Skrull agent. The current definitive origin combines elements from her 1970s series and the 2005 //Spider-Woman: Origin// mini-series.)) ((Jessica Drew's classic costume does not grant her true flight. The web-like wings under her arms are gliders, allowing her to soar on air currents, similar to a flying squirrel.)) ((Julia Carpenter's original black and white costume was the inspiration for Spider-Man's black symbiote suit. Artist Mike Zeck designed Julia's suit first for //Secret Wars//, and the design was so well-liked that a similar one was adapted for Spider-Man in the same series.)) ((The 2015 redesign of Spider-Woman's costume by artist Kris Anka, which featured a functional leather jacket, pants, and sunglasses, was met with both praise for its modern practicality and some criticism from fans of the classic look. It was a visual reflection of the series' more grounded, street-level focus on her life as a P.I. and mother-to-be.)) ((Key Reading: For Jessica Drew's origin, see //Marvel Spotlight// #32 and //Spider-Woman// (1978) #1. For her modern role, start with Brian Michael Bendis's //New Avengers// (2005) #1. For Julia Carpenter, see //Secret Wars// (1984) #6-7. For Gwen Stacy, her essential debut is //Edge of Spider-Verse// #2 (2014).))