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The Unbelievable Gwenpool (Collected Editions)
The Unbelievable Gwenpool, Vol. 1: Believe It
2015's overnight internet sensation takes center stage in her own series!
Gwen Poole used to be a comic book reader just like you...until she woke up in a world where the characters she read about seemed to be real! But that can't be, right? This must all be fake, or a dream or something, right? And you know what that means...NO CONSEQUENCES!
Could Gwenpool truly be Marvel's least responsible and least role-modely character to date? She can if she tries!
COLLECTING: GWENPOOL, THE UNBELIEVABLE 0-4
Gwen Poole used to be a comic book reader just like you...until she woke up in a world where the characters she read about seemed to be real! But that can't be, right? This must all be fake, or a dream or something, right? And you know what that means...NO CONSEQUENCES!
Could Gwenpool truly be Marvel's least responsible and least role-modely character to date? She can if she tries!
COLLECTING: GWENPOOL, THE UNBELIEVABLE 0-4
152 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2016
96 people are currently reading
2208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 470 reviews
October 1, 2017
Believe It is Unbelievably a pretty solid first volume that introduces us to a new character, Gwenpool - who is not in any way related to Gwen Stacy or Deadpool.
Due to all the dumb shit that happened in Secret Wars, a teenage girl named Gwen Poole from our comic reading universe has somehow (<--no idea yet!) been sucked into the 616 universe.
The short version is that there was a misunderstanding about her name when she went to get her costume made and now?
Gwen Poole = Gwenpool.
Why was she getting a costume made, you ask?
Well, being an avid comic reader, she knew that anyone in plain clothes was basically just there to have buildings crumble on top of them while the heroes fought it out. Plus, she figures that by having a costume she can pull off the wicked stunts that all her favorite characters do on a bi-weekly basis.
And it works!
Mostly...
But after she makes a teeny mistake and gets her sidekick fried by M.O.D.O.K., she finds herself on the wrong side of the cape and cowls and wondering if she's destined to be a bad guy forever.
This was really fun to read and there were several cool cameos, including Thor & Dr. Strange. But some of the best stuff came from the interactions between Gwen and the d-listers like Bartok the Leaper.
And while Gwen may be like Deadpool in that she's reckless, brash, and has very little respect for the lives of the comic characters around her, her title has more of an actual plot to it than a lot of what I've read in DP's stuff lately. No, it isn't some crazy-poignant hyper-twisty sort of story, but it is interesting enough to make me want to come back for volume two.
If you're in the market for something new and a tad crazy, give this spunky, pink killer a shot!
Due to all the dumb shit that happened in Secret Wars, a teenage girl named Gwen Poole from our comic reading universe has somehow (<--no idea yet!) been sucked into the 616 universe.
The short version is that there was a misunderstanding about her name when she went to get her costume made and now?
Gwen Poole = Gwenpool.
Why was she getting a costume made, you ask?
Well, being an avid comic reader, she knew that anyone in plain clothes was basically just there to have buildings crumble on top of them while the heroes fought it out. Plus, she figures that by having a costume she can pull off the wicked stunts that all her favorite characters do on a bi-weekly basis.
And it works!
Mostly...
But after she makes a teeny mistake and gets her sidekick fried by M.O.D.O.K., she finds herself on the wrong side of the cape and cowls and wondering if she's destined to be a bad guy forever.
This was really fun to read and there were several cool cameos, including Thor & Dr. Strange. But some of the best stuff came from the interactions between Gwen and the d-listers like Bartok the Leaper.
And while Gwen may be like Deadpool in that she's reckless, brash, and has very little respect for the lives of the comic characters around her, her title has more of an actual plot to it than a lot of what I've read in DP's stuff lately. No, it isn't some crazy-poignant hyper-twisty sort of story, but it is interesting enough to make me want to come back for volume two.
If you're in the market for something new and a tad crazy, give this spunky, pink killer a shot!
March 20, 2017
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a character get their own series off the back of a variant cover before but that’s what happened with Gwenpool! She originally appeared on a Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars variant cover by Chris Bachalo as a mashup between Gwen Stacey (popular at the time as Spider-Gwen) and Deadpool. Fans liked it and wanted more so Marvel obliged - and it’s fantastic?!
Writer Chris Hastings wisely walks back the Gwen Stacey/Deadpool combo, rewriting Gwenpool as Gwen Poole, a Marvel fangirl from our world who has somehow made the transition to the Marvel Universe - and she’s very aware that she’s a comic book character! So much so that she immediately gets a superhero costume because, if you’re a Marvel superhero you’ll never die, but if you’re an extra? Oh boy. And so her madcap adventures begin!
The setup alone is really intriguing but I love the curveballs Hastings throws in too. He flips off the idea of an origin story (for now) as being too obvious a place to begin and prefers to just jump straight in rather than wade through boring how, what, when, etc. - a writer after my own heart!
It’s a very meta comic, which makes for a refreshingly experimental approach for mainstream Marvel. I know Deadpool’s been doing it for years but this is slightly different as Gwen is one of us who’s somehow ended up in a Marvel comic. Even Doctor Strange gets in on the act, peeking into Gwen’s/our world and approving of the Benedict Cumberbatch casting choice for his recent movie!
Gwen does act nuts but that might just be the excitement of being a Marvel fangirl actually being a Marvel superhero in the actual Marvel Universe. Maybe she’s just having fun testing the boundaries of what’s possible because a kind of cartoon physics seems to apply there allowing powerless her to fall out of a helicopter without injuring herself? I like that we don’t know enough about her that we have to keep guessing. She is occasionally genuinely funny too - that scene where she draws dollar signs on her mask made me laff.
I was worried the story would be Gwen going on one wacky mission after another without any direction but just as that approach started getting stale, Hastings introduced MODOK, followed by another twist with Batroc the Leaper. Two minor Marvel villains, yes, but they totally fit the barmy nature of this comic - Batroc especially, who actually feels like a real character for maybe the first time ever!
You’ve heard that motivation crap about being the star of your own life story/movie (I know I’m mangling it but whatevs) - well, Hastings does some really clever stuff with that approach and Gwen. The way the overall story develops is quite brilliant and I look forward to more bizarre meta-narrative!
I also really enjoyed Gurihiru’s anime-esque artwork which is the perfect complement to Hastings’ script. I especially liked the trippy Doctor Strange scene and he draws a great Thor too.
Gwenpool is Chris Hastings’ best book yet and Marvel’s best new original character since Kamala Khan. Her first book is surprisingly great - believe it!
Writer Chris Hastings wisely walks back the Gwen Stacey/Deadpool combo, rewriting Gwenpool as Gwen Poole, a Marvel fangirl from our world who has somehow made the transition to the Marvel Universe - and she’s very aware that she’s a comic book character! So much so that she immediately gets a superhero costume because, if you’re a Marvel superhero you’ll never die, but if you’re an extra? Oh boy. And so her madcap adventures begin!
The setup alone is really intriguing but I love the curveballs Hastings throws in too. He flips off the idea of an origin story (for now) as being too obvious a place to begin and prefers to just jump straight in rather than wade through boring how, what, when, etc. - a writer after my own heart!
It’s a very meta comic, which makes for a refreshingly experimental approach for mainstream Marvel. I know Deadpool’s been doing it for years but this is slightly different as Gwen is one of us who’s somehow ended up in a Marvel comic. Even Doctor Strange gets in on the act, peeking into Gwen’s/our world and approving of the Benedict Cumberbatch casting choice for his recent movie!
Gwen does act nuts but that might just be the excitement of being a Marvel fangirl actually being a Marvel superhero in the actual Marvel Universe. Maybe she’s just having fun testing the boundaries of what’s possible because a kind of cartoon physics seems to apply there allowing powerless her to fall out of a helicopter without injuring herself? I like that we don’t know enough about her that we have to keep guessing. She is occasionally genuinely funny too - that scene where she draws dollar signs on her mask made me laff.
I was worried the story would be Gwen going on one wacky mission after another without any direction but just as that approach started getting stale, Hastings introduced MODOK, followed by another twist with Batroc the Leaper. Two minor Marvel villains, yes, but they totally fit the barmy nature of this comic - Batroc especially, who actually feels like a real character for maybe the first time ever!
You’ve heard that motivation crap about being the star of your own life story/movie (I know I’m mangling it but whatevs) - well, Hastings does some really clever stuff with that approach and Gwen. The way the overall story develops is quite brilliant and I look forward to more bizarre meta-narrative!
I also really enjoyed Gurihiru’s anime-esque artwork which is the perfect complement to Hastings’ script. I especially liked the trippy Doctor Strange scene and he draws a great Thor too.
Gwenpool is Chris Hastings’ best book yet and Marvel’s best new original character since Kamala Khan. Her first book is surprisingly great - believe it!
August 29, 2019
3.5 stars
"Who is this monster?" -- Howard the Duck, referring to the title character
"I don't know! Some kind of pants-less . . . arctic ninja . . . or something." -- Black Cat
Now here is one of the characters (along with America Chavez) that piqued my interest on the heels of reading the fun West Coast Avengers, Vol. 1: Best Coast earlier this week. Gwen Poole a.k.a. the Unbelievable Gwenpool mixes the Marvel mainstays Gwen Stacy with Deadpool to give readers a costumed young vigilante who is fully aware she is existing in a legendary, long-running comic book universe. (And she's a devoted fan, too - her living quarters' walls are adorned with posters featuring Miles 'Spider-Man' Morales and Kamala 'Ms. Marvel' Khan, among many others.) The entertainment value of this intro volume - the main storyline has Gwenpool being forced into performing as a henchman for supervillain M.O.D.O.K. (he of the giant head) - was watching her cunningly work her way out of the situation. It also features great cameo appearances by Thor and Dr. Strange.
"Who is this monster?" -- Howard the Duck, referring to the title character
"I don't know! Some kind of pants-less . . . arctic ninja . . . or something." -- Black Cat
Now here is one of the characters (along with America Chavez) that piqued my interest on the heels of reading the fun West Coast Avengers, Vol. 1: Best Coast earlier this week. Gwen Poole a.k.a. the Unbelievable Gwenpool mixes the Marvel mainstays Gwen Stacy with Deadpool to give readers a costumed young vigilante who is fully aware she is existing in a legendary, long-running comic book universe. (And she's a devoted fan, too - her living quarters' walls are adorned with posters featuring Miles 'Spider-Man' Morales and Kamala 'Ms. Marvel' Khan, among many others.) The entertainment value of this intro volume - the main storyline has Gwenpool being forced into performing as a henchman for supervillain M.O.D.O.K. (he of the giant head) - was watching her cunningly work her way out of the situation. It also features great cameo appearances by Thor and Dr. Strange.
February 5, 2017
Here we have yet another Marvel character who is displaced from their home dimension. Seriously, Marvel, can you really not create a story that doesn't involve parallel universes or alternate timelines? It's getting really stale now.
This collection is pretty meandering and feels directionless a lot of the time. It's not entirely without laughs or charm, though, and has potential to improve. Either that or I'm just holding out hope for it because I've been reading the writer's webcomic for so many years...
This collection is pretty meandering and feels directionless a lot of the time. It's not entirely without laughs or charm, though, and has potential to improve. Either that or I'm just holding out hope for it because I've been reading the writer's webcomic for so many years...
February 21, 2017
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This was a fun and witty adventure, perfect for comic book fans. I haven't read many superhero comics before so did feel like I missed some of the references. However the constant dialogue directly to the reader and the mash up of characters worked well together. I was skeptical of this title because creating a female Deadpool with some Harley Quinn quirks to sell comics, seemed misguided. Despite those thoughts, the humor and unique story line had me hooked and I was excited to keep reading.
The comic starts off with Howard the Duck and quickly becomes an adventure where Gwenpool has to use her very limited skills to act like a superhero. She encounters some real issues when she discovers she doesn't have an actual identity in this comic book world she has been thrust into. Some recognizable cameos step in and help her through these comic book world issues. When she finally faces off with villains, she uses her real world knowledge to help her survive. Her ability to adapt and face danger with humor is very likeable and relateable.
My only criticism was the comic constantly calling attention to her outfit not including pants. It worked fine as a quick quip, but it was brought up more then once and served no purpose. I did appreciate the diversity represented in the characters chosen for the comic. I would recommend this comic for readers familiar with Marvel's universe. You will definitely find more enjoyment from this series with super hero knowledge.
This was a fun and witty adventure, perfect for comic book fans. I haven't read many superhero comics before so did feel like I missed some of the references. However the constant dialogue directly to the reader and the mash up of characters worked well together. I was skeptical of this title because creating a female Deadpool with some Harley Quinn quirks to sell comics, seemed misguided. Despite those thoughts, the humor and unique story line had me hooked and I was excited to keep reading.
The comic starts off with Howard the Duck and quickly becomes an adventure where Gwenpool has to use her very limited skills to act like a superhero. She encounters some real issues when she discovers she doesn't have an actual identity in this comic book world she has been thrust into. Some recognizable cameos step in and help her through these comic book world issues. When she finally faces off with villains, she uses her real world knowledge to help her survive. Her ability to adapt and face danger with humor is very likeable and relateable.
My only criticism was the comic constantly calling attention to her outfit not including pants. It worked fine as a quick quip, but it was brought up more then once and served no purpose. I did appreciate the diversity represented in the characters chosen for the comic. I would recommend this comic for readers familiar with Marvel's universe. You will definitely find more enjoyment from this series with super hero knowledge.
October 8, 2017
A goofy, fun take on a meta comic. A comic character based off a Deadpool variant cover that fans really dug. Now she's got her own book in the Marvel U. Gwen Poole is a comic book reader from our universe who is somehow now on Earth-616. She realizes walking around Manhattan without a costume is a sure way to have a building fall on you from a super hero battle. So she gets a costume and goes around shooting people, because who cares, these people are fictional. Eventually she gets roped into working for M.O.D.O.K. She's wearing a costumes, so she must be a badass right? Nope, she just thinks she can't die because she's in a comic and she knows everyone's secrets from reading their comics. Some of her best moments are when she meets up with Batroc and Dr. Strange. Anyway, this was a lot of fun and I can't wait to read volume 2.
December 23, 2016
I really didn't think I was going to like this one, but I gave it a shot because... I'm masochistic? I encountered Gwen Poole over in Rocket Raccoon & Groot, and I really wasn't a fan of the character. She was so manic she made Rocket into the straight man of the book. A bit much for me, in other words. I was not entirely wrong. In her #0 issue and in the special, that's really all there is to her. She's Deadpool mixed with Spider-Gwen, with an extra dash of cloudcuckoolander. Her conviction that she's in a comic book, and therefore generally safe (unless her book gets cancelled) makes her incredibly reckless and it took me a long time to warm up to her.
It isn't until the end of her first regular issue that we got to see there's a bit more here. And because other characters get significant screen time, and the writer is allowed to develop her character, it isn't all slapstick, all the time. I ended up actually really enjoying Gwen, once I got to know her better. And hey, some great guest appearances by big Marvel stars. Yes, it can still be a very silly book, but there is some substance hidden away here, too.
It isn't until the end of her first regular issue that we got to see there's a bit more here. And because other characters get significant screen time, and the writer is allowed to develop her character, it isn't all slapstick, all the time. I ended up actually really enjoying Gwen, once I got to know her better. And hey, some great guest appearances by big Marvel stars. Yes, it can still be a very silly book, but there is some substance hidden away here, too.
April 22, 2017
Well this was...a surprise.
I almost gave this a four star. My only negative was how short this comic was and how it wrapped up too quickly for the first arc. That and I don't think Issue 1 really shows why this comic is so good. It's just Okay...fun. Then issue 2-4 happen.
Okay so once it starts rolling and we learn a lot about Gwen Poole (which is amazing name. She is not another Gwen btw) it becomes tons of fun and actually has some great emotional moments. I loved her interaction with characters no one cares about yet this small little comic makes you think back on why these "villains" were never used in better ways. Also the Thor moment was wonderful.
Also the art is great. Very anime style but still western, and the flow of fights, and the overall design of everyone is great. Also Gwen is so freaking CUUUUUTE. My new crush. Which is odd, I hate her suit but her face is Cuteness X1000000
So yeah. Really solid first volume. Hoping this series keeps up. A 3.5/5.
I almost gave this a four star. My only negative was how short this comic was and how it wrapped up too quickly for the first arc. That and I don't think Issue 1 really shows why this comic is so good. It's just Okay...fun. Then issue 2-4 happen.
Okay so once it starts rolling and we learn a lot about Gwen Poole (which is amazing name. She is not another Gwen btw) it becomes tons of fun and actually has some great emotional moments. I loved her interaction with characters no one cares about yet this small little comic makes you think back on why these "villains" were never used in better ways. Also the Thor moment was wonderful.
Also the art is great. Very anime style but still western, and the flow of fights, and the overall design of everyone is great. Also Gwen is so freaking CUUUUUTE. My new crush. Which is odd, I hate her suit but her face is Cuteness X1000000
So yeah. Really solid first volume. Hoping this series keeps up. A 3.5/5.
August 6, 2022
This was so fun! Loved all the meta stuff. Although, did anyone else, think it was weird that she had no reaction to never going to be able to see her parents agian?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2018
‘S fun. Gwenpool grew on me, getting a little less Harley Quinn-by-Palmiotti-forced-whackey, a little more competent and normal-sounding. That’s she’s getting away with Squirrel Girl-level escapades makes the stakes for Gwen pretty damned low, but I’m hoping she has some real challenges ahead once she steps up to take charge of actual hard stuff.
November 28, 2016
Great! So they made an alternate Gwen version of Spider-Man, a Gwen Version of Deadpool was the next logical step right? I won't lie, when I first heard of this series I thought it was Marvel cashing in on the success of Spider-Gwen, but I thought I'd try the first volume, and man was I wrong! This book was really funny, which is why I had a permanent grin on my face as I read it from start to finish! Basically we have Gwen who is from the real world like us, and she's a comic book loving, video game playing nerd girl, (Basically the dream girl every Geek Guy wants to meet, but never does) and she's in the comic book world, and she wants to be a super hero, because why not? Gwen then becomes a merc for hire, and can break the fourth wall... yup she's a Pool alright! Really the comedy though is the fourth wall breaking, for example whenever she meets a Marvel Villain or hero, she constantly brings up, their comic book issues and publication history, which made for a lot of laughs on my side. Gwen is basically me if was sucked in The Comic Book world; although my first stop would be The Batcave! Overall this was fun first volume, and the second is coming in like 3 months so yay!
December 30, 2018
This was a lot of fun. I was expecting a Gwen Stacy or Deadpool spin-off, but instead found Gwen Poole, an average comics fan who's somehow transferred to an alternate dimension where superheroes are the reality and her fannish knowledge translates to invaluable secret intelligence. There's a meta aspect that's quite entertaining, and an irreverent tone that's delightful because it never degenerates to the overly harsh or cruel. (Which is why I was never a Deadpool fan.) I could have done without some of the sillier points (sorry, Howard), and think the least they could have done was provide her with a pair of pants, but overall I was pleasantly entertained and enjoyed the book.
December 1, 2017
Normal girls sure are scary... This takes escapism to a whole new level.
December 28, 2018
This is one of the most fun things Marvel has ever done. I freakin loved it.
October 1, 2017
I'll be honest, I totally dismissed this book the first time I saw it on my comixology app. "Gwenpool the unbelievable", eh? Yeah, right.
After two very good reviews of GR friends of mine I decided to fight against my nature and give it a try. And they were right. This is good.
Gwenpool is as meta as a comic book can be since the idea is that the main character (Gwendolyne Poole?) is a real character-as in from our earth that somehow got sucked on Earth-616 during Secret War or something like that. Thing is, she's read loooots of comic books and kind of knows all the tricks which, when she's absolutely NOT trained as a super-hero in any way, makes her very knowledgeable of the way things work down there.
She's so excited with the situation she hilariously flirts with total psychopathy-killing "extras" is of no consequence-and do weird and goofy things (like jumping from buildings) because she knows she's in a comic book and so nothing is going to happen to her! Her reaction when she first encounters with M.o.d.o.k is to ROFL for.
Gwenpool is cute, she's a riot and totally out of her mind, what's not to like?
Christopher Hastings writes here a very good book, fun and subtle, never geeky but hugely appealing to any comics buff. He even makes 2nd and 3rd rate characters somehow interesting (Batroc, anyone?). Tip of my hat to him.
On the other hand I can't say I'm too impressed by the art. As much as I liked Danilo Beyruth on Ish#0 and a prologue, I wasn't much convinced by Gurihiru's manga-like style for the main issues. I reckon Manga ain't my treat. It's not out of place with the plot though so I'll forget it and simply let myself enjoy the show.
After two very good reviews of GR friends of mine I decided to fight against my nature and give it a try. And they were right. This is good.
Gwenpool is as meta as a comic book can be since the idea is that the main character (Gwendolyne Poole?) is a real character-as in from our earth that somehow got sucked on Earth-616 during Secret War or something like that. Thing is, she's read loooots of comic books and kind of knows all the tricks which, when she's absolutely NOT trained as a super-hero in any way, makes her very knowledgeable of the way things work down there.
She's so excited with the situation she hilariously flirts with total psychopathy-killing "extras" is of no consequence-and do weird and goofy things (like jumping from buildings) because she knows she's in a comic book and so nothing is going to happen to her! Her reaction when she first encounters with M.o.d.o.k is to ROFL for.
Gwenpool is cute, she's a riot and totally out of her mind, what's not to like?
Christopher Hastings writes here a very good book, fun and subtle, never geeky but hugely appealing to any comics buff. He even makes 2nd and 3rd rate characters somehow interesting (Batroc, anyone?). Tip of my hat to him.
On the other hand I can't say I'm too impressed by the art. As much as I liked Danilo Beyruth on Ish#0 and a prologue, I wasn't much convinced by Gurihiru's manga-like style for the main issues. I reckon Manga ain't my treat. It's not out of place with the plot though so I'll forget it and simply let myself enjoy the show.
January 11, 2018
If you're looking for one of Marvel's newer comics to get into, then Gwenpool just might be it.
Pros:
-hilarious character that has no idea how to be a hero
-beautiful artwork
-wonderful cameos including Doctor Strange and Batroc
-interesting storyline
Cons
-the artwork was different in 1 or 2 spots and that was annoying
But seriously, how can you not enjoy a character who learns how to sword-fight from YouTube tutorials?
Pros:
-hilarious character that has no idea how to be a hero
-beautiful artwork
-wonderful cameos including Doctor Strange and Batroc
-interesting storyline
Cons
-the artwork was different in 1 or 2 spots and that was annoying
But seriously, how can you not enjoy a character who learns how to sword-fight from YouTube tutorials?
July 29, 2017
For the #btat2017 challenge to read a book entirely outdoors!
Mini review to come!
Mini review to come!
October 9, 2017
Nope. Not for me. I thought I would like it because I used to like Deadpool, but nope. And that Duck... nope. sorry.
January 11, 2023
AAAAAAAA TO BYŁO TAKIE DOBRE BOŻE JESTEM W MIŁOŚCI DOSŁOWNIE ZAKOCHAŁEM SIĘ W TYM KOMIKSIE
February 17, 2018
Like Deadpool, only pinker. And less gory than the little Deadpool I’ve read. It very much doesn’t take itself seriously, of course; there’s a lot of comic violence, silly twists and odd meta. Some of the meta is oddly poignant — the commentary on the fact that Captain America doesn’t ever get a happy ending, for instance — and some of it is just silly. Why does Gwen Poole costume up? Because an extra might get killed in Comic Book World, but the hero never does!
It’s fun, and I actually really enjoyed the way Batroc the Leaper was used. It says Gwen skips an origin story, but in a way I’d say Batroc briefly does the whole mentor thing with her, and we get some hints of how she came through to Earth-616; if there’s ever a plan of giving her more of an origin story than that, I hope she stabs it in the face, because that would be less interesting than her running around maniacally having fun in a world she knows to be a comic book.
I think the joke might get old after too much of it, but for now, I’d try more Gwenpool. And the art is adorable.
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
It’s fun, and I actually really enjoyed the way Batroc the Leaper was used. It says Gwen skips an origin story, but in a way I’d say Batroc briefly does the whole mentor thing with her, and we get some hints of how she came through to Earth-616; if there’s ever a plan of giving her more of an origin story than that, I hope she stabs it in the face, because that would be less interesting than her running around maniacally having fun in a world she knows to be a comic book.
I think the joke might get old after too much of it, but for now, I’d try more Gwenpool. And the art is adorable.
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
May 10, 2017
I have to admit I was a bit prejudiced about this but it ended up growing on me. at first this is just a copy of deadpool but more pink. but then you get to know gwen and things gets more nice. also, so many cameos! not sure if I'll continue this or not but I'll definitely consider it
full review here: https://catshelf.wordpress.com/2017/0...
full review here: https://catshelf.wordpress.com/2017/0...
November 29, 2018
bless, i need to read this entire thing
September 6, 2019
I didn't particularly love this first volume but I will definitely continue since I really like Gwen.
November 14, 2016
Id like to give this more, but it wouldn't be fair for all those other four star books I've rated.
So, meet Marvel's newest hero: Gwenpool! A cross between your average comic book reader, Deadpool, and some pants less superhero. Oh, and also the color pink.
She somehow gets transported to the comic book world, for some reason can't die, and is completely aware that she's in a fictional place.
She loves guns, has no problem with assassinations, has a back up tech guy, Ronnie he super hero tailor, and a whole lotta guns.
The story was honestly stupid and randomly silly. It had some funny moments, but nothing to make me lol.
The art in #0 and #1's prologue was TERRIBLE, but got way better in the following issues.
The best way to describe it would be cute, young, and energetic, very similar, if not identical, to Spider Gwen. (That's her name, right?)
All in all, this comic is just silly fun, and doesn't really have anything worth reading.
So, meet Marvel's newest hero: Gwenpool! A cross between your average comic book reader, Deadpool, and some pants less superhero. Oh, and also the color pink.
She somehow gets transported to the comic book world, for some reason can't die, and is completely aware that she's in a fictional place.
She loves guns, has no problem with assassinations, has a back up tech guy, Ronnie he super hero tailor, and a whole lotta guns.
The story was honestly stupid and randomly silly. It had some funny moments, but nothing to make me lol.
The art in #0 and #1's prologue was TERRIBLE, but got way better in the following issues.
The best way to describe it would be cute, young, and energetic, very similar, if not identical, to Spider Gwen. (That's her name, right?)
All in all, this comic is just silly fun, and doesn't really have anything worth reading.
November 1, 2017
This was every bit as much fun as I was expecting! Gwen Poole is the ultimate fangirl, read countless comics over the years. And then she found herself in a universe where the characters she read about were real. She has no powers, but she knows all their secrets. And she has guns. This is self-referential comics-centric comedy in the grand tradition of titles like Ambush Bug and Deadpool. I suppose one needs to be a bit of a comics nerd to properly appreciate ths title, but that’s certainly me at the very least. I loved the recorded message on the Avengers' helpline. And Doctor Strange's comment about Benedict Cumberbatch. And MODOK. Yay, MODOK! Lots of fun to be had here. Recommended!
May 29, 2020
Throughly enjoyed this, it was very tongue and cheek as I expected - but also had a lot of action. Who would have thought that Gwendolyn Poole would get her own comic series! A lot of fun to read - definitely recommend if you’re looking for something funny with many explosions, gunfights and the unexpected. Gwenpool sure does try to solve problems in a curious way!
April 1, 2017
I'm of two minds on this one.
On the one hand, it's pretty fun, pretty funny, and it fulfills its fairly ridiculous promise.
On the other hand...
Before we do this, please understand that I know what I'm about to say is, um, bitchy. And I'm really working this out in text, on Goodreads, so hang with me a second.
Gwenpool's whole deal is she's a Gwen Stacy from an Earth where the comic book heroes are comic book heroes. OUR Earth, basically. And now she's stuck on Earth-616 (the Marvel Earth, if you will), and she kind of assumes, therefore, that she's part of a comic book story and is invincible. Which means that she gets herself into a lot of tight spots and something saves her at the last second. Deus EX Machina. Deus Ex Lasergun. Deus Ex Thor. Wait, would that be Thor Ex Machina? Whatever.
So what's the problem?
It's like this. Let's talk about the M. Night So-and-So movie Signs.
Signs was kinda fun, but also kinda stupid. The reason it's kinda stupid is that the whole plot relies on a prophecy as seen by a dying woman. And then the prophecy, as unlikely as it is, turns out to be true. Which would be amazing except for the fact that the entire thing, ALL of Signs, is fiction. A prophecy coming true in a fictional story really isn't that exciting, when you think about it, because OF COURSE the prophecy comes true. The characters may question the prophecy, but they are ALSO fictional. When you get right down to it, every fictional story is a prophecy as set by the writer. It's just that sometimes the prophecy is set up to be this amazing reveal, but really the amazing reveal (in the case of Signs, god is real) is no more a reveal than anything else in the movie. It's writing that starts with a point to make, and then we go the long way around to make the point, and lo and behold, we get there! Really, a simple "god is real" would suffice. Except that I think we're a very story-based people, and even a completely fictional story with space aliens in it is better at making us question our beliefs than a simple statement would be.
A lot of stories do this. How many times have we fallen for this one: "There's a chosen one who will come and free us all"?
15 minutes in: That dude is the chosen one!
1 hour in: Huh. Maybe that dude isn't the chosen one after all.
1 hour and 35 minutes in: Wait, reverse! Dude's TOTALLY the chosen one after all!
But it's really not that exciting a reverse because, again, the whole thing is construct. We are given a world, we are given a prophecy to lay on top of that world, and we are given events that cause us to doubt the prophecy. All of it is construct.
An unlikely prophecy is only really interesting
A) in real life ("I just knew something bad had happened, and sure enough...")
B) if the fictional story makes the prophecy seem so implausible that there's curiosity about how it's possibly going to be fulfilled (12 Monkeys, Donnie Darko)
C) if the story and/or characters make it such that the prophecy's fulfillment isn't really the point of the story (for example, if I told you, "The ring travels a long way to be thrown into Mt. Doom" it wouldn't really taint the journey because you're more interested in who's there and how they get there. And if you've ever read or viewed pretty much anything, I think you'd assume this to be the case from the outset).
Alright, that brings us back to Gwenpool.
Gwenpool is constantly moving forward in the world of Earth-616 through a series of unlikely events, which seem to confirm her theory that she's from another Earth where these stories exist as comics, and therefore she can't die. The other characters of Earth-616 seem entirely unconvinced of this truth, which seems like a shot at implausibility, but their opinions on it don't really matter, and it's a little weird that characters who have dealt with wildly implausible things as a profession seem so unwilling to accept Gwenpool's reality.
However, it's not the in-narrative characters' opinions on the matter that count. It's the opinion of the reader, and the question of whether Gwenpool is right, she'll survive no matter what, or if she's wrong and she'll get toasted by, I don't know, Stilt Man.
Which leaves us with an issue.
As long as Gwenpool is alive, her theory would seem to be correct. And we'll get a continued series of events, dangerous moments she barely escapes through wild chance and coincidence. Which is fine, except it's not really wild chance and coincidence when that's the whole point of the story, right? That she can't die? As long as the story continues, the wild coincidences are not wild coincidences at all.
On the other hand, this is the reality of comics. I'm pretty certain that if you get a writing gig on Superman, they're like, "Listen, you can't kill him." And there are probably a few other things that make the list. You can't make him have a baby, you can't make him become a prostitute. Whatever.
If you're working on Superman month-to-month, and if you can't kill him, then there really isn't tension, right? Because we all know Superman's going to be fine. And if Superman's going to be fine every month, how is that different from Gwenpool?
I think where Gwenpool differs is that the book is regularly, blatantly stating that this is the way of comics. And it's true, but maybe I'm confusing the truth of the statement with the enjoyment of it.
Because the thing is, we watch the same shit over and over. It's not like Harry Potter's going to die this time, your 8th time through the movies. It's not like Stallone is going to fail to defeat Wesley Snipes in Demolition Man. It's not like Tango and Cash are going to refuse to team up and never break out of that prison.
But nobody is saying that throughout. Nobody is reminding me this is a fictional narrative and therefore far more likely to wrap itself up nicely.
This is probably where some willing suspension of disbelief comes in with comics. I'm willing to believe that Miles Morales might be in danger early on in the series. If I THINK about it, obviously they're not going to kill Miles Morales in issue 4, but it's not about thinking. It's not about considering the sales and social context and publication model. It's about BELIEVING that it might be true. Letting the creator take you for that much of a ride, at least, and lending that much of yourself to the story where you're like, "I'm not an idiot, I don't think Miles is about to die. But I'll let you tell a story where it seems like that's where we're headed."
It's perhaps part of what you surrender in comics. Before you can really enjoy comics, you might have to surrender the logic of the outside world and be fully immersed in the world of the comic enough to believe that maybe, hey, Batman might not make it this time.
And that's the thing with Gwenpool. Because of its insistence on constantly breaking the 4th wall (5th wall? I don't even know) it's hard to cloud your mind to that reality as you read. The story exists as a constant test of its own premise, almost like a romcom where there's a voiceover that breaks in during every scene and says, "Swear to god, they get together in the end. We just have to do a scene where it looks like Katherine Heigl owns a suitcase full of vibrators or has some other misunderstanding and then we'll be there, I swear!"
Part of the fun of the romcom is knowing where it's going, but doubting, and the most successful versions of that story really make you doubt whether or not things are going to work out. Despite the fact that you know damn well the couple will get together, you're given enough to seed doubt.
Gwenpool doesn't succeed in that way, for me. I don't doubt that she'll survive, proving her premise. And if she does die, then I guess we'll know she was incorrect, and that'll be the end of the story as well. OR (my prediction) she will die, but do so heroically, fulfilling what she sees as her role while also maintaining the premise's integrity.
This is why I introduced this whole thing with the admission that I'm being bitchy. Because the book is fun. I don't think this "breaks" the Marvel U or anything. I think it's a demonstration of the ways in which books of really different tones can exist in the Marvel U, and I do like the way Marvel is flexible in that sense.
I think what it causes in me is wondering about whether this book will begin to have more of its own things to say or if it will continue to be more a vehicle to say things about other books and characters and the ways comics, in general, work.
I'll definitely check out the next volume. I think there's a good opportunity for Gwenpool, but I would like to see more of a character. Or maybe I want it to go full-on crazeballs.
I don't know. Don't listen to me. I don't know what the hell I want.
On the one hand, it's pretty fun, pretty funny, and it fulfills its fairly ridiculous promise.
On the other hand...
Before we do this, please understand that I know what I'm about to say is, um, bitchy. And I'm really working this out in text, on Goodreads, so hang with me a second.
Gwenpool's whole deal is she's a Gwen Stacy from an Earth where the comic book heroes are comic book heroes. OUR Earth, basically. And now she's stuck on Earth-616 (the Marvel Earth, if you will), and she kind of assumes, therefore, that she's part of a comic book story and is invincible. Which means that she gets herself into a lot of tight spots and something saves her at the last second. Deus EX Machina. Deus Ex Lasergun. Deus Ex Thor. Wait, would that be Thor Ex Machina? Whatever.
So what's the problem?
It's like this. Let's talk about the M. Night So-and-So movie Signs.
Signs was kinda fun, but also kinda stupid. The reason it's kinda stupid is that the whole plot relies on a prophecy as seen by a dying woman. And then the prophecy, as unlikely as it is, turns out to be true. Which would be amazing except for the fact that the entire thing, ALL of Signs, is fiction. A prophecy coming true in a fictional story really isn't that exciting, when you think about it, because OF COURSE the prophecy comes true. The characters may question the prophecy, but they are ALSO fictional. When you get right down to it, every fictional story is a prophecy as set by the writer. It's just that sometimes the prophecy is set up to be this amazing reveal, but really the amazing reveal (in the case of Signs, god is real) is no more a reveal than anything else in the movie. It's writing that starts with a point to make, and then we go the long way around to make the point, and lo and behold, we get there! Really, a simple "god is real" would suffice. Except that I think we're a very story-based people, and even a completely fictional story with space aliens in it is better at making us question our beliefs than a simple statement would be.
A lot of stories do this. How many times have we fallen for this one: "There's a chosen one who will come and free us all"?
15 minutes in: That dude is the chosen one!
1 hour in: Huh. Maybe that dude isn't the chosen one after all.
1 hour and 35 minutes in: Wait, reverse! Dude's TOTALLY the chosen one after all!
But it's really not that exciting a reverse because, again, the whole thing is construct. We are given a world, we are given a prophecy to lay on top of that world, and we are given events that cause us to doubt the prophecy. All of it is construct.
An unlikely prophecy is only really interesting
A) in real life ("I just knew something bad had happened, and sure enough...")
B) if the fictional story makes the prophecy seem so implausible that there's curiosity about how it's possibly going to be fulfilled (12 Monkeys, Donnie Darko)
C) if the story and/or characters make it such that the prophecy's fulfillment isn't really the point of the story (for example, if I told you, "The ring travels a long way to be thrown into Mt. Doom" it wouldn't really taint the journey because you're more interested in who's there and how they get there. And if you've ever read or viewed pretty much anything, I think you'd assume this to be the case from the outset).
Alright, that brings us back to Gwenpool.
Gwenpool is constantly moving forward in the world of Earth-616 through a series of unlikely events, which seem to confirm her theory that she's from another Earth where these stories exist as comics, and therefore she can't die. The other characters of Earth-616 seem entirely unconvinced of this truth, which seems like a shot at implausibility, but their opinions on it don't really matter, and it's a little weird that characters who have dealt with wildly implausible things as a profession seem so unwilling to accept Gwenpool's reality.
However, it's not the in-narrative characters' opinions on the matter that count. It's the opinion of the reader, and the question of whether Gwenpool is right, she'll survive no matter what, or if she's wrong and she'll get toasted by, I don't know, Stilt Man.
Which leaves us with an issue.
As long as Gwenpool is alive, her theory would seem to be correct. And we'll get a continued series of events, dangerous moments she barely escapes through wild chance and coincidence. Which is fine, except it's not really wild chance and coincidence when that's the whole point of the story, right? That she can't die? As long as the story continues, the wild coincidences are not wild coincidences at all.
On the other hand, this is the reality of comics. I'm pretty certain that if you get a writing gig on Superman, they're like, "Listen, you can't kill him." And there are probably a few other things that make the list. You can't make him have a baby, you can't make him become a prostitute. Whatever.
If you're working on Superman month-to-month, and if you can't kill him, then there really isn't tension, right? Because we all know Superman's going to be fine. And if Superman's going to be fine every month, how is that different from Gwenpool?
I think where Gwenpool differs is that the book is regularly, blatantly stating that this is the way of comics. And it's true, but maybe I'm confusing the truth of the statement with the enjoyment of it.
Because the thing is, we watch the same shit over and over. It's not like Harry Potter's going to die this time, your 8th time through the movies. It's not like Stallone is going to fail to defeat Wesley Snipes in Demolition Man. It's not like Tango and Cash are going to refuse to team up and never break out of that prison.
But nobody is saying that throughout. Nobody is reminding me this is a fictional narrative and therefore far more likely to wrap itself up nicely.
This is probably where some willing suspension of disbelief comes in with comics. I'm willing to believe that Miles Morales might be in danger early on in the series. If I THINK about it, obviously they're not going to kill Miles Morales in issue 4, but it's not about thinking. It's not about considering the sales and social context and publication model. It's about BELIEVING that it might be true. Letting the creator take you for that much of a ride, at least, and lending that much of yourself to the story where you're like, "I'm not an idiot, I don't think Miles is about to die. But I'll let you tell a story where it seems like that's where we're headed."
It's perhaps part of what you surrender in comics. Before you can really enjoy comics, you might have to surrender the logic of the outside world and be fully immersed in the world of the comic enough to believe that maybe, hey, Batman might not make it this time.
And that's the thing with Gwenpool. Because of its insistence on constantly breaking the 4th wall (5th wall? I don't even know) it's hard to cloud your mind to that reality as you read. The story exists as a constant test of its own premise, almost like a romcom where there's a voiceover that breaks in during every scene and says, "Swear to god, they get together in the end. We just have to do a scene where it looks like Katherine Heigl owns a suitcase full of vibrators or has some other misunderstanding and then we'll be there, I swear!"
Part of the fun of the romcom is knowing where it's going, but doubting, and the most successful versions of that story really make you doubt whether or not things are going to work out. Despite the fact that you know damn well the couple will get together, you're given enough to seed doubt.
Gwenpool doesn't succeed in that way, for me. I don't doubt that she'll survive, proving her premise. And if she does die, then I guess we'll know she was incorrect, and that'll be the end of the story as well. OR (my prediction) she will die, but do so heroically, fulfilling what she sees as her role while also maintaining the premise's integrity.
This is why I introduced this whole thing with the admission that I'm being bitchy. Because the book is fun. I don't think this "breaks" the Marvel U or anything. I think it's a demonstration of the ways in which books of really different tones can exist in the Marvel U, and I do like the way Marvel is flexible in that sense.
I think what it causes in me is wondering about whether this book will begin to have more of its own things to say or if it will continue to be more a vehicle to say things about other books and characters and the ways comics, in general, work.
I'll definitely check out the next volume. I think there's a good opportunity for Gwenpool, but I would like to see more of a character. Or maybe I want it to go full-on crazeballs.
I don't know. Don't listen to me. I don't know what the hell I want.
December 15, 2017
Just when you think that this whole Gwen Stacy as an alt-reality gender-bended superhero thing has gone too far (hint: it hasn’t), Gwenpool comes out and you realize that it hasn’t gone far enough (full disclosure, I also love Spider-Gwen; keep the Gwens a-coming!).
But before I take on how badass Gwenpool is, let’s talk about how tacky and boring it is to attach the words -woman, -girl or she- to an existing male character and expect that mess to fly. No one is buying it anymore: this trend represents uncreative and lazy writing not to mention being embarrassingly sexist. Just stop it you clumsy comic book writers. Time for everyone to bring up their game! The good news is I think we are seeing less of this, Jennifer Walters is now just The Hulk (although I’ll miss the loving moniker Shulkie), (lady)Thor is just Thor, Kate Bishop is just Hawkeye (the better one). And yes, there are even cool exceptions to this: we still have a Ms. Marvel (paying her respects to the Captain) and Ms. America Chavez (whose name strikes me as is a deconstruction of this cliche) and Squirrel Girl (Hey, it rhymes. Plus there’s no Squirrel Guy, the closest we get is Chipmunk Hunk which is really putting this whole thing on its head. How’s it feel to have a superhero, same as that other more popular one, but only with a wiener? Not good, huh?). Best, we have Iron Man’s young lady replacement, who is dropping the mic on all of this and just going by the name Ironheart (orange you glad they didn’t run with Iron Maiden?). The time for the lady supers to step out of the XY shadow is now!
Okay, okay...back to Gwenpool, or rather Gwen Poole as she is known, and so not really an alternate reality Gwen Stacy, she’s her own woman! This character might not of started this way, coming to life as an artist’s joke about swapping everyone in the Marvel universe with Gwen Stacy, but for her comic book debut, writer Chris Hastings and his editors were smart enough to give Gwenpool her own backstory. It goes something like this: normal teen comic book fan finds herself inexplicably trapped and self-aware in the Marvel universe. She’s read every title, knows everyone’s secret identity, and can’t be convinced that what she’s experiencing isn’t some kind of vivid hallucination or amazing dream where she is able to run amok without consequences or fear of anything. This way we have the Deadpool-style breaking of the fourth wall, along with the trademark reckless, suicidal and sociopathic behavior that we have come to love in our “-pool” characters.
And as if this weren’t enough, Gwenpool’s path of destruction crosses with the like of Howard the Duck, Black Cat, Hydra, M.O.D.O.K., Thor, and Dr. Strange, so lots of great comedic cameos. Added bonus: Danilio Beyruth’s art has a cutesy edge and manga influence that belies the over-the-top insanity being depicted. So this is good.
Bottom line: would I recommend this title? That’s a big heck yes. And actually I’d be a little disappointed if you didn’t read Gwenpool...we probably couldn’t stay friends if you missed this one.
Get Gwenpool, the Unbelievable, Vol. 1: Believe It from the Denver Public Library
- Mikel
But before I take on how badass Gwenpool is, let’s talk about how tacky and boring it is to attach the words -woman, -girl or she- to an existing male character and expect that mess to fly. No one is buying it anymore: this trend represents uncreative and lazy writing not to mention being embarrassingly sexist. Just stop it you clumsy comic book writers. Time for everyone to bring up their game! The good news is I think we are seeing less of this, Jennifer Walters is now just The Hulk (although I’ll miss the loving moniker Shulkie), (lady)Thor is just Thor, Kate Bishop is just Hawkeye (the better one). And yes, there are even cool exceptions to this: we still have a Ms. Marvel (paying her respects to the Captain) and Ms. America Chavez (whose name strikes me as is a deconstruction of this cliche) and Squirrel Girl (Hey, it rhymes. Plus there’s no Squirrel Guy, the closest we get is Chipmunk Hunk which is really putting this whole thing on its head. How’s it feel to have a superhero, same as that other more popular one, but only with a wiener? Not good, huh?). Best, we have Iron Man’s young lady replacement, who is dropping the mic on all of this and just going by the name Ironheart (orange you glad they didn’t run with Iron Maiden?). The time for the lady supers to step out of the XY shadow is now!
Okay, okay...back to Gwenpool, or rather Gwen Poole as she is known, and so not really an alternate reality Gwen Stacy, she’s her own woman! This character might not of started this way, coming to life as an artist’s joke about swapping everyone in the Marvel universe with Gwen Stacy, but for her comic book debut, writer Chris Hastings and his editors were smart enough to give Gwenpool her own backstory. It goes something like this: normal teen comic book fan finds herself inexplicably trapped and self-aware in the Marvel universe. She’s read every title, knows everyone’s secret identity, and can’t be convinced that what she’s experiencing isn’t some kind of vivid hallucination or amazing dream where she is able to run amok without consequences or fear of anything. This way we have the Deadpool-style breaking of the fourth wall, along with the trademark reckless, suicidal and sociopathic behavior that we have come to love in our “-pool” characters.
And as if this weren’t enough, Gwenpool’s path of destruction crosses with the like of Howard the Duck, Black Cat, Hydra, M.O.D.O.K., Thor, and Dr. Strange, so lots of great comedic cameos. Added bonus: Danilio Beyruth’s art has a cutesy edge and manga influence that belies the over-the-top insanity being depicted. So this is good.
Bottom line: would I recommend this title? That’s a big heck yes. And actually I’d be a little disappointed if you didn’t read Gwenpool...we probably couldn’t stay friends if you missed this one.
Get Gwenpool, the Unbelievable, Vol. 1: Believe It from the Denver Public Library
- Mikel
February 18, 2021
Okay, this was fun. Normally, I don't like breaking the fourth wall, and humor books can be hit and miss. But I was expecting these things going in, so they didn't bug me as much. And this is genuinely funny. Funnier than any Deadpool book I've read in awhile. And the art is fantastic.
Gwen Poole is a comics geek from the real world who now finds herself in the comics world. She knows all the stories and secret identities and stuff. And she knows that protagonists live through the story, so she gets a costume and becomes one. But stuff costs money, so she becomes a mercenary. It doesn't matter if she kills people because they're all fictional, right?
Gwen Poole is a comics geek from the real world who now finds herself in the comics world. She knows all the stories and secret identities and stuff. And she knows that protagonists live through the story, so she gets a costume and becomes one. But stuff costs money, so she becomes a mercenary. It doesn't matter if she kills people because they're all fictional, right?
October 17, 2021
SCORE: 75 | B+
TRIGGERS: n/a (?)
REVIEW: A lot of explosive fun to be had in this volume. As expected, there is a ton of breaking the fourth wall, with Gwen's inner narration bringing a massive Deadpool-ish vibe. Whilst she has no 'superpowers' per se, the idea of being all knowing about the marvel universe because she is from an alternate reality where all of the heroes are comicbook characters is such a fun idea (and possibly every fan's dream). I'm looking forward to discovering more about Gwen's past and seeing whether she takes the hero, anti-hero or villain route.
TRIGGERS: n/a (?)
REVIEW: A lot of explosive fun to be had in this volume. As expected, there is a ton of breaking the fourth wall, with Gwen's inner narration bringing a massive Deadpool-ish vibe. Whilst she has no 'superpowers' per se, the idea of being all knowing about the marvel universe because she is from an alternate reality where all of the heroes are comicbook characters is such a fun idea (and possibly every fan's dream). I'm looking forward to discovering more about Gwen's past and seeing whether she takes the hero, anti-hero or villain route.
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