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The Unbelievable Gwenpool (Collected Editions)
The Unbelievable Gwenpool, Vol. 4: Beyond the Fourth Wall
Gwen Poole is everyone's favorite character from the "real" world! And her superpower is Official-Handbook-level knowledge of top-secret comic book facts! But the longer she's in the Marvel Universe, and not reading about it from the outside, the more her powers run out...or do they? Maybe a trip back to her world might help - but if that happens, will she be able to get back to the MU? And at what cost?
Plus, Gwenpool is no stranger to trouble, but when she blurts out somebody's secret identity she'll brand herself a menace! Find out how Gwen plans on fixing her self-induced continuity drama!
Collecting THE UNBELIEVABLE GWENPOOL #16-20
Plus, Gwenpool is no stranger to trouble, but when she blurts out somebody's secret identity she'll brand herself a menace! Find out how Gwen plans on fixing her self-induced continuity drama!
Collecting THE UNBELIEVABLE GWENPOOL #16-20
112 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2017
17 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 20, 2018
Gwen Poole’s a Marvel fangirl from the “real” world who’s been transported into the Marvel Comics Universe and reinvented herself as the amusing anti-hero Gwenpool - but how did she get there in the first place? Finally, her secret origin is revealed! Also, Gwen discovers that she’s her own worst enemy - literally! - as her evil future self appears to her in the present, along with future Miles Morales. Both are trying to control her destiny because of what she becomes. So what’s a girl to do: destroy the Marvel Universe, the thing she loves the most, or leave it behind forever and forget she was ever a part of it? Or is there another way…
YES - THAT’S more like it, Marvel! My first five-star rating of the year goes to The Unbelievable Gwenpool, Volume 4: Beyond the Fourth Wall, which it richly deserves. After a mediocre third volume, Christopher Hastings and Gurihiru (the pseudonym of the two-women art team, Chifuyu Sasaki and Naoko Kawano) come back STRONG with this remarkable fourth book.
What makes it so good? The sheer inventiveness of the storytelling. Hastings goes full-on ‘90s Grant Morrison mind-fuckery by having Gwen mess with the very book you’re holding. What starts out as a deceptively-mundane origin quickly takes a sharp turn into ultra-meta territory with a fake ending/letters page and Gwen noticing - and then picking up - the words “The End”!
In addition to mainstream superhero comics, I read a lot of indies and I’m sorry to say not a single one in the past year comes close to being as experimental as Marvel’s Gwenpool is. When Gwen reaches out and touches the panel borders? Chills! There’s an equally playful scene where Gwen experiments with caption boxes and stream of consciousness which reminded me of the kind of genius we last saw in a Marvel comic way back in Fraction/Aja’s silent issue of Hawkeye. And it’s anybody’s guess what happens next from then on as Gwen moves between panels, pages, timelines, commenting on the very reading process to the format itself! Brilliant, simply brilliant - refreshing, genuinely exciting, brain-tickling stuff.
I loved how Hastings actually made evil Gwen empathetic. Usually the bad guy is written very lazily/one-dimensionally - they wanna take over the world, wahahaha, etc. bland, cartoonish supervillainy cliches - but Hastings manages to make you see things from her perspective in a way that’s almost convincing. I even doubted Miles Morales’ own version of things at one point even though evil Gwen is clearly evil! That’s some damn fine writing, sir.
None of which works nearly as well without a first-class art team and Gurihiru match Hastings’ clever, ambitious script with the enormous range of their imagination and skill. I love their art in general - the line work alone is outstanding - but they really outdid themselves in tackling such an unusual story. Every issue of Gwenpool Gurihiru have worked on has looked incredible though they’ve done their best work with this book - it’s really impressive.
Gwenpool Volume 4 is an absolute home-run. The writing and art are both top-notch and overall it’s such an imaginative, original and fun - so much fun! - comic. Gwenpool’s still the best title Marvel is publishing which is why I’m gutted there’s only going to be one more book. That said, I doubt we’ve seen the last of Hastings or Gurihiru and superhero characters never die so there’s every chance they’ll all return sometime in the future for more awesomeness.
After a disastrous 2017, here’s hoping Marvel start as they mean to go on and make 2018 less of a flaming dumpster fire - it’s not like things can get worse! Right… ?
YES - THAT’S more like it, Marvel! My first five-star rating of the year goes to The Unbelievable Gwenpool, Volume 4: Beyond the Fourth Wall, which it richly deserves. After a mediocre third volume, Christopher Hastings and Gurihiru (the pseudonym of the two-women art team, Chifuyu Sasaki and Naoko Kawano) come back STRONG with this remarkable fourth book.
What makes it so good? The sheer inventiveness of the storytelling. Hastings goes full-on ‘90s Grant Morrison mind-fuckery by having Gwen mess with the very book you’re holding. What starts out as a deceptively-mundane origin quickly takes a sharp turn into ultra-meta territory with a fake ending/letters page and Gwen noticing - and then picking up - the words “The End”!
In addition to mainstream superhero comics, I read a lot of indies and I’m sorry to say not a single one in the past year comes close to being as experimental as Marvel’s Gwenpool is. When Gwen reaches out and touches the panel borders? Chills! There’s an equally playful scene where Gwen experiments with caption boxes and stream of consciousness which reminded me of the kind of genius we last saw in a Marvel comic way back in Fraction/Aja’s silent issue of Hawkeye. And it’s anybody’s guess what happens next from then on as Gwen moves between panels, pages, timelines, commenting on the very reading process to the format itself! Brilliant, simply brilliant - refreshing, genuinely exciting, brain-tickling stuff.
I loved how Hastings actually made evil Gwen empathetic. Usually the bad guy is written very lazily/one-dimensionally - they wanna take over the world, wahahaha, etc. bland, cartoonish supervillainy cliches - but Hastings manages to make you see things from her perspective in a way that’s almost convincing. I even doubted Miles Morales’ own version of things at one point even though evil Gwen is clearly evil! That’s some damn fine writing, sir.
None of which works nearly as well without a first-class art team and Gurihiru match Hastings’ clever, ambitious script with the enormous range of their imagination and skill. I love their art in general - the line work alone is outstanding - but they really outdid themselves in tackling such an unusual story. Every issue of Gwenpool Gurihiru have worked on has looked incredible though they’ve done their best work with this book - it’s really impressive.
Gwenpool Volume 4 is an absolute home-run. The writing and art are both top-notch and overall it’s such an imaginative, original and fun - so much fun! - comic. Gwenpool’s still the best title Marvel is publishing which is why I’m gutted there’s only going to be one more book. That said, I doubt we’ve seen the last of Hastings or Gurihiru and superhero characters never die so there’s every chance they’ll all return sometime in the future for more awesomeness.
After a disastrous 2017, here’s hoping Marvel start as they mean to go on and make 2018 less of a flaming dumpster fire - it’s not like things can get worse! Right… ?
March 25, 2018
Hastings and co. really took the Gwenpool book to the next level with this wonderful, experimental, mind bending volume and I loved every minute of it. The highlight for me was when Gwen tries to manipulate her environment by using her narration boxes. It was also cool getting to meet the rest of Gwen's family.
Great stuff!
Great stuff!
November 25, 2018
Gwenpool remains a fun series if nothing else.
This time it goes real meta. Gwen's brother comes into the comic world to reset, and retcon her story. So we have a brand new Origin story for Gwenpool unlike anything of the past few volumes. In doing so Gwen becomes very self-aware and things become even more insane. The biggest of big bads comes into play and then Gwenpool must figure out who she truly is to shape the future.
Good: The art is still really good, colorful, and fun. I think the humor is always well done, making me smile throughout. It's extremely meta, but not as over the top as Deadpool, but in a charming way. I really liked the stuff with her brother trying to fix things.
Bad: The main villain here has been done a million times. Yes, it's supposed to be a commentary on how it's being done but it's again, really boring way to drive the point home of who you MIGHT become.
Overall still fun. It's a shame this series is coming to a end in the next volume. I always enjoy reading it and while I believe it has it's issues it's super fun new character. I'm always sad to see them go. A 3.5 out of 5.
This time it goes real meta. Gwen's brother comes into the comic world to reset, and retcon her story. So we have a brand new Origin story for Gwenpool unlike anything of the past few volumes. In doing so Gwen becomes very self-aware and things become even more insane. The biggest of big bads comes into play and then Gwenpool must figure out who she truly is to shape the future.
Good: The art is still really good, colorful, and fun. I think the humor is always well done, making me smile throughout. It's extremely meta, but not as over the top as Deadpool, but in a charming way. I really liked the stuff with her brother trying to fix things.
Bad: The main villain here has been done a million times. Yes, it's supposed to be a commentary on how it's being done but it's again, really boring way to drive the point home of who you MIGHT become.
Overall still fun. It's a shame this series is coming to a end in the next volume. I always enjoy reading it and while I believe it has it's issues it's super fun new character. I'm always sad to see them go. A 3.5 out of 5.
March 28, 2018
Another volume of wonderfully silly fun. It's all Gwen-y and pool-y … you’ll love it!
As the title suggests, Gwen is seemingly trapped in the “real” world, but manages to escape because, after all, she is the star of the book and all.
Gwen’s schtick is that she's a comic book character who realizes that she's a comic book character. That, and her Official Mavel Handbook level of knowledge about the Marvel Universe pretty much give her the run of the place. The series is continually inventive though the humor is definitely comics-fan-centric. This is a bright and shiny title that (so far) continually delights. Recommended!
As the title suggests, Gwen is seemingly trapped in the “real” world, but manages to escape because, after all, she is the star of the book and all.
Gwen’s schtick is that she's a comic book character who realizes that she's a comic book character. That, and her Official Mavel Handbook level of knowledge about the Marvel Universe pretty much give her the run of the place. The series is continually inventive though the humor is definitely comics-fan-centric. This is a bright and shiny title that (so far) continually delights. Recommended!
June 14, 2018
This volume contains by far the best arc yet from Gwen's series.
Not only has she grown a tremendous amount from her original and irresponsible self-appointed role on Earth-616, but the writers and artists involved in her story made use of every potential they had to create an interesting and unique plot surrounding her origin and perception of the world she now exists in.
The fourth-wall effects used throughout these issues were dynamic and captivating in every place they were featured, and carry the story as effectively as the writing does. Honestly I wasn't the biggest fan of Gwen or her comics previously, so I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed what I just read.
Not only has she grown a tremendous amount from her original and irresponsible self-appointed role on Earth-616, but the writers and artists involved in her story made use of every potential they had to create an interesting and unique plot surrounding her origin and perception of the world she now exists in.
The fourth-wall effects used throughout these issues were dynamic and captivating in every place they were featured, and carry the story as effectively as the writing does. Honestly I wasn't the biggest fan of Gwen or her comics previously, so I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed what I just read.
March 13, 2023
Beyond the Fourth Wall, the fourth volume of The Unbelievable Gwenpool is my favourite one as of yet, due to the way the fourth wall is broken even further than it already has been, taking the reader on a mind-boggling journey. Amusing as always, this volume presents a conflict which deals with the double-edged blade of the isekai and the danger, as well as the potential, of Gwen Poole's knowledge.
September 15, 2019
Fantastic meditation on comics, heroism and self-awareness. I am so glad I finally got around to reading this one, after being put off by the hype for so long.
January 11, 2018
This has been my least favorite volume of Gwenpool so far, but that doesn't mean that it wasn't enjoyable.
Pros:
-even more fourth wall breaking than usual
-an evil Gwenpool
-same beautiful artwork by Gurihiru
-we get to see her family and how Gwen got transported to the MU
Cons:
-story just wasn't as entertaining as the past ones
-her brother is kind of annoying
I still loved this and would highly recommend these volumes.
Pros:
-even more fourth wall breaking than usual
-an evil Gwenpool
-same beautiful artwork by Gurihiru
-we get to see her family and how Gwen got transported to the MU
Cons:
-story just wasn't as entertaining as the past ones
-her brother is kind of annoying
I still loved this and would highly recommend these volumes.
December 21, 2017
[Read as single issues]
You know how I've been saying for three volumes now that Gwenpool is amazing and you shouldn't underestimate this series? This volume is why. When Gwen gets forcibly sent back to her own world (ours!), she'll do anything to get back. But if she does, what's going to happen to the family she left behind? And why is there an evil Gwenpool on the horizon?
Meta commentary in comics is very difficult to do without coming across ham-fisted or obvious, but this book does it perfectly. With Gwen having to deal with not just her own issues but the idea that her comic destiny may be already predetermined by the audience, it plays with the medium in a way that only visual comics can do, while telling a hugely heartfelt story about a girl who just wants to belong, and her brother who wants her to be okay.
I'm glad Gurihiru get to draw all five issues of this story, because they really do sell the emotions that Gwen goes through, and are able to put Christopher Hastings' clever ideas into an easily understandable visual.
This volume is absolutely brilliant; but you ain't seen nothing yet.
You know how I've been saying for three volumes now that Gwenpool is amazing and you shouldn't underestimate this series? This volume is why. When Gwen gets forcibly sent back to her own world (ours!), she'll do anything to get back. But if she does, what's going to happen to the family she left behind? And why is there an evil Gwenpool on the horizon?
Meta commentary in comics is very difficult to do without coming across ham-fisted or obvious, but this book does it perfectly. With Gwen having to deal with not just her own issues but the idea that her comic destiny may be already predetermined by the audience, it plays with the medium in a way that only visual comics can do, while telling a hugely heartfelt story about a girl who just wants to belong, and her brother who wants her to be okay.
I'm glad Gurihiru get to draw all five issues of this story, because they really do sell the emotions that Gwen goes through, and are able to put Christopher Hastings' clever ideas into an easily understandable visual.
This volume is absolutely brilliant; but you ain't seen nothing yet.
January 21, 2018
Beyond the fourth wall indeed.
The creative team behind Gwenpool continues to push the zany boundaries of meta, fourth-wall-breaking, comic-deconstructing hijinks--and it's always a delight to see what they come up with next.
The actual story here wasn't quite as strong as some of the past ones, but Gwenpool's adventures remain highly amusing and delightful, delivering some great moments of both writing and artwork.
The creative team behind Gwenpool continues to push the zany boundaries of meta, fourth-wall-breaking, comic-deconstructing hijinks--and it's always a delight to see what they come up with next.
The actual story here wasn't quite as strong as some of the past ones, but Gwenpool's adventures remain highly amusing and delightful, delivering some great moments of both writing and artwork.
January 30, 2018
There is a picture in the booklet included in the BACK IN THE U.S. live CD by Paul McCartney. It shows an audience member holding up a sign saying "Sometimes Life Spoils Us." This sentiment came to mind as I read GWENPOOL Vol. 4. I don't think I've ever teared up at a comic before, but I did as Gwen vented her frustrations to her family in the first issue of this collection. The writing and the art perfectly captured Gwen's emotions and made them very palpable to me.
The title, BEYOND THE FOURTH WALL, says it all. Comics and animated features and short subjects have done this type of thing for decades now. The 1953 Daffy Duck cartoon "Duck Amuck" is one of the best examples of this. Hastings and the artists do an outstanding job of letting Gwen's comic adventures explode all over the place. Speaking only for myself, I don't think I've ever seen it done is such a funny, eye popping, creative, surprising and entertaining way.
And this all works on a pure and comic level of nonsense, but it also works because in the midst of the chaos there is Gwen. And we care about what happens to her and what she thinks is happening to herself. She loves the Marvel comic universe as much as we do. And Hastings and co. put it all right there on the pages for us. This is a real treat.
The title, BEYOND THE FOURTH WALL, says it all. Comics and animated features and short subjects have done this type of thing for decades now. The 1953 Daffy Duck cartoon "Duck Amuck" is one of the best examples of this. Hastings and the artists do an outstanding job of letting Gwen's comic adventures explode all over the place. Speaking only for myself, I don't think I've ever seen it done is such a funny, eye popping, creative, surprising and entertaining way.
And this all works on a pure and comic level of nonsense, but it also works because in the midst of the chaos there is Gwen. And we care about what happens to her and what she thinks is happening to herself. She loves the Marvel comic universe as much as we do. And Hastings and co. put it all right there on the pages for us. This is a real treat.
May 11, 2018
This is exactly how you bring me back into the fold on this title. This Volume of Gwenpool has to be the most 4th wall breaking, ultra-meta read ever.
The premise was set up at the beginning of the comic: Gwen Poole, resident of the real world (the one that us the reader is living in) comes into the comic book world (post-Secret Wars Marvel-616) and sets herself up as a superhero. What happens when she begins to see her "thought bubbles" and can reach out and grab the frame lines of the panels? When she encounters a future version of herself who uses her comic knowledge to become a villain who can absolutely destroy people and their identities?And how will her mindset change from the reveal of these two concepts?
I absolutely love the way these issues were written and designed artistically. Gwenpool has come back to a must-read comic for me. I applaud the writers and artists for being able to move so far off the norm here.
High Recommend!
The premise was set up at the beginning of the comic: Gwen Poole, resident of the real world (the one that us the reader is living in) comes into the comic book world (post-Secret Wars Marvel-616) and sets herself up as a superhero. What happens when she begins to see her "thought bubbles" and can reach out and grab the frame lines of the panels? When she encounters a future version of herself who uses her comic knowledge to become a villain who can absolutely destroy people and their identities?And how will her mindset change from the reveal of these two concepts?
I absolutely love the way these issues were written and designed artistically. Gwenpool has come back to a must-read comic for me. I applaud the writers and artists for being able to move so far off the norm here.
High Recommend!
February 21, 2018
Best vol yet. There are many critical moments in this volume that cannot be missed, and man oh man if you've liked the plot so far be ready for a fun, surprising, and action packed volume! (won't give any spoilers)
On top of that, the art is so well done and I'm very happy that the issues collected in this vol (16-20) are all done by one artist, Gurihiru. And Gurihiru does an amazing job, the art style and how Gwenpool looks just fits so well together that when I imagine Gwenpool, I imagine Gwenpool in Gurihiru's art style.
On top of that, the art is so well done and I'm very happy that the issues collected in this vol (16-20) are all done by one artist, Gurihiru. And Gurihiru does an amazing job, the art style and how Gwenpool looks just fits so well together that when I imagine Gwenpool, I imagine Gwenpool in Gurihiru's art style.
August 8, 2025
this volume is nuts, bonkers, and insane. it has some of the coolest panels I've ever seen, great art, a compelling story and villain, great character growth, and it's overall just such a great time. is it as poignant as some of the greats of comic history? probably not, but it's awesome and I love it so who cares
October 12, 2019
This may very well be my favourite comic ever! Gwenpool has been fantastic to this point but this takes her to the next level as she develops her unique abilities in the comics. She is even better then Deadpool which I think is hilarious as she was totally developed as a spin off of him.
June 30, 2024
I enjoyed this a lot more than the last volume. I felt like Gwenpool as a character was used really well the way it played with her ability of being aware that she is in a comic. The art was really nice again as well
February 6, 2019
This title lives up to its name. Such a fun adventure with Gwen Poole. Highly Recommend
April 2, 2019
Okay, now the story has gotten really interesting.
December 30, 2021
o quarto da gwen pool simplesmente tudo
September 19, 2025
This arc blew me away with the retcons, Dark Gwenpool was a must, loved seeing a future Miles too. All in all this was perfection for the Gwenpool title and I’m bummed I’m near the end
October 31, 2018
Cute, fun, funny, weird. Really, something completely different. I enjoyed it quite a bit as a respite from serious comics. Plus, absolutely love the art style. Almost anime inspired. Solid stuff!
September 18, 2017
I am now officially a fan of Gwenpool, and it's all thanks to this volume. I have always loved how unpredictable her plots were. "Unpredictable" Gwenpool would have been a better title, eh? My favorite was Volume 2 with the whole Doombot villain, but Volume 4 took that honor by taking it to a whole new different level. Gwen's fourth-wall-breaking powers have evolved to the point where she is now considered a major threat by much more powerful heroes and villains. That's how badass she has become, and I'm looking forward to what else she can do with her new powers.
Kudos to Hastings for doing a good job on her background story and overall run, and to Japanese studio Gurihiro for such an amazing art. Hope they stay on the series, like, forever!
Kudos to Hastings for doing a good job on her background story and overall run, and to Japanese studio Gurihiro for such an amazing art. Hope they stay on the series, like, forever!
January 5, 2020
Dramatically this is the best volume of the entire series, humor wise however it's not as funny as earlier volumes. It's also easily the most Meta volume, ramping it up to 11 in Meta aspects. I enjoyed it a lot and was engaged throughout, I just kind of wish it was funnier since it sticks out when the series gets all serious but I guess that's just an expectations problem. I also wish the brother had had a bit more character. The art is all Gurihiru so it's all great. Highly recommended for fans of the series.
Story: 4.5/5
Art: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Story: 4.5/5
Art: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
December 21, 2024
After a dismal third volume I was *almost* done with Gwenpool, but volume four’s great reviews on Goodreads convinced me to continue with Gwen, and wow, am I glad I did. This was one of the most entertaining volumes I’ve read in a long time.
Fourth Wall picks up immediately after volume three, when Gwenpool goes back to her home (according to our reality), and her brother Teddy recognizes her! This sets off a wacky, very Gwenpool adventure that brilliantly addresses what Hastings has put off until now – who was Gwen in our reality, and how did she get to the Marvel Universe? I won’t spoil anything, but it’s real fun, well written and worth the wait, and still retains some mystery.
Hastings also addresses Gwenpool’s uber-violent nature and her precarious “superpower” of knowing heroes’ identities. This eventually leads to what must have been an absolute ball for Hastings and Gurihiru, as both play with the form and nature of comics; constraints that Marvel (and DC) impose on creators; subvert and satirize the superhero genre, all through Gwen breaking the fourth wall, and beyond.
But throughout, Gwen goes through some strong character development, as she is forced to reckon with her adventures so far, her sense of “free will” while knowing she is a product of her creators, and what kind of character she might become. spoilers: We also meet a future, evil version of Gwen who’s not only convincing, but ultimately sympathetic, which is a huge accomplishment for one-arc villains.
And the artist team known as Gurihiru pulls out all the stops for this volume, and it’s absolutely delightful. I love their anime style (though it might not work for everyone), bright and cheery colors (particularly when things get violent), and soft gradients (especially Gwen’s hair). The little baby shark sighting towards the beginning was cute too. But most of all, the way Gwen breaks the fourth wall is both amusing and also showcases Gurihiru’s mastery of the form, particularly as she learns how to grasp the panel edges, travels between gutters, pages and even previous arcs. (The cover to #18 and the trade, while not actually occurring in the story, features cameos across all her arcs, and therefore itself breaks the fourth wall.)
Unfortunately the fifth and final volume doesn’t seem to be as strong, but I’ve gotten this far with Gwen and we’ll tough it out, and then jump to her next series after West Coast Avengers. Hastings and Gurihiru make a fantastic case that Gwen belongs in the Marvel universe, both as a compelling wildcard but also as an opportunity to satirize the nature of comics and the superhero genre.
Fourth Wall picks up immediately after volume three, when Gwenpool goes back to her home (according to our reality), and her brother Teddy recognizes her! This sets off a wacky, very Gwenpool adventure that brilliantly addresses what Hastings has put off until now – who was Gwen in our reality, and how did she get to the Marvel Universe? I won’t spoil anything, but it’s real fun, well written and worth the wait, and still retains some mystery.
Hastings also addresses Gwenpool’s uber-violent nature and her precarious “superpower” of knowing heroes’ identities. This eventually leads to what must have been an absolute ball for Hastings and Gurihiru, as both play with the form and nature of comics; constraints that Marvel (and DC) impose on creators; subvert and satirize the superhero genre, all through Gwen breaking the fourth wall, and beyond.
But throughout, Gwen goes through some strong character development, as she is forced to reckon with her adventures so far, her sense of “free will” while knowing she is a product of her creators, and what kind of character she might become. spoilers: We also meet a future, evil version of Gwen who’s not only convincing, but ultimately sympathetic, which is a huge accomplishment for one-arc villains.
And the artist team known as Gurihiru pulls out all the stops for this volume, and it’s absolutely delightful. I love their anime style (though it might not work for everyone), bright and cheery colors (particularly when things get violent), and soft gradients (especially Gwen’s hair). The little baby shark sighting towards the beginning was cute too. But most of all, the way Gwen breaks the fourth wall is both amusing and also showcases Gurihiru’s mastery of the form, particularly as she learns how to grasp the panel edges, travels between gutters, pages and even previous arcs. (The cover to #18 and the trade, while not actually occurring in the story, features cameos across all her arcs, and therefore itself breaks the fourth wall.)
Unfortunately the fifth and final volume doesn’t seem to be as strong, but I’ve gotten this far with Gwen and we’ll tough it out, and then jump to her next series after West Coast Avengers. Hastings and Gurihiru make a fantastic case that Gwen belongs in the Marvel universe, both as a compelling wildcard but also as an opportunity to satirize the nature of comics and the superhero genre.
October 10, 2017
This is probably the strongest volume of the Gwenpool series to date. I've generally enjoyed the previous books but this is the one that made me decide to start actively following the series on an issue-by-issue basis. Up till now I've thought the character conceit was pretty clever and entertaining in terms of how Gwen got in and out problems, but this one really took the examination of 4th Wall Breaking as a super power and what that can mean for a comic book character. It also manages to do all this while having moments that genuinely feel poignant about the world Gwen left behind to enter the Marvel universe. Really excited to see what's next for the series.
August 23, 2021
I loved this volume! Lots of fourth-wall breaking (and I adored how the artwork reflected that!), plus I love seeing Gwen's character develop. I'd been wondering: If she loves these characters, why does she want to be a mercenary? I love that she's perhaps on the path to being a hero and watching her get to this point was a fun and creative ride!
February 6, 2018
I really enjoyed how going through the fourth wall was a part of the plot in a big way without going for some troupes I expected to see in the story.
May 23, 2021
Jestha 9, 2078, Sunday
Gwenpool, the Unbelievable, Vol. 4: Beyond the Fourth Wall - Christopher Hastings (Text), Gurihiru (Illustrations) (2018)
Genres: Graphic Novel/ Superheroes
Pages: 112
Rating: 8/10
Themes: Facing Future Self/ Medium Awareness and Interaction
Opener:
“Heya, true believers of the Marvel Universe! Remember how I am one of you?”
Summary:
Gwen Poole has decided to give up the comics and just live in reality: she's got a job at a movie theater - although she is unhappy about not having been able to watch Captain America: Civil War yet - and is considering going to college. But now she is noticing the fourth wall everywhere, from the story title to noticing that after a cut, she was now on the subway train. There Gwen manages to touch the panel border - before with an angle cut, she is now shoving her hand in a woman's face. Back home, Mr. Poole got Gwen a table at the New York Comic Con, and yet she feels "this still isn't right". In her room, Gwen sees her thought balloon and decides to attempt touching it by doing an extended train of thought. It works beyond measure, as it eventually pushes her out the window. She is then taken to the hospital, where the doctor and Mrs. Poole discuss why Gwen would have thrown herself out, while Gwen's brother Teddy Poole stays by her bed. She tells him that life is strange, as she started seeing things like if she lived in a comic book, making Teddy terrified. He leaves to buy sodas while handing Gwen her notebook and pencil. Gwen decides to try out new things: after she touches the thought balloon and the border again, she pushes the pencil down from panel to panel. Then, she breaks the border with the pencil and starts seeing the next panels. As Teddy returns, she decides to go through the broken barrier - and steps on a plane of existence where many of the pages of Gwen's Prime Marvel Universe adventures are seen.
Verdict:
I commend this comic for the fact that you do not need to have read the previous volumes to get or enjoy this. Although I assume having read the previous volumes helps in understanding the setting. And any sane person would do that. But you know what this is a comic book about fourth-wall breaking, and it will have some weird badass stuff that you’ve perhaps previously not seen done in comic books. And it delivers… after the reset part of the story in the first story. The story picks up steam after that and each issue gets better and better until the protagonist has to face her future supervillain self! Although the “fight” between the two Gwens was a little too, how do I put it, “easy and convenient” for my liking. This is a very very inventive story, with the eponymous protagonist messing with comic book panels and speech boxes. I have not read anything quite like it. The story is fun and inventive. And the artwork! Oh, the artwork is just top-notch stuff. This is a real treat!
Gwenpool, the Unbelievable, Vol. 4: Beyond the Fourth Wall - Christopher Hastings (Text), Gurihiru (Illustrations) (2018)
Genres: Graphic Novel/ Superheroes
Pages: 112
Rating: 8/10
Themes: Facing Future Self/ Medium Awareness and Interaction
Opener:
“Heya, true believers of the Marvel Universe! Remember how I am one of you?”
Summary:
Gwen Poole has decided to give up the comics and just live in reality: she's got a job at a movie theater - although she is unhappy about not having been able to watch Captain America: Civil War yet - and is considering going to college. But now she is noticing the fourth wall everywhere, from the story title to noticing that after a cut, she was now on the subway train. There Gwen manages to touch the panel border - before with an angle cut, she is now shoving her hand in a woman's face. Back home, Mr. Poole got Gwen a table at the New York Comic Con, and yet she feels "this still isn't right". In her room, Gwen sees her thought balloon and decides to attempt touching it by doing an extended train of thought. It works beyond measure, as it eventually pushes her out the window. She is then taken to the hospital, where the doctor and Mrs. Poole discuss why Gwen would have thrown herself out, while Gwen's brother Teddy Poole stays by her bed. She tells him that life is strange, as she started seeing things like if she lived in a comic book, making Teddy terrified. He leaves to buy sodas while handing Gwen her notebook and pencil. Gwen decides to try out new things: after she touches the thought balloon and the border again, she pushes the pencil down from panel to panel. Then, she breaks the border with the pencil and starts seeing the next panels. As Teddy returns, she decides to go through the broken barrier - and steps on a plane of existence where many of the pages of Gwen's Prime Marvel Universe adventures are seen.
Verdict:
I commend this comic for the fact that you do not need to have read the previous volumes to get or enjoy this. Although I assume having read the previous volumes helps in understanding the setting. And any sane person would do that. But you know what this is a comic book about fourth-wall breaking, and it will have some weird badass stuff that you’ve perhaps previously not seen done in comic books. And it delivers… after the reset part of the story in the first story. The story picks up steam after that and each issue gets better and better until the protagonist has to face her future supervillain self! Although the “fight” between the two Gwens was a little too, how do I put it, “easy and convenient” for my liking. This is a very very inventive story, with the eponymous protagonist messing with comic book panels and speech boxes. I have not read anything quite like it. The story is fun and inventive. And the artwork! Oh, the artwork is just top-notch stuff. This is a real treat!
December 24, 2017
As of three days ago, Chris Hastings has confirmed that Unbelievable Gwenpool has been canceled, along with many others of Marvel's lower selling ongoings, which will make Volume 4 the penultimate of this series.
Looking back on it with this information, it completely changes the scope of the story. No longer is Beyond the Fourth Wall the origin story it seemed at first, but the near to last adventure of Gwen. However, now is not the time to reminisce on times well spent with this series: We have the Volume 5 review to do that.
Beyond the Fourth Wall picks right where we left off in volume 3, with Gwen facing her brother's would-be-doppelganger, only to find out that's not quite what's happening. What follows is a fantastic tale that manages to mix the most comic book-y of concepts like time travel and alternate universes, with the simple yet relatable story of a normal girl trying to fit in, as Chris Hastings once again shows his masterful ability to balance humour and plot.
And obviously, no Gwenpool review would be complete without praising the artwork, because it truly is fantastic. Gurihiru is back for the entirety of this arc, and they do a great job at surpassing an already high bar by expertly using the comic book canvas to give life to the character in a way no other medium would allow.
Overall, this volume is definitely a high point on Gwen's already pretty stellar run, and a must-read if you're interested in the character.
Looking back on it with this information, it completely changes the scope of the story. No longer is Beyond the Fourth Wall the origin story it seemed at first, but the near to last adventure of Gwen. However, now is not the time to reminisce on times well spent with this series: We have the Volume 5 review to do that.
Beyond the Fourth Wall picks right where we left off in volume 3, with Gwen facing her brother's would-be-doppelganger, only to find out that's not quite what's happening. What follows is a fantastic tale that manages to mix the most comic book-y of concepts like time travel and alternate universes, with the simple yet relatable story of a normal girl trying to fit in, as Chris Hastings once again shows his masterful ability to balance humour and plot.
And obviously, no Gwenpool review would be complete without praising the artwork, because it truly is fantastic. Gurihiru is back for the entirety of this arc, and they do a great job at surpassing an already high bar by expertly using the comic book canvas to give life to the character in a way no other medium would allow.
Overall, this volume is definitely a high point on Gwen's already pretty stellar run, and a must-read if you're interested in the character.
October 2, 2023
Gwen goes extra meta in this one!
So in this one, Gwen's brother tries to undo her origin by having her not go through the alternate universe in the first place and thus not have her be part of the Marvel Universe. However, it's like she is supposed to be no matter what because she starts seeing things like dialogue boxes and titles and "to be continued".... she literally begins moving outside of panels and flipping pages! It's actually quite a fun read and really plays with the whole 4th wall idea to the fullest. Think Grant Morrison 4th wall breaking, and then add some zaniness and just fun to it, and you got this book. Christopher Hasting has a great handle not only on Gwen herself, but her world and her reality.
I also like that Gurihiru did all the issues on this one. It made the book feel like one cohesive story, which I think was vital for a book that really plays with the notion of what a story is and the medium of comic book writing in general. I think not having one artist, or having one that isn't up to the standard of Gurihiru, would've made the book too fractured and messy.
Honestly, I was about to give up on this book. I was going to read this one and then drop it, but after this story, I want to see where Hastings takes things next.
So in this one, Gwen's brother tries to undo her origin by having her not go through the alternate universe in the first place and thus not have her be part of the Marvel Universe. However, it's like she is supposed to be no matter what because she starts seeing things like dialogue boxes and titles and "to be continued".... she literally begins moving outside of panels and flipping pages! It's actually quite a fun read and really plays with the whole 4th wall idea to the fullest. Think Grant Morrison 4th wall breaking, and then add some zaniness and just fun to it, and you got this book. Christopher Hasting has a great handle not only on Gwen herself, but her world and her reality.
I also like that Gurihiru did all the issues on this one. It made the book feel like one cohesive story, which I think was vital for a book that really plays with the notion of what a story is and the medium of comic book writing in general. I think not having one artist, or having one that isn't up to the standard of Gurihiru, would've made the book too fractured and messy.
Honestly, I was about to give up on this book. I was going to read this one and then drop it, but after this story, I want to see where Hastings takes things next.
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