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The Unbelievable Gwenpool (Collected Editions)
The Unbelievable Gwenpool, Vol. 5: Lost in the Plot
Collects Unbelievable Gwenpool #21-25.
Gwenpool: Avenger?! That's the goal she's set her sights on! Since arriving in the Marvel Universe from the real world, Gwen Poole has made a name for herself by teaming up with Spider-Man and the Mighty Thor, and tackling villains such as M.O.D.O.K. and Arcade. No one can top her combination of demolition and off-the-wall adventure — so naturally, she wants her place among Earth's Mightiest Heroes! And to get their attention, she's targeting the biggest and baddest foes she can think of, starting right at the top of the list with…Doctor Doom! But when the Unbelievable Gwenpool takes on the Infamous Doom at last, only one of them makes it out in one piece. Plus: With time not on Gwen's side, she turns to one of her dearest friends — Batroc the Leaper is back!
Gwenpool: Avenger?! That's the goal she's set her sights on! Since arriving in the Marvel Universe from the real world, Gwen Poole has made a name for herself by teaming up with Spider-Man and the Mighty Thor, and tackling villains such as M.O.D.O.K. and Arcade. No one can top her combination of demolition and off-the-wall adventure — so naturally, she wants her place among Earth's Mightiest Heroes! And to get their attention, she's targeting the biggest and baddest foes she can think of, starting right at the top of the list with…Doctor Doom! But when the Unbelievable Gwenpool takes on the Infamous Doom at last, only one of them makes it out in one piece. Plus: With time not on Gwen's side, she turns to one of her dearest friends — Batroc the Leaper is back!
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
18 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
April 14, 2018
The Unbelievable Gwenpool has been one of my favourite Marvel titles of the last couple years. It’s an original, playful, imaginative, creative, and really fun read - essentially an anomaly for superhero comics! So it’s disappointing that the final book is crap.
Gwen decides to prove her worth as a hero by using her meta comic book powers to defeat Doom once and for all, then decides to be a villain by robbing a sky casino with Batroc, and then it’s over in a jumbled mess of forgettable gubbinz. Hmm.
It’s probably for the best that the series got wrapped up as it doesn’t seem like writer Christopher Hastings really knew where to take it after the novel meta hi-jinks of the last book. Neither the Doom or the heist storylines were at all interesting. And I absolutely hate the post-Secret Wars Doom who’s trying to be a good guy - he’s the best villain, let him be the baddie we love to hate instead of some lame contrived hero!
What I don’t understand is why Gwen’s all hung up on her series ending. She’s a Marvel fan so how can she not be aware of the reboots and relaunches that Marvel constantly do? Sure, this run is ending, but she’ll be back again sooner or later, including her co-stars, either in a new series or as part of a team book or whatever. Just seemed like a weird moment of inconsistency in the character’s self-awareness.
I liked a couple of scenes where Gwen uses her meta-powers to escape Doom’s cell and helps Batroc break into a safe which were clever, and Gurihiru’s art on the last couple issues was top-notch. Generally though I found Lost in the Plot to be a very weak and boring finale to an otherwise quality series. Oh well - until next time Gwen, you daffy lady!
Gwen decides to prove her worth as a hero by using her meta comic book powers to defeat Doom once and for all, then decides to be a villain by robbing a sky casino with Batroc, and then it’s over in a jumbled mess of forgettable gubbinz. Hmm.
It’s probably for the best that the series got wrapped up as it doesn’t seem like writer Christopher Hastings really knew where to take it after the novel meta hi-jinks of the last book. Neither the Doom or the heist storylines were at all interesting. And I absolutely hate the post-Secret Wars Doom who’s trying to be a good guy - he’s the best villain, let him be the baddie we love to hate instead of some lame contrived hero!
What I don’t understand is why Gwen’s all hung up on her series ending. She’s a Marvel fan so how can she not be aware of the reboots and relaunches that Marvel constantly do? Sure, this run is ending, but she’ll be back again sooner or later, including her co-stars, either in a new series or as part of a team book or whatever. Just seemed like a weird moment of inconsistency in the character’s self-awareness.
I liked a couple of scenes where Gwen uses her meta-powers to escape Doom’s cell and helps Batroc break into a safe which were clever, and Gurihiru’s art on the last couple issues was top-notch. Generally though I found Lost in the Plot to be a very weak and boring finale to an otherwise quality series. Oh well - until next time Gwen, you daffy lady!
September 8, 2018
Huh. It would appear that two comicbook Gwens have now broken my heart. Good job I have plenty of duct tape...
April 7, 2018
[Read as single issues]
In her final volume, Gwenpool faces her most devastating challenges yet, including an evil version of herself from the future, the return of MODOK, and the most terrifying threat of all - cancellation!
From start to finish, Gwenpool has been a brilliant read. What should have been a joke series that ended after 6 issues managed to last 25 spectacular ones that made you look at the nature of comics themselves and our relationships with the characters that inhabit them.
First up, Gwen tries to join the Avengers after embracing her peculiar superpowers - because she knows that she's in a comic book, she can travel outside of the gutters, including pushing other characters out of them so that they no longer exist. So she sets her sights on killing Doctor Doom and earning a place on the team, because of course. But wait, isn't Doom good now? Or good-ish, anyway?
Then Gwen's evil self from the future attacks, bringing with her the inevitability of the future; if Gwen wants to remain relevant, then she has to go full-on villain. But what if there's another path? This is a very uplifting ending despite the heavy subject matter, and I'm glad that Christopher Hastings was given enough issues to make this story work as well as he did.
Irene Strychalski takes the Doom story, while Gurihiru return for the final one, and they're a great tag team. Gurihiru is the more expressive art team of the two, and I'm glad that they stuck around for the entirety of this run rather than doing the opening arc and then disappearing forever like some artists do these days.
This is an absolutely wonderful conclusion to a superb series with a perfectly meta finale that will make you love comic books all over again.
In her final volume, Gwenpool faces her most devastating challenges yet, including an evil version of herself from the future, the return of MODOK, and the most terrifying threat of all - cancellation!
From start to finish, Gwenpool has been a brilliant read. What should have been a joke series that ended after 6 issues managed to last 25 spectacular ones that made you look at the nature of comics themselves and our relationships with the characters that inhabit them.
First up, Gwen tries to join the Avengers after embracing her peculiar superpowers - because she knows that she's in a comic book, she can travel outside of the gutters, including pushing other characters out of them so that they no longer exist. So she sets her sights on killing Doctor Doom and earning a place on the team, because of course. But wait, isn't Doom good now? Or good-ish, anyway?
Then Gwen's evil self from the future attacks, bringing with her the inevitability of the future; if Gwen wants to remain relevant, then she has to go full-on villain. But what if there's another path? This is a very uplifting ending despite the heavy subject matter, and I'm glad that Christopher Hastings was given enough issues to make this story work as well as he did.
Irene Strychalski takes the Doom story, while Gurihiru return for the final one, and they're a great tag team. Gurihiru is the more expressive art team of the two, and I'm glad that they stuck around for the entirety of this run rather than doing the opening arc and then disappearing forever like some artists do these days.
This is an absolutely wonderful conclusion to a superb series with a perfectly meta finale that will make you love comic books all over again.
October 25, 2018
The best part and so sad! I love the blend of reality, the memories and things yet to come. This one touched my heart because I think probably most people wish to escape and yeah.. Gwen turned out to be a cool Gal stuck now in my heart as a real Marvel Character😻❤️
March 1, 2018
DAMN, GUYS. Talk about going out in style!
I rolled my eyes at Gwenpool for a long time. She's a hero who was literally created because a character design in a one-off variant cover was popular with fans, and I figured her for a cynical marketing gimmick.
But when I did finally get around to picking up her comic, I discovered that there's nothing cynical about Gwenpool. Not only is it genuinely funny, it's smart and inventive and compassionate. Ridiculous shenanigans (of which there are plenty) go hand-in-hand with genuine character growth as Gwen makes hard choices and faces the consequences of her actions. The book plays with Gwen's ability to step outside of her own comic panels in ways that are increasingly clever and badass and, ultimately, heartwarming.
Because at the end of the day, this comic is a love letter to the fans whose enthusiasm brought Gwen into being in the first place.
And as sad as I am at the series' cancellation, the way this is handled by (and woven into) the story is pitch-perfect. The final issue is genuinely wonderful - maybe my favourite final issue since Bryan Q. Miller's swansong on Batgirl.
I rolled my eyes at Gwenpool for a long time. She's a hero who was literally created because a character design in a one-off variant cover was popular with fans, and I figured her for a cynical marketing gimmick.
But when I did finally get around to picking up her comic, I discovered that there's nothing cynical about Gwenpool. Not only is it genuinely funny, it's smart and inventive and compassionate. Ridiculous shenanigans (of which there are plenty) go hand-in-hand with genuine character growth as Gwen makes hard choices and faces the consequences of her actions. The book plays with Gwen's ability to step outside of her own comic panels in ways that are increasingly clever and badass and, ultimately, heartwarming.
Because at the end of the day, this comic is a love letter to the fans whose enthusiasm brought Gwen into being in the first place.
And as sad as I am at the series' cancellation, the way this is handled by (and woven into) the story is pitch-perfect. The final issue is genuinely wonderful - maybe my favourite final issue since Bryan Q. Miller's swansong on Batgirl.
March 10, 2019
Woah I finished reading something
September 14, 2023
im so sad to say goodbye to this series!! the artwork was amazing, gwenpool is just such a cool character, and the story was super interesting. i definitely want to read these comics again sometime.
February 1, 2019
Pane Hastingsi, tleskám vám.
Z postavy, co vznikla jako vtip na obálce, jste vytvořil zábavnou sérii plnou úžasných nápadů kolem čtvrté stěny. Velká škoda, že Gwenpool dostala stopku, protože někdy kolem třetí knížky si autoři ujasnili, co přesně chtějí psát a začala to být radost sledovat. Poslední čísla, kde Gwen odpočítává stránky do zrušení její série a moment s Batrocem byly výtečný. Díky.
4,5* - plusové body za originalitu a celkový koncept
Z postavy, co vznikla jako vtip na obálce, jste vytvořil zábavnou sérii plnou úžasných nápadů kolem čtvrté stěny. Velká škoda, že Gwenpool dostala stopku, protože někdy kolem třetí knížky si autoři ujasnili, co přesně chtějí psát a začala to být radost sledovat. Poslední čísla, kde Gwen odpočítává stránky do zrušení její série a moment s Batrocem byly výtečný. Díky.
4,5* - plusové body za originalitu a celkový koncept
November 8, 2018
The end of Gwenpool? Meh it was okay anyways...lol
April 30, 2018
Gwenpool took one of the wackiest backstories for any Marvel character I've ever seen and turned her into a funny, endearing, and unique character that I have enjoyed reading from the start. And now as the series (seemingly?) draws to a close, the creative team behind Gwenpool have achieved things with her story and her character beyond anything I ever expected.
With the humor, heart, and meta-meta-style that has defined this run, Vol. 5 follows Gwen as she takes a hard look at her role in the Marvel universe, realizing her own limits and ultimately wrestling with her fears for herself and the future. There are moments when this series is jarringly different from basically anything else out there, but the creators manage to make it work--turning an idea that could have been a simple gimmick into a humorous and heartfelt celebration of comics and heroes.
With the humor, heart, and meta-meta-style that has defined this run, Vol. 5 follows Gwen as she takes a hard look at her role in the Marvel universe, realizing her own limits and ultimately wrestling with her fears for herself and the future. There are moments when this series is jarringly different from basically anything else out there, but the creators manage to make it work--turning an idea that could have been a simple gimmick into a humorous and heartfelt celebration of comics and heroes.
November 5, 2018
Most of the final volume of Gwenpool just isn't meta enough. Gwen wants to be a hero so she fights Dr. Doom. For three long issues (#21-23). Not even the shenanigans required to come up with a Doctor Doom worth fighting are that interesting. [3/5]
The Gwen-wants-to-be-a-villain issue (#24) is better because it's a little more meta and also includes the funny Gwenpool-Batroc, who Gwenpool correctly notes we'll never see again. [3+/5]
The last issue (#25) though, it's terrific, all about possible futures and closing plots and literal loops of metaness. If the whole volume had been like this last issue, it'd be great. At least Gwen gets a great send-off (and hopefully her writing in West Coast Avengers will be up to snuff). [5/5]
The Gwen-wants-to-be-a-villain issue (#24) is better because it's a little more meta and also includes the funny Gwenpool-Batroc, who Gwenpool correctly notes we'll never see again. [3+/5]
The last issue (#25) though, it's terrific, all about possible futures and closing plots and literal loops of metaness. If the whole volume had been like this last issue, it'd be great. At least Gwen gets a great send-off (and hopefully her writing in West Coast Avengers will be up to snuff). [5/5]
January 6, 2020
Not an entirely satisfying ending but not a bad one either. I think the best part is probably the last two issues while the rest of the volume seems a bit aimless but is generally fine. A decent sendoff for a character, a bit melancholy considering how it's mostly been a silly series but it works well enough.
The art throughout is decent with again, sounding like a broken record here, the best art being by Gurihiru in the last two issues. I'm hoping this character does come back someday because overall I think this was an enjoyable series, so here's hoping. With that said, this volume is recommended for fans of the series and overall was the weakest volume.
Story: 3/5
Art: 3.5/5
Overall: 3/5
The art throughout is decent with again, sounding like a broken record here, the best art being by Gurihiru in the last two issues. I'm hoping this character does come back someday because overall I think this was an enjoyable series, so here's hoping. With that said, this volume is recommended for fans of the series and overall was the weakest volume.
Story: 3/5
Art: 3.5/5
Overall: 3/5
April 3, 2018
it starts with Gwen trying to fight her destiny and quickly turns into her battle against cancellation and it's funny, it explores the ideas from the previous volume, and it blends the heartbreaking dread Gwen is feeling not just for herself but her supporting cast with uplifting moments which remind me why I loved this book. for me this is a finale done right, it summed up the message of the book, tied up the loose ends and also showed the places it could have gone.
April 7, 2019
Wonderfully sweet and poignant ending to the book.
October 1, 2020
I was not expecting to cry at a Gwenpool comic
November 14, 2025
Italian review:
Finale perfetto per quella che è diventata una delle mie saghe fumetti preferite.
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English review:
Perfect finale for one of my favourite comic book series.
Finale perfetto per quella che è diventata una delle mie saghe fumetti preferite.
-------
English review:
Perfect finale for one of my favourite comic book series.
February 23, 2019
*sniffle* It had to end, and this ending is both unexpected and inevitable. Gwen knows her series is coming to an end. She tries to prolong her life through villainy and when that doesn't work by taking on a big baddie: Doctor Doom. She doesn't know that Doom is a good guy in the current Marvel Universe. Oopsie.
Fave line: "I'd like these powers a lot more if discovering their limits weren't like getting constantly tutted by a creative writing workshop."
This author has really made me love Batroc, and I cried with Gwen when she tells him good-bye, because she knows that while the character will live on... he'll be written by other writers, who won't see him quite the same way. *sniffle*
And then... I... well I can't spoiler it. The ending is as sweet and meta as you'd expect. I'm sad the journey has come to an end, but I don't doubt Gwenpool will live on in merch and cosplay and fanfic!
Fave line: "I'd like these powers a lot more if discovering their limits weren't like getting constantly tutted by a creative writing workshop."
This author has really made me love Batroc, and I cried with Gwen when she tells him good-bye, because she knows that while the character will live on... he'll be written by other writers, who won't see him quite the same way. *sniffle*
And then... I... well I can't spoiler it. The ending is as sweet and meta as you'd expect. I'm sad the journey has come to an end, but I don't doubt Gwenpool will live on in merch and cosplay and fanfic!
August 12, 2018
Gwen's powers and personality have grown exponentially throughout this journey and created increasing potential for her character, in spite of the comic's cancellation.
In my opinion one of the most heartbreaking parts of a beloved series being cancelled is how the characters cannot possibly be aware that their story is ending, so it was rewarding to see Gwen confront this reality while still realizing that her existence is far from over.
Hopefully the dynamics introduced in this series will be made further use of in the future, but until then Gwen will remain unbelievable for all readers new to her world.
In my opinion one of the most heartbreaking parts of a beloved series being cancelled is how the characters cannot possibly be aware that their story is ending, so it was rewarding to see Gwen confront this reality while still realizing that her existence is far from over.
Hopefully the dynamics introduced in this series will be made further use of in the future, but until then Gwen will remain unbelievable for all readers new to her world.
October 12, 2019
I’m so sad this is over!!! The last issue deals a lot with accepting the end while also reassuring readers that Gwenpool won’t be gone forever, but I just love Gurihiru’s art so dang much! And Christoper Hastings has done such a phenomenal job telling Gwen’s story. This truly has been a wonderful duo. None the less, I look forward to the future of Gwenpool, though I doubt it can top the wonderful charm of her first run.
March 13, 2023
I really enjoyed issue #25, the final issue of this volume, but couldn't find much interest in reading the Doctor Doom storyline, to be honest. In comparison to the previous storylines, it was rather boring to me and I couldn't bring myself to care that much about it. Overall, however, this is a deserving ending.
July 29, 2018
I’m sad to see this story come to a close, but also really happy to see that they gave Gwenpool’s story a conclusion. Meta-textual and simultaneously touching, funny, and dark. This is one of the best and complete stories to hit this medium in a while.
December 10, 2022
So fun, the perfect send off.
I love the reference to the reader and libraries and that this book live on as people years from the time it was published discover it.
The "time travel" elements are handled so well and I very much enjoyed the flashes of the future to provide a satisfactory end to the series.
I love the reference to the reader and libraries and that this book live on as people years from the time it was published discover it.
The "time travel" elements are handled so well and I very much enjoyed the flashes of the future to provide a satisfactory end to the series.
April 4, 2019
Very cute, and very creative. Art is perfect for Gwenpool and the color palette is beautiful. Quite an ambitious story, which is wrapped up nicely. Good trade.
May 26, 2018
Good bye Gwen...Gwen faces the reality of her end and her title unless she can become something greater!
May 15, 2018
I was really disappointed when I heard that Gwenpool's run had been cancelled, but after reading this final volume, I can actually understand why that happened..
Pros:
-Gwenpool is still a great character that's trying her hardest to be a hero
-the art was as wonderful as ever, thanks to Gurihiru
Cons:
-Hastings attempt at wrapping things up was cringey and fell very flat
-the author had clearly run out of ideas for this character's plot
-the last issue, aka the "goodbye" issue, was just plain boring
-Doom had a redeeming arc which was stupid
I do really wish that I had enjoyed this final volume more, because Gwenpool was one of my favorite Marvel characters. However, it was sadly very disappointing. Maybe Gwenpool will get a new run in the future or cameos or something. Who knows.
Pros:
-Gwenpool is still a great character that's trying her hardest to be a hero
-the art was as wonderful as ever, thanks to Gurihiru
Cons:
-Hastings attempt at wrapping things up was cringey and fell very flat
-the author had clearly run out of ideas for this character's plot
-the last issue, aka the "goodbye" issue, was just plain boring
-Doom had a redeeming arc which was stupid
I do really wish that I had enjoyed this final volume more, because Gwenpool was one of my favorite Marvel characters. However, it was sadly very disappointing. Maybe Gwenpool will get a new run in the future or cameos or something. Who knows.
May 10, 2018
I love this series so much!
I'm super sad it's been cancelled but the way the writers dealt with the ending of this comic made me cry a bit and get nostalgic for all my other favorite characters who I've had to part ways with over the years. As a reader, that's what happens. You finish a book or a series and you're a bit sad because it's like they've gone from your life. But the beautiful thing about books is we can reread them any time we want to see those characters again.
Good job, guys. You made me want to reread this and other books and comics. Over and over again.
I'm super sad it's been cancelled but the way the writers dealt with the ending of this comic made me cry a bit and get nostalgic for all my other favorite characters who I've had to part ways with over the years. As a reader, that's what happens. You finish a book or a series and you're a bit sad because it's like they've gone from your life. But the beautiful thing about books is we can reread them any time we want to see those characters again.
Good job, guys. You made me want to reread this and other books and comics. Over and over again.
November 11, 2020
Gwenpool’s first series comes to a close with issue 25, and this final volume was a mixed bag. It’s worth the read for any Gwenpool fan – or, frankly, anyone who’s made it through all four volumes – and to me, the good elements outshine the drawbacks. Overall, one’s opinion of this closing volume will likely depend on your investment in Gwen, and how much you like reflective meta in your comics.
The first two issues of Gwenpool fall flat – Gwen tries to hunt down Doctor Doom because if she defeats him, for some reason, she’ll be able to join the Avengers – for some reason! Her panel-jumping powers develop a bit too, and it’s fun to see Strychalski and later Gurihiru play with form and perspective. But it’s largely aimless with little payoff until the third issue, more than halfway through, when Gwen reveals it’s about mortality – in a sense. Gwen sees her pages running out, knowing she’s about to be cancelled, and neither an Avengers membership nor compliance with being a supervillain can change it. Gwen (and unsurprisingly, Hastings) chose the right villain to hear Gwen out: a newly reformed Doctor Doom with an understanding of multiple dimensions – and rebooting your own story. Finally, the book shifts into a more meaningful and reflective closing chapter.
Is it possible readers in 2018 were kept in the dark about Gwen’s cancellation until this issue? Perhaps, and that surprise might have had a huge payoff. But more often, readers learn months in advance between solicits, publisher announcements, and creative teams working on new titles. Instead, the midway “surprise” feels like a lot of time was lost in getting there. As Gwen starts to see her final pages count down, I couldn’t help but think of the forty or so spent in the first couple issues.
The rest of the book has a gentle pace as we see multiple guest stars – including Hastings’ sweet, silly Baltroc – return, as Gwen, breaking the fourth wall and beyond, meditates on her cancellation and what that means for her tiny pocket of the Marvel universe. What about characters invented for her title? How will future writers change Baltroc? As another character mentions, this is a far cry from trigger happy Gwen in the first volume, who was happy to murder anything that moved, because in her mind, none of it was real. There are some very sweet moments, particularly the very last issue, and I appreciate that Hastings pushes the envelope on the particular Gwenpool style of meta that can only be achieved in her book.
Unfortunately, the ending is also a mixed bag. There’s a predictable time-travel twist, because something very similar was used in the opening issues – it probably had more of a punch in the individual issues with months in between. There are some happy endings and cameos, which is nice to tie up loose ends, but some characters like Cecil weren’t given enough time for much payoff. Also, odd to not see an Easter egg for Gwen’s participation in the West Coast Avengers
team book, whose premiere issue premiered six months after Gwen’s closing issue. (Perhaps it was also a reveal at the time.) And while WCA’s writer Kelly Thompson might not have known how this series would end, an opening line from Gwen connecting the two books would have been very sweet.
The art for Gwen’s final chapter is appropriately divided between her two central artist teams. First was Irene Strychalski and Rachelle Rosenberg, who take the lead for the first three issues, and the final two were wrapped up by Gurihiru (aka Sasaki and Kawano), who probably worked on Gwen’s title the most. Personally, I’m not a fan of Strychalski’s style – especially panels with maskless Gwen, whose eyes always looked off. I resonate much more with Gurihiru, but that could be because my first Gurihiru book (of many) was volume one of Gwenpool.
Even though this wasn’t the strongest conclusion to Gwenpool’s first solo series, it’s still a strong celebration of her character, growing far beyond the joke variant cover that launched her as a lovable, witty antihero. It’s wonderful to see that her character has continued to live on, both in and outside comic book pages; and I’m looking forward to reading her latest solo series, Gwenpool Strikes Back, very soon.
The first two issues of Gwenpool fall flat – Gwen tries to hunt down Doctor Doom because if she defeats him, for some reason, she’ll be able to join the Avengers – for some reason! Her panel-jumping powers develop a bit too, and it’s fun to see Strychalski and later Gurihiru play with form and perspective. But it’s largely aimless with little payoff until the third issue, more than halfway through, when Gwen reveals it’s about mortality – in a sense. Gwen sees her pages running out, knowing she’s about to be cancelled, and neither an Avengers membership nor compliance with being a supervillain can change it. Gwen (and unsurprisingly, Hastings) chose the right villain to hear Gwen out: a newly reformed Doctor Doom with an understanding of multiple dimensions – and rebooting your own story. Finally, the book shifts into a more meaningful and reflective closing chapter.
Is it possible readers in 2018 were kept in the dark about Gwen’s cancellation until this issue? Perhaps, and that surprise might have had a huge payoff. But more often, readers learn months in advance between solicits, publisher announcements, and creative teams working on new titles. Instead, the midway “surprise” feels like a lot of time was lost in getting there. As Gwen starts to see her final pages count down, I couldn’t help but think of the forty or so spent in the first couple issues.
The rest of the book has a gentle pace as we see multiple guest stars – including Hastings’ sweet, silly Baltroc – return, as Gwen, breaking the fourth wall and beyond, meditates on her cancellation and what that means for her tiny pocket of the Marvel universe. What about characters invented for her title? How will future writers change Baltroc? As another character mentions, this is a far cry from trigger happy Gwen in the first volume, who was happy to murder anything that moved, because in her mind, none of it was real. There are some very sweet moments, particularly the very last issue, and I appreciate that Hastings pushes the envelope on the particular Gwenpool style of meta that can only be achieved in her book.
Unfortunately, the ending is also a mixed bag. There’s a predictable time-travel twist, because something very similar was used in the opening issues – it probably had more of a punch in the individual issues with months in between. There are some happy endings and cameos, which is nice to tie up loose ends, but some characters like Cecil weren’t given enough time for much payoff. Also, odd to not see an Easter egg for Gwen’s participation in the West Coast Avengers
team book, whose premiere issue premiered six months after Gwen’s closing issue. (Perhaps it was also a reveal at the time.) And while WCA’s writer Kelly Thompson might not have known how this series would end, an opening line from Gwen connecting the two books would have been very sweet.
The art for Gwen’s final chapter is appropriately divided between her two central artist teams. First was Irene Strychalski and Rachelle Rosenberg, who take the lead for the first three issues, and the final two were wrapped up by Gurihiru (aka Sasaki and Kawano), who probably worked on Gwen’s title the most. Personally, I’m not a fan of Strychalski’s style – especially panels with maskless Gwen, whose eyes always looked off. I resonate much more with Gurihiru, but that could be because my first Gurihiru book (of many) was volume one of Gwenpool.
Even though this wasn’t the strongest conclusion to Gwenpool’s first solo series, it’s still a strong celebration of her character, growing far beyond the joke variant cover that launched her as a lovable, witty antihero. It’s wonderful to see that her character has continued to live on, both in and outside comic book pages; and I’m looking forward to reading her latest solo series, Gwenpool Strikes Back, very soon.
May 3, 2018
Gwenpool’s Lost in the Plot brings an end to this fabulous run. I’m certain I’m not the only fan sad to see it go. Personally, I’m sincerely hoping it’s going to be one of the series that gets rebooted with the great reboot that Marvel is doing. Even if that doesn’t pan out, I hope we continue to see Christopher Hastings writing plots for Marvel, as he’s proven to be a really fun and dynamic writer.
Out of all of the Marvel series I’ve read in the last few years, I’ve got to say that Gwenpool has absolutely been one of my favorites, if not THE favorite series for me. Not only did I devour it issue by issue (and then promptly buy each volume as it came out, because I have issues okay?) but I was able to talk so many friends into reading this series (who then greedily devoured it issue by issue, funny how that works out). I’ve never been able to get a series to catch fire among my friends like this, so I think this is very telling about the quality of this series. So if you’re sitting there debating about giving Gwenpool a try, let me say this to you: stop debating. Go out, buy the series (or read most of it on Marvel Unlimited or someplace else, I’m not picky), and read it. It’s worth it.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Out of all of the Marvel series I’ve read in the last few years, I’ve got to say that Gwenpool has absolutely been one of my favorites, if not THE favorite series for me. Not only did I devour it issue by issue (and then promptly buy each volume as it came out, because I have issues okay?) but I was able to talk so many friends into reading this series (who then greedily devoured it issue by issue, funny how that works out). I’ve never been able to get a series to catch fire among my friends like this, so I think this is very telling about the quality of this series. So if you’re sitting there debating about giving Gwenpool a try, let me say this to you: stop debating. Go out, buy the series (or read most of it on Marvel Unlimited or someplace else, I’m not picky), and read it. It’s worth it.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
August 8, 2018
Given that this character started off as a one-off visual gag that appeared on a variant cover, this series was far better than it had any business being. I really enjoyed how Christopher Hastings expanded the meta aspects of the story as the series reached its ending, and the way it brilliantly worked its own cancellation into the meta nature of the story itself was impressive. Especially when I think about how little advance warning Hastings probably had to wrap things up. It feels like the ending was planned at this point all along, but I suspect that's just serendipity and solid writing.
I got pretty attached to the character Gwen Poole over the course of these 25 issues, and seeing her facing down the barrel of her impending cancellation definitely gets emotional at times. This is a character who has undergone tremendous growth from the early days when she had no regard for anyone in the "fictional" world around her to becoming a brave young woman who would sacrifice her whole future just so these fictional "background" characters can continue having their stories told--so they can exist.
I never would have believed that any moment featuring Batroc the Leaper would have an emotional impact on me, but when Gwen and Batroc have their final goodbye (unbeknownst to him)...well, there it is. And the entire last-issue conversation she has with someone I'm not going to reveal here is so well handled, and such a great contrast to the concerns of the previous volume.
I'm thrilled that Gwenpool's adventures will continue probably far sooner than Hastings could have hoped (in the upcoming West Coast Avengers), but as Hastings has Gwenpool point out to Batroc in this very volume, in the hands of a different writer, things just won't be the same. This is just the kind of bittersweet, slightly hopeful ending I find very satisfying. "Who said anything about being done?"
I got pretty attached to the character Gwen Poole over the course of these 25 issues, and seeing her facing down the barrel of her impending cancellation definitely gets emotional at times. This is a character who has undergone tremendous growth from the early days when she had no regard for anyone in the "fictional" world around her to becoming a brave young woman who would sacrifice her whole future just so these fictional "background" characters can continue having their stories told--so they can exist.
I never would have believed that any moment featuring Batroc the Leaper would have an emotional impact on me, but when Gwen and Batroc have their final goodbye (unbeknownst to him)...well, there it is. And the entire last-issue conversation she has with someone I'm not going to reveal here is so well handled, and such a great contrast to the concerns of the previous volume.
I'm thrilled that Gwenpool's adventures will continue probably far sooner than Hastings could have hoped (in the upcoming West Coast Avengers), but as Hastings has Gwenpool point out to Batroc in this very volume, in the hands of a different writer, things just won't be the same. This is just the kind of bittersweet, slightly hopeful ending I find very satisfying. "Who said anything about being done?"
May 31, 2018
The meta adventures continue as Gwen comes up with a plan to join the Avengers: Kill Doctor Doom! And how will she accomplish a feat that no one in the Marvel Universe has been able to do so far? By using her new meta, comic panel busting abilities!
Doom will not be defeated so easily, for when she tosses him out of "existence", he comes back full force, claiming that her "rift-walking spell" was unable to hold him for long. But a heart-to-heart with Infamous Iron Man Doom makes her mind up for her.... she must again become a villain.
Next, she heads off on a heist with Batroc, who was nice to see again. But the real turn comes after when she reaches her last issue (why didn't I know they were cancelling this title? It just started to get good!) and she goes through some part Marty McFly, part Bill and Ted, part realm hopping, future seeing craziness, all while talking to her future hero self who she becomes by the end of the issue.
All in all, I'm glad I stuck with Gwenpool and look forward to seeing how this meta superhero affects the Marvel Universe at large. Where will she end up?
Recommend strongly on the last two Volumes, and a general recommend on the series.
Doom will not be defeated so easily, for when she tosses him out of "existence", he comes back full force, claiming that her "rift-walking spell" was unable to hold him for long. But a heart-to-heart with Infamous Iron Man Doom makes her mind up for her.... she must again become a villain.
Next, she heads off on a heist with Batroc, who was nice to see again. But the real turn comes after when she reaches her last issue (why didn't I know they were cancelling this title? It just started to get good!) and she goes through some part Marty McFly, part Bill and Ted, part realm hopping, future seeing craziness, all while talking to her future hero self who she becomes by the end of the issue.
All in all, I'm glad I stuck with Gwenpool and look forward to seeing how this meta superhero affects the Marvel Universe at large. Where will she end up?
Recommend strongly on the last two Volumes, and a general recommend on the series.
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