Face It Bruce, You’re Toxic — Reviewing ‘Spider-Gwen: Smash’ #3

Throughout life, we all have the capacity to inspire or connect with others, whether through our actions or our creations. Sometimes though, some allow those connections to turn to a toxic dangerous level.

Unfortunately for Gwen and her friends, the toxicity has hit them as hard as a Hulk in Spider-Gwen: Smash #3. The roadshow comes to a screeching halt in this story by Melissa Flores, Enid Balám, Fer Sifuentes-Sujo, Elisabetta D’Amico, and Ariana Maher.

As a longtime webhead/Spider-Man fan, a story that finds that perfect blend of personal “oh geez my life” moments and action is what I’m seeking. Sometimes modern Spider stories are more about the action and one specific plot line/status quo. Letting the iconic supporting cast members slide into the background and even ending compelling relationships. Not with this book.

While the upcoming new Spider-Gwen series will rip her away from her dimension, here we get so much. Flores is a great character writer and homes in on what makes them click. Within this issue, we get two sides of the coin when it comes to unrequited types of situations. Mary Jane’s unspoken feelings for Gwen and the friction it causes in the group (as well as Gwen’s frequent non-presence) are a more relatable side. Then there is Bruce Banner’s dangerous obsession with Dazzler and the harm it’s bringing to so many.

Yes, as most likely figured previously, the mysterious stalker threat is indeed Banner. Alternate universes give a way to mix up these iconic characters we know so well. Let’s be honest, Bruce Banner becoming that type of toxic guy was not a Hulk-sized leap. All that rage and unchecked emotional issues are fuel for the fire. We don’t even know if he’s a Hulk himself here, but he did make Rick Jones into one.

Around those emotional beats are plenty of fluid slick action sequences. Both are brought to life solidly by Balám, D’Amico, and Sifuentes-Sujo.

An inherent heavier roughness can be felt in what Balám does artistically, enhanced by the inks that D’Amico provides. Yet, that rougher nature still feels light and quick. Character emotions are painted in their every movement, facial or otherwise. A bit of chaotic energy is felt which is fitting for a Spider character because their movement is agile and graceful but also all over the place. I love the inclusion of Dazzler providing hard light constructs for Gwen to swing from since L.A. buildings are far more spread out.

It’s just good fun comic stuff for Flores to include, but the way Balám depicts it makes the moment work even more.

A rougher artistic bent includes a lot of darker, heavier colors. Sifuentes-Sujo populates the space with those tonally fitting colors while slipping in brighter more vibrant pieces where they fit. Everything to do with power usage and superhero stuff fits the bill. The aforementioned scene with the swinging is one of those moments. All the pink of Dazzler’s powers, with their costumes standing out against the darker backdrop of the cityscape.

Music plays a heavy part in the series, with various characters singing at times. Having Maher on board for lettering just makes that work even more. Those speech bubbles are fun, with musical notes incorporated, just as much as the rest. Maher is not only great at making lettering visually distinct and powerful but at capturing voices. Letting personality, emotion, and the rest shine with every single word. Making every bubble or caption as fluid as the title character’s movement, keeping the rapid-fire action going on all counts.

Spider-Gwen: Smash #3 is now available from Marvel Comics.