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Spider-Girl #100
Reflections on the Series
Book Released: 12 July 2006
Review posted: 14 July 2006
Writer: Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz, Pat Olliffe
Artist: Ron Frenz, Pat Olliffe (Pencils)
Artist: Sal Buscema & Scott Koblish (Finishes)
Al Williamson (Artist Emeritus)
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Colors: Gotham
Publisher: Marvel Comics
4.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by Adam White
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Unlike many series that I’ve liked, Spider-Girl has beaten cancellation more times than I can count. I was
actually a die-hard Spider-Girl fan when the series first started, but then I lost interest when Ultimate
Spider-Man started because it filled the same kind of space in my reading habits — I didn’t stop liking the
title, I just had a limited budget and something had to go. I checked back in with Mayday Parker from time to time, and she
was always entertaining, but for whatever reason I just never stayed with the series after the early run (possibly because
Pat Olliffe was my favorite artist on the book). Nevertheless, Spider-Girl has beaten the odds and made it to #100, a
rarity for any new title these days (either due to cancellation or restarting with a new #1).
Tom DeFalco has used Spider-Girl as a means to keep alive the spirit of Spider-Man comicbooks from the 1970s and
80s, and that is one of the main charms of the series. DeFalco treats Spider-Girl as a
Spider-Girl has beaten the odds and made it to #100, a rarity for any new title these
days.
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continuation of those Spider-Man titles, keeping in continuity (from the time that the series started) and following
the times of the future Marvel Universe. The other main charm is May “Mayday” Parker, Peter’s daughter,
who inherited his abilities and possesses the qualities that made Peter such a likeable character during his early days.
Mayday performs her superheroics and has a life free of the marriage/unmasking status of 616 Peter, yet she suffers all the
physical and moral dilemmas of Spidey from back in his bachelor days. DeFalco has truly been instrumental in keeping the
series alive because of his handling of Mayday, who remains an enjoyable character with which readers can identify.
Spider-Girl #100 is no exception, tying up the loose ends of the series and revealing the final fate of Spider-Girl.
Original penciler Pat Olliffe returns and joins forces with series regular Ron Frenz to finish off the series. Both
artists, along with finishers/inkers Sal Buscema and Scott Koblish, have maintained a classic look
throughout the series and end it in top form. Regardless of which costume Spider-Girl wears, Olliffe and Frenz have kept
Mayday looking great and aging appropriately (mentally and physically) over time. Peter, MJ, and the rest of the supporting
cast have been aged accordingly, and everyone’s emotions come across clearly in the art. Spider-Girl has also
had some of the most stylish and creative covers during its run, some serving as homages to old Spidey covers as well as
those that just look great on their own merits. Solid, consistent work all around from dedicated artists.
So is this finally the end for Spider-Girl? I’m not telling, but if you want to see an interesting spoiler
from #100 then click on the image above. Spider-Girl found its niche in the market and kept itself alive on merit,
with fans rearing their heads every time cancellation came calling. Fan support worked up until a point, but alas, all good
things must come to an end. Spider-Girl will remain a fondly remembered series and character, and likely continue to
do well in trades.
So Spider-Girl, I salute you, and hope we may become reacquainted again someday. Stay tuned.
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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