RETRO REVIEW: Spider-Woman in Marvel Spotlight (1977) #32
In Marvel Spotlight (1977) #32 by Archie Goodwin, Sal Buscema, Joe Mooney, Irv Wantanabe, and Janice Cohen, we get the first appearance of a character who continues to be an essential component in the mighty Marvel multiverse: Spider-Woman!
Spider-Woman Arrives
Photo: Marvel Unlimited.
This issue opens with the enigmatic Spider-Woman soaring over the ocean and infiltrating a S.H.I.E.L.D. building (that’s “Supreme Headquarters International Law Enforcement Division,” Marvel Blog True Believers).
Photo: Marvel Unlimited.
One interesting fact that is quickly revealed about Spider-Woman: unlike Peter Parker, the Amazing Spider-Man, who has a very definitive point of origin for his abilities (that spider bite), Spider-Woman does not know from whence her powers originated (at least in this first issue)!
Photo: Marvel Unlimited.
As the issue continues, we also learn that Spider-Woman has some powers that Peter could only dream about (although they are somewhat similar to some of the abilities possessed by Miles Morales).
However, as Spider-Woman infiltrates the S.H.I.E.L.D. building, we discover from scenes featuring Nick Fury Senior that HYDRA has already managed to find their way inside! Naturally, this leads to plenty of accusations, followed by plenty of punching.
Photo: Marvel Unlimited.
This issue ends up being an intriguing mixture of classic, Spidey-style super hero antics, but with an espionage twist! And speaking of twists, you won’t see the end of this story coming, Marvel Blog True Believers.
Want a Copy For Yourself?
Photo: Marvel Unlimited.
If you’re interested in securing your very own copy of the issue that features the first appearance of Spider-Woman (and you’re reading this article before Monday, January 24th, 2022), you may be in luck! Marvel Spotlight (1977) #32 is one of the issues that is currently being offered for auction, with the proceeds to benefit the CCS BIPOC Cartoonist Fund.
