Marvel has officially announced a bold new era for Spider-Woman, one of its most underrated heroes. A pillar of the Spider-Man family, Jessica Drew, AKA Spider-Woman, celebrates her 50th anniversary in 2026, and to commemorate the occasion, Marvel is releasing a special one-shot uniting creators from her past and future. Together, they will chart a new destiny for Spider-Woman.
Spider-Woman was created, according to legend, to secure a trademark. By the mid-1970s, Spider-Man had become Marvel’s signature character. Stan Lee became concerned another publisher may secure the copyright to a character called “Spider-Woman.” Citing the litigious action DC took over Marvel creating a character called “Wonder Man,” Stan decided to go for it, and writer Archie Goodwin and artist Marie Severin brought her to life for the first time. Her solo title ran for 50 issues, and she even starred in her own Saturday morning cartoon.
The character slipped into obscurity for nearly 20 years, before being revived in the 2000s. After returning to the pages of New Avengers, Spider-Woman rocketed back to prominence in the Marvel Universe, and has stayed in the spotlight since. She has starred in other team books as well as a handful of solo titles. She has appeared in other media, most notably the Madam Web film. Now, on Spider-Woman’s golden anniversary, she is embarking in a new direction.
Spider-Woman Celebrates Her 50th Anniversary With A New One-Shot and a New Direction
Spider-Woman Creators Past and Present Reunite
Late last week, Marvel announced the Spider-Woman 50th Anniversary Special #1. The book will feature two main stories. The first, written by Dan Watters and drawn by Andrea Broccardo, will see a revelation that, according to Marvel’s press release, will: “shock fans more than a bioelectric blast.” Marvel did not reveal any additional information on Spider-Woman’s new direction in Watters and Broccardo’s story.
The Spider-Woman 50th Anniversary Special #1 will also see legendary writer Annie Nocenti return to the character. She will be joined by Stefano Raffaele, who will draw the story. When Marvel decided to bring Spider-Woman’s first ongoing book to an end, Nocenti was chosen for the job, and now she is returning to Jessica Drew’s world. Of her new Spider-Woman story, Nocent had this to say:
In the 1980s editor Mark Gruenwald gave me the assignment to ‘retire’ Spider-Woman, ending the book’s run with issue #50, so returning to write a story about how Jess’s friendships and battles are hard won feels redemptive.
She also praised collaborator Raffaele’s art.
Spider-Woman is One of Marvel’s Most Underrated Characters
Spider-Woman’s return as a member of the New Avengers in the 2000s introduced Jessica Drew to a new generation of fans, who ensured she never went back to limbo again. These creators built on what came before, but also managed to expand Spider-Woman’s already extensive mythos. Brian Michael Bendis and his collaborators demonstrated just how compelling a character Spider-Woman could be, mining her complex and convoluted origin for great stories. As the Spider-Family grew in the 2010s, Spider-Woman took on an even greater role in the Marvel Universe.
As the Spider-Family grew in the 2010s, Spider-Woman took on an even greater role in the Marvel Universe.
Spider-Woman Jessica Drew has experienced ups and downs throughout her career, ranging from losing her powers for an extended period of time to becoming a parent. She has risen to the occasion each time, justifying her place as one of Marvel’s premiere women characters. While there have been others to carry the name Spider-Woman, none have ever matched Jessica Drew. 50 years in, Spider-Woman is still a great hero, and now her new status quo will send her even higher.
Spider-Woman 50th Anniversary Special #1 is on sale September 2 from Marvel Comics!