Ten Years Ago, Marvel Turned a Bizarre Joke Into Its Best New Superhero of the Decade

Image: Gurihiru/Marvel Comics

2016 was a whirlwind year, so it’s understandable if you’ve overlooked the debut of the original Gwenpool ongoing series. For the uninitiated, Gwenpool hails from Earth-TRN565—a temporary designation for a reality where, as an unemployed teenager, she was nothing more than an obsessed fan of comic book culture. Somehow, she found herself transported into the main Marvel continuity, Earth-616. How? That remains a mystery—and frankly, it’s best not to overthink it.

Despite lacking any superhuman abilities, Gwenpool possesses a unique tactical advantage: an encyclopedic knowledge of the Marvel universe gained from years of reading comics. This meta-awareness functions like a “sixth sense,” allowing her to anticipate the moves of heroes and villains alike. Notably, she is recognized as Marvel’s first openly aromantic and asexual protagonist, a representation that resonates deeply with many readers.

Image: Gurihiru/Marvel Comics

The character’s origins are as unconventional as her personality. Following the massive success of Spider-Gwen in 2014, Marvel launched a month of variant covers that reimagined Gwen Stacy as various heroes. Among them was the first appearance of the character who would become Gwenpool, featured on a cover for Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars #2.

Editor Jordan White observed enthusiastic fans cosplaying this mysterious one-off design and decided she deserved a proper narrative. Working alongside writer Christopher Hastings and editor Heather Antos, they crafted a story that officially premiered in Howard the Duck Vol. 6 #1 and the Gwenpool Special #1, eventually leading to the launch of The Unbelievable Gwenpool #1 in April 2016.

The series opens with Gwen dismantling a group of Sentinels—not through raw power, but by leveraging her memory of retro arcade games. However, her victory leaves her in financial ruin due to the excessive property damage she causes. Desperate for work, she accepts a contract from the hero-tailor Ronnie, only to realize the mission has already been completed by another mercenary. In a ruthless display of pragmatism, she pushes the rival into a fire pit to claim the bounty herself.

Image: Gurihiru/Marvel Comics

Gwenpool is undeniably hilarious, balancing a fan-girl’s genuine wonder with an unapologetic, lethal efficiency. Yet, the series grounded its absurdity with sharp consequences. After the initial mayhem, the narrative takes a dark turn: the mercenary she eliminated was employed by MODOK. The supervillain confronts her, and when she responds with mockery, he brutally executes her associate, Cecil. The story concludes on a somber note, with Gwen forced to accept a role as a henchman for the villain who destroyed her life, setting the stage for a long-standing rivalry.

Image: Gurihiru/Marvel Comics

Although The Unbelievable Gwenpool concluded its 26-issue run in 2018, her popularity remains steadfast. Her presence in Kelly Thompson and Stefano Caselli’s West Coast Avengers introduced another breakout hit, Jeff the Landshark. Since then, she has transitioned into a recurring player in various crossovers and one-shots, solidifying her status as one of Marvel’s most enduring and creative additions of the last decade.

By proving that a seemingly superficial gimmick could anchor a compelling, heartfelt, and occasionally devastating narrative, the creative team behind The Unbelievable Gwenpool cemented her place in the Marvel canon. That solid foundation is precisely why this colorful oddball continues to capture the imaginations of readers everywhere.

Source: Polygon