Spider-Gwen #1 is close to 200,000 units sold in advance preorders through Diamond Comics Distributors, ComicBook.com has learned.

The series, spun out of the current Spider-Verse event, features an alternate-universe version of Gwen Stacy, where she instead of Peter Parker got bitten by a radioactive spider and became a superhero.

"We sold out of the Spider-Man Spider-Gwen issue and had to reorder several times," said comic book writer and retailer Christina Blanch. "She's a fun character. Plus, as a member of the Valkyries, we all went CRAZY for her. All of our customers are talking about her. I really can't explain the attraction, but it's there. I think this issue is going to be big!!!"

"We are going to order 100 plus; it's getting great buzz," said Jared Aiosa of Elmira, NY's Heroes Your Mom Threw Out. He cited the creative team, particularly writer Jason LaTour, as a source of excitement, saying, "Fans of Spider-Man are excited, and even those who were NEVER a fan of Spider-Man find Spider-Gwen fresh. It's a fun almost punk spin on this character."

That was a sentiment echoed by Gahl Buslov of Midtown Comics, who said, "We're expecting this to be Spider-Girl all over again. The response has been huge since her debut so we're standing behind this book and we'll be ready for the fans when they come in."

The comic offers a lighter spin on the Spider-Verse, offering a few things that are somewhat rare in the current comics landscape, including a compelling female lead and a story and characters who are generally accepted as being "fun."

"I think Spider-Gwen will be the book that takes down Harley Quinn," said Dennis Barger of Wonderworld Comics, comparing the book to DC Comics' surprise hit that has a number of features in common with Spider-Gwen, including an anchor to a massively popular, existing superhero franchise and an all-star creative team.

The series is the latest in a string of big hits from Marvel already in 2015, who have had massive sales on Star Wars and Darth Vader comics. Spider-Gwen is doing so, though, mostly on the strength of the same grass-roots retailer support that made Saga and Lumberjanes big hits in recent years. Spider-Gwen has also made a huge splash in the market; her recent first appearance in Edge of Spider-Verse is in heavy circulation on the secondary market, with one copy recently reaching more than $1,350 on eBay before the seller pulled the auction.

"Her rising popularity is going to make the boom huge," said Jeremiah Fettinger of Sound Go Round in Vestal, NY. "Since Edge of Spider-Verse #2 she's been a staple of fan art and is a great jumping-on point. He relationship with the Peter Parker of her world is a unique and interesting take on their relationship [and] seeing the solicitation for #3 is exciting to see officer Castle in action in that universe."

When approached about the sales for the new series, Marvel declined to comment.

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