Review: Black Widow #1
It seems that with Marvel in “Number 1” mode, that anything resembling a film tie-in is getting the new book treatment; even if they feature a book that they tried three ago that only lasted a short time. Oh well, when it comes to some of Marvel’s comic publishing choices, you have to give A+ for persistence. (For the record, the idea of a Carol Danver’s book selling well is AA++++ for persistence).
Natasha is still dead. Kind of. To continue that particular little white lie, she decides to help probably the most well know heroes / villain / no I am really a hero this time, Captain America. With Steve Rogers still reeling with the whole “Hail Hydra” fallout, it seems that it is a perfect time to continue to deride public perception; perception that is unlikely to change with a doppelganger and bomb both in the immediate vicinity of a swanky party. Thank goodness then he has a sassy, sexy spy in his corner. Of course this is just a preamble for the main part of the story and aw welcome to return to one of my favourite Marvel Universe places, Madripoor.
The book is written by The Twisted Twins Jen and Sylvia Soska who, I am glad to say, are actually writing something that is quite rare in Marvel; a book that deals with the ramifications of previous actions; specifically those relating to the fact that Rogers killed Romanoff. The pair, more known for their film work including the very dark American Mary, curb their style a tad to allow for the now expected “funny” elements that make every Marvel character a comedian. The thing is, here, it actually works. Whether this is an extension of the banter from Winter Soldier or just the new Marvel edict, the give and take between the take life seriously Captain and the take life (or death in this case) as it comes Widow is fun, before an unexpected dark turn. The pair lead us a merry dance through the action scenes before setting up the next play in their plan.
The art is supplied by Flaviano, who rather than show us the normal superhero stylings, meshes those ideas with a cartoon style that encourages the humor in the book. Of course, as we get to Madripoor, things do take a bit of a change, which again Flaviano manages well. The panel designs appear at first glance to be haphazard, but that actually is part of the charm, given the almost chaotic opening act of the book. For fans of the sultry side of the Widow, the art doesn’t have the cheesecake elements that you may want, but in its stead is art the conveys the energy of the character, the overall skill of the character and a welcome return to the “not quite a hero” vibe. Colors are provided by Veronica Gandini, who gives the books dirty washed out pastel feel, which matches the nebulous world that Widow lives in. Letters are provided by Joe Caramangna, who deals with the crowd scenes effectively as well as the communication between the hero and the spy.
This book was a fun read that had its dark vibe to counter the lighter moments. As a Marvel book, there is a rick of this book turning into another Domino books; high on the hi-jinks and humour. Now if that’s your bag,, that’s fine, but surely not every Marvel book has to fit that model? Hopefully, with the Twisted Sisters involvement, Natasha Romanoff will continue her danse macabre of Madripoor!
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Jen & Sylvia Soska
Art by; Flaviano
Colors by; Veronica Gandini
Letters by; Joe Caramagna
Published by; Marvel Worldwide Inc.
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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