Black Widow #1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Kelly Thompson, art by Elena Casagrande, colors by Jordie Bellaire and letters by Cory Petit. Black Widow is one of the best covert spies to ever live. She can get in and out of virtually anywhere without a trace. But even the best can’t be prepared for everything. And when someone gets the drop on Nat where she ends up next will be quite the surprise.
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Natasha Romanoff has always been a bit of a standoff-ish character. Especially where her solo runs are concerned. Deep cover assignments, and political intrigue have often seen her working mostly solo. At least till the fecal matter hits the proverbial fan. Because of this I was curious about how Thompson’s writing style would work with Natasha when I first saw Black Widow #1 get announced. Now don’t get me wrong. I knew Thompson would write the character well. Her ability to provide a subject with a rich, deep personality is second to none in my book. But her writing is truly at it’s best when the character is surrounded by a support structure of trusted friends to back them up.
Happily, Thompson has setup a story that promises to highlight Natasha’s close knit friendship circle, while showing that she is more than capable of handling situations on her own. And the fact that it means I get to read Thompson’s take on Hawkeye(Clint Barton) again is a tremendous plus!
Black Widow #1 opens up with our titular hero breaking into a secure site for some quick in and out Avengers work. The story wastes no time highlighting how lethal Widow is. As she swiftly works her way down a hallway full of goons her graceful speed is is delivered beautifully by Casagrande’s art.
Once the job is complete, and the objective placed safely in Captain America’s hands, it’s off to home for a quiet night. But she soon finds she has unexpected company. And surprises are something this spy never welcomes. Black Widow #1 delivers a great launch point for it’s story. The ending, which I won’t spoil, leaves Natasha in an intriguing situation. And the villain reveal, while surprising, made me giddy with happiness. Not only is he one I haven’t seen in a while, but their presence promises some truly outrageous fun. Especially given who looks like they’ll be joining Natasha for this story.
As mentioned above, Casagrande captures Black Widow’s combat prowess flawlessly. Furthermore, even when not in combat, the art demands you look at Nat. Her charisma and confidence fill each panel she’s in. Okay, maybe not one, but everybody gets surprised now and then.
Further lifting the art’s presentation is Bellaire’s extraordinary color work. Colors pop off the panels within Black Widow #1. Especially where red is concerned. Bellaire gives special attention to this color. It dominates so many panels of this story. It’s always been Natasha signature color I think, despite black being in her name. Lastly, we have a solid letter job delivered by Petit. Their work allows the reader to follow the story from panel to panel without any confusion or hampering of the art.
When all is said and done Black Widow #1 delivers an awesome start to this story. Thompson has given the narrative a great beginning, and with the backing of an amazing art team I have high hopes for the issues to come.
Black Widow #1 is available September 2nd wherever comics are sold.
TL;DR
When all is said and done Black Widow #1 delivers an awesome start to this story. Thompson has given the narrative a great beginning, and with the backing of an amazing art team I have high hopes for the issues to come.
