REVIEW: ‘Black Widow & Hawkeye’ Issue #2

Black Widow & Hawkeye #2 is published by Marvel Comics. It is written by Stephanie Phillips, with art by Paolo Villanelli, colors by Mattia Iacono, and letters by Joe Sabino. In this latest issue, Black Widow has to protect Hawkeye after he assassinates a politician, and the duo is hunted in Madripoor.

The structure of this chapter is notably more direct than the previous issue, with a few well-placed flashbacks providing crucial exposition and backstory for the characters. The majority of Black Widow & Hawkeye #2 unfolds on a rooftop in Madripoor, where Clint and Natasha are grappling with their disagreements. This inability to reach a consensus quickly leads to trouble, plunging the story into chaos.

For most of Black Widow & Hawkeye #2, the former Avengers are stuck on one rooftop. Enough happens at that location that the pace isn’t sacrificed by the lack of movement, with multiple confrontations happening. Conflict is the driving force of the comic, leading to disunity and a general inability to progress for the heroes.

For Black Widow, her Symbiotic partner is both a powerful ally and a nuisance to her. The conflict between her and Hawkeye means that the protective nature of the Symbiote sees him as a threat. The dialogue is delightfully sinister. This version of a Symbiote is creepier than Venom. It is even more so than Carnage, who can be louder and more outwardly vicious. It makes it the perfect fit for the stealthy and mysterious Natasha.

The complicated relationship between Black Widow and Hawkeye is explored further. It is toxic but endearing. Neither will leave the other when they are in danger, even when begged. They stick around, practically irritating one another.

What is also evident is that both have absolute devotion. The Symbiote’s refusal to help Clint creates friction within the partnership. It also offers and intricately investigates Natasha’s feelings for the archer.

The art is terrific, and the flashbacks create a fantastic sense of history between the characters. Hawkeye and Black Widow have moved through the eras of superheroes and comic books as a duo. Their costumes in the flashbacks are representative of the bombastic, extravagant designs.

The characters’ movements are also fascinating. They are both athletic and acrobatic, able to flip around and show their ability. For Black Widow, however, the Symbiote has added an extension to her.

The black tendrils are like solid shadows around her, whipping around her head. When it covers her whole body, the costume is sleek and impressive. Clint spends the first scene of the book taking a leaf from Black Widow’s book and attempting undercover work. Dressed in a tuxedo and merging among the rich, he looks uncomfortable and unnatural.

The villains of the series have a brilliant design. Wrapped in cloaks and carrying huge weapons, they have a design that elevates them beyond the streets of Madripoor. All in all, they look really cool.

Black Widow & Hawkeye #2 features brilliant use of color. Very little of Madripoor feels natural, and Iacono captures that. Orange lights from the streets cover most of the buildings, and the sky is murky. Neon signs are all over the streets, with purple and blue light contrasting with the orange. The lettering is effortless to read.

In Black Widow & Hawkeye #2, they may be stuck on a single rooftop, which slows the book’s progression down. However, their arguments and tensions keep them there, so they fit in with the series’ themes. Black Widow’s Symbiote has elevated and complicated every part of the comic, making it unlike any other team-up between the pair before. The backup story from the previous issue now fits seamlessly within the main plot, and the book is complete because of it.

Black Widow & Hawkeye #2 keeps the relationship central to the story. Natasha and Clint are clearly their own individual people. Together, however, their connection drives the plot.

Black Widow & Hawkeye #2 is available where comics are sold.