Black Widow #3 Review

Writer: Nathan Edmondson

Artist: Phil Noto

Is Widow doing the right thing? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

The Finely Woven Thread - PART 3: "FOLIAGE" She's the kind of woman you call when you need to escape from a South American prison. Don't miss the book everyone is talking about (and it isn't even out yet!)

I've really been enjoying Black Widow so far, as it's been a very exciting and energetic series, that shows the character at her full potential.

Nathan Edmondson continues to give a terrific espionage story, which is something that a Black Widow centred series needs. Edmondson also continues to develop Widow as a character, as although she's been around for a long time, we're still learning new things about this deadly spy, with this series showing a more questionable side to her. This adds a lot to the depth and tone, and at the end of the day her key characteristics are shown perfectly, which is what really counts. The most intriguing part of this issue was near the end, with a discussion between Widow and S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Maria Hill showing promise of a proper story arc.

Phil Noto's art was once again wonderful, as despite the odd rough panels it was still amazing. Noto also continues to give a very smooth and energetic flow to the series, with his colours as usual adding the perfect final tone to the series (for the most part). Despite all this I was actually ever so slightly disappointed with Noto's art in this issue, due to the rough panels, and it's obvious that the short time frame between each issue has caught up with him. I do however not blame Noto for this, and now that the series is on a monthly schedule I'm sure he'll be back to his high standards throughout every panel.

Black Widow continues to be a exciting and explosive series, and although the art wasn't quite as good in this issue it was sill amazing. Highly recommended.

Rating: 8/10

Black Widow #2 Review

Writer: Nathan Edmondson
Artist: Phil Noto

What will Black Widow get up to in Shanghai? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

In fact, it's so good, that you won't want to wait another month for the next issue. And you won't have to!

Black Widow opened with a bang last issue, and despite not being quite as good as the first issue it still manages to be exciting and entertaining. It also continues to allow Black Widow to shine on her own, being the kind of solo series that she's needed for a while.

Nathan Edmondson takes the Black Widow to Shanghai in this issue, with her doing business with someone she already knows, making three mistakes along the way. Now I said that this issue wasn't quite as good as the first, but still Edmondson managed to show the espionage throughout this issue perfectly, whilst also projecting Widow's thoughts and emotions brilliantly as well. It is however ever so slightly too fast paced in my opinion, and although this doesn't hurt the issue much, it does slightly. Edmondson does however also continue to create some amazing narration and along with the suspenseful and mysterious build-up this looks to be a series that will continue to produce astonishing material time and time again.

Phil Noto yet again produced some phenomenal artwork in this issue, with it continuing to be some of the best art that I've ever seen from him. Noto's layouts were also once again superb, helping the flow of the issue perfectly, but it'd be Noto's outstanding colours that I'd continue to like the most. They add the perfect gritty tone that this series needs, and despite Noto always producing marvellous colours for his art these are by far some of his best. Noto didn't stop here though, as the breathtaking action simply leaped off the page, giving the kind of excitement that you expect from a Black Widow comic.

Black Widow continues to be an amazing espionage series, showing that some of Marvels best work come from their secondary characters. Highly recommended.

Rating: 8/10

Black Widow #1 Review

Writer: Nathan Edmondson
Artist: Phil Noto

How will the Black Widow's atonement start? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

You've seen Black Widow as an Avenger and even an Agent of Shield. But on her own time she searches for atonement for her past as a KGB assassin—in ways of which those teams just wouldn't approve. From the darkest corners of the Marvel Universe, Nathan Edmonson (Who is Jake Ellis?) and Phil Noto (Thunderbolts, X-23) bring you a new ongoing series as gorgeous and mysterious as Nastasha Romanov herself!

I personally am always a bit sceptical over series staring characters the likes of Black Widow, as despite loving the characters they can sometimes be handled very poorly. This however wasn't the case here with the style and tone of this first issue being brilliant.

Nathan Edmondson did an excellent job of taking this Avenger and putting her back into the environment that she's best suited to. I enjoy seeing Black Widow as an Avengers but as she doesn't really get used properly it's fitting that she's got her own ongoing series again. Edmondson handled the espionage part of this series perfectly, adding great tone and atmosphere. It was also nice to see Widow try to atone for her past sins, as it adding a bit more humanism to the story. On top of this I loved the amazing dialogue which was at times slightly amusing and others very gritty and serious.

Artist Phil Noto also didn't fail to impress reminding me why I love his artwork. The detail to Noto's art was simply phenomenal, being very consistent throughout and along with the smooth flowing layout it made this issue very pleasant to read. Noto also produced some very exciting sequences that were very lively, almost jumping off the page. The character expressions were also shown perfectly, adding a lot of emotion and realism to the story. It was however Noto's fantastic colours that I enjoyed the most as they suited the tone of the story brilliantly.

This was a terrific opening issue to Black Widow's new solo series and probably one of the best that she's ever had. I for one look forward to reading more from this series and hope that Edmondson does just as good a job in the upcoming Punisher series. Highly recommended.

Rating: 9/10