moonbites's review against another edition
4.0
YES Black Widow! I have not read much of anything on Black Widow in the comics, but I am grateful for this chance to really focus on Natasha in this book. I really liked this book, so much so, that I want to purchase it and own it in my comic collection. That art is so beautiful, Phil Noto did a fantastic job.
The art style has this dreamy feel to it, with a great blend and contrast of colors. LOVE IT . And as my mother would say, "Why don't you marry it?" Which in return I would reply... I would if I could.
In terms of story I would say it was decent, the art is what pushed this rating to a 4 star though. The writing was more of a 3 star quality maybe even 2.5? To be fair, this is the first volume. First volumes are always rising action and character development.
I think it focused too much though on this other life Black Widow leads as just plain old Natasha. A portrayal of her that made her appear as a lonely cat lady. What's up with that? I understand it makes her look more relatable, but at times she was portrayed as cold which is kind contrary to relatable. It's true that they show many layers of Natasha in this comic, but so many that I don't feel I am getting a true grasp of who she is. Which should be the point of creating a comic focusing on one character.
In the end, I found myself wanting more Black Widow. I still feel like there is more to her personality, that only came out in flashes in this volume. I look forward to the winding mystery that this volume has set up, and a solid portrayal of the elusive Black Widow.
octanexit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
rooothy69's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
saramarie08's review against another edition
4.0
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
Natasha takes odd jobs in between missions for S.H.I.E.L.D. because she needs the money. She and her lawyer discuss the intricate web of safe houses as well as the trust funds she has set up that she must pay to maintain. Natasha is doing all of this to atone for her passed actions, so the implication is she is paying into trust funds that benefit the families of those she assassinated. She accepts various jobs to rescue folks, foil assassination attempts, and other feats of espionage, but she’s gotten too comfortable. She’s started to miss signs of danger, signs that someone has it in for her.
Black Widow is a very different Avenger because of her covert skills and dark past. This story reads a bit more like a James Bond movie than a superhero story. The first chapter is entirely devoted to pulling the reader into the world of Black Widow, which shows her on a job, hinting at her tragic past but concluding with the sentiment that no one will know her true origin. In this way Black Widow is also different because she doesn’t have the typical origin story retelling that happens almost every time a new author takes over the character. There are a few characters that were important in other stories who aren’t really explained here, but savvy comic readers will know them, and others will either look them up or just plow through and still be able to enjoy the story. Otherwise, every other character is known from Marvel movies or the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV show.
The art is less definite than most superhero comics. It looks like outlined watercolors at times. Widow's red hair often bleeds into other parts of the scenery, giving her a ghostly appearance at times.
There is some blood, violence, explosions, and some death on the page. Overall, the tone of this is a bit darker than some other superhero stories, so this would be better suited to high school audiences.
Sara's Rating: 7/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
Natasha takes odd jobs in between missions for S.H.I.E.L.D. because she needs the money. She and her lawyer discuss the intricate web of safe houses as well as the trust funds she has set up that she must pay to maintain. Natasha is doing all of this to atone for her passed actions, so the implication is she is paying into trust funds that benefit the families of those she assassinated. She accepts various jobs to rescue folks, foil assassination attempts, and other feats of espionage, but she’s gotten too comfortable. She’s started to miss signs of danger, signs that someone has it in for her.
Black Widow is a very different Avenger because of her covert skills and dark past. This story reads a bit more like a James Bond movie than a superhero story. The first chapter is entirely devoted to pulling the reader into the world of Black Widow, which shows her on a job, hinting at her tragic past but concluding with the sentiment that no one will know her true origin. In this way Black Widow is also different because she doesn’t have the typical origin story retelling that happens almost every time a new author takes over the character. There are a few characters that were important in other stories who aren’t really explained here, but savvy comic readers will know them, and others will either look them up or just plow through and still be able to enjoy the story. Otherwise, every other character is known from Marvel movies or the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV show.
The art is less definite than most superhero comics. It looks like outlined watercolors at times. Widow's red hair often bleeds into other parts of the scenery, giving her a ghostly appearance at times.
There is some blood, violence, explosions, and some death on the page. Overall, the tone of this is a bit darker than some other superhero stories, so this would be better suited to high school audiences.
Sara's Rating: 7/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
bingusowl's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Beautiful artwork and style- well written solo series exposition
merc_birb's review against another edition
5.0
Like Fraction's take on Hawkeye, I really enjoyed these stories about Widow. The art style was refreshingly non-tantalizing and the story wasn't so over-dramatic as to be unbelievable. It was cool to see her in her element, taking down "real world" villains and not the crazy monsters and super-villains that she'd deal with as part of the Avengers. Excellent book!
andie13's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nglofile's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Prior to this I wasn't particularly interested in the character Black Widow, but this volume depicts her complexity in an alluring way. She is quickly established in skills, reputation, and character, but her mystery is maintained. Glimpses of vulnerability are offered, and I especially respect that they are intended to increase admiration rather than undermine or play into gender bias. First issues have many roles to play, and this sets the table more effectively than most.
The artwork serves the story beautifully, leaning in to the moodiness with expert deployment of shades and shadows to offset the more defined images. The brushwork and color washes are elements I especially enjoyed. They aren't invasive, and often you won't even notice. When slightly more apparent, it is a deliberate choice to inject nuance and emotion, and those techniques serve both story and character well.
The artwork serves the story beautifully, leaning in to the moodiness with expert deployment of shades and shadows to offset the more defined images. The brushwork and color washes are elements I especially enjoyed. They aren't invasive, and often you won't even notice. When slightly more apparent, it is a deliberate choice to inject nuance and emotion, and those techniques serve both story and character well.