Scan barcode
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.
anotherhel's review against another edition
4.0
i really like the drawing style of this. I like the pace and the way the story is told. Makes me really want to know more about her, about her past.
She's trying to be good using the skills that made her bad in the first place. It's a really interesting theme. What's good, what's bad...
I don't have time for a full review, but I really enjoyed this. It's a easy and yet intriguing read that gives you a thirst for more. And it's black widow... like common... who doesn't like to read about powerful/badass woman ?
She's trying to be good using the skills that made her bad in the first place. It's a really interesting theme. What's good, what's bad...
I don't have time for a full review, but I really enjoyed this. It's a easy and yet intriguing read that gives you a thirst for more. And it's black widow... like common... who doesn't like to read about powerful/badass woman ?
bigbear73's review against another edition
5.0
Let’s all be honest for a minute. There are some Marvel characters that are definitely benefiting from the movies. I grew up reading Marvel, and I didn’t care for Iron Man. Bring in RDJ’s take on him, and suddenly the whole character is more likable. The same with Thor and Hawkeye. And then there’s Black Widow, a character I barely even remember, and then Scarlett makes her shine like the sun.
Well, I’ve gotta tell you, Nathan Edmondson takes The Black Widow even further. Somehow fleshing our super-spy/assassin out while never really giving away any more of her mysterious past, these comics are a fantastically paced and fun adventure. I found myself getting more and more attached to her (and her supporting cast), and couldn’t wait to get back to this book every chance I got. Perhaps more telling than anything was my reaction on finishing; surfing the library and amazon at 12:30 at night looking for the next book.
I recommend this for any Marvel or Avengers fans, or just plain fans of awesome women in comics.
Well, I’ve gotta tell you, Nathan Edmondson takes The Black Widow even further. Somehow fleshing our super-spy/assassin out while never really giving away any more of her mysterious past, these comics are a fantastically paced and fun adventure. I found myself getting more and more attached to her (and her supporting cast), and couldn’t wait to get back to this book every chance I got. Perhaps more telling than anything was my reaction on finishing; surfing the library and amazon at 12:30 at night looking for the next book.
I recommend this for any Marvel or Avengers fans, or just plain fans of awesome women in comics.
rain_bee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5