A comiXologist Recommends (The Black Widow movie you always wanted – in a comic book)

Black Widow #1

Story by Chris Samnee and Mark Waid

Art by Chris Samnee, Colors by Matt Wilson

You know that adrenaline rush you feel at the movies when the protagonist has the thrilling chase scene, fighting through a building, leaping out of a window, pursued by agents, stealing a motorcycle, blowing stuff up, all with the finesse of a well choreographed ballet? That’s how you’ll feel after reading this heart-pounding, cinematic Black Widow book.

The premise in the first issue is simple, but it sets up what promises to be a deep, character driven intrigue.  Natasha Romanoff has taken something important from SHIELD and Director Maria Hill cannot allow it.  Catching the Black Widow, however, is not so simple.  Light on plot and dialogue, the artwork for this action-packed extended chase actually tells us a lot about the new creative team’s take on Widow (new to the character, that is – you may recognize the Waid/Samnee/Wilson triumvirate from their recent Daredevil run).  Their Natasha is resourceful, resilient, and maybe a little reckless.  Her recklessness suggests that whatever all of this is about, it’s personal.  Pity the agent who catches up with her…

Fans of the Black Widow have long made it known that what they want is a Black Widow movie and when they want it is approximately five years ago now.  And while we’ll never give up hope for a movie, this book is an excellent chance to continue exploring the nuances of Natasha’s special skill set that makes her such a captivating character.  I highly recommend reading this one in Guided View. You can pretend you’re at the movies, plus it really enhances the action and encourages close looking at the absolutely gorgeous artwork.

Tia Vasiliou is a Digital Editor at ComiXology. Her special skill set includes ballet and liking Bucky Barnes a whole lot, so I’m just saying…  Has anyone ever actually seen her and Natasha Romanoff together in the same room…?