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Black Widow (2014)
Black Widow, Vol. 2: The Tightly Tangled Web
On a snowy night in Prague, Black Widow must fight her way out of disaster alongside the Winter Soldier! And as Isaiah’s London business turns complicated, Natasha finds herself fighting against — or alongside? — the Punisher for access to a deadly criminal network. But trapped on an exploding oil rig with Crossbones and his Skull Squad, will Frank and Natasha complete their missions — or take each other out? Then, Hawkeye is back! But could his fight with the Widow cost Isaiah his life? And in the wake of Wolverine’s death, Black Widow bonds with the despondent X-23 over punching and espionage, and teams up with the Howling Commandos for a dangerous mission in Afghanistan. But what will the Avengers do when they learn how Natasha has been spending her days off?
Collecting: Black Widow 7-12 & Punisher 9
Collecting: Black Widow 7-12 & Punisher 9
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2015
33 people are currently reading
2609 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Edmondson
215 books125 followersComic book and screenwriter Nathan Edmondson is a native of Augusta, GA. His Eisner-nominated book Who Is Jake Ellis? will soon be a major motion picture from 20th Century Fox, and The Activity film will come soon from Paramount Pictures. NPR has listed his work among the “Top 6 Comics to Draw You In” and USA Today and CNN are among those who have listed him in their Top 10 lists.
Nathan currently lives near Los Angeles, USA.
Nathan currently lives near Los Angeles, USA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
September 10, 2015
The dichotomy that is the Black Widow.
She’s a member of the Avengers, yet she prefers to work alone.
She’s an assassin, yet the Avengers frown upon killing.
She takes a certain amount of pleasure in killing a bad guy, yet she carries a huge weight of guilt around with her from her past.
Edmundson does a better job in this volume showing the Yin and Yang of Natasha’s inner struggle, but the plot strands can get murky. Edmundson throws in a bunch of guest stars: Punisher, Daredevil, Hawkeye, X-23, the new Howling Commandos*, but only the X-23 story really sticks out.
Again, Phil Noto’s artwork is stellar, but it I wanted to look at artwork sans context, I’d go to a museum.
*You can’t improve upon the classics. Case in point:
She’s a member of the Avengers, yet she prefers to work alone.
She’s an assassin, yet the Avengers frown upon killing.
She takes a certain amount of pleasure in killing a bad guy, yet she carries a huge weight of guilt around with her from her past.
Edmundson does a better job in this volume showing the Yin and Yang of Natasha’s inner struggle, but the plot strands can get murky. Edmundson throws in a bunch of guest stars: Punisher, Daredevil, Hawkeye, X-23, the new Howling Commandos*, but only the X-23 story really sticks out.
Again, Phil Noto’s artwork is stellar, but it I wanted to look at artwork sans context, I’d go to a museum.
*You can’t improve upon the classics. Case in point:
July 12, 2021
I feel the same way about this one as I did the first volume.
It's ok.
Some of the story was really interesting, like Natasha teaming up with X-23 to save her friend/lawyer...
And I liked the Anderson Cooper stuff, even though it was obviously just a gimmick, and (in all likelihood) wouldn't have even made it on the air in a real-life situation.
But other than that? Meh.
I would love to see some sort of personality emerge from this character. I get that she's a lone wolf/killer/assassin/super-spy kind of gal, but her inner monologue just bores the hell out of me.
Mopey, distant, & brooding don't exactly make for fun reading in a comic.
The palate of the book is really growing on me, though. Beautiful!
I'll read the next one, but it's not my favorite new title.
It's ok.
Some of the story was really interesting, like Natasha teaming up with X-23 to save her friend/lawyer...
And I liked the Anderson Cooper stuff, even though it was obviously just a gimmick, and (in all likelihood) wouldn't have even made it on the air in a real-life situation.
But other than that? Meh.
I would love to see some sort of personality emerge from this character. I get that she's a lone wolf/killer/assassin/super-spy kind of gal, but her inner monologue just bores the hell out of me.
Mopey, distant, & brooding don't exactly make for fun reading in a comic.
The palate of the book is really growing on me, though. Beautiful!
I'll read the next one, but it's not my favorite new title.
August 16, 2016
This was so good! I have to say, I definitely think I preferred it to The Finely Woven Thread! The storyline didn't feel *quite* as disorderly as it did in volume one, (although I still wish it wasn't all so disjointed, as it can definitely be hard to follow at times!)
I loved all the cameo's (hello Bucky, Spider-Man, Tony Stark AND Hawkeye?!?!) it was so much fun to see them integrated into Black Widow's story. I do wish there was more explanation - or I knew more - about the back stories between Natasha and the other marvel characters, I felt like I probably missed out on some plot points by not knowing...
Once again the art style is utterly gorgeous. And that ending!!!!!! I'm excited to see where this story leads and ends, as right now I have no idea. I'm hoping there is at least some kind of conclusion. :')
I loved all the cameo's (hello Bucky, Spider-Man, Tony Stark AND Hawkeye?!?!) it was so much fun to see them integrated into Black Widow's story. I do wish there was more explanation - or I knew more - about the back stories between Natasha and the other marvel characters, I felt like I probably missed out on some plot points by not knowing...
Once again the art style is utterly gorgeous. And that ending!!!!!! I'm excited to see where this story leads and ends, as right now I have no idea. I'm hoping there is at least some kind of conclusion. :')
May 15, 2015
Minor spoilers ahead, I guess, so… yeah!
When she’s not avenging, Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow is still doing missions on the side for money to pay off her conscience for the bad things she did way back when - but this second volume shows Nathan Edmondson’s already run this idea into the ground.
The missions themselves are largely unvaried: Natasha finds a target to protect or kill, faceless guards with guns shoot at her, she escapes – repeat. As if to make up for the lack of interest in the missions themselves, Natasha’s teamed up with a variety of characters: the Punisher, X-23, Winter Soldier, and she encounters Hawkeye, Daredevil and the Howling Commandos.
If you read Edmondson’s The Punisher, Volume 2: Border Crossing, then you’ve already read the two-part crossover between Natasha and Frank. Also, I thought the Howling Commandos were hunting Frank down – I presume they’re only hunting down one non-powered vigilante killer and are ok with Natasha? I thought Natasha and Frank were amigos though – wouldn’t she share Frank’s beef with them?
Once again, Edmondson’s hammering home the peculiar message that Natasha can only work alone (she’s a widow!) even though she’s been a big part of the Avengers for the longest time and she works alongside several other characters in this book! He’s also trying to hint that Natasha’s “losing control” or something? Neither of these ideas are at all convincingly written.
Anderson Cooper cameos at the end for some “hidden truths” about Natasha which are apparently shocking to the Avengers even though there’s no way they can’t already know this about her. Edmondson’s really grasping for anything in these issues, isn’t he?
If the writing is quite poor, Phil Noto’s art once more proves to be the strongest link in the chain. Gorgeous, gorgeous pages fill this book – if it weren’t for Noto, I don’t think I’d even be bothering with this series. I noticed a couple panels that looked a bit rugged – Nat looking suddenly quite chunky then back to being svelt in the next – but I’ll chalk that up to Noto gunning the engine to hit the monthly deadline because almost the entire book is flawlessly drawn in his unique style.
The Tightly Tangled Web is full of forgettable, unengaging stories centred around some badly thought out ideas but, like polishing a turd, Phil Noto pulls it all together with his fantastic art. Edmondson’s scripts have gotten worse since the first volume but I liked this second volume well enough for Noto’s contributions alone. It may not be a great read but Black Widow is still one of the best-looking Marvel titles being published right now.
When she’s not avenging, Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow is still doing missions on the side for money to pay off her conscience for the bad things she did way back when - but this second volume shows Nathan Edmondson’s already run this idea into the ground.
The missions themselves are largely unvaried: Natasha finds a target to protect or kill, faceless guards with guns shoot at her, she escapes – repeat. As if to make up for the lack of interest in the missions themselves, Natasha’s teamed up with a variety of characters: the Punisher, X-23, Winter Soldier, and she encounters Hawkeye, Daredevil and the Howling Commandos.
If you read Edmondson’s The Punisher, Volume 2: Border Crossing, then you’ve already read the two-part crossover between Natasha and Frank. Also, I thought the Howling Commandos were hunting Frank down – I presume they’re only hunting down one non-powered vigilante killer and are ok with Natasha? I thought Natasha and Frank were amigos though – wouldn’t she share Frank’s beef with them?
Once again, Edmondson’s hammering home the peculiar message that Natasha can only work alone (she’s a widow!) even though she’s been a big part of the Avengers for the longest time and she works alongside several other characters in this book! He’s also trying to hint that Natasha’s “losing control” or something? Neither of these ideas are at all convincingly written.
Anderson Cooper cameos at the end for some “hidden truths” about Natasha which are apparently shocking to the Avengers even though there’s no way they can’t already know this about her. Edmondson’s really grasping for anything in these issues, isn’t he?
If the writing is quite poor, Phil Noto’s art once more proves to be the strongest link in the chain. Gorgeous, gorgeous pages fill this book – if it weren’t for Noto, I don’t think I’d even be bothering with this series. I noticed a couple panels that looked a bit rugged – Nat looking suddenly quite chunky then back to being svelt in the next – but I’ll chalk that up to Noto gunning the engine to hit the monthly deadline because almost the entire book is flawlessly drawn in his unique style.
The Tightly Tangled Web is full of forgettable, unengaging stories centred around some badly thought out ideas but, like polishing a turd, Phil Noto pulls it all together with his fantastic art. Edmondson’s scripts have gotten worse since the first volume but I liked this second volume well enough for Noto’s contributions alone. It may not be a great read but Black Widow is still one of the best-looking Marvel titles being published right now.
April 21, 2015
My God, this is a beautiful book. I absolutely love the art. The muted paintings is an unusual choice for an action-heavy book like this, but I just love the way they look. This is definitely a book that will, visually, stand out from the crowd.
I have mixed feelings about the story, though. The missions can be cool, but they also tend to be disjointed. And although watching Natasha spiral downwards is interesting, to watch, I'm not sure I buy all of it. Still, I really like watching Natasha in action, and the team ups are first rate. Daredevil, Winter Soldier, X-23... Not just good characters to show up, but ones that I would expect to cross her path.
Then there's the Punisher team up. Which is actually not so bad. It was kind of an unusual choice for both books to run essentially the same story, but from different points of view. The Punisher issue is from his POV, and of course the Black Widow one is from hers. Reading these as single issues, it would have been nice to not necessarily need to pick up the issue from the series you don't read to understand what's going on, but it is a bit repetitive in trade.
I will at least say that the threat level has been raised quite a bit this time around, and there's a good cliffhanger at the end of the book. That much is an improvement over the first book, that tended to give Natasha opposition that was just beneath her. At least she seems challenged this time around, which gives this volume dramatic tension that the previous one just didn't have.
I have mixed feelings about the story, though. The missions can be cool, but they also tend to be disjointed. And although watching Natasha spiral downwards is interesting, to watch, I'm not sure I buy all of it. Still, I really like watching Natasha in action, and the team ups are first rate. Daredevil, Winter Soldier, X-23... Not just good characters to show up, but ones that I would expect to cross her path.
Then there's the Punisher team up. Which is actually not so bad. It was kind of an unusual choice for both books to run essentially the same story, but from different points of view. The Punisher issue is from his POV, and of course the Black Widow one is from hers. Reading these as single issues, it would have been nice to not necessarily need to pick up the issue from the series you don't read to understand what's going on, but it is a bit repetitive in trade.
I will at least say that the threat level has been raised quite a bit this time around, and there's a good cliffhanger at the end of the book. That much is an improvement over the first book, that tended to give Natasha opposition that was just beneath her. At least she seems challenged this time around, which gives this volume dramatic tension that the previous one just didn't have.
May 4, 2020
three stars ∗ wow...a cameo from my two true loves; bucky barnes and frank castle? automatic 5 stars. absolutely loved this installment and i am so very much eagerly waiting to go buy the last one!
November 4, 2015
Just a little below 4.5 stars.
I was a bit disappointed with this volume. There was plenty of action, but I’m not seeing the grand plan of the (hidden) antagonist. I'm still not sure just who is pulling the strings behind the scenes. There are hints, but I don’t really know.
The best part of this volume was in seeing Black Widow team up with some stone-cold killers, with former flame Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier making a surprise appearance, Frank Castle/Punisher in a perfectly timed appearance, and Laura Kinney/X-23 in a perfectly rage-filled appearance. There were also several cameos, this time with most of the Avengers and even Anderson Cooper (yes, CNN's Anderson Cooper) making appearances. Hawkeye made an appearance, as well, hunting Natasha for... someone.
The art by Noto was exceptionally good, and just the right level of minimalism for this character, who is always stating that she works alone.
I'll be looking for the next volume, just to see where the story goes and who the mastermind is behind all that is happening. Overall, this is very good, and well worth a long look.
I was a bit disappointed with this volume. There was plenty of action, but I’m not seeing the grand plan of the (hidden) antagonist. I'm still not sure just who is pulling the strings behind the scenes. There are hints, but I don’t really know.
The best part of this volume was in seeing Black Widow team up with some stone-cold killers, with former flame Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier making a surprise appearance, Frank Castle/Punisher in a perfectly timed appearance, and Laura Kinney/X-23 in a perfectly rage-filled appearance. There were also several cameos, this time with most of the Avengers and even Anderson Cooper (yes, CNN's Anderson Cooper) making appearances. Hawkeye made an appearance, as well, hunting Natasha for... someone.
The art by Noto was exceptionally good, and just the right level of minimalism for this character, who is always stating that she works alone.
I'll be looking for the next volume, just to see where the story goes and who the mastermind is behind all that is happening. Overall, this is very good, and well worth a long look.
April 29, 2018
I lightly harped on Volume 1 for being sort of stodgy, and it seems like in response (I'm going with another TV series analogy like in the first review) to make things interesting that BW's The Tightly Tangled Web went The Love Boat route - give 'em GUEST STARS! I'm talking Daredevil, Bucky 'Winter Soldier' Barnes, The Punisher, and - wait for it - Anderson Cooper (?!). Despite my questionable humor, this volume showed marginal improvement and had good action scenes.
February 15, 2015
Finally caught up on this series. The story is much more dynamic in this volume, and a hell of a lot more interesting in hindsight now that but I don't buy the reason she did at the end of this volume. I mean, Anderson Cooper? With all that hearsay he-said she-said bullshit 'reporting'? Don't buy it.
While I love Phil Noto's art, I truly do, there's something about it that is very static, which doesn't work for a character like Natasha that should be all fluid, quick movement. His color work is astounding and the scenes that call for fixed poses are gorgeous, but the story loses some of its forward momentum when it comes to his action scenes.
That cover for #13, though.
That's the reason why I still love his art. His action scenes aren't the best, but damn if he isn't a great artist.
While I love Phil Noto's art, I truly do, there's something about it that is very static, which doesn't work for a character like Natasha that should be all fluid, quick movement. His color work is astounding and the scenes that call for fixed poses are gorgeous, but the story loses some of its forward momentum when it comes to his action scenes.
That cover for #13, though.
That's the reason why I still love his art. His action scenes aren't the best, but damn if he isn't a great artist.
August 11, 2020
I liked this better than the first volume. The story was sometimes a bit confusing but mostly exciting, and that ending?!? Gods, I'm happy I already have the next volume ready!
While I'm not the biggest fan of the art and colors especially, it's definitely growing on me.
I loved all the cameos and team ups with other characters, and I now want to know everything about Nat and Bucky's and also Nat and Clint's past. Can't wait to read the final volume in the series!
---
Edit: Now that I've finished this series I can say this volume was officially my favorite of all three!
While I'm not the biggest fan of the art and colors especially, it's definitely growing on me.
I loved all the cameos and team ups with other characters, and I now want to know everything about Nat and Bucky's and also Nat and Clint's past. Can't wait to read the final volume in the series!
---
Edit: Now that I've finished this series I can say this volume was officially my favorite of all three!
May 17, 2021
Art
The art of this series is just exquisite and gorgeous - definitely one of the best I've ever seen in graphic novels. In fact, in my opinion, it even transcends the vibrant artwork of Black Panther series by Ta-Nehisi Coates in terms of intricate details and that how realistically beautiful the design is.
Narration
I love the way narration unfolds, initially the exposition at a slow pace and suddenly escalates during the sequence of action scenes, this blend made it more engaging and noteworthy.
Events
So, this volume was not a solo but crossovers with Winter Soilder, Punisher, Hawkeye and X-23. I found Ramanoff's reliance on emotions for motivation way too stronger than Punisher. Well, I've not read many Marvel comics to have an opinion but it was surprising to find characters who rely on emotions more than Punisher. Is that inconsistency (which is somewhat acceptable in comics) or just my ignorance?
The art of this series is just exquisite and gorgeous - definitely one of the best I've ever seen in graphic novels. In fact, in my opinion, it even transcends the vibrant artwork of Black Panther series by Ta-Nehisi Coates in terms of intricate details and that how realistically beautiful the design is.
Narration
I love the way narration unfolds, initially the exposition at a slow pace and suddenly escalates during the sequence of action scenes, this blend made it more engaging and noteworthy.
Events
So, this volume was not a solo but crossovers with Winter Soilder, Punisher, Hawkeye and X-23. I found Ramanoff's reliance on emotions for motivation way too stronger than Punisher. Well, I've not read many Marvel comics to have an opinion but it was surprising to find characters who rely on emotions more than Punisher. Is that inconsistency (which is somewhat acceptable in comics) or just my ignorance?
June 30, 2015
5 Words: Comic, Avengers, isolation, strength, danger.
CLIFFHAGER!
Noooo!
And there's ages to go until the next volume :(
I love Black Widow and this is by far the best arc I've read. It's amazing. Noto's art is exquisite and Edmondson writes her perfectly.
You meet a whole host of other characters in this volume, and I have to admit I was a little thrown by X-23 (who I'm checking out next, she's as kick-ass as Nat) but oh my god. Awesome. Amazing.
I quite liked The Punisher #9 suck in there too, seeing the story from a different perspective.
CLIFFHAGER!
Noooo!
And there's ages to go until the next volume :(
I love Black Widow and this is by far the best arc I've read. It's amazing. Noto's art is exquisite and Edmondson writes her perfectly.
You meet a whole host of other characters in this volume, and I have to admit I was a little thrown by X-23 (who I'm checking out next, she's as kick-ass as Nat) but oh my god. Awesome. Amazing.
I quite liked The Punisher #9 suck in there too, seeing the story from a different perspective.
September 4, 2015
Continuing Black Widow's mission to uncover who is behind the mysterious organization known as Chaos, this volume was a bit more interesting than the first, but more because of all the Marvel guest stars than because of the Widow herself.
This storyline is bloodier than most Marvel books, as Natasha and most of her allies do not display the reticence about killing that superheroes usually do in mainstream titles. Well, she doesn't kill as casually as, say, the Punisher (who makes a crossover appearance in this book from his own series), but those are definitely not all "grazing" shots she's firing at the mooks trying to kill her from Russia to a freighter in the Pacific.
Besides the Punisher, this volume features appearances by Daredevil (who I did not remember was Natasha's lover once upon a time), the Winter Soldier, X-23, and brief cameos by the Avengers. She continues her quest for answers, and becomes increasingly out of control. When Daredevil tells her she's starting to lose it, you kind of expect that, because Daredevil is a goody-goody, and Black Widow, even as a hero, is... not. But when she's gets told by the freaking Punisher that she's getting too amped up and violent... yeah, that's a bad sign.
I still didn't really find the story that captivating, as the Marvel Universe doesn't really yet need another secret organization of secret bad guys. But the art remains top notch.
This storyline is bloodier than most Marvel books, as Natasha and most of her allies do not display the reticence about killing that superheroes usually do in mainstream titles. Well, she doesn't kill as casually as, say, the Punisher (who makes a crossover appearance in this book from his own series), but those are definitely not all "grazing" shots she's firing at the mooks trying to kill her from Russia to a freighter in the Pacific.
Besides the Punisher, this volume features appearances by Daredevil (who I did not remember was Natasha's lover once upon a time), the Winter Soldier, X-23, and brief cameos by the Avengers. She continues her quest for answers, and becomes increasingly out of control. When Daredevil tells her she's starting to lose it, you kind of expect that, because Daredevil is a goody-goody, and Black Widow, even as a hero, is... not. But when she's gets told by the freaking Punisher that she's getting too amped up and violent... yeah, that's a bad sign.
I still didn't really find the story that captivating, as the Marvel Universe doesn't really yet need another secret organization of secret bad guys. But the art remains top notch.
November 23, 2014
Phil Noto's art: 10/10 always.
Nathan Edmondson's writing: ehh. ok.
Nathan Edmondson's writing: ehh. ok.
June 22, 2015
Absolutely one of the BEST Black Widow comics I have ever read, especially in terms of artwork. Loved this to pieces! <3
July 6, 2021
I'm really looking forward to seeing the upcoming Black Widow movie, and luckily my library hold on the second volume of this series just came in. I really like the art style here just as I did in the first volume, and it's fun to see other characters from the wider Marvel universe pop up. We get to see Hawkeye, Laura aka X-23, and the Winter Soldier as well as a few other familiar faces. That said I'm not as familiar with the comics iterations of some of them. I do know I really want to read more X-23 stories after seeing her appear in a few other favorites.
July 12, 2023
I definitely liked this one more than the first volume - the plot was getting more detailed and interesting and I loved all of the cameos! The art was also amazing once again! Looking forward to seeing how this series ends :)
July 20, 2015
This would be a decent follow-up to volume one, except that there are far too many guest appearances that don't serve any purpose, and end up making Black Widow look/feel less than herself. Daredevil is there at the beginning and he's completely useless except to make Natasha feel bad about herself like a jackass, and make her doubt her moral compass. Like he's so perfect and has the right to be self-righteous?
The Winter Soldier teams up with Black Widow for a bit, and even though I haven't read much about him, he seems pretty cool. Really, though, there's no point to him being there other than they're on separate missions that intersect. He doesn't make Nat feel bad about herself (Am I supposed to be thankful for that now?), but his "cool" factor is amped up so much it feels like Widow's just a side character. Not good when it's a Black Widow title.
Then there's The Punisher, who's also unnecessary, and he also makes Nat feel like she should doubt herself by saying things like, "Don't let your emotions lead the way". Um. She doesn't seem that emotional to me. Ruthless, maybe, but sometimes she needs to be.
And then the next issue is complete FILLER that repeats exactly the same story from the previous issue, but from the Punisher's perspective. Art by Mitch Gerads, whose line-y, blocky-coloured work is "meh" compared to Phil Noto's loveliness. Seriously, it's pointless and a waste of space and good paper. I might not have minded as much if it had been a different encounter between the two, or if it showed me something interesting about the Punisher that would make me curious about his character. Nope. Bleh.
Next up: Clint Barton Hawkeye. He spends the issue trying to sabotage Widow's mission because, oh no, she's being morally ambiguous again! *rolls eyes*
And then, mercifully, there's X-23. She's there to back up Black Widow, and she does it in every way - thank frikkin goodness. They're a real team, with neither outshining the other, and both exuding confidence, capability, and power. On top of that, there's emotional support between them. Not only does Laura kick ass for Nat, she builds up her sense of self-confidence and morality. She allows Nat to exercise her moral boundaries without making Laura seem morally unsteady, and they trust each other to know where the line is and not to cross it. After the mission, Laura acknowledges Nat's anger at whoever's messing with her life, and understands it. Nat, in turn, offers her the closest thing she can to an admission of friendship, trust, and encouragement.
Why did all the other heroes have to put Widow down when they could have shown more moments like this?! It's like a big "guys know better than Widow" book, but X-23 comes along to cheer her up and make her feel like herself again.
In the final issue, Nat's morality is called into question again, this time on television. And the Avengers are doubting her too. Lovely. Because there hasn't already been enough Widow-squashing in this book. Then, just to punish her some more, something bad happens.
Okay.
This review has been ranty. It should be. I'm annoyed at how most of the guests treat Nat when, as far as I'm concerned, she hasn't done anything to deserve it. So she's not a black-and-white "good guy", but she's trying, as difficult as it is. She doesn't need everyone else reminding her of her past failures and inadequacies. X-23 and the way she interacts with Widow are the only shining light in this book, and it's almost good enough to make up for everything else to see someone treat Widow properly (and without outshining her). They should team up again. Overall, the story is more like several different missions put together and not one flowing story. Meh.
4 stars for the X-23 issue, 2 stars for everything else.
Side-note: Laura's appearance reminds me of Jessica Drew and now I want a Black Widow/Spider-Woman team-up. That would be amusing.
The Winter Soldier teams up with Black Widow for a bit, and even though I haven't read much about him, he seems pretty cool. Really, though, there's no point to him being there other than they're on separate missions that intersect. He doesn't make Nat feel bad about herself (Am I supposed to be thankful for that now?), but his "cool" factor is amped up so much it feels like Widow's just a side character. Not good when it's a Black Widow title.
Then there's The Punisher, who's also unnecessary, and he also makes Nat feel like she should doubt herself by saying things like, "Don't let your emotions lead the way". Um. She doesn't seem that emotional to me. Ruthless, maybe, but sometimes she needs to be.
And then the next issue is complete FILLER that repeats exactly the same story from the previous issue, but from the Punisher's perspective. Art by Mitch Gerads, whose line-y, blocky-coloured work is "meh" compared to Phil Noto's loveliness. Seriously, it's pointless and a waste of space and good paper. I might not have minded as much if it had been a different encounter between the two, or if it showed me something interesting about the Punisher that would make me curious about his character. Nope. Bleh.
Next up: Clint Barton Hawkeye. He spends the issue trying to sabotage Widow's mission because, oh no, she's being morally ambiguous again! *rolls eyes*
And then, mercifully, there's X-23. She's there to back up Black Widow, and she does it in every way - thank frikkin goodness. They're a real team, with neither outshining the other, and both exuding confidence, capability, and power. On top of that, there's emotional support between them. Not only does Laura kick ass for Nat, she builds up her sense of self-confidence and morality. She allows Nat to exercise her moral boundaries without making Laura seem morally unsteady, and they trust each other to know where the line is and not to cross it. After the mission, Laura acknowledges Nat's anger at whoever's messing with her life, and understands it. Nat, in turn, offers her the closest thing she can to an admission of friendship, trust, and encouragement.
Why did all the other heroes have to put Widow down when they could have shown more moments like this?! It's like a big "guys know better than Widow" book, but X-23 comes along to cheer her up and make her feel like herself again.
In the final issue, Nat's morality is called into question again, this time on television. And the Avengers are doubting her too. Lovely. Because there hasn't already been enough Widow-squashing in this book. Then, just to punish her some more, something bad happens.
Okay.
This review has been ranty. It should be. I'm annoyed at how most of the guests treat Nat when, as far as I'm concerned, she hasn't done anything to deserve it. So she's not a black-and-white "good guy", but she's trying, as difficult as it is. She doesn't need everyone else reminding her of her past failures and inadequacies. X-23 and the way she interacts with Widow are the only shining light in this book, and it's almost good enough to make up for everything else to see someone treat Widow properly (and without outshining her). They should team up again. Overall, the story is more like several different missions put together and not one flowing story. Meh.
4 stars for the X-23 issue, 2 stars for everything else.
Side-note: Laura's appearance reminds me of Jessica Drew and now I want a Black Widow/Spider-Woman team-up. That would be amusing.
January 31, 2022
Love that. This run is such good Natasha content. We get cameos from multiple different Avengers but I gotta say the issue with the Winter Soldier had me by the NECK. 😭😭
It really took me out that while on different missions, Natasha was interrogating people for information but Daredevil and the Punisher had to tell her to stop. Iconic. Though the fact that she used to date Matt Murdock really got me going ????
I loved that this entire volume is just her going on missions besides one overarching part where she had to save her lawyer. The spy vibe is 10/10 and her winter suit with the wings was cool.
Like the first issue the art is gorgeous as hell and I'm in love with the style and color palette. I have nothing bad to say, I just want to give them kisses for this great Black Widow run.
It really took me out that while on different missions, Natasha was interrogating people for information but Daredevil and the Punisher had to tell her to stop. Iconic. Though the fact that she used to date Matt Murdock really got me going ????
I loved that this entire volume is just her going on missions besides one overarching part where she had to save her lawyer. The spy vibe is 10/10 and her winter suit with the wings was cool.
Like the first issue the art is gorgeous as hell and I'm in love with the style and color palette. I have nothing bad to say, I just want to give them kisses for this great Black Widow run.
April 17, 2015
This was an orgy of awesomeness. You get Daredevil, the Punisher, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Anderson Cooper?! My heart was full with delight. I wish I had the next book already. The story is just getting good.
April 26, 2015
Oh all the great appearances! You get to see Daredevil, Hawkeye, Tony Stark and a very very very badass Black Widow!! <3
As said before I love the artwork. The color choice is always so fitting for the story and the overall picture is really beautiful to look at.
As said before I love the artwork. The color choice is always so fitting for the story and the overall picture is really beautiful to look at.
August 14, 2015
Umm could you please finally make a Black Widow movie @ Marvel?
November 12, 2015
BUCKYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
May 2, 2024
Gostei bastante do volume 2 tambem. Tem alguns personagens que aparecem aqui: daredevil, punisher, Bucky, a x23, o clint e alguns dos vingadores. Gostei bastante de ver eles integrados em uma historia da viuva negra
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Voltando aqui. Tinha escrito essa review no ipad dae escrevi super pouco pq o teclado do ipad é mt grande KKKKK Mas agr venho com as minhas consideraçoes de sempre sobre o amor da minha vida: o bucky -> escolheram colocar ele com aquele design antigo de mascara + cabelo curto, entao infelizmente nao tenho nenhuma observaçao a fazer sobre o cabelo dele. POREM acho que perderam mt a oportunidade, ele de cabelo longo aqui ia amassar demaisssssss pq essa arte tem uns tons meio aquarela fluidos, o cabelo dele ia ficar lindo.
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Voltando aqui. Tinha escrito essa review no ipad dae escrevi super pouco pq o teclado do ipad é mt grande KKKKK Mas agr venho com as minhas consideraçoes de sempre sobre o amor da minha vida: o bucky -> escolheram colocar ele com aquele design antigo de mascara + cabelo curto, entao infelizmente nao tenho nenhuma observaçao a fazer sobre o cabelo dele. POREM acho que perderam mt a oportunidade, ele de cabelo longo aqui ia amassar demaisssssss pq essa arte tem uns tons meio aquarela fluidos, o cabelo dele ia ficar lindo.
May 6, 2019
Thanks to Comixology Unlimited I am getting a chance to read these Black Widow adventures. This is the way the Widow should be written: as a spy/special operator, and not really as a super-hero. Maybe throw in a Bond type villain, but the Black Widow is out of place fighting Thanos or threats like that. Spies, assassins, and special ops, those are her elements.
I just need to keep track of which versions I am reading, the collections from 2014 or 2015? To see which ones tie together. I think my next Volume will be in the this series, I am ready to see how this collections ends. Then I will go back and finish the collection from the year before.
You have to admit, it is tough to be a spy once your face is all over the tv and web as an Avenger.
I just need to keep track of which versions I am reading, the collections from 2014 or 2015? To see which ones tie together. I think my next Volume will be in the this series, I am ready to see how this collections ends. Then I will go back and finish the collection from the year before.
You have to admit, it is tough to be a spy once your face is all over the tv and web as an Avenger.
April 21, 2017
2.5 stars, rounded up because no matter how many problems I have with this, it's still Black Widow.
My main problem is that I had no real idea of what was going on. It just seemed like it jumped around so much that just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening, everything changed. Only a few things really seemed to connect, so I'm hoping the next volume will build on that so I can enjoy it some more.
My main problem is that I had no real idea of what was going on. It just seemed like it jumped around so much that just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening, everything changed. Only a few things really seemed to connect, so I'm hoping the next volume will build on that so I can enjoy it some more.
February 11, 2023
I love Phil Noto's art style and I loved to see Natasha teaming up with some other characters that I love, even if it was for a short time, but I can't deny the fact that Natasha lacks personality or/and character growth in this comic run. It makes me sad, because she's one of my favourite marvel characters. It was an okay read after all.
April 13, 2021
sir bucky? miss nat? oh my god
April 7, 2016
Still not great, but some pretty fun cameos.
I think part of my problem with this series is that I desperately want it to be Velvet and it's not. I want Brubaker writing a Black Widow story because I just don't think Edmondson is good enough at that kind of suspenseful spy story. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. It does a good job portraying the dark and light sides of Widow. It's just...she doesn't feel like anything except a femme fatale cardboard cutout. I've liked Black Widow in the past because she had a personality, not because she spent all her time either killing or moping. She does run team up with both Punisher and X-23 however, which makes it worth the three stars and worth reading at least if you like Black Widow stories.
And seriously....Edmondson...please for the love of God, enough with the spider references. Black Widow = Spider. We get it. We got it like four issues ago.
Full series review here
I think part of my problem with this series is that I desperately want it to be Velvet and it's not. I want Brubaker writing a Black Widow story because I just don't think Edmondson is good enough at that kind of suspenseful spy story. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. It does a good job portraying the dark and light sides of Widow. It's just...she doesn't feel like anything except a femme fatale cardboard cutout. I've liked Black Widow in the past because she had a personality, not because she spent all her time either killing or moping. She does run team up with both Punisher and X-23 however, which makes it worth the three stars and worth reading at least if you like Black Widow stories.
And seriously....Edmondson...please for the love of God, enough with the spider references. Black Widow = Spider. We get it. We got it like four issues ago.
Full series review here
May 12, 2016
Storyline: 2 stars.
Artwork: 4 stars.
Noto's art is far better than the storyline and this volume is almost a long list of "Marvel team-ups" and a parade of former Natasha's lovers... Daredevil, Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, even Spider-Man in an old issue of Marvel Team Up..
The crossover with the Punisher and the X-23 issue are my most favourite parts of this volume.
Good ending but the missions seemed almost all the same to me and the spy-story flat and not so much interesting.
Not too bad, but it could be far better.
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