I’m not in the business of throwing shade at people. There are a lot of people out there who are quite adept at the takedown, and are more than willing to shed a few moments of their life to bring misery about on others, whereas I can’t generally be bothered. Generally.

Cover by Phil Noto

A few months ago when this new Black Widow title was announced, I was listening to a comic shop podcast from the states, and I heard the store’s manager express his confusion as to why Marvel would consider publishing a black Widow comic at this point in time. Normally, this is a person I greatly admire - his ability to champion books is almost second to none, and his sense of promotion is incredibly keen. Yet here he was, on a loud conduit to not only his customers, but to a large comic reading public, declaring this series to be without purpose before the first issue hit the stands. How is he supposed to sell this book when he’s told people there’s no reason for it to be on his stands before he has read it.

Needless to say, his words irked me. Luckily, Nathan Edmonson and Phil Noto were already busy preparing their response in he he form of one of the best Marvel launch issues since Hawkeye #1.

This issue opens with a scene that plays like a cold open to a tv show. In short order, we’re treated to a display of Natasha’s skills, and her temperament. We’re also told exactly what to expect from this series, the modus operandi set in the span of five pages before the issue’s main story truly begins. Armed with all you need to know, the adventure unfolds like a slick spy film with a decidedly sixties vibe. Edmondon’s taut script weaves twists with seemingly effortless motion while Noto’s astounding sense of colour and design turns the proceedings than something far more than the sum of it’s parts.

Art by Phil Noto

As alluded to above, reading this book left me with the same feeling I had when I read Hawkeye #1 - and that’s some high praise. About halfway through, I was scrambling to get to the Diamond website to order more copies to satisfy demand, knowing that I could sell far more copies than I had ordered, despite the fact that I’d ordered extra based off of the strength of the creative team alone. If you’re wondering whether or not this book is worth your time, stop it. Stop it right now. Go and grab this book. Grab it and hold it as though your life depends on it. It probably doesn’t, but hell, better safe than sorry, right?