So it's been nine years since Scarlett Johansson took on the role of Black Widow. Finally, it's been announced that a solo movie is in the works. It only took most of a decade. Ant-Man got two solo movies in that time. So why does the world hate this Russian operative so much?
When I look back at Johansson's time in the role, I can only think of one memorable scene. It was that market fight in Civil War. That was the absolute shit. That alone should have greenlit a solo movie and two sequels. But other than that, I come up short. I think she jumped off a bridge in Winter Soldier. I mean, I know she's had fight scenes, but most of the time Black Widow just seems to stand off to the side, looking concerned.
Black Widow has fared somewhat better in the comics, but still hasn't managed to maintain an ongoing series for more than a couple of years. It's difficult to understand why. She is as classic a Marvel character as you can expect, forged deep in the Cold War by Stan Lee. She's like the Punisher but with more class and brains. She's beautiful, and is connected to most of the major players in the Marvel Universe, either through her connections to SHIELD, the Avengers, or just being there whenever she's needed. Scratch any Marvel fan, and you'll find some love for Natasha Romanov. So what gives?
So Marvel is trying to right this wrong again with Black Widow #1.
To their credit, Marvel went outside the usual stable of expected writers, entrusting the Widow's adventures to twin Canadian horror film directors, Jen and Sylvia Soska. This is the point in a review where most people will point out that their film catalogue includes a movie called Dead Hooker In A Trunk. They are also doing a Rabid re-make, bringing back a classic Canadian horror movie. So they can bring the edge, but can they write a decent comic?
Well, yes, they can. Black Widow is clearly written by people who love the character. In this first issue, Widow and Captain America team up to take down some douchebag terrorists. Widow has a more final way of dealing with them that causes a small rift between herself and the good Captain. Fed up with him and with the fuckery she has endured over the past few years (namely the Secret Empire mini-series), Widow packs her bags and heads to Madripoor to blow off steam.
Madripoor is where most tough heroes go to blow off steam, apparently. I think Wolverine books a week there every year or so. Since this Southeast Asia country is lawless and corrupt, Widow finds people to piss off and punch, and exploited people who clearly need her help.
I am becoming the world's Number One expert on Number One comic books. As Number Ones go, this isn't the cookie cutter formula realized. It is my much respected opinion that the Soska Sisters are more focused on giving us a great adventure story with fights and great dialogue than explaining just who Black Widow is. And that's fine. I think the only people who pick up the cursed Black Widow ongoings are the sad souls who love her already.
(They also give us a scene where it looks like Captain America is checking out Widow's ass, which may make my Best of 2019 in my much awaited Year In Review.)
Flaviano brings the art to this book, and while I was initially skeptical, I was in love with it by the end of the issue. It's a rougher pencil than I usually like, but the motion and page construction are just spot on. Veronica Gandini's colours really help to pop the pages, especially in the many night time cityscape scenes. The initial shot of Madripoor is also quite impressive as well.
So Black Widow #1 is a pretty good book, setting Natasha Romanov off on another attempt at an ongoing. Let's hope this one breaks the curse.
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