Folding Paper & Spilling Ink

It's funny, I think I would have rated this book higher in the past, but after reading so many fantastic titles this year it's getting more difficult to totally blow my socks off. That's fantastic news for modern comics - we've come a long way in recent years. But enough about that: let's get to Black Widow!

First and foremost, Noto's art in this collection is outstanding. The style is realistic, rather than cartoonish, and has a 70s retro sort of vibe. The colors are subdued, almost washed out, and the overall feel is similar to that of a watercolor painting. Really, what I'm saying here, is that every panel is stunning. Very nice stuff.

The writing itself was also good, but it didn't blow me away. I can't say precisely why, but there was a little something missing to make this sparkle as much as I'd have liked. It's a more serious book, with few moments of humor, which is fitting given the titular character is known for being pretty stoic. This is going to be really appealing to people who like spy stories and a step away from the tongue-and-cheek humor that accompanies characters like Hawkeye. Black Widow herself is a kick-ass, sexy (though not sexualized), smart, and capable female protagonist - precisely the sort of character I'd love to see more of in the industry. All in all I'd say this is a win, especially for fans of female heroines.