Black Widow #1
Mark Waid (w), Chris Samnee (a)
Marvel Comics

Liz says: What I found refreshing about this first issue was how engaging it managed to be with almost no exposition at all. Mark Waid and Chris Samnee, (previously collaborating on Daredevil), have clearly got the formula down, and it’s to both of their credit that there’s very little information needed to get the ball rolling. Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, is on the run from S.H.I.E.L.D. after absconding with sensitive information. About ninety-five percent of the storytelling is done through the art, and artist Samnee does it beautifully and effectively. Not to be overlooked is Matthew Wilson’s coloring, which is tonally thrilling in bursts of fiery, tension-building reds and oranges as the Widow makes her explosive escape. If you’re after something dense and verbose, this may not be the book for you, but for a fun whirlwind of a first issue that tells you everything you need to know with needing to spell it out, look no further than this.