Comic Book Reviews – Punisher #9 and Black Widow #9

Black Widow #9
Writer: Nathan Edmonson
Art and Cover: Phil Noto

Part two of Friend From Foe!

I find the dynamics between these two very interesting and I enjoyed reading the same scene with each of their internal dialogue because given all their similarities, they are extremely different people. I like these two together; they play very well off each other because they will always do what needs to be done to survive.

One thing that stood out to me about reading Natasha’s point of view after Frank’s is that she seems almost hypocritical in the fact she is so quick to condemn Frank of his actions when she is just as guilty and has left quite a bloodbath in her wake as well. This is emphasized when Frank is the one to prevent her from harming someone for information (whether it was just a threat or not, she looked serious). Their moral compasses are both skewed, but not necessarily in the same direction, and that’s ultimately why I like their chemistry.

My only complaint is that after reading both issues, the whole “crossover” thing feels a little forced because they cross paths very briefly in what I believed to be two completely unrelated stories converge. Hopefully Edmonson proves me wrong because I’ve been enjoying these titles since the start. He writes these characters really well, I just fear the crossover was rushed simply to see these two characters together.

Phil Noto is the perfect fit for this book, his lines and colors really give this book an incredible tone that keeps me coming back issue after issue. His artwork is absolutely flawless and he does such a beautiful Natasha. I could stare at his work for hours and his cover for the issue is extremelyclever. I hope he is on this book for the long haul.

Rating: 6 (Out of 7) – Crossover seemed a little forced on Natasha’s end but still a fun read with spectacular artwork.