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It’s always exciting to see villains or second tier heroes get their own book. I’m talking folks like Gambit, Rogue, or in this case, Black Cat. After reading the first issue of this series, I’m convinced Jed MacKay could keep this one going for some time. The second issue is out today and it explores the magical side of thieving.
So what’s it about?
Read the preview.
Why does this matter?
This series is doing some heavy lifting to give Black Cat some proper henchmen she can trust and a proper back story connecting her father to her current mission. The world of thievery is robust in the Marvel universe and it appears this series is going to flesh it out further.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
MacKay clearly understands that a good heist requires good banter. There are droves of it in this issue between Black Cat and her goons who are trying to stay alive as they break into Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Santorum. The dialogue is funny, probing of character, and interesting. At the same time, Black Cat is running her own narration via captions keeping you up to date on who their “Merlin” is and allowing us to get her take on things. This makes the dialogue pop even further since it gives us another side of the perspective. She might say a thing, but she can think something entirely different. It’s like a good bit of jazz and the comic is paced well because of it.
The art by Travel Foreman is great at delivering very subtle facial expressions and thus very subtle emotions. A smirk can tell a lot about the character, or a frown that turns into faint interest can add droves of storytelling. There are some creative panels here that are show stoppers too. Take for instance a shot of Felecia standing outside Doctor Strange’s house and a ray of light spills out in front of her. An excellent Exorcist reference if I ever saw one.
This issue also has some clever use of flashbacks and cutaways to keep the pace moving and the reader learning. That includes a key flashback for Felecia and a development with the security character from the last issue that spices things up.
It can’t be perfect, can it?
My only complaint is the issue seems to end too soon. Another panel, a full page splash of what sort of threat Felicia and her guys are against, would have enhanced the cliffhanger. As it stands you can guess the threat, but that last panel left me wanting.
Is it good?
If you thought the first issue was good you’ll love the character work and dialogue of the second. The story is developing nicely and there’s some fabulous art to go with it.
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