Black Widow & Hawkeye #1

by Stephanie Phillips

Black Widow & Hawkeye #1

Illustrated by: Paolo Villanelli

Cover Art by: Stephen Segovia

Written by: Stephanie Phillips

Release date: March 13th, 2024

Marvel Comics

*Minor Spoilers Ahead

THE EYES OF A HAWK AND THE VENOM OF A WIDOW!
Even when Black Widow and Hawkeye had no one to trust, they still had each other – even though their paths sometimes diverged. So when Clint Barton is accused of a rogue assassination attempt that puts the U.S. and Madripoor at odds, a symbiote-equipped Natasha Romanoff thinks nothing of coming to his aid. But as echoes of their past ripple into the present, it will take all their faith in each other – and the lessons learned along the way – to protect their futures.
Join fan-favorite creators Stephanie Phillips (ROGUE & GAMBIT, CAPWOLF & THE HOWLING COMMANDOS) and Paolo Villanelli (CAPTAIN MARVEL: DARK TEMPEST, STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS) as they celebrate sixty years of Black Widow and Hawkeye with this new chapter IN the pair’s storied legacy!

Stephanie Phillips and Paolo Villanelli have teamed up to deliver an electrifying start to the Black Widow & Hawkeye #1 series, bringing to life the symbiotic relationship between two iconic Marvel characters. With cover art by Stephen Segovia setting the tone, this issue dives headfirst into a gripping narrative that explores trust, loyalty, and the enduring bond between Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton.

In this thrilling installment, Phillips intricately weaves a tale of intrigue and suspense as Hawkeye finds himself embroiled in accusations of a rogue assassination attempt. With the U.S. and Madripoor on the brink of conflict, Black Widow, equipped with a symbiote, rushes to his aid without hesitation. As the story unfolds, echoes of their past reverberate into the present, challenging the duo to rely on their shared history and unwavering trust in each other to navigate the perilous path ahead.

One of the highlights of Black Widow & Hawkeye #1 is the dynamic between the titular characters. Phillips captures the essence of their relationship, portraying them as both allies and confidants who have weathered countless storms together. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry palpable, and their unwavering loyalty to one another shines through, even in the face of adversity.

Paolo Villanelli’s artwork brings the narrative to life with stunning visuals that leap off the page. From intense action sequences to poignant character moments, Villanelli’s attention to detail and dynamic compositions enhance the storytelling, immersing readers in the world of Black Widow and Hawkeye.

While the inclusion of a symbiote-equipped Natasha may raise some eyebrows among fans, Phillips handles the concept with finesse, seamlessly integrating it into the narrative while still staying true to the core of the characters. It adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story and sets the stage for thrilling confrontations to come.

As a fan of Stephanie Phillips’ previous work, I may be biased, but I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this inaugural issue. While some readers may opt to wait for the trade paperback release, I believe the serialized format adds to the anticipation and excitement of each installment. Moreover, the relevance of the storyline to the MCU Avengers adds an extra layer of appeal for fans of the cinematic universe.

However, one minor criticism lies in the reliance on symbiote-based storytelling for Natasha’s character. While it adds a unique twist to her abilities, there’s merit in preserving the distinct identities of beloved Marvel characters without constant modification.

Black Widow & Hawkeye #1 sets the stage for an exhilarating journey through the streets of Marvel’s action-packed universe. With Phillips’ captivating storytelling and Villanelli’s dynamic artwork, this series promises to be a must-read for fans of the dynamic duo.

Black Widow & Hawkeye #1 is available on our comic book wall and can be placed on your weekly pull list.