As a Spider-Man fan, I joked that the real “Hoodie Lac” that Webhead has is to date a woman who is out of his league (or other people’s league). There’s no more truth than Felicia Hardy, aka Black Cat. A gorgeous robber who wants to wander around a superhero? Very unlikely, but it worked. Over the years, other creators, especially Jed McKay, fleshing out Felicia, and now G. Willow Wilson and Gleb Melnikov have stepped into the spotlight with Black Cat #1.
Like most good stories, Black Cat #1 begins with Felicia and media resolution at the Nurse Hospital at Night. After that, we turn the clock back. While commanding one of her robbers, Felicia actually tried to contact Spider-Man and do nothing to be lucky. Those reading Joe Kelly’s Amazing Spider-Man know that Webhead dropped “Friendly Neighborhood” from his long list of adjectives. With the lizard’s run-in, Felicia considers going on the path of heroism, but any superhero fan can convey the path of righteousness to rocky paths.
Most of the attention of Black Cat #1 is probably in the fact that Wilson has been marking Wilson’s first Marvel job since finishing his run at Ms. Marvel. I personally think that this series serves as a counterpart to her work on the poison Ivy, who has incorporated DC’s plant-based buddy and has made her a richer character. Wilson takes the same approach. As Felicia slowly begins to reveal the work she needs to be a black cat (more than a light-skinned bodysuit and the power of bad luck), giving the situation a bit of wit, Wilson talks to Felicia to the audience.
Amazing
The decision to become Felicia’s hero is not immediate, but it slowly reaches her after a series of escalating events. Wilson keeps his pace attractive, not moving too fast or two slowly, delivering Felicia’s inspiration like thunder from heaven. It’s fun to see how future issues show that she’s adapting to heroism, and if the ending is any indication, she’ll have some threats in her way as well.
Melnikov treats the interior of Black Cat #1 with all the grace and charm of the honorable protagonist. Even as Felicia runs across the rooftop, things are constantly moving, whether they’re intertwined with the lizard or not. Melnikov also has a fun way to show how Felicia’s powers of misfortune work. One panel displays random events that cause signs to fall or antenna bends, while the next panel displays fallout. The reptile supervillain is literally three times the size of Felicia, so he makes the lizard look amazing.
Brian Lever also deserves many credits for his rich visual hues. The sunset slowly bleeds into neon-lit alleys in New York, but the Night Nurse hospital carries the expected cold clincal blue filter to the hospital. He also works in conjunction with Joe Caramana to translate the lizard’s groan into actual human speeches. Through it, Felicia remains constant due to her signature silver hair and black catsuit.
Black Cat #1 sets the path for felony cats to become true heroes, offering a lot of humor and action along the way. Wilson and Melnikov provide a witty and interesting look to the fan favorite characters loved by longtime Spider fans and newcomers.
“Black Cat” #1 marks a new era of felony cats
Black Cat #1
Black Cat #1 sets the path for felony cats to become true heroes, offering a lot of humor and action along the way. Wilson and Melnikov provide a witty and interesting look to the fan favorite characters loved by longtime Spider fans and newcomers.
Wilson’s script is full of wit, not to mention the interesting hooks for Felicia to become a superhero.
Melnikov’s artwork has many fluid movements, not to mention attention to detail.
Brian Leber’s colour and Joe Caramana’s letter bring life to Felicia’s inner voice.
It’s also a great read for Spider-Man fans and newcomers.
Continuing to add layers to the Black Cat, making her even more interesting character.
