3.5 stars.

So, this didn't get really good until the last 2 issues. I'm really finicky about the way Natasha is portrayed. She's one of my all time favorite characters and it really sucks that her solo books are usually awful (Itsy Bitsy Spider) or fantastic (Name of the Rose). This one was just kind of bland until the last 2 issues. I'm not Waid's biggest fan - I've yet to find something I love by him aside from the Archie series.

I commend this book for using silence well. Natasha isn't a character that should be quipping a lot and it makes a lot more sense to dial back the speech bubbles for this series. She's a highly trained assassin on a mission. Most of this storyline is told visually or through Natasha listening to other characters giving exposition. I think that was really smart.

The storyline itself is kind of bland. There were two interactions (with Anya and Tony) I kinda side-eyed because they were not only unbelievable but they were mighty convenient.

I like the art, especially in the action sequences. I think Natasha is characterized well here. I wish the first four issues were as good as the last 2. I own every issue of this series but this is the first time I'm actually reading them. I think the next six will be better.

Pretty good. Story is kind of Greg Rucka lite and art is Frank Milleresque

Ok story, but really good art. Fits the noir of Black Widow perfectly.

First Black Widow comic I've read. I don't believe she said more than two words for the first half of the book (lots of ass-kicking though). The second half picked up for me as the story seemed to become deeper. I'm looking forward to vol. 2

I was expecting to really like this, based on how I felt about the last Black Widow series, but I just was not into it.

The previous Black Widow series is so beautiful and well written that I was a little hesitant to start this new incarnation - my hesitation was unnecessary. The artwork is beautiful, the story is interesting, and I'm dying to read more!

If it hadn't had a plot, I might have given it five stars. When the comic is all about the art and action, it is perfect. There are moments with dialogue that really drives home the atmosphere that they've created. It nails being a modernized version of a 6os spy thriller.

Unfortunately, the story isn't that interesting. It didn't factor at all into my decision to keep reading. A standard story fits what they're doing with this series, but it was a little too similar to what is usually done with Black Widow.

Really glad I get to finally read this, it's been long requested and my requests at the library kept getting cancelled. Really enjoy the art style and Natasha's design.

Liked the story and the double and double crossing. I only got confused sometimes with the flashbacks cuz there wasn't much transition.

Kind of forgettable. BW delves into her origins and past associations to retrieve some hard to find secrets for a blackmailer before he can reveal BW's own secrets to the world. There is a lot of action, but not a great deal of plot or much good dialogue.