Black Cat #1 Everything You Want in Felicia Hardy Comic (Review)

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G. Willow Wilson, known for creating Ms. Marvel and penning numerous Poison Ivy tales, is now diving into the world of Black Cat. Felicia Hardy has been beautifully portrayed by Jed Mackay in recent times, capturing her playful personality better than any contemporary Marvel writer. Wilson continues this lighthearted approach with Black Cat, painting Felicia as a character who revels in the thrill of theft for its own sake. In Wilson’s Black Cat #1, while the storyline isn’t convoluted, it establishes an intriguing new phase for the character. It’s a promising debut issue for a fresh comic, excellently showcasing what makes the character appealing.

In this comic, some parts don’t quite flow smoothly due to the frequent breaking of the fourth wall, where Felicia talks directly to the readers. Although Marvel is known for characters who break the fourth wall with witty comments, it makes Felicia seem less distinctive. The humor often works best when it stems from Felicia’s personality and circumstances rather than her interactions with the reader. Some jokes in the first issue don’t quite hit the mark because Felicia’s carefree demeanor can diminish the impact of certain moments. Interestingly, even Felicia’s significant decision at the end of the comic feels more like a humorous twist than a meaningful reveal. However, there’s still much to appreciate in this debut issue as Wilson demonstrates a solid understanding of Black Cat’s character voice.

Black Cat #1 Is a Solid First Issue

In the first issue of “Black Cat,” the storyline takes a turn away from “Amazing Spider-Man,” focusing on the fallout from Spider-Man’s battle with Hellgate and his unexpected personality change. Some elements from “Amazing Spider-Man” are continued, particularly Spider-Man’s cold demeanor, which might confuse readers new to “Black Cat.” However, the enigma surrounding Spider-Man doesn’t hinder the issue significantly. Instead, Wilson skillfully manages both the continuing narrative in “Amazing Spider-Man” and makes “Black Cat #1” accessible for new readers.

In the first issue, Felicia, who’s still worried about Spider-Man’s fate, suspects that the increased hostility from authorities towards her might be due to the absence of Spidey as a distraction. It’s typical of Felicia to use Peter’s current circumstances to draw attention to herself, which some fans might find self-centered. However, Wilson balances this characterization by showing Felicia’s genuine concern for Spider-Man, even in the midst of her battles with the Lizard and the increased law enforcement pressure.

At the end of the issue, Felicia makes a humorous declaration that stems from a rather self-serving perspective. Despite her fluctuating role as either a hero or a villain, Black Cat always maintains an edge to distinguish herself from others. If she acts out of kindness, she risks blending in with other superheroes.

In a somewhat unexpected choice, artist Gleb Melnikov, known for his solid and stylized illustrations, might raise eyebrows as the selected artist for the Black Cat comic. Melnikov’s artwork leans towards a more cartoony and blocky style that suits action comics and masculine characters well. However, Black Cat is a character whose appeal lies in sensual depictions, often referred to as fan service. Unfortunately, Melnikov’s art doesn’t capture the allure required for such scenes.

On the positive side, Melnikov excels at action sequences and bringing out each character’s personality through their facial expressions. Although Felicia’s features may appear over-the-top or goofy to some, Melnikov effectively brings her character to life. The first issue includes numerous fan service elements and provocative scenes, with a notable instance being Felicia enjoying a steamy bath. However, the art doesn’t fully capture the sensuality required for that scene. Yet, Melnikov demonstrates his strength in depicting dynamic fights and expressive character faces.

The debut issue of “Black Cat #1” proves to be a hit for its creative team, providing a delightful read filled with humor and emotion. In keeping with her tradition, Felicia maintains her strong presence as the main character, suggesting that Marvel has now struck an ideal balance for this character. Black Cat may not be inherently good, but neither is she entirely evil – a fact that Wilson skillfully conveys.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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2025-08-20 16:11