Finally caught up on this series. The story is much more dynamic in this volume, and a hell of a lot more interesting in hindsight now that

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Natasha's gone rogue

but I don't buy the reason she did at the end of this volume. I mean, Anderson Cooper? With all that hearsay he-said she-said bullshit 'reporting'? Don't buy it.

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And the very fact that there is a whole issue about how Natasha's work is being misconstrued by the public because of her status as an Avenger is problematic for me. First, I really dislike plot devices that use public opinion to paint the wrong picture in order to force characters to act a certain way.

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(In this case, having Maria tell the Avengers and SHIELD to cut all ties to Natasha. The fuck?)

Second, it's tough to believe that Natasha could still be doing spy work when HER FACE IS A VERY FAMOUS ONE. She wears no mask. Her catsuit and hair are incredibly iconic. Yes, she occasionally works in different outfits, but Tasha. Gurl. I know you're doing this to make up for the wrongs in your past, but you can't exactly keep being a SPY if the entire freaking world knows who you are.

While I love Phil Noto's art, I truly do, there's something about it that is very static, which doesn't work for a character like Natasha that should be all fluid, quick movement. His color work is astounding and the scenes that call for fixed poses are gorgeous, but the story loses some of its forward momentum when it comes to his action scenes.

That cover for #13, though.



That's the reason why I still love his art. His action scenes aren't the best, but damn if he isn't a great artist.