- Creator and Artist: Jamie Tyndall
- Writer, Co-Creator, Letterer: Benny R. Powell
- Penciler and Inker: Iwan Nazif
- Colorist: Fahriza Kamaputra
- Editor: Jenna Powell
Thanks to Absolute Comics for the review copy!
WHITE WIDOW #1 is a reprint of the first issue of the series, which was so successful it sold out. This edition features eight extra pages, including two pages of story, to add an additional incentive to check it out. WHITE WIDOW is also part of the “Absolute Universe” shared universe of comics. The introduction helpfully provides a brief description about the related series. From what I can tell, no knowledge of those series is needed to enjoy issue 1.
As is often the case with movies/comics/tv, Issue 1 picks up in the middle of the story, with White Widow in the middle of a situation, then flashes back to introduce us to the character and provide her origin story. The first issue does a commendable job of setting up the character and teasing some mysteries.
White Widow’s black spider on white costume design bears a strong resemblance to Spider-Man/Spider-Woman/Carnage. Her powers, while still not totally clear, seem to be a bit different so I doubt Marvel will be filling any cease and desist orders. Another big difference? This book has way more blood. The action scenes in particular were cleverly drawn, providing a great sense of movement. One move in particular was so awesome it made me wince a bit.
This issue is a pretty straightforward origin story, with some effective characterization of its heroine, establishing White Widow, and giving hints of interesting things to come. The book’s violence, curse words, and form fitting costume (plus a bikini volleyball scene) skew this book to more mature readers. If you are considering getting in on the Absolute Universe, this is a perfect place to start. The end of issue #1 teases some more information about the big picture, which I am keen to learn about.
WHITE WIDOW #1 is now available
Check back soon for my thoughts on the second issue of the series.
Are you going to pick up the issue? Have you already read it? Feel free to chat with me on Twitter or leave a comment below!
