‘Black Cat #2’ (review)

Written by Jed MacKay
Art by Carlos Villa
Published by Marvel Comics

Well!

Jed MacKay is clearly having a good time writing this comic book.

It’s not every day you get to write somebody like Black Cat, who speaks in constant hard-boiled. That rat-a-tat-tat, “now you’re on the trolley, sister” criminal speech.

“There is it. Doctor Strange’s prison, stuck on the top of the Chrysler Building like an evil bowling trophy. Well … I guess we’re not getting any younger. Saddle up, boys, and let’s hope we live to get older.”

Felicia Hardy is dripping with the stuff – which you’d expect from Spider-Man’s version of Catwoman.

It mostly works, when you need that introspection to walk you through a scene, such as when Black Cat finally breaks into that symbiote prison.

At other times, it gets in the way of the story, especially the action. Without spoiling too much, a getaway chase with the Spider-Mobile inducing some real Furious 7 vibes as it swings to and from buildings, drives through more buildings, and just does a bunch of crazy stuff that would mean certain death to any person inside it. But I gotta read MacKay’s “you get sloppy, you get dead” talk.

Just shaddup, why doncha?

That said, Black Cat #2 is still a very enjoyable read, an action yarn inside of a heist flick combined with Shaun of the Dead horror comedy.

In true fashion for the Marvel Universe’s greatest cat burglar, the issue steals from a bunch of Marvel lore in delightful ways. Where else are you going to see the Spider-Mobile, a Goblin Glider, and Doctor Strange’s ghost dog friend Bats all in one issue?

Also, while I don’t think artist Carlos Villa draws Felicia Hardy consistently enough for my taste, I came away from this with strong Lady Gaga vibes. I’m good with her as a model for the character design.

Why? Because why not?

And based on our cliffhanger, this story is only going to get more bonkers from here. Bring it!