Spoilers for Black Widow #3 by Kelly Thompson, Elena Casagrande and Jordie Bellaire
As Black Widow's latest series continues, the case for Natasha Romanoff essentially being Marvel's version of Batman is proving truer by the issue. Just as Grant Morrison's legendary Batman run demonstrated, heroes without superpowers need to rely on an exceptionally sharp mind to save themselves from the most compromising possible scenarios. But despite the fact that Nat's been brainwashed by a cadre of villains to believe she's someone she's not, the question of whether her ingrained mental failsafe is necessary for this particular situation isn't so straightforward. After all, with a loving fiancé, a child, and no memory of her tragedy-stricken former life, Nat's never been happier.
But it appears that in conflict with Nat's happily ever after are the phantom remnants of the Black Widow - a subconscious part of her assassin training that can't be wiped away. With a new identity as a San Franciscan architect named "Natalie," the former greatest assassin in the world can't shake the feeling that she's missing an essential part of herself, much less figure out why she possesses the skills of a living weapon. And while what Natasha's enemies stand to gain from keeping her blissfully occupied has yet to be revealed, the latest issue does answer why they've forced Nat into her very own suburban matrix - because they consider killing her a downright impossible task.
As the cabal of villains gather for a secret meeting, Viper a.k.a. Madam Hydra, lays it all out, "Do you know how many people have tried to kill the Black Widow? It's as close to impossible as you get. The woman might as well have a thousand lives!" But not all Widow's enemies share Viper's patience. The mysterious new version of Widow's former enemy, Weeping Lion, isn't so content with allowing Nat her happily ever after. So, against the rest of the group's behest, he sends a team of his own men in to kill her once and for all… as if he slept through Viper's grave warnings or something.
What follows is a contender for one of the most thrilling action sequences in a comic book this year. Elena Casagrande has offered up some truly stunning artwork in Black Widow's previous two issues, but here she's given full reign to really highlight Natasha's nimble yet deadly side. The awakened Widow violently takes down assassins in her posh San Francisco estate with the grace and elegance of a ballerina. And she looks great doing it, as Casagrande has a distinct eye for apparel design that in itself tells a story about the characters. Everything from Nat's fashionable clothing to her hairstyle and stiletto boots works to sell that she's a wealthy, successful modern day design artist residing in California.
Along with the refined artwork, the twists and turns keep coming as well. Though the culprits behind Natasha's brainwashing have now been unveiled, one of which is Nat's own ex-husband, their endgame remains a mystery. Still, Weeping Lion kicked the hornet's nest after helping successfully take Black Widow off the board, and as a result, he may soon find out just why Viper and the rest of the crew are so adamant about taking Widow out by any means other than trying to kill her. Because although she's proven herself to be Marvel's version of Batman, Black Widow doesn't exactly share The Dark Knight's "no killing" rule.