Spider-Man/Black Cat: The Evil that Men Do

(Marvel, 2002-2003, 2006)
™ and ©2002 Marvel Characters, Inc.

The first issue of film director, actor, and comic book writer Kevin Smith’s long-awaited Black Cat limited series finally hit the stands in 2002 and reintroduced the vivacious and voluptuous Felicia Hardy to the Spider-Man universe. In the first issue, the Cat and the Spider find themselves working on the same case, which involves a high-powered drug-dealer who happens to be the toast of Manhattan society; but to be honest, the plot is a secondary—and given the quality of Terry and Rachel Dodson’s artwork, possibly a tertiary—component in the success of this limited series.

Smith’s talent for characterization and dialogue is the real star here. In fact, the best moments involve Spider-Man and the Black Cat reflecting on their romantic history and dealing with their mutual attraction; the chemistry between the costumed crimefighters is palpable. It’s also sweet, funny, sexy, and—best of all—real, even though most of us don’t get the opportunity to say things like, “Well, no one’s ever tried to French me through the mask before.” Definitely a line for the super-hero set. The Dodsons’ gorgeous pictures bring Smith’s script to exquisite life; like the Black Cat herself, the artwork is fun and sexually charged. Face front, True Believers: Spider-Man is a blast again!

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