Black Widow #9

Black Widow #9 picks up immediately from the previous issue's cliffhanger with Yelena dead and Black Widow surrounded by the Olio. Enter Lucy with the timely save, and a strategic retreat for the three women. Given the gravity of the situation Natasha was in, things are wrapped up rather quickly, but once out of danger the heroes can begin to regroup.

Anya Corazon and Craig are woven into the story as Widow convinces Apogee's former employee about the deadly dangers of his experiments leading Craig (who apparently has some of his own powers) into investigating a cure (although the issue teases the idea that Lucy may not want the cure, even if it can save her life).

Not a lot of surprises here, but a solid middle issue setting up the conclusion. All of this, of course, leads into the next issue's end of the arc in which the Widow will finally square off against Apogee (which might be harder than she planned as the villain goes full Hulk in front of her).

[Marvel, $3.99]

• Title: Black Widow #9
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Kelly Thompson
• Artist: Elena Casagrande