There is a gang war in New York City between Hammerhead and the Maggia. As Spider-Man and Mary Jane begin to try and stop this war; Spider-Man runs into Ex-Flame Black Cat. Find out how awkward this interaction is in Spider-Man: The Black Cat Strikes #1!

MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN: THE BLACK CAT STRIKES #1 (OF 5)

Writer: Dennis “Hopeless” Hallum
Artist: Luca Maresca
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Editor: Mark Basso
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 15th, 2020

Previously in Marvel’s Spider Man: After the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man video game, Peter Parker deals with a new war in New York City. With Hammerhead trying to take the place of Kingpin and the Maggia looking to prevent that; the streets could be filled with an all out shoot out. Luckily at least, Peter has been able to rekindle his relationship with Mary Jane Watson but with Black Cat back in the picture… Well, the life of Spider-Man is never easy.

THAT AWKWARD MOMENT WITH YOUR EX

The issue starts off with Spider-Man observing a robbery of a museum by the Maggia. He intervenes but in the process of fighting off the gang; Black Cat appears to steal the Maria painting. However instead of taking the artwork, she breaks the painting in half and steals a flash drive embedded within the canvas.

Peter Parker then begins to reminisce about his past relationship with the Black Cat. In this flashback, he meets her after he has broken up with MJ and to vent steam he goes to find evidence against the Kingpin. When he is hacking Kingpin’s security, Blackcat shows up to rob him. After a fight with a Kingpin in a towel, Spider-man catches up with Black Cat robbing a Diamond Exchange Vault. Spider-Man gets the upper hand and as a reward Black Cat gives him a kiss, kindling their eventual relationship.

In the present, Spider-Man catches Black Cat robbing a statue from the Maggia. She smashes the statue and takes out a flash drive. When Spider-Man catches up with her, Black Cat reveals that Hammerhead is demanding these flash drives and reveals the crazy collateral that is forcing her to work for him.

DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT

I didn’t realize that this was based on the playstation game that came out in 2018. I’ve never played this game and wouldn’t have known this was part of the “gamerverse” if I didn’t do a google search. The story stands well despite it being lifted from a game. I’m always surprised when a story goes through multiple creative outlets and can still tell a story well. This comic didn’t feel like a video game rip off. It told a compelling story and was drawn with skill and felt dynamic.

Spider-Man is a compelling character because he is relatable and he is tragic. He deals with frustration, grief, and is constantly trying to handle guilt from his character’s history. It is interesting watching him function in this comic knowing some of his struggles. There is a lot of sexual tension between him and cat and a bit of guilt in his current relationship with Mary Jane Watson. Through the dialogue, we explore Spider-Man’s psyche and it is such a great thing for the reader to grab on to. Great first issue in this miniseries.

BOTTOM LINE: I ENJOYED IT

I didn’t know this was based on the game as it felt like a true Spider-Man story. I think people who have played the game may be slightly disappointed because they already know the storyline. But as a person only familiar with this comic, I think they did a great job. 4.5 out of 5 stars for Marvel’s Spider Man: Black Cat Strikes #1.

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