Someone stole the Iron Catsuit and is after the Black Cat! Can Felicia Hardy figure out who is behind the suit? Find out in Iron Cat #1 by Marvel Comics!
IRON CAT #1 (OF 5)
Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: Pere Perez
Colorist: Frank D’Armata
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Editor: Nick Lowe
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: June 29th, 2022
Previously in Iron Cat: Iron Man made the Iron Cat armor for the Black Cat. However, that suit was thoroughly destroyed.
DON’T FORGET THE PAST
Iron Cat #1 has two timelines. One is in the past when Felicia is younger, under the Black Fox’s tutelage and friend with fellow thief Tamara Blake. Felicia managed to steal a diamond, but the police were in hot pursuit. The Black Fox told Felicia to throw away the diamond to escape arrest.
In the present, the Black Cat is trying to steal the same diamond that eluded her before. Unfortunately, she got an angry call from Tony Stark about the missing Iron Catsuit. Soon, that same suit attacked the Black Cat! Abandoning the diamond, the Black Cat runs away from her pursuer. However, the Iron Cat reveals her identity as Tamara, who wants revenge when Black Cat killed the Black Fox. Felicia makes a quick escape before going to Tony Stark for help.
TO CATCH A THIEF
Over the years, Black Cat has felt less like a trope and more like a character. For me, Iron Cat #1 shows that Felicia Hardy is a compelling character. Felicia regrets having to kill the Black Fox to save Manhattan. And her thought process in stealing this diamond for sentimental value makes you want to root for her, despite her being a thief. This is a compelling backdrop to tell this story. Unfortunately, the plotline was predictable. I figured out who was in the suit before the big reveal. When you look at the narrative arc, you will find the storytelling is safe and lacks innovation.
The art was strong. I enjoyed the design of the Iron Cat armor, and l liked the alternate style between the past and present. I especially enjoyed the coloring of the background in many of the panels. Great work by the creative team.
BOTTOM LINE: SOLID NEW MINISERIES
I enjoyed Iron Cat #1. Felicia Hardy was just an antagonist (and love interest) to Spider-Man. Now she feels like a natural person with strengths and flaws. Black Cat #1 is a solid 4 out of 5.
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Iron Cat #1
Iron Cat #1 provides depth for Black Cat, who often felt like an attractive love interest and thief rather than a real character.
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Writing7
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Art8
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Coloring9
Christopher Rondeau is a storyteller based in Tulsa, OK. Finding himself with little work, he ended up creating a job as a Game Master full time on the internet. Chris spends most of his days reading everything he can, writing bad fiction, and watching old Digimon cartoons with his daughter. Sometimes you can find him Dungeon Mastering a podcast or streaming on twitch. Recently, he has completed his Master's degree with a focus on collaborative storytelling. Find out more at https://rondeaucreator.com