Black Cat #2 – Your Friendly Neighborhood Cat Lady

While it still is first and foremost Felicia’s book, Black Cat #2 left me with the same kind of smile on my face that I haven’t exactly had since the days of Chip Zdarsky’s Spectacular Spider-Man and Tom Taylor’s Friendly Neighborhood, respectively. Both were excellent, character-focused peeks into the world of Spider-Man that kept the stakes low and vibes loose. In so many ways, Wilson and Melnikov are doing the exact same thing whilst trying to restore more of a self-identity for Felicia that’s drifted to the wayside as of late.

Their voice for Felicia focuses on her character in a way that’s charmingly simplistic but never once showcases a lack of understanding for her depth. We follow her in this issue as she navigates the zany day-to-day of a Marvel superhero. From vampires to sudden team-ups, she gets the full experience in a way that sings with a classical tone that doesn’t have to rely on nostalgia to read as effortlessly Marvel Comics. It’s just so fun to see this kind of book written earnestly.

The cherry on top of this is Wilson’s use of the wider Spider-Man universe as the growing conflict at the core of this book. Tombstone, Sandman, and J. Jonah Jameson are all becoming threats for Felicia in a way that will force her to contend with the darker side of the Marvel superhero construct. Public reputation, uncontrollable betrayal, and tragedy—it’s the risk of human consequence that gives even the silliest parts of this issue tangible weight. This attention to detail helps elevate the somewhat tired concept of “Good Guy Felicia” in a way that is evergreen in the grand scope of the character’s publishing history.

Tying it all together is Gleb Melnikov’s art, which carves out a distinctly new look for Felicia that takes a minute to adjust to. Once you do, however, you’re greeted by effortlessly expressive and fluid art that flows from panel to panel with ease. The layouts balance the Black Cat’s acrobatic nature and the more traditional, drama-focused paneling of a character-driven comic.