Black Widow v3 1-6 (2004-2005) (Digital) (AnPymGold-Empire)

This new Black Widow series from the Marvel Knights imprint returns Natasha Romanov to her superspy roots, planting her squarely on the same terra firma occupied by the likes of 24’s Jack Bauer, Alias’ Sydney Bristow, and The Bourne Identity’s titular agent. Writer Richard K. Morgan, a popular science fiction novelist, and artist Bill Sienkiewicz, an industry legend, initiate a tale in which female Soviet agents are being hunted and murdered, and as they investigate the slayings, the spies must come to terms with their motives and their actions—some of which, while patriotic, are not so heroic. This is an inspired story featuring a cool, calculating Black Widow who’s a far cry from the Avengers member and Daredevil second banana she once was. — Thomas Moudry