Casagrande bows out of the next issue of the series. Guest Artist Rafael Pimentel takes over the visuals in a story with a new character out of Natashas past that should lend interesting friction to Natashas attempt to start fresh in a new city. Thompson continues to guide Natasha in intriguing directions as the series enters its second year. Read Full Review

The art in this issue is truly stunning. The character designs are brilliant, especially with the breathtaking party scene. The action is also fantastic and looks just as compelling as the dance scene previously. I love the visual contrast between the two and the energy Casagrande brings to the imagery. Read Full Review

Black Widow #12 continues the trend of this series being the best comic book Marvel is publishing. Kelly Thompson and Elena Casagrande did a great job making the latest spy mission Natasha Romanoff and her crew go on have a great deal of tension and excitement. The ending with a new villain being introduced created even greater anticipation for what will take place in the latest story arc for Black Widow. Read Full Review

Did I mention that Elena Casagrande absolutely crushes every panel in this book? I'm her newest stan, and Black Widow continues to be one of the few books that don't feature mutants that I look forward to each month. Another excellent issue and amazing cliffhanger to keep us hungry for more! Read Full Review

When all is said and done, Black Widow #12 gets this book's newest adventure off to a great start. I look forward to seeing what twists await our heroes in the issues to come. Read Full Review

Black Widow #12 is a thrilling and beautiful issue that explores Natasha's longing to see her family again all while dressing her up in a glamorous gown for the Golden Gate Gala. Black Widow has been a solid team book for a while, but the super-spy takes center stage as she uncovers a suspicious scheme that puts her right in the path of an enemy from her past. It's a set-up issue, but a very fun set-up issue and I can't wait to see what comes next. Read Full Review

There's a lot of slow building set-up here, but eventually things get interesting. Although her Spidey-sense (so to speak) is aroused the entire evening, Black Widow is unprepared for what, or more precisely who, she finds. Whoever the Living Blade is, Natasha has tangled with him before (and he's certainly made an impression). Read Full Review

Great. Liked the art very much. Widow fighting style was quite great.

Great balance of action, character development, and plot advancement

Mysteries, fights, new antagonists, and some outrageous couture. The plot's a trifle thin and -- my biggest recurring critique for this volume -- the antagonists don't hook my attention. But there's a ton of positives to weigh against that little pound of negatives. There's good character work on Bucky, an astonishing character moment for Natasha, witty banter galore, and of course, an eye-meltingly ambitious action DPS that's the cherry on top of an all-around gorgeous comic. It's not perfect, but it's closer than the overwhelming majority of comics.

I liked this one a lot. A strong start to the story, in my opinion. Elena Casagrande's art is always great.

For an issue that is mostly setting up a new arc, thus issue handles the task very well with well written dialogue and as always, insanely good art. I am very much looking forward to the next issue.

If you aren't reading this series you are missing out on one of Marvel's best books running.