While that flaw keeps the book from perfection, I have to say that Secret Avengers is still one fantastic read. In an era where the stakes feel flimsy because of retcon resurrections, this story really benefits from the ultra-compression of 20 pages. The question isn't so much will Natasha pull off this impossible mission, but how, and you never know what direction she'll take in the short window she has. With the eclectic team membership with the likes of Steve Rogers, War Machine and Moon Knight, I can understand why more people haven't been checking out Secret Avengers. That's a mistake. This is a high-concept spy-fi thriller that doesn't just demand your attention " it earns it. Read Full Review

When Ellis' spectacular "Secret Avengers" run wraps up with issue #21 next month, it is going to make one of the best "Avengers" collections ever. These are smart and beautiful superhero stories worthy of the name. Read Full Review

Maleev's art might not be everyone's cup of tea but it was very appropriate for this book.  Both gritty and quietly paced, Maleev was the perfect storyteller to depict this issue's stealth mission with Ellis delivering the best issue of the title to date. It will be sad to see Ellis leave the series as Venom writer Rick Remender takes over the series in February. I'm kind of a $3.99 price snob but bottom line…..BUY IT! Read Full Review

I finally feel like this book is getting the team and stories it deserves. Ellis and Maleev are wonderful together on this book, and although I dislike the fact this book was a bit over my head and I had to give it a few read-throughs to fully understand it, it's an element I love about the book at the same time. I also have been enjoying the fact that this was a one-shot story. Anyone can jump on at any point and read, during Ellis' run. I recommend this issue and all of Ellis' run on Secret Avengers. Take your time with this issue though. Read Full Review

I only have one reservation: if we had a scoring system with quarter-stars, I'd definitely knock one off for John Cassaday's cheesy Planetary-lite style cover, which really conveys nothing whatsoever about the tone of the book. But it's not worth docking the book a full half-star, as long as you don't let it stop you from picking up a terrific piece of comic entertainment. Read Full Review

I liked this issue. But that should come as no surprise seeing as that Black Widow is amongst my favorite female comic book characters. It was nice seeing her get the lead, save the team and then tell them nothing about her actions. That fit her character to a T. So while there was some confusion and a few holes, this was a better issue of this series than we've been getting, so for that I have to say that I'm pleased. Read Full Review

Alex Maleev's art is a little rough in spots but it works for the story, especially as it shifts depending on what period of the past the Black Widow finds herself. Not every issue of Secret Avengers works, but I'll give Marvel credit for using the book to play with some crazy concepts. Worth a look. Read Full Review

Warren Ellis and his bevy of artists have bottled a few bolts of lightning throughout his run, but this is more like a spark that fizzled out. Read Full Review