Longtime Marvel Comics readers already know that the majority of characterization occurs within the margins of the publishing line. Massive events like Avengers Forever rarely address anything beyond an “iconic imagining” and top-tier titles focused on a single hero like Amazing Spider-Man most often remain focused on an individual with decades of history. The brilliant sparks—like the reinvention of J. Jonah Jameson across the past decade as an imperfect, but driven ally of Spider-Man—occur in sub-plots, miniseries, and one-shots spaced across many titles but delivering some of the most rewarding character beats in all of superhero comics. Such has been the tale of Black Cat across the past five years as she was featured in two short-lived series and various minis and one-shots linked by writer Jed MacKay. She was transformed from an anti-heroic love interest in the mode of Catwoman to a heroine possessing a unique perspective, vibrant past, and plenty of opportunities beyond Spidey’s web. The continuation of that arc in Mary Jane & Black Cat #1 this week is simply a delight for those already following this strand of the Marvel tapestry.
