Widowmaker (Marvel Comics)
Encyclopedia
Widowmaker is a four issue comic book
limited series
published by Marvel Comics
starring superhero
es Black Widow, Hawkeye
and Mockingbird
. Widowmaker continues the storyline staged in Hawkeye & Mockingbird
#6 by Hawkeye & Mockingbird creators Jim McCann
and David Lopez
and the Black Widow creative team of writer Duane Swierczynski
and artist Manuel Garcia
.
writer Jim McCann
and Black Widow writer Duane Swierczynski
will be collaborating on Widow Maker, a four-part crossover that will take place in Hawkeye & Mockingbird #7-8 and Black Widow #9-10 starting in December 2010 and running through January 2011. The idea for a crossover was originally incepted when the writers found out that their respective titles would be launching around the same time. McCann explained, "It's a logical crossover; there is a shared history between Hawkeye and Black Widow, the books operate in the world of super hero super spies, and the fans have been asking for this since the books were announced. So, give them what they want!" When coming up with ways that Black Widow, Hawkeye and Mockingbird could all interact, McCann threw out the idea of revealing the origins of Ronin and introducing a new Ronin. In the comic book the new Ronin surrounds himself with the Dark Ocean Society
, of which McCann did extensive research stating, "I actually did a lot of research for this in Japanese spy craft and secret societies. The Dark Ocean Society in Japanese is actually called Genyōsha, but we couldn't call it that in Marvel because we have something called Genosha
and it might confuse everybody". McCann also researched Japan–Russia relations for the comic book's setting on the disputed Kuril Islands
revealing that the week that Widowmaker #1 came out, talks broke down between Russia and Japan over the real life Kuril Islands.
In November 2010 it was reported that Widowmaker will instead be solicited as a stand-alone miniseries starting in December 2010, following the cancellation of Hawkeye & Mockingbird in issue number six. The report also came with an announcement that Widowmaker will be followed up by another four issue miniseries, Hawkeye: Blindspot
.
agent at the United Nations Headquarters
in New York City leads Hawkeye
, Mockingbird
and Dominic Fortune
to Sakha, Russia where they meet up with the Black Widow who is investigating the mass murder of K.G.B. trainees. Surveillance video reveals the killings are carried out by the Dark Ocean Society
lead by a new Ronin, the guise once used by Hawkeye. However before their investigation is completed the group is attacked by the Supreme Soviets
and are forced to split up. Hawkeye and Black Widow travel to Sapporo, Japan, the base of operations of the Dark Ocean Society and Mockingbird and Dominic Fortune head to the tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula
following mass Russian troop movements. The group reunites on the disputed Kuril Islands
and discover that the identity of the new Ronin is Alexei Shostakov, the original Red Guardian
and Black Widow's ex-husband. Shostakov reveals he intends to force a war between Russia and Japan that will restore Russia's former glory. A battle ensues as Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Black Widow and Dominic Fortune take on a combination of the Dark Ocean Society and the Supreme Soviets. During the battle Hawkeye receives a critical blow to the head, Black Widow however manages to take down Shostakov with the help of the Supreme Soviet member, Fantasma
.
gave it 4.5 stars (out of 5) stating, "McCann assembles this story as though it were a big budget, high-stakes adventure film frozen onto the printed page" and "Such a fabulous, high-strung adventure tale deserves equally fabulous art, and David López, Alvaro López, and Nathan Fairbairn certainly deliver". Jesse Schedeen of IGN
gave it an 8.0 (out of 10) remarking, "All in all, Widowmaker has all the makings of a fun and frantic adventure that won't be bogged down by pointless tie-ins. It's a breath of fresh air in that regard". Jennifer Smith of Newsarama
stated, "McCann's writing sparkles with wit, pathos, and the weight of Marvel history" and "David Lopez' gorgeous art is only getting better and better, making action scenes compelling even when their motivations were unclear".
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
limited series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
published by Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
starring superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
es Black Widow, Hawkeye
Hawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
and Mockingbird
Mockingbird (Marvel Comics)
Mockingbird is a fictional character, a superhero in the who first appears in the Ka-Zar story in Astonishing Tales #6 written by Gerry Conway and pencilled by Barry Smith...
. Widowmaker continues the storyline staged in Hawkeye & Mockingbird
Hawkeye & Mockingbird
Hawkeye & Mockingbird is a comic book ongoing series published by Marvel Comics starring superheroes Hawkeye and Mockingbird.-Publication history:...
#6 by Hawkeye & Mockingbird creators Jim McCann
Jim McCann (writer)
James Andrew "Jim" McCann, II is an American writer of comic books, theater and television programs. Jim has worked on several films and music videos before entering the ABC Daytime Writer Development Program, during which time he wrote for the popular ABC daytime drama One Life to Live...
and David Lopez
David Lopez (artist)
David López is a Spanish comic book artist.-Biography:López started his comics career in the Spanish fanzine before moving on to work on Espiral and finally, in 2002, making the jump to the American comic book market.He is best known for co-creating and illustrating the first volume of the...
and the Black Widow creative team of writer Duane Swierczynski
Duane Swierczynski
Duane Louis Swierczynski is an American crime writer who has written a number of non-fiction books, novels and also writes for comic books.-Early life:...
and artist Manuel Garcia
Manuel Garcia
Manuel Garcia may refer to:*Manuel García , singer & voice pedagogue; son of Manuel García *Manuel García , Spanish singer and composer, father of Manuel Patricio Rodríguez García...
.
Publication history
In July 2010, Marvel Comics announced that Hawkeye & MockingbirdHawkeye & Mockingbird
Hawkeye & Mockingbird is a comic book ongoing series published by Marvel Comics starring superheroes Hawkeye and Mockingbird.-Publication history:...
writer Jim McCann
Jim McCann (writer)
James Andrew "Jim" McCann, II is an American writer of comic books, theater and television programs. Jim has worked on several films and music videos before entering the ABC Daytime Writer Development Program, during which time he wrote for the popular ABC daytime drama One Life to Live...
and Black Widow writer Duane Swierczynski
Duane Swierczynski
Duane Louis Swierczynski is an American crime writer who has written a number of non-fiction books, novels and also writes for comic books.-Early life:...
will be collaborating on Widow Maker, a four-part crossover that will take place in Hawkeye & Mockingbird #7-8 and Black Widow #9-10 starting in December 2010 and running through January 2011. The idea for a crossover was originally incepted when the writers found out that their respective titles would be launching around the same time. McCann explained, "It's a logical crossover; there is a shared history between Hawkeye and Black Widow, the books operate in the world of super hero super spies, and the fans have been asking for this since the books were announced. So, give them what they want!" When coming up with ways that Black Widow, Hawkeye and Mockingbird could all interact, McCann threw out the idea of revealing the origins of Ronin and introducing a new Ronin. In the comic book the new Ronin surrounds himself with the Dark Ocean Society
Genyosha
The ' was an influential ultranationalist group and secret society active in the Empire of Japan.-Foundation as the Koyōsha:Originally founded as the Koyōsha by Hiraoka Kotarō , a wealthy ex-samurai and mine-owner, with mining interests in Manchuria, Toyama Mitsuru, and other former samurai of the...
, of which McCann did extensive research stating, "I actually did a lot of research for this in Japanese spy craft and secret societies. The Dark Ocean Society in Japanese is actually called Genyōsha, but we couldn't call it that in Marvel because we have something called Genosha
Genosha
Genosha is a fictional country that has appeared in numerous comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is an island nation that exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as "Earth 616" in the Marvel Universe. The fictional nation served as an allegory for slavery and later for South...
and it might confuse everybody". McCann also researched Japan–Russia relations for the comic book's setting on the disputed Kuril Islands
Kuril Islands dispute
The Kuril Islands dispute , also known as the , is a dispute between Japan and Russia over sovereignty over the South Kuril Islands. The disputed islands, which were occupied by Soviet forces during the Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation at the end of World War II, are under Russian...
revealing that the week that Widowmaker #1 came out, talks broke down between Russia and Japan over the real life Kuril Islands.
In November 2010 it was reported that Widowmaker will instead be solicited as a stand-alone miniseries starting in December 2010, following the cancellation of Hawkeye & Mockingbird in issue number six. The report also came with an announcement that Widowmaker will be followed up by another four issue miniseries, Hawkeye: Blindspot
Hawkeye: Blindspot
Hawkeye: Blindspot is a four issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics, starring Hawkeye. Hawkeye: Blindspot continues the storyline staged in Hawkeye & Mockingbird and Widowmaker...
.
Characters
- Black Widow / Natasha Romanov: Ex-Soviet super spy, former lover of Hawkeye and current member of the Secret AvengersSecret AvengersSecret Avengers is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics featuring a fictional black ops superhero team of the same name. Written by Ed Brubaker, the series depicts a new version of Marvel's premiere super hero team, the Avengers, which operates under the guidance and leadership...
. - Hawkeye / Clint BartonHawkeye (comics)Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
: Master archer and AvengerAvengers (comics)The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
; briefly used the identity of the ninja "Ronin", former lover of both Black Widow and Mockingbird. - Mockingbird / Bobbi MorseMockingbird (Marvel Comics)Mockingbird is a fictional character, a superhero in the who first appears in the Ka-Zar story in Astonishing Tales #6 written by Gerry Conway and pencilled by Barry Smith...
: Former S.H.I.E.L.D.S.H.I.E.L.D.S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
agent and ex-lover of Hawkeye, current New Avenger and head of the World Counter-terrorism AgencyWorld Counter-terrorism AgencyThe World Counter-terrorism Agency is a fictional anti-terrorist organization in the Marvel Comics universe. The organization first appeared in New Avengers: The Reunion #1 and was created by Jim McCann and David Lopez. The acronym W.C.A...
(W.C.A.). - Dominic Fortune / Duvid FortunovDominic FortuneDominic Fortune is a fictional comic book character, owned by Marvel Comics.Created by Howard Chaykin and based on the Scorpion, Chaykin's character for the failed Atlas/Seaboard Comics company, Dominic Fortune was originally a 1930s costumed, fortune-seeking adventurer.-Publication history:Dominic...
: Soldier of fortuneMercenaryA mercenary, is a person who takes part in an armed conflict based on the promise of material compensation rather than having a direct interest in, or a legal obligation to, the conflict itself. A non-conscript professional member of a regular army is not considered to be a mercenary although he...
currently employed by the W.C.A.
Plot
The death of a Japanese S.H.I.E.L.D.S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
agent at the United Nations Headquarters
United Nations headquarters
The headquarters of the United Nations is a complex in New York City. The complex has served as the official headquarters of the United Nations since its completion in 1952. It is located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, on spacious grounds overlooking the East River...
in New York City leads Hawkeye
Hawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
, Mockingbird
Mockingbird (Marvel Comics)
Mockingbird is a fictional character, a superhero in the who first appears in the Ka-Zar story in Astonishing Tales #6 written by Gerry Conway and pencilled by Barry Smith...
and Dominic Fortune
Dominic Fortune
Dominic Fortune is a fictional comic book character, owned by Marvel Comics.Created by Howard Chaykin and based on the Scorpion, Chaykin's character for the failed Atlas/Seaboard Comics company, Dominic Fortune was originally a 1930s costumed, fortune-seeking adventurer.-Publication history:Dominic...
to Sakha, Russia where they meet up with the Black Widow who is investigating the mass murder of K.G.B. trainees. Surveillance video reveals the killings are carried out by the Dark Ocean Society
Genyosha
The ' was an influential ultranationalist group and secret society active in the Empire of Japan.-Foundation as the Koyōsha:Originally founded as the Koyōsha by Hiraoka Kotarō , a wealthy ex-samurai and mine-owner, with mining interests in Manchuria, Toyama Mitsuru, and other former samurai of the...
lead by a new Ronin, the guise once used by Hawkeye. However before their investigation is completed the group is attacked by the Supreme Soviets
Supreme Soviets
-Fictional team history:The Supreme Soviets is a fictional team of Russian superheroes in the Marvel Universe. This team of costumed champions operated under the supervision of the government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics...
and are forced to split up. Hawkeye and Black Widow travel to Sapporo, Japan, the base of operations of the Dark Ocean Society and Mockingbird and Dominic Fortune head to the tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula
Kamchatka Peninsula
The Kamchatka Peninsula is a peninsula in the Russian Far East, with an area of . It lies between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Sea of Okhotsk to the west...
following mass Russian troop movements. The group reunites on the disputed Kuril Islands
Kuril Islands dispute
The Kuril Islands dispute , also known as the , is a dispute between Japan and Russia over sovereignty over the South Kuril Islands. The disputed islands, which were occupied by Soviet forces during the Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation at the end of World War II, are under Russian...
and discover that the identity of the new Ronin is Alexei Shostakov, the original Red Guardian
Red Guardian
The Red Guardian is the name of several comic book superheroes in the Marvel Comics universe. The Red Guardian is an identity that was created as the Soviet equivalent of Captain America; since the fall of the Soviet Union, the name is no longer officially used, though at least two people have...
and Black Widow's ex-husband. Shostakov reveals he intends to force a war between Russia and Japan that will restore Russia's former glory. A battle ensues as Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Black Widow and Dominic Fortune take on a combination of the Dark Ocean Society and the Supreme Soviets. During the battle Hawkeye receives a critical blow to the head, Black Widow however manages to take down Shostakov with the help of the Supreme Soviet member, Fantasma
Fantasia (comics)
Fantasia is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. She is a Russian soldier with super-powers.-Publication history:Fantasia first appeared in Captain America #352-353 , and was created by Mark Gruenwald and Kieron Dwyer....
.
Reception
The first issue of Widowmaker was received with mostly positive reviews. Doug Zawisza of Comic Book ResourcesComic Book Resources
Comic Book Resources, also known as CBR is a website dedicated to the coverage of comic book-related news and discussion.-History:Comic Book Resources was founded by Jonah Weiland in 1996 as a development of the Kingdom Come Message Board, a message forum that Weiland had created to discuss DC...
gave it 4.5 stars (out of 5) stating, "McCann assembles this story as though it were a big budget, high-stakes adventure film frozen onto the printed page" and "Such a fabulous, high-strung adventure tale deserves equally fabulous art, and David López, Alvaro López, and Nathan Fairbairn certainly deliver". Jesse Schedeen of IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
gave it an 8.0 (out of 10) remarking, "All in all, Widowmaker has all the makings of a fun and frantic adventure that won't be bogged down by pointless tie-ins. It's a breath of fresh air in that regard". Jennifer Smith of Newsarama
Newsarama
Newsarama is an American website that publishes news, interviews and essays about the American comic book industry.-History:Newsarama began in Summer 1995 as a series of Internet forum postings on the Prodigy comic-book message boards by fan Mike Doran. In these short messages. Doran shared...
stated, "McCann's writing sparkles with wit, pathos, and the weight of Marvel history" and "David Lopez' gorgeous art is only getting better and better, making action scenes compelling even when their motivations were unclear".