Writer: Dennis “Hopeless” Hallum

Art: Luca Maresca and Sana Takeda

Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 15th, 2020

As if the events of MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN: VELOCITY and CITY AT WAR weren’t harrowing enough, Spider-Man finds himself in the middle of a gang war in New York City. But as he butts heads with the likes of HAMMERHEAD and the MAGGIA, the unexpected reappearance of old flame FELICIA HARDY, also known as the BLACK CAT, sets Spider-Man’s world on fire!

Black Cat’s heroic days are behind her, but what is the secret behind the treasures she’s thieving? And why would Spider-Man let her go?! Delve into previously untold tales of Spider-Man and Black Cat’s relationship, and a shock ending that will make your webs spin! Don’t miss the excitement as your favorite wall-crawler returns in the next GAMERVERSE series!

We begin our issue with Spidey waa bunch of criminals breaking into a Museum. They are Hammerhead’s goons and it shouldn’t be a shock that he is trying to take Kingpin’s spot as the top dog. The first thing that I noticed when picking up this issue was the art. Usually when I say that it’s because it’s not good, but that’s not the case here. Luca Maresca does a really good job! I also like the connectivity between the Gamerverse books coming out. Fans get their own little Universe of books to jump into and that’s neat.

One thing that I did enjoy from the previous City at War story was it was full of action. From the start, it looks like we are going to get that here too! We see Peter in action and the art and choreography of the scene make it stick out Of course, this is called “Black Cat Strikes”. Cue the guest of honor as Black Cat shows up and steals some USB device. Of course, Peter and Felicia have a history so it’s time for a lesson…a love lesson!

How do all love birds meet? Well, the one steals something from Kingpin and the other saves here, right? Just like Romeo and Juliet! It all takes up almost half of the issue, but I liked it! Again, art helped everything flow smoothly.

We end in the present with Spidey swinging over to Felicia’s place to get back what she stole. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned and Hammerhead’s guys show up just in time for Black Cat to drop some unexpected news.

Final Thougts:

This is a good issue that nails both the art and story. It is a fast read and nothing felt forced. Dennis Hallum told us what we needed to know right off the bat and then it’s full speed ahead. Recommended.

8.3/10