Black Widow #4

       Finally! YES! The pieces have come together in this little Black Widow series and now I enjoy it soooo much more! For three issues I felt like something was missing from this book, like something wasn't quite right. Issue 4 manages to quickly fix this problem and in an issue where there is almost no action I feel more exhilerated than ever to see what happens next! What ever could have done this to me? Well let's jump headfirst into Black Widow issue 4 by Marjorie Liu and Daniel  Acuña to find out! 
  

       Our issue opens a lifetime ago in Russia, as a young Natasha finds herself on the run from the Germans with her love, Nikolai. He's gladly giving his food to Natasha, so that they can feed their unborn baby. Back in the present, Natasha awakens from her daydream to talk with Lady Bullseye about who hired her to shoot Pepper (See issue two). After getting her information, Natasha gets pulled into a restroom by Bucky, who has been following her. He tells her that he'll always trust her and help her, and as the two part ways he intends to do just that, even if he protests. She then follows up on a family that was close to her back when she was young and leaves them with Black Rose as protection. Later, in Germany, Natasha finally reveals who has been behind everything all along but it's too late, and the American Government has plans for Natasha... 
 
       Now I get it! I get it all! I mean, to be fair, I wasn't all that confused on the threat or anything, but Marjorie Liu really had me thrown for a loop on what Black Widows secrets were. Now that we're at issue 4, everything has come forth and it all makes complete sense, which will make rereading this much more enjoyable and interesting. The unveiling of said secrets comes very naturally through Natashas interactions with the Russian family, as it's very in character of her to feel most comfortable with those from her past life. I found the entire issue to be filled with nice little moments, from the take-down of Lady Bullseye to the final encounter with he we will call Sumi. It just all seemed to work suddenly. 

                Daniel  Acuña is much more in his element here than with the last few issues. As much as I love his action, it's obvious that the man really does his best work when it comes to talking heads. The entire sequence on the train is just great to behold (Except for one odd face halfway through) and Black Rose and Natasha talking comes across as very genuine and gives the Black Rose a nice farewell that feels right, even if we just met the guy. It's rare that you can look into a characters eyes in a comic and see everything they're feeling and what they want, but  Acuña does it with that scene. Now next issue I'm expecting some balls to the wall action though. 
 
       Overall, this issue completely changes my perspective on the entire series and proves that you can't truly tell where a story is going until it's over. I'm very happy with this issue and can't wait to see the finale Liu and  Acuña have planned for their arc next issue. 4.5 out of 5 stars, this is essential if you've been reading so far and especially essential to clarify everything.