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I'm a long time Spider-Man fan and felt really sad when they made Felicia the new Kingpin (Queenpin) because it was horrible writing all over the place after Superior Spider-Man. She was always a thief and an anti hero and one of Peter Parker's closest friend. Making her act the way she did during that time period was really inconsistent to her core personality and standards she set for herself.
That is why it was so heartwarming to see how the ASM Vol5. (ASM 2018) reestabilished her position within the universe.
ASM Vol5. #10. You can literally feel the hug, at least I can…sort of, but man this was a wholesome moment.From this moment Felicia played crucial part (again) in every major spidey event during the run of the series in one way or another.
Important to mention here that during Hunted event we get to see how she processing the fact that she can remember that Peter Parker is Spider-Man and everything that comes with it. It was unusual read because I rarely seen the character going so deep with her own emotions, or just overall in MARVEL comics it's not usual for side characters but I'm glad it happened and we get to see what is happening to her during this time.
ASM v5. #16.Hu (as Hunted)The issue was really good to read to see what is happening and how she tries to get over it. It must be difficult to realise that you was in a relationship with a guy years ago then it keep happening all over again and it's all like yesterday. As I said writers did an amazing job to reestabilish her and Pete's frienldy relationship and they did an amazing job doing so meanwhile laying the foundations to her ongoing series (12 issue in 2019 and a relaunch in 2020).
If you did not read it I sincerely advise to do so because it's really fun and engaging series. (art style is so much better during relaunch but the first series also had a charm). Dr. Strange, Fantastoc Four and many more are on her list.
Black Cat Vol1. #9The 2 series shown how vulnerable, thoughtful, sassy, resourceful and brave she can be and not just because we never seen these sides of her character explored by this much. Exploring her relationship with her master, the Black Fox and her gang is fun while also we are getting to know more about her past which is further explored in the current ongoing run, The Iron Cat.
Elegant, deep, action packed, has lot's of heart and many other words that are barely enough to describe how Black Cat was reestabilished in the past 2 years as one of the best written character in the market you could find while making Felicia Hardy the most fleshed out hero lately.
Felicia Hardy is a much more fleshed out character right now than ever before and easily outshines many mainstream characters that has way bigger fanbase and story to work with.
Her books are usually those gems readers like me are looking for.
During her run in 2019 we can see her hanging out occasionally with her Mother and seeing her face with Odessa, a former love interest. It helps us to understand Felicia and her family, surroundings more.
The following relaucnh in 2020 ties into the ongoing event so she has a job to free Dr. Strange from the prison Knull, the King in Black.
We can see her succeeding and she did helps Dr. Strange escape from Knull's prison to help turn the tides in the war while also managed to overcame the extradimensional powers that the Asgardian Magic offered her (thanks to the fact that she do not desire to control and mnipulate others the way she would be able with the magic).
Black Cat V2. #3As closorue the the first series we get to see how it's ending following the King in Black tie in. What Felicia has to do is basically a choice. Her mentor who raised and trained her seeks immortality thus makes a deal with a demon to gain immortality. All he has to offer to the demon is Manhattan. This is where the Black Cat has to make the ultimate choice of her life
Black cat Vol 2. #6 Felicia sacrifices the man she owes her life to save Manhattan and everyone within it.What follows as the last arc of the series is the biggest job she has ever taken. During teh arc she managed to outsmart Nick Fury Jr. more than once while having action packed sceens when the stakes are higher for her than ever before. Having her trying to collect the Infinity Gems bound individuals is no small job at all while she will have to deal with both Fury and Nighthawk (Batman). She manages to win at the end obviously and reaching her goal with those people while getting out alive from the actions.
After the series ended Villa joins MacKay on art continuing their crushingly good Black Cat storytelling for a one-shot Mary jane & Black Cat issue tying into the last arc of the previously mentioned SPider-Man arc "Beyond".
What unfolds in this issue is a fun team-up between Mary Jane and Black Cat. The utter joy of this issue lies in the fact that these two aren’t jealous of one another or played against each other. Instead, they are working together to ensure Peter doesn’t get hurt while also bonding along the way. In fact, there’s a rather touching final scene between the two that establishes their mutual respect, how Mary Jane has dealt with competing with other girls, and a strong sense of understanding of each character.
Mary Jane & Black Cat Beyond. Was really fun read.MacKay writes both characters in a natural and realistic way. He also never puts Mary Jane in a position that’s too outlandish for someone who isn’t a superhero. The plot moves along quickly with lots of surprises, nods to Spidey villains, and more. It’s packed with content.
ASM #87 written also by Jed MacKay puts heavy focus on the rehabilitation of Peter by his friends Steve Rogers and Felicia Hardy. MacKay has a firm grasp on Peter’s dynamic with both Felicia and Cap; the former cares for him enough to know that he can’t suit up as Spidey again without relearning his web-slinging ways, while the latter’s worked side by side with him as an Avenger and knows how to push him when needed.
Both Peter and Felicia have been able to move more into being great friends that each can turn to since they know both their superhero and personal identities on a different level than others in their respective lives. Understanding both sides of Peter, Felicia showed she understood that Peter can’t be his same reckless guy by just going back to being Spider-Man like he would normally after recovering enough from such an injury.
I honestly have high hopes that she will be important character of the Spider-Man series as well having a blast already with her new ongoing series, The Iron Cat where she teams up with Tony Stark against a returning individual fromFelicia's past.
Jed MacKay has revitalized the Black Cat character and elevated her to new heights. With Iron Cat we will see her shine once again and I do hope that new Spider-Man run will be able to use her newfound directions and popularity. Who knows what the future brings to her. She can show up in the next Spider-Man game too and fans pretty much want's to see her in the next Spider-Man movie.