Writers: Charles Soule, Leonardo Romero, Declan Shalvey
Art: Mark Bagley, John Dell, Edgar Delgado, Leonardo Romero, Simone D’Armini, VC’s Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date: January 5th, 2022
Elektra: Black, White & Blood #1 contains three Elektra stories, set in alternate timelines and/or universes, and with this being an Elektra book, there is a LOT of red.
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any others that were mentioned then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.
The Stories
The highlight of Elektra: Black, White & Blood #1 is the story titled “Not the Devil” (written and drawn by Leonardo Romero) which, after a brief opening, turns into one long John Wick-style action tale, as Elektra takes out as many of Kingpin’s men as she can, wielding a Katana and her trademarks sais as the thugs speed down the road. There’s no setup given for her vendetta, and it doesn’t really matter, because watching Elektra wipe the thugs out with Jason Voorhees-style efficiency and brutality is amazing.
It reminded me of her early stories, when Frank Miller first introduced her in Daredevil way back in the ’80s. Elektra hardly speaks, all flashing weapons, strikes, and silhouettes.
I feel over the years, Elektra’s been watered down. Much like Wolverine, her appearances have been more “My Dinner with Andre” than “Enter the Dragon”. So this story was a nice reminder of what an intimidating force of nature she can be.
The (mostly) black and white panels highlight Leonardo Romero’s art style. He has an art style reminiscent of the late Darwyn Cooke, a perfect blending of silver-age and modern styles. A lot is going on in this tale, especially in the action scenes, and Romero keeps it rolling. You know where Elektra is at every moment, and when she strikes, red splatters across the panels.
It’s a fun heavy R-rated romp and I enjoyed every moment of the too-brief 10 pages.
The other two stories in the book, “Red Dawn” (with Elektra ambushed by vampires) and “The Crimson Path” (a “300”-style story which appears to take place in ancient Greece, with Elektra protecting a girl from a horde of statues come to life) are also good stories, with art styles that are different enough to provide a nice variety.
Final Thoughts
Electra: Black, White & Blood #1 kicks off this series in a grand fashion, providing three Elektra stories blazing with action. Elektra is a character suited for this format, and I look forward to seeing what versions of the character we get in the future.