By Rebecca Gault — This series of Black, White, and Blood comics are often best served by being helmed by characters focused on action. Elektra then works excellently for such a run, considering her bloody history. As an anthology of short pieces by multiple writers, the draw of these issues is often how easy they are to pick up. If you knew almost nothing about Elektra, you could still follow along with each story in Elektra — Black, White, and Blood #3 without too much trouble. 

Because of this format, the series gives writers and artists page space to explore concepts and styles that would not serve longer narrative arcs. There’s something fun and exploratory in the Black, White and Blood series generally. The art in particular here is wonderful; red sharply contrasting an otherwise monochrome palette and in off-beat styles that you wouldn’t often find in other books. In particular, Paul Azaceta’s art stands out for its almost Pop-Art like sensibilities. 

The stories themselves are well-written. Ann Nocenti’s dialogue shines — especially in her work with Typhoid Mary — and Azaceta’s internal monologue for Elektra reads more like a lyrical prose poem than a conventional narrative.

David Pepose’s take on a meeting between Elektra and the Black Widow is a little more conventional from a narrative standpoint, which serves the overall issue well — giving a familiar anchor for readers more familiar with comics and their narrative structures — while still offering a fresh piece of history for fans of the character to get their teeth into. 

The action serves as the set pieces here; an almost John Wickian style take on the character and one that suits her well. It’s a good format for Elektra in particular, and while the narratives provided may not offer much in the way of substance, there’s definitely a lot to be said for the style here. 

Overall: Style over substance isn’t necessarily a bad thing here, in an issue that offers up plenty of excellent content for fans of Elektra herself. 7.5/10

REVIEW: Elektra: Black, White, and Blood #3

Elektra: Black, White, and Blood #3
Writer: Paul Azaceta, David Pepose, Ann Nocenti
Artist: Paul Azaceta, Danilo S. Beyruth, Federico Sabbatini 
Colorist: Paul Azaceta, Andres Mossa, Mattio Iacono
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna  
Publisher: Marvel Comics 
Elektra Natchios is the baddest assassin in the Marvel Universe, but some of Mighty Marveldom’s best creators are going to challenge her like never before. Including a CAN’T-MISS tale from none other than industry legend Paul Azaceta, and co-starring a certain Man Without Fear!
Price: $4.99 
Buy It Here: Digital

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Rebecca is a literature student by day, a freelance writer by night, and a comics fan always. She is a big fan of everything superheroic and horrific. Right now, she can be found on Twitter at @phoenixfcrce.