Comic Review: Thunderbolts #2 – Better Rhythm, Worse Art, and Too Much Cinematic Shine
After a shaky debut, Thunderbolts #2 returns with renewed energy that finally shows Kelly and Lanzing have a clearer vision for this team. The dialogue is better, the characters come alive, and the story dives deeper into the chemistry between Natasha, Yelena, and Bucky. Unfortunately, just as the writing improves, the artwork takes a surprising dip in quality.
It’s still a comic torn between its own identity and the pressure to align with the MCU but this time, at least, there’s more heart and emotion in it.
Bucky, Natasha, and Yelena – The Trio That Saves This Series
The relationships between the leads are the strongest element of this issue. The tension between Bucky and Natasha is handled with subtlety and restraint, recalling the best moments of older Black Widow or Winter Soldier runs. The writers successfully balance emotional intimacy with espionage professionalism.
Yelena, once again, steals every scene she’s in. Her sarcasm and blunt honesty contrast beautifully with Natasha’s composure and Bucky’s brooding demeanor. The trio truly works and it’s a shame the plot doesn’t give them more room to shine.
Visual Letdown After a Strong Debut
What’s most surprising is the noticeable drop in visual quality. Even though it’s the same art team, the issue feels rougher and less refined. The faces especially Natasha’s and Yelena’s sometimes look oddly exaggerated or even off-model.
In the previous issue, the dark and shadowy color palette masked some imperfections. Here, with bright daylight scenes and bombastic lighting, the flaws are glaring. The result? A comic that’s lost its noir, spy-thriller atmosphere and now looks like a glossy MCU tie-in.
Symbiote Black Widow ,A Controversial Choice
The biggest shocker this issue is definitely the reveal that Natasha now has her own symbiote. On paper, that sounds exciting the merging of a KGB assassin with a cosmic parasite could offer fascinating psychological conflict.
But in execution, it’s only half-effective. On one hand, it gives Natasha a new edge; on the other, it strips away what made her unique. The brilliance of Black Widow has always been her humanity a mortal woman holding her own among gods and monsters through nothing but skill, intellect, and resolve. Giving her a symbiote undermines that fundamental appeal.
What’s worse, the comic doesn’t seem sure what to do with this revelation. There’s no team reaction, no emotional fallout and that’s a missed opportunity. A scene of Bucky discovering her alien partner could’ve been an emotional highlight.
A Paper King – Kingpin and the Rest of the World
Wilson Fisk’s appearance is always welcome, but here it feels underwhelming. The dialogue acknowledges his history (he recognizes Bucky but somehow doesn’t recognize Black Widow standing right next to him), and his subplot ends far too quickly.
That said, introducing him as the new “White King” is intriguing and may pay off later. Still, the “villain gala” setup strains believability. It’s hard to buy that Bucky, Natasha, and Yelena could just stroll into a gathering of criminals without raising alarms. The script offers a reputation-based excuse, but it feels flimsy at best.
Better Pacing, Better Dialogue But Still No Spark
It must be said: the dialogue is a big improvement over issue #1. The characters finally sound natural less like walking taglines, more like real people. The rhythm flows better, and their interactions feel more genuine.
But the story itself? Still flat. The mission is straightforward and predictable, with some solid action scenes but little emotional weight. The whole thing feels like an outline for a bigger story rather than a fully fleshed-out chapter.
Kelly and Lanzing clearly have a knack for team chemistry, but they’re still trapped under the weight of MCU synergy. From tone to team composition, everything feels engineered to match the movie lineup rather than tell a story on its own terms.
What This Series Still Lacks
Thunderbolts #2 has potential but it hasn’t found its voice yet.
What’s missing is the creative freedom and ambition that Kelly and Lanzing displayed in Sentinel of Liberty with the Outer Circle arc. That story felt daring and mysterious. This one feels safe and corporate.
It’s frustrating because the chemistry between Natasha and Yelena especially screams for a more mature, self-contained spy-thriller tone something closer to the acclaimed Black Widow run by Thompson and Casagrande.
Verdict
Thunderbolts #2 is a step forward but not a leap. The dialogue is sharper, the character dynamics stronger, yet the story remains thin and the visuals inconsistent. You can feel the potential bubbling under the surface, but the comic still plays it safe, confined by its cinematic expectations.
Still, it’s entertaining enough to keep readers engaged a solid, occasionally exciting issue that hints at better things to come.
Pros:
+Great chemistry between Bucky, Natasha, and Yelena+Stronger, more natural dialogue
+The symbiote twist is intriguing (if controversial)
+A few emotional character-driven moments
+Kingpin’s inclusion adds some flavor
Cons:
-Noticeable drop in art quality-Too formulaic and MCU-aligned
-The villain gala concept feels implausible
-Symbiote plot weakens Natasha’s uniqueness
-Flat, predictable story progression
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