I kinda love that Bobbi has a Black Widow coffee cup...

The last issue of Mockingbird came out a couple weeks back, and some generally worthless crybaby trolls got their proverbial knickers all twisted up about the cover. Don't listen to them: Mockingbird was pretty great, especially when it played to its strengths. This issue, basically the try-out for the title, shows that exactly: from 2015, Mockingbird S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1, written by Chelsea Cain, art by Joelle Jones, color by Rachelle Rosenberg, cover art by Paul Renaud. (I mention the cover, because I scanned it for the GCD, and it went through upside down! So apologies if it still is.)

The plot for this issue is actually its weakest point: an old mentor of Bobbi's from her S.H.I.E.L.D. days is murdered, and Bobbi works the case. Which isn't as tough as all that: the clues are right there, and we only meet one suspect, and she has him pegged from the start. There's also a subtle retcon of a point from deep back in Mockingbird's history (Astonishing Tales #6, her first appearance!) as to whether or not she has any psychic ability--seemingly no, unless she's being coy, she's just good at reading people. It's also noted that while Nick Fury guards the secrets of the Super-Soldier Serum and the Infinity Formula, and won't give any to researchers; he had Bobbi injected with both to save her life. Bobbi counters that S.H.I.E.L.D. monitors her health constantly, which would be a plot point in the regular series. (Offhand, I'm not sure which Nick Fury they're referring to there; I'd assume the original, but it's a recent development.)

The best parts of this issue, and that series: Cain writes Bobbi's voice so well, guys. It's not unlike a TV show carried by the strength of its lead; as Bobbi's relationship with Brit spy Lance Hunter (and amusingly, her ex, Clint Barton) can and do carry the issue. I'm really, really hoping Cain has the chance to write her again soon.