Female Agent Full Length: A Mixed Bag of Sound and Vision

The latest release from Marvel Knights Animation, Spider-Woman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D., is a motion comic series that premiered on iTunes before making its way to DVD. The five-episode series is an adaptation of a comic run written by Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev, and it's an interesting take on the character of Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman).

Visually, the series is stunning, with rich, bold images and inky artistry that brings the world of Spider-Woman to life. The 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation is crisp and clear, with no artifacting or ghosting detected. However, some intentional noise has been added to give the frame texture.

The sound design, on the other hand, is a different story. The mix is often overbearing, with dialogue thrown out from sound effects and score. The 2.0 stereo track lacks depth and dimensionality, making it feel flat and unengaging. It's a shame, really, as the visuals are so impressive.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the series is its format. As a motion comic, the action is limited by the static images, which can make the experience feel dull at times. The barely moving visuals rarely stir, making it hard to get invested in the story.

Despite these limitations, the series still manages to be effective from a narrative point of view. The story follows Jessica Drew as she seeks vengeance against her mortal enemy, the Skrulls. It's a convoluted tale that may be difficult for beginners to follow, but fans of the character will likely enjoy it.

Overall, Spider-Woman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D. is an interesting take on the Marvel Universe, even if it doesn't quite live up to its full potential. The visuals are stunning, but the sound design and motion comic format hold it back from being a truly engaging experience. Fans of the character will likely enjoy it, but newcomers may find themselves struggling to get invested.

Female agent full length