Things tends to be a bit unpredictable in the pages of Silk these days, but it’s near impossible to deny that, when they’re good, they’re memorable. After a more than slightly disappointing finish to the Black Cat arc in the previous issue, it looks like Robbie Thompson is trying to get back to the other, ever-present aspects of Cindy’s life that have previously only been hinted at, even when they’ve taken significant turns. The result is a refreshing turning point in this character’s life, which makes for potentially great narrative possibilities.

If this sounds somewhat familiar, it should.  I was excited for what could happen between Silk and Black Cat at the end of issue #9, and was disappointed in how that ultimately turned out. So while I acknowledge the possibility of a disappointing execution, I can’t help but be impressed and hopeful for the developments in this installment.

Having been pulled out of the dumpster, both literally and figuratively by her ex-boyfriend Hector, who’s now technically neither alive nor dead, Cindy must figure out what to do with herself now that she’s no longer trying to infiltrate Black Cat’s organization. She works through a wide range of changes, as well as the anger that’s been the one constant in her life for so long. The device of talking to her therapist, while certainly nothing new in terms of narrative tropes, is well utilized in this story and showcases the sheer level of deep trust Cindy places in her.

As a result of her discussions with her shrink, we get to see Cindy relating to the non-superheroic aspects of her life in ways that are not only heartwarming, but also believable.  Her brother Albert, her friends Rafferty and Lola, and even Mockingbird and J. Jonah Jameson join the chorus that Cindy doesn’t have to take the world on by herself. As a result, a number of barriers come down that allow her to start the next adventure, and she dives into it with confidence, knowing that she is loved and supported by the people in her life.

It’s fun to see some of these character interactions at length, from Hector revealing Cindy’s love of Pokemon (but only the original deck) to Jonah shouting a raise at Cindy–and then of course yelling at her to get out of his office and go earn it. But the crowning moment of awesome for this issue belongs to Lola and Rafferty, who finally confront Cindy about a secret they’ve known for several issues, and who in doing so reveal that their friendship with her goes far beyond being just work colleagues. It caps a heartwarming series of developments in an issue that, while light on action, fleshes out its main character and supporting cast ably.

But there’s still just enough room for a little adventure at the end, allowing things to transition to the start of another story arc. While there’s still some tendency to revert to uninspired villain tropes, such as the evil mastermind blandly predicting what Silk will do next, it does nevertheless feel like we’re finally getting around to finding answers to some of the bigger questions involving Cindy and her parents. Say what you will about that premise, but I think it goes without saying that it’s a story both long overdue, and welcome.

I have to say that, artistically, I was rather impressed with Tana Ford’s work in this issue. I realize it may be a backhanded compliment to say that her artwork didn’t pull me out of the story this time (except for one small moment), but given the number of reservations I’ve had with her work in previous installments, it’s great to see that her characters are looking more consistent and distinct. I particularly loved a moment from early in the narrative, when Hector realizes he can get to hug his ex-girlfriend for a moment if he just tackles her. That and the panels following it visually convey the emotions of joy, disappointment, and tenderness between him and Cindy. I was still a little jarred by perspective/proportion shot of Cindy near the end of the issue, but really that’s a small thing I can accept along with the overall rise in quality here.

I know I’ve said this before, but I’m really happy with this issue of Silk, both for the improvements in both writing and artwork, as well as for the direction it seems to be pointing for our heroine. It’s scant on action, but rife with character moments and development among the ensemble of people in Cindy’s life.  These kinds of issues, by and large, tend to be the strongest, and here that’s very evident. I’m hoping this portends wonderful things for the future, and that we’ll get to see a Silk who’s as memorable in her way as Spider-Man or the other Spider-Women out there.