Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow is an MCU icon, recognized worldwide. Many fans love her portrayal. But what if her screen story is only half the picture? Decades before her movie fame, Natasha Romanoff had a vastly different life in Black Widow comic books. This article peels back the layers, revealing the original Black Widow and guiding you to her must-read comic adventures.
Her Comic Debut
Natasha Romanoff first graced comic pages in 1964. She made her initial appearance in “Tales of Suspense #52.” Comic books often reflect the era’s political climate. Black Widow began as a Cold War Soviet spy. She was depicted as a classic femme fatale.
Early Iron Man Foe
Originally, Black Widow was an Iron Man antagonist. This early version contrasts sharply with her modern portrayal. She was characterized as materialistic and lacked superhuman augmentations. Her primary skills were espionage and formidable martial arts. She frequently wrestled with her Soviet loyalties.
The Red Room Emerges
The infamous Red Room training facility came much later. It wasn’t introduced into the Black Widow comic books until 1999. Her complex MCU persona took considerable time to develop fully. She truly evolved into a nuanced anti-hero in the late 1990s. This transformation redefined her character for a new generation.
Discover Her Roots
Many MCU enthusiasts are unaware of this rich backstory. A vast library of Black Widow comic books awaits discovery. These stories showcase her incredible and complex transformation over time. Are you ready to explore beyond the cinematic universe? Here are eight essential Black Widow comic books to start your journey.
Unmasking Natasha
The MCU introduced a compelling hero. However, the Black Widow comic books offer her complete, unfiltered journey. Reading these titles expands understanding of her complex world significantly. You witness her intricate growth over many decades. Discover the full depth of Natasha Romanoff’s character.
1. The Black Widow Strikes Omnibus (2020)
1. Decades Omnibus
This massive 896-page omnibus is a must-have. It gathers Black Widow comic books from the 1960s to the late 1980s. You’ll witness her striking evolution firsthand within its pages. See Natasha move beyond her early, propagandistic Soviet spy origins. The character’s growth by the 1980s is truly remarkable.
Buy it now at Amazon for $57.60.
2. Black Widow By Waid & Samnee: The Complete Collection (2016)
This is one of the greatest Black Widow comic books ever! It features the storytelling of Mark Waid and Chris Samnee and the visually kinetic art of Samnee. Black Widow loses the trust of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the agency decides to hunt her down. Meanwhile, a new villain emerges to further complicate Natasha’s life.
This 272-page paperback collects all 12 issues of the series. Buy it for $29.99 at Amazon now.
3. Black Widow Modern Era Epic Collection: Chaos (2014)
This 472-page collection of modern Black Widow comic books offers a thrilling dive. It features the first twenty issues from her acclaimed 2014 solo series. Natasha actively seeks to atone for her shadowy past actions. Expect gripping conflicts, including a memorable encounter with Winter Soldier. She also teams up with Punisher to dismantle a formidable criminal syndicate.
Buy it for $27.79 at Amazon now.
4. Black Widow By Kelly Thompson (2020)
Natasha is in semi-retirement as Black Widow. She is now living in San Farncisco. Natasha is content, happy, and yet unable to shake the feeling that her life can come crashign down at any moment. A terrorist threat emerges that could destroy the city and a new and old villain shows up to make things worse.
This 336-page paperback collects all 15 issues of the series. Buy it now for $22.85 at Amazon now.
5. Black Widow Modern Era Epic Collection: The Itsy-Bitsy Spider
This 512-page paperback features a collection of Black Widow comic books that ran from 1999 and through 2005. This paperback features the second appearance of Yelena Belova, the new MCU Black Widow. Belova is the first Red Room graduate in years who may equal or surpass the skills of Natasha. Her ego puts her in conflict with Natasha as Yelena plans to buttress her new reputation.
Buy it now for $41.11 at Amazon.
6. Black Widow & Hawkeye: Broken Arrow (2024)
This series is one of the most controversial Black Widow comic books in years. It is tradition at Marvel Comics for the Venom symbiote to swap out hosts often; believe it or not, Mary Jane Watson is now the Venom symbiote host. However, Natasha was the Venom symbiote host in this comic. After Hawkeye faces accusations of asassinating a politician, Natasha and Venom join him to clear his name.
This 136-page paperback features all four issues of the series and reprints of early Black Widow appearances in Tales of Suspense from the 1960s.
Get it for $17.99 now at Amazon.
7. White Widow: Welcome to Idylhaven (2023)
While Natasha Romanoff is still active, Yelena Belova also carries the legacy. Sometimes they both operate as Black Widow, creating interesting dynamics. Yelena often distinguishes herself as White Widow, a skilled assassin consultant. She attempts a fresh start in the suburban town of Idylhaven. But her dangerous past soon catches up, sparking a compelling new conflict.
This 112-page paperback collects all four issues of the series. Buy it for $15.08 at Amazon now.
8. Black Widow: Welcome to the Game (2004)
Natasha attempts to retire, but an assassin targets her life. More killings force her back to Russia, a land she barely recalls. She must unravel a deep conspiracy in this unfamiliar homeland. Her investigation also leads to a tense conflict with Nick Fury. This 288-page collection of Black Widow comic books showcases legendary Bill Sienkiewicz art.
Buy it for $25.51 at Amazon now.
The Best Black Widow Comic Books
The Black Widow character has stories that go back over 60 years. If all you know about Black Widow is the MCU versions, then you are missing out. This character has come a long way from being a Soviet caricature and changing into the globally known antihero and household name she is now.
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