We're back with another Character Corner, this time to talk about Natalia Romanova aka Natasha Romanoff aka The Black Widow. On the surface this seems like a pretty straight forward character. A former Russian spy who was trained to be a femme fatale in a secret Soviet program that was recruited and turned into an ally by Nick Fury. But there ini a lot more to the character. First, Black Widow is yet another example of a Marvel character that has a redemption arc. Like Hawkeye, Vision and Scarlet Witch, Black Widow is yet another character that starts off as a villain only to turn into an Avenger (not just a member but a leader). The difference is, while Natasha became a hero, she never gave up being a spy and would definitely put two in the back of a someone’s head if they deserve it.

The other interesting thing about Black Widow is her mysterious history. The classic Uncanny X-Men #268 reveals a history that goes all the way back to 1941 with Captain America and Logan. There are also issues that reveal she received a modified Soviet version of the Super Soldier serum which is why she hasn’t aged. Then there’s the mysteries of “The Red Room”.  All of this leads to a rather interesting character with a history that sometimes changes but at it’s core still remains the same.

Issues:

• Tales of Suspense #52 - First Appearance
• Avengers #38 - 52 - Redemption arc including turning down joining the Avengers to work for Nick Fury & SHIELD
• Amazing Spider-Man #86 - First appearance of the modern Black Widow look
• Amazing Adventures #1 - 8 
• Daredevil
  • Issues #75 - #92
  • Issues #92 - 107 - Co-headlines the Daredevil book

• Frank Miller Daredevil Run
  • Issues 178 - 190
• Inhumans # 5 - First appearance of Yelena Belova
• Marvel Knights
  • Black Widow  #1 - 3 (Takes on Yelena Belova)
  • Marvel Knights  #1 - 12
  • Black Widow 1 - 3 (Greg Rucka)
  • Black Widow 1 - 6 (Things They Say About Her)

• Black Widow: The Name of the Rose
• Civil War
• Avengers Time Runs Out
• Secret Empire