Pages

Friday, 6 December 2019

BLACK WIDOW READING ORDER: The Widow Strikes! (1964-1975)

The Black Widow has a pretty convoluted past. And not just because of the brainwashing she received in the infamous Red Room. The character started as an Iron Man villain who manipulated Hawkeye into doing her dirty work. Her efforts to prove herself a reformed hero just pushed her into the background as Hawkeye's girlfriend until, after some attempts to go it alone, joined forces with Daredevil where she just ended up being Matt Murdock's girlfriend.

The character herself would eventually recognise this, but it does make her early years less-than-inspiring at times. Time would be kinder to the character, so if you're looking for truly great Natasha Romanoff stories in the build-up to the release of her solo film, the old school comics might not be the place to go.

But if you do want to know where she first appeared, how she hooked up with Hawkeye and Daredevil, when she joined the Avengers and when she gained the classic catsuit costume, then look no further! All of the Widow's appearances from 1964 to 1875 (along with newer stories that slot into that era) are all given below. Pick and choose what you want to read, but I've given the usual amount of guidance to try and help a little...


MCG Note:
  • Issue listings in blue & black: The must-read Black Widow stories from this time period, along with any often-forgotten tales that are worth a read.
  • issue listings in grey: Part of the Black Widow's chronology, cameo appearances or stories of note that non-essential or no longer considered 'required reading'.
  • Chronology: Every Black Widow appearance from this period is included in chronological order - mapping out the timeline rather than just the order the issues were released.
  • Spoilers: The are some spoilers in the story descriptions, though I've tried to keep them to a minimum - just be warned!

Daredevil #88(pp.8-10) (1972) / Black Widow: Deadly Origin #1(pp.13-14) (2010)
Marvel Fanfare #10[1/2] (p.7) (1983) / Daredevil #88(p.10) (1972)
Wolverine: Origins #9(pp.3-8) (2007)
Flashbacks reveal how, in 1942, Ivan Petrovich found young Natalia Romanova towards the end of World War II in Stalingrad, saving her life while her mother (or possibly nanny) was buried under rubble; Ivan raised young Natalia like the sister he lost in the war until she was put into a school by the state.

Wolverine Origins #9(pp.3-8) (2007)
Black Widow: Deadly Origin #1(pp.15-16) (2010)
Wolverine: Origins #9(pp.9-19) (2007)
Black Widow: Deadly Origins #1(p.17) (2010)
Flashbacks reveal how Logan (James Howlett) takes young Natalia and hands her over to her 'father' Taras Romanov; Taras takes Natalia (now 'Natasha Romanoff') as his ward, treats her as his daughter and has Logan train her as an assassin and warrior; Natalia escapes Taras Romanov (learning they're not related) and encourages Natalia to escape; Natalia passes up the chance to kill Logan and reunites with Ivan Petrovich.

Uncanny X-Men #268(p.14-22) (1990) / Wolverine: Origins #16(pp.10-19) (2007)
Flashbacks reveal how Logan teamed up with Captain America (Steve Rogers) to, once again, save young Natasha Romanoff, this time from Baron Wolfgang von Strucker.

Black Widow #4 (2016)
A flashback reveal how young Natasha Romanoff received further training in the art of war in the Black Widow Black Ops Programme.

Captain America: Theatre of War - America First! #1[1/3] (2008)
In 1955, Natasha Romanoff is sent on her first mission to America on behalf of mother Russia, running into a different Captain America (William Burnside).

Black Widow: Deadly Origin #1(p.19)-2(pp.4-7) (2010)
Flashbacks reveal how Natasha Romanoff and Ivan Petrovich were gravely injured while on a mission in Berlin in 1956, when they were offered a chemical by the Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes) that, in exchange for renewed loyalty to Russia, healed them and increased their lifespans; in 1957, Natasha met Alexei Shostakov and trained as a ballerina with the bolshoi.


Captain America & Bucky #624 (2012)
As the Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff becomes romantically involved with fellow agent the Winter Soldier, against the wishes of their Russian masters; the Winter Soldier has to break it off when they're discovered.

Black Widow: Deadly Origin #2(p.8) (2010) / Marvel Fanfare #10[1/2] (p.7) (1983)
Daredevil #88(p.10) (1972)
Marvel Graphic Novel #61: Black Widow - The Coldest War (1990) 
Avengers #44 (1963)Black Widow: Deadly Origin #2(pp.12-14) (2010)
Daredevil #90 (1972)
Flashbacks reveal the Black Widow's marriage to Alexei Shostakov; the Widow learned Alexei died on a mission flying an experimental spacecraft and, despite doubting what was real due to being constantly manipulated, continued to leave for America to carry out a mission for the KGB; Natasha Romanoff made a name for herself on the European social scene, attracting the attention of Tony Stark; after arriving in America, Natasha Romanoff met mercenary Danny French and earns the name Black Widow all over again.

Wolverine #-1 (1997)
The Black Widow first meets Carol Danvers and is briefly reunited with Logan and first meets Carol Danvers when she assists them against the violent assassin Victor Creed during
FLASHBACK.

Before the Fantastic Four: Ben Grimm and Logan #1-3 (2000)
The Black Widow opposes Logan and Carol Danvers when they're joined by pilot Ben Grimm on a mission to steal Russia's Red Storm Project during
BEFORE THE FANTASTIC FOUR.
Tales to Astonish #52[1/4]-53[1/3] (1964)
First appearance of the Black Widow ('Madame Natasha') and Boris Turgenov (the second Crimson Dynamo); the Black Widow and Boris Turgenov are sent to America to kill the original Crimson Dynamo (Anton Vanko) who has aligned himself with Tony Stark; as 'Madame Natasha', the Black Widow appeals to Tony Stark's baser instincts; Turgenov and Vanko battle it out in their own respective Crimson Dynamo armours until and explosion kills them both; 
Stark learns 'Madame Natasha' is the Russian Black Widow but agrees to go on a date with her to learn her true intentions; she steals the Anti-Grav Device from Stark Industries; the Anti-Grav Device is rendered useless by Iron Man and the Widow escapes again. 

Tales of Suspense #57[1/3] (1964)
First appearance of Hawkeye (Clint Barton); when his attempts to become a crime-fighter backfire and he's mistaken for a criminal, the Black Widow manipulates Hawkeye into attacking Iron Man for her; Hawkeye accidentally injures the Black Widow and escapes with her.


Untold Tales of Spider-Man #17 (1997)
Hawkeye attracts Spider-Man's attention when he steals medical supplies to help the injured Black Widow; Hawkeye realises the Black Widow is a spy, but is swayed by his affection for her.

Tales of Suspense #60[1/2] (1964)
When Tony Stark is believed dead, the Black Widow sends Hawkeye to Stark Enterprises to raid it for technological secrets.


Tales of Suspense #64 (1965)
The Russian Government hold the Black Widow's family hostage, forcing her to work for them again; she dons a costume and joins Hawkeye in kidnapping Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan; their plan is thwarted by Iron Man and the duo escape yet again.

Marvel: Heroes & Legends (1997)
The injured Black Widow is taken to hospital and left unprotected by Hawkeye.

Avengers #16 (1965)
Seeing his potential as a hero, Iron Man invites Hawkeye to join the Avengers; Hawkeye accepts, believing the Black Widow has abandoned him; the KGB try to assassinate the Black Widow during THE OLD ORDER CHANGETH.

Avengers #29 (1966)
Brainwashed by the KGB, the Black Widow allies herself with Power Man (Erik Josten) and the Swordsman (Jacques Duquesne) and attacks the Avengers, clashing with Hawkeye during AMONG US WALKS A GOLIATH.

Avengers #30 (1966)
The Black Widow attacks the Avengers again, but ultimately saves Hawkeye when she realises she loves him.

Avengers #32-33 (1966)
First appearance of the Sons of the Serpent; the Black Widow rescues Captain America from the Sons of the Serpent to prove her love for Hawkeye.

Avengers #35-39 (1966-1967)
Hawkeye nominates the Black Widow for Avengers membership which is rejected by Goliath (Hank Pym) on the grounds that the Avengers isn't a place for returned villains; the Black Widow fights the alien Sirians alongside the Avengers; while the Avengers consider the Black Widow's membership again, Nick Fury recruits her to work for SHIELD, instead.

Avengers #41-42 (1967)
Hearing that the Black Widow has been captured by Communist forces on a mission for SHIELD, the Avengers head to Russia to rescue her.

Avengers #43-44 (1967)
First appearance of the Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov); Hawkeye and Hercules rush to rescue the Black Widow, only to clash with the Russian super-soldier, the Red Guardian, who is unmasked and revealed to the the Black Widow's husband who she believed was dead; the Red Guardian sacrifices himself to save the Black Widow's life, though she is still left hospitalised.

Avengers #46 (1967)
Natasha Romanoff retires as the Black Widow retires, but continues to date Hawkeye.

Avengers #47 (1967)
Natasha Romanoff cameo during WHEN MUTANTS CLASH.

Avengers #52 (1968)
Natasha Romanoff cameo during CLAWS OF THE PANTHER.

Avengers #57 (1968) / Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes #2 (2007)
Hawkeye discovers Natasha Romanoff has decided to become the Black Widow again and the cracks in their relationship begin to show.

Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes #5, 8 (2007)
Despite efforts to fix their relationship, the Black Widow and Hawkeye part ways.


Captain Marvel #12 (1969)
Avengers #63-64 (1969)
First appearance of Hawkeye/Clint Barton as Goliath; first appearance of Barney Barton; having become an agent of SHIELD, the Black Widow is taken down by the Mad Thinker's Man-Slayer robot on her very first mission; first appearance of Barney Barton; hearing the Black Widow's been captured, Clint Barton takes the Hank Pym's serum to become Goliath and rescues her from the Mad Thinker during LIKE A DEATH RAY FROM THE SKY.

Avengers #76 (1970)
The Black Widow visits Hawkeye to tell him they can never see each other again.


Amazing Spider-Man #86 (1970)
The Black Widow dons a sleeker, maskless costume with limited wall-crawling abilities and attacks Spider-Man to learn the secrets of his powers.

Amazing Adventures #1[2/2]-4[2/2] (1970-1971)
The Black Widow starts tackling crime on the streets of New York (with assistance from Ivan Petrovich), despite negative public opinion due to her Russian origins.

Avengers #83 (1971)
First appearance of the Lady Liberators; the Black Widow is one of a number of female heroes duped by the Enchantress into forming the all-female Lady Liberators.

Amazing Adventures #5[2/2]-8[2/2] (1971)
The Black Widow battles the Astrologer and Watchlord.


Daredevil #81 (1971)
The Black Widow saves Daredevil (Matt Murdock) from drowning in New York Harbour and helps him defeat the Owl, beginning a partnership between the two heroes during THE KLINE SAGA.
Daredevil #82-83(pp1-14) (1971-1972)
The Assassin frames the Black Widow for the Scorpion's murder during THE KLINE SAGA.

Marvels #4(p.4) (1994) 
The Black Widow stands trial for killing the Scorpion

Daredevil #83(pp.15-21)-84 (1972)
The Black Widow is cleared of killing the Scorpion; Daredevil and the Widow defeat the Assassin (Mr Kline) during THE KLINE SAGA.

Daredevil #85-88 (1972)
First appearance of Larry Cranston and Danny French; Daredevil and the Black Widow battle the Gladiator, and the Ox; Karen Page breaks up with Matt Murdock, allowing him to pursue a relationship with the Black Widow; the Widow reveals one of her past missions in America, teaming up with mercenary Danny French to collect a powerful energy globe called Project 4.; Daredevil and the Black Widow relocate to San Francisco where they immediately uncover the Purple Man's latest criminal enterprise and clash with Electro.

Incredible Hulk #152 (1972)
Black Widow cameo; the Widow accompanies Matt Murdock to the Hulk's trial.

Daredevil #89-94 (1972)
First appearance of Larry Cranston as Mister Fear; first appearance of T'Challa as Daredevil; first appearance of Damon Dran; Daredevil and the Black Widow defeat Electro and shut down the Purple Man's operations in San Francisco; the Black Widow resumes her mission to locate Project 4 with Danny French, only to be captured by Damon Dran who originally hired them; Daredevil learns the new Mister Fear is Matt Murdock's old friend, Larry Cranston, who knows his and the Black Widow's true identities; the Black Panther dispels the rumour that Matt Murdock is Daredevil by pretending to be Daredevil alongside Matt Murdock; Daredevil defeats Dran's agent, the Blue Talon, but comes under attack from a brainwashed Black Widow; Daredevil and the freed Black Widow defeat the Project 4-powered Damn Dran when he becomes the giant-sized Indestructible Man.

I ♥ Marvel: Marvel AI #1[1/3] (2006) 
The Black Widow and Wasp find out what happened on the Scarlet Witch's first date with the Vision during I ♥ MARVEL.

Daredevil #95-98 (1973)

First appearance of Kerwin J Broderick, the Dark Messiah and the Disciples of Doom; the Black Widow and Daredevil battle the Man-Bull and the Dark Messiah.

Daredevil #99 (1973)

Avengers #111-112 (1973-1974)
Having quit the Avengers, Hawkeye heads to San Francisco to win the Black Widow back by fighting Daredevil; after helping the Avengers and X-Men defeat Magneto, the Black Widow is finally given Avengers membership; she chooses to stay in New York until she decides what to do with her life; the Black Widow and her fellow Avengers defeat the Lion Cult; the Widow decides the Avengers aren't for her and leaves the team to return to Daredevil in San Francisco during THE MARK OF HAWKEYE.

Daredevil #101-102 (1973)

First appearance of Angar the Screamer; the Black Widow arrives back in San Francisco where Angar the Screamer turns her against Daredevil; the Widow breaks free and helps Daredevil defeat the Stilt-Man while searching for Angar.

Daredevil #103 (1973)

First appearance of Ramrod; Peter Parker's interview with the Black Widow and Daredevil is interrupted when Ramrod attacks.

Daredevil #104 (1973)

The mastermind behind the Black Widow and Daredevil's recent woes hires Kraven the Hunter to kill Daredevil; Kraven comes very close to succeeding.

Daredevil #105-107 (1973-1974)

First appearance of Heather Douglas as Moondragon; Moondragon saves Daredevil from death at the hands of Kraven the Hunter; Daredevil and the Black Widow are assisted by Moondragon and Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell) when Kerwin J Broderick is revealed to be in league with Thanos and unleashes Terrex on San Francisco during THE THANOS WAR.

Man-Thing #1 (1974)

Black Widow cameo; the Widow and Daredevil pass through the Nexus of All Realities during BATTLE FOR THE PALACE OF THE GODS.

Daredevil #108-109 (1974)

Marvel-Two-in-One #3 (1974)
Daredevil #110-112 (1974)
First appearance of Black Spectre, Silver Samurai and Candace Nelson; Daredevil and the Black Widow accompany Moondragon back to New York where they're reunited with Foggy Nelson and learn of a secret criminal organisation called Black Spectre; the duo battle the Beetle, Nekra and the Silver Samurai, team up with the Thing (Ben Grimm) and discover the Mandrill is the mastermind behind Black Spectre; Shanna the She-Devil helps the Widow and DD shut down Black Spectre during BLACK SPECTRE.

Code of Honor #2 (1997)

Black Widow cameo; the Black Widow and Daredevil pursue criminals through the streets of New York.

Daredevil #113-117 (1974-1975)

First appearance of Phillip Sterling as Death-Stalker; Daredevil and the Black Widow part ways again when DD decides to remain in New York a while longer; DD returns to San Francisco and learns he's lost his apartment due to the Black Widow having spent all of her inheritance; Daredevil, Shanna the She-Devil and the Black Widow defeat the Owl and the Widow and DD part yet again when he decides to return to New York permanently and she remains in San Francisco.

Daredevil #120-123 (1975)
First appearance of El Jaguar; the Black Widow relocates to New York again, but her relationship with Daredevil is still uncertain as she wants to regain her independence; the Widow helps Daredevil when Foggy Nelson becomes the target of the terrorist organisation, Hydra.

Marvel Two-in-One #10 (1975)
The Black Widow and the Thing join forces against terrorist group, the Sword of Judgement.

Daredevil #124 (1975)

Following her adventure with the Thing, the Black Widow decides it's definitely time to go it alone and breaks up with Daredevil.


The Black Widow's reading order continues:
Black Widow Strikes Omnibus
Black Widow Epic Collection vol.1: Beware the Black Widow
Includes... 
Amazing Spider-Man #86
Avengers #29-30, 36-37, 43-44
Daredevil #81
Tales of Suspense #52-53, 57, 60, 64
Amazing Adventures #1-8

Captain America: America First
Includes... 
Captain America: Theatre of War - America First! #1

Captain America and Bucky: The Life Story of Bucky Barnes
Includes... 
Captain America and Bucky #624

Daredevil Epic Collection vol.4: A Woman Called The Widow
Includes... 
Daredevil #81-86

Black Widow: Deadly Origin
Reprints...
Black Widow: Deadly Origin #1-4

No comments:

Post a Comment

See a mistake or have a question or suggestion?
Feel free to leave a comment!