In 2020, the character Black Widow — portrayed by actress Scarlett Johansson — returned once again to the big screen. But do you know the origin of this iconic figure from the comics?
Created by Don Rico, Don Heck, and the legendary Stan Lee, Black Widow made her first comic book appearance in April 1964. Since then, several versions have been created, and her past has always sparked controversy and curiosity.
In this article, you’ll learn a bit about her story and how she became an Avenger. Keep reading to find out more!
What is Black Widow’s origin story?
Although Natasha Romanoff’s origin has been told in several different versions, one narrative suggests she was born in 1928 and became an orphan during a Nazi attack on Stalingrad during World War II.
In that tragic attack, her mother died in a burning building but managed to throw the child out of a window in a desperate attempt to save her. It was the Russian soldier Ivan Petrovitch who caught Natasha and saved her life.
Ivan raised the baby as his own daughter and, when she was older, took her to the mysterious Red Room to begin the Black Widow Program alongside 28 other orphaned girls. The goal was to train them for espionage and combat missions.
All of the girls underwent physical enhancements, including a version of the Super-Soldier Serum, as well as psychological manipulation, where fabricated memories were implanted as part of a brainwashing process. Natasha stood out from the group due to her skills and adaptability, earning her the codename Black Widow.
When was she a villain?
Natasha wasn’t always on the side of the heroes—in fact, she began her comic book journey as a villain. In her early appearances, she carried out numerous missions for the KGB, the notorious secret service of the former Soviet Union, and didn’t hesitate to kill if necessary.
While working for the KGB, her main adversary was none other than Iron Man, whom she frequently tried to sabotage, often alongside Clint Barton (Hawkeye). Natasha also clashed with other heroes like The Thing, Spider-Man, and Captain Marvel, among others.
When did she join the Avengers?
In one of the KGB’s plots to destroy the Avengers, Black Widow and several villains were defeated. During this time, Natasha’s brainwashing was reversed—much like what happened later with the Winter Soldier. Seeking redemption, she decided to help the Avengers fight the Sons of the Serpent, a racist organization aiming to divide America.
Gradually, Natasha became an active member of the Avengers, abandoning the Russian spy agency to gain recognition within S.H.I.E.L.D., the major intelligence organization led by Nick Fury. It’s worth noting that, beyond the main Avengers team, Natasha has been part of other heroic groups such as the Secret Avengers, Marvel Knights, The Champions, and The Lady Liberators.
So it’s clear that Black Widow has long deserved her own solo film, as her origin and development form a distinct and compelling chapter in the rich history of Marvel Comics.
Did you enjoy learning more about Black Widow’s story?
If so, stick around and check out the most iconic female characters in video games!
