The best Black Widow comics showcase the character’s complex backstory, one that has been retconned because she wasn’t initially as complex as she is now. She went from fairly generic Cold War fodder to one of the franchise’s most tragic characters. Her comic appearances ebbed and flowed over the years, but since her MCU incarnation debuted in 2010’s Iron Man 2, she’s become a permanent staple of Marvel’s lineup.
Best Black Widow comics as of 2025
Black Widow was introduced as a minor Iron Man enemy in 1964’s Tales of Suspense #52 before being upgraded to a supervillain a year later. As time went on, she developed from a generic Soviet seductress to a hero in her own right when she joined the Avengers and began a relationship with Hawkeye. However, the best comics featuring Black Widow are more recent, as the MCU’s popularity saw interest in her character soar.
Widowmaker
A Japanese S.H.I.E.L.D. agent’s murder leads Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Black Widow, and Dominic Fortune to investigate mass killings at a Russian training facility. They discover the Dark Ocean Society, led by a new Ronin, is behind the attacks. After being forced to split up by the Supreme Soviets, the team reunites to discover that the new Ronin is Alexei Shostakov (the original Red Guardian and Black Widow’s ex-husband). He plans to start a war between Russia and Japan to restore Russian power. Widowmaker is a 2010 Marvel limited series. Marvel published this four-issue run as part of the Heroic Age era following the Dark Reign storyline.
Widowmaker picks up the story from Hawkeye & Mockingbird #6. It brought together Jim McCann and David Lopez from Hawkeye & Mockingbird, and writer Duane Swierczynski with artist Manuel Garcia from Black Widow. In this series, they wanted to give fans what they wanted: a crossover between Hawkeye and Black Widow. Widowmaker explores the relationship between Hawkeye and Black Widow, diving into their shared history while dealing with a threat from their past. The series does a great job of balancing action with character development. It also shows both heroes wrestling with their previous lives as adversaries and their evolution into heroes. The art and storytelling create a noir-ish atmosphere that complements the super spies. It also gives readers insight into the psychological toll of their respective backgrounds.
Deadly Origin
A figure from Black Widow’s espionage past emerges to threaten her loved ones, forcing Natasha to confront her dark history. The globe-spanning mission takes her from Moscow to space as she battles to protect those she cares about, with help from Winter Soldier and Wolverine. A prequel to Iron Man II, writer Paul Cornell and illustrators Tom Raney and John Paul Leon, break down her complicated past and how it affects her present.
Natasha’s past literally coming back to haunt the people she’s cared about is classic Black Widow territory. It plays into her greatest fear of her dark history endangering others. The Winter Soldier and Wolverine are guest stars in this series, as well. Bucky shares that Soviet/Russian background and manipulation, while Logan has that long history with her (she even calls him Little Uncle). Some readers argue that it’s mostly about her ex-lovers and places too much importance on her being a seductress. It’s not very spy-like in its plot. However, this is a great comic to read if you want to learn more Black Widow’s enigmatic past.
Breakdown
Black Widow’s second limited series features a mind and identity swap between Natasha Romanoff and her rival Yelena Belova, the second Black Widow. Marvel published this three-issue arc in 2001, running from January to March that year. It follows Natasha and Yelena after their faces have been surgically swapped, and Yelena must prove that she has what it takes to be a super spy. Is she really the new and improved Black Widow? Natsha says, “bet.” Will she claim the title? Devin Grayson and Greg Rucka penned the story, with art by Scott Hampton.
The Breakdown series is a psychological thriller that plays with identity in a really clever way. The body-swap between Natasha and Yelena makes them have to literally walk in the other’s shoes, and potentially kill their own body. Belova wakes up in Natasha’s body and Daredevil treats her intimately. She has to confront not just the physical reality of the swap but the emotional reality, too. Can she successfully convince him she’s Natasha? The story digs into the rivalry between the two Black Widows while forcing them into ultimate empathy with each other. Imagine having to literally become your rival/successor to understand them. Plus, we get to explore the professional and personal relationship between Natasha and Daredevil. There’s an interesting theory that Natasha wants to protect Yelena in some way, and Daredevil is her way of doing that. You’ll have to read it to decide for yourself!
Homecoming
After leaving the spy world behind, Marvel’s deadliest agent seeks a normal life. But an assassination attempt forces the former Soviet operative to investigate a series of international murders that take her back to a drastically changed Russia. Homecoming is a 6-issue limited series from 2004 – 2005 written by Richard K. Morgan and Bill Sienkiewicz, with cover art by Greg Land, Justin Ponsor, and Matt Ryan.
Richard Morgan brings his outstanding sci-fi/fantasy background to spy fiction, giving us a fresh and expertly crafted take on a Black Widow story. The story operates on multiple layers. What seems like a complete plot (retirement, assassination attempt, investigation of a murdered activist who was a deep-cover Soviet spy) is actually just the setup for a much larger mystery that takes Natasha back to Russia. Morgan uses the homecoming concept to reconcile contradictory parts of Black Widow’s past. He simplifies her convoluted backstory. This series is a bit more violent since it’s under the Marvel Max imprint, but it feels justified.
The Name of the Rose
The Name of the Rose explores Black Widow’s past when someone steals something precious from her, leaving only a black rose and ribbon as clues. The theft involves sensitive data about the Avengers that turns both her superhero allies and the U.S. government against her. The Name of the Rose is a 5-issue series written by Marjorie Liu and illustrated by Daniel Acuña. Published in 2010, this series is part of the Heroic Age of Marvel Comics.
This series reminds us that Black Widow isn’t a super hero at all – she is a spy, and a good one. And yes, she’s beautiful and seductive, but she doesn’t need those things to get information or defeat her enemies. She’s quick, she’s smart, she’s strong, and despite her storied past, she has some self-respect. If you like Marvel characters with limited powers, then this story arc is for you. Natasha is savage and cruel, but also deeply feeling. Sometimes it feels like the story is a little convoluted (which seems to be a theme for Black Widow – she’s a complicated woman, okay?!), but stick with it and you’ll end up with a really enjoyable spy thriller.
How we chose the best Black Widow comics
I looked for stories that treat Black Widow as more than just a superhero sidekick or femme fatale stereotype. The strongest series explore her espionage background and psychological complexity, showing how her Soviet past shapes her present relationships and decisions. It’s also great to remember who she is and what she does. She’s a spy, and a deadly one. When she’s able to use her honed skills, we get to see a fully-formed Black Widow. The best arcs weave her background with her present, and deliver a satisfying spy story. What do you think are the best Black Widow comics?
