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You are here: Home / Definitive guide to collecting Avengers comic books as graphic novels / Black Widow – Definitive Collecting Guide and Reading Order

Black Widow – Definitive Collecting Guide and Reading Order

Updated Apr 10, 2025! The definitive, chronological, and up-to-date guide and trade reading order for collecting Black Widow comic books via omnibuses, hardcovers, and trade paperback graphic novels. Part of Crushing Krisis’s Crushing Comics. Last updated April 2025 with titles scheduled for release through June 2025.

No Marvel character has been so important to the company’s rich continuity yet so on the fringe for as many years as Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow.

BW-2014 - 0013 promo

Black Widow has been a villain and a spy, a symbol of the Cold War and of the triumph of democracy, a love interest and a superhero. Yet, for the first few decades of her publishing history it wasn’t uncommon for her to disappear from view for years at a time. It took over 40 years for her to merit her own ongoing title, and over 50 for one to last longer than a year!

Black Widow began as one of the first femme fatales of Marvel’s superhero era when she was introduced as a Russian spy in the Iron Man title Tales of Suspense in 1964 by Stan Lee, Don Rico, and Don Heck. She was unique not only as a female villain but as a non-costumed antagonist to start in an era where mutants, machines, and Asgardian gods were dominating the villain line-ups. In fact, she was Russia’s answer to Captain America – a super-spy rather than a super-soldier, who is resistant to the effects of disease and time.

Soon thereafter, she became one of Marvel’s earliest character to flip from villain to hero, following suit of her early collaborator Hawkeye and the mutant twins Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. She followed in their footsteps to appear regularly in The Avengers beginning with #29 in 1966, though she was not recognized as a member until #111 in 1976.

Black Widow continued to serve as a female sidekick or team member for another three decades, notably in Daredevil, Captain America,The Avengers, and The Champions. Still, she was a supporting player even as she was voted a full-time member of the Avengers in #329 in 1991. From there she finally had her first series of headline releases, albeit as one-shot graphic novels rather than ongoing series. She still was not considered a core Avenger enough in 1996, when she did not join her teammates in the Heroes Reborn universe. Because of the fleeting nature of her appearances, collecting her is a challenge – aside from a few collections of her anthology stories and her run in Daredevil, there aren’t a lot of major Black Widow runs before the 90s.

It wasn’t until 1999 that Black Widow finally attained her own headline title (still: a limited series) as part of the more adult-oriented Marvel Knights line. Ironically, it came while defending her codename from a usurper and villain named  Yelena Belova. However, from that point forward she increasingly became part of the core fabric of the Marvel Universe, appearing in several limited series, playing a major role in Civil War, co-starring in Iron Man, and taking over Captain America along with Bucky Barnes while Steve Rodgers was presumed dead.

Who can say if it was her Iron Man origins or this resurgence that lead to Black Widow being written into Iron Man 2 in 2010 and cast with the hugely popular Scarlett Johansson. Even if Johansson wasn’t the best fit for the femme fatale, her casting was definitely the best thing that ever happened to Natasha in the comic books. She was finally granted her own ongoing series that same year. Even though that ended after eight issues, Black Widow had clearly received a promotion to featured player, appearing regularly across the full range of Avengers titles even before she subsequently found her way into The Avengers movie in 2012 in lieu of several other famous female team members.

Since 2010 every year features Black Widow in more stories and starring turns than the one before. 2014 was inarguable Natasha Romanoff’s best year yet. In film, she shared top billing with Chris Evans’s Captain America in The Winter Soldier. At the same time, she launched another solo series drawn by fan and critical favorite Phil Noto. This one lasted as long as possible – 20 issues before being shut down by Marvel’s linewide re-launch in the fall of 2015 – and then relaunched by Chris Samnee and Mark Waid in 2016!

  • Epic Collections & Complete Collections
  • Reading Order
    • Before Black Widow
    • Silver Age (1964 – 1970)
      • Debut in Tales of Suspense (1959) #52-53, 57, 60, 64 (1964 – 1965)
      • joins The Avengers (1963) #29-76 (Jun 1966 – May 1970)
    • Bronze Age
      • in Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-8
      • in Daredevil (1964) #81-124
      • Black Widow of The Champions of Los Angeles (1975 – 1977)
      • return to Avengers & Daredevil
    • The 1980s & 1990s
      • in Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13 & Marvel Team-Up (1972) #82-85
      • 1980s Guest Star
      • The Coldest War (1990) OGN & Abbatoir (1993) OGN
      • in the “Leather Jackets” era of Avengers (1963),
        Punisher / Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday’s Web OGN (1992),
        & Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty OGN (1995)
      • in Avengers by Busiek & Perez & Journey Into Mystery (1996-1998)
    • Early-00s “Marvel Knights” era
      • Black Widow (1999) #1-3
      • Black Widow (2001) #1-3
      • Marvel Knights (2000) #1-15 & Marvel Knights (2002) #1-6
      • Yelena Belova in Black Widow (2002) #1-3 [AKA “Pale Little Spider”]
      • Black Widow (2004) #1-6
    • Mid-00s Avengers & Solo Series
      • Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her (2005) #1-6
      • in Civil War and The Mighty Avengers
      • Co-Starring in Captain America (2004) #27-50 and Secret Invasion
    • Heroic Age (2010 – 2012)
      • Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #1-4
      • Black Widow (2010) #1-8 & Secret Avengers
      • Widowmaker (2010) #1-4 & Captain America
      • in Secret Avengers & Fear Itself
      • Captain America & Black Widow (2012) #636-640 by Cullen Bunn
      • in Avengers Assemble (2012), Avengers vs. X-Men (2012), & Secret Avengers
    • Marvel Now (2012 – 2015)
      • Co-Starring in Winter Soldier (2012) #1-14,
        Avengers, Avengers Assemble, & Secret Avengers (2012 – 2014)
      • Black Widow (2014) #1-20 by Nathan Edmondson & Phil Noto,
        Original Sin, Avengers, Avengers World, & Secret Avengers (2014 – 2015)
    • All-New, All-Different Marvel (2016 – 2017)
      • Black Widow (2016) #1-12 by Chris Samnee & Mark Waid
      • in Secret Empire (2017)
    • Marvel Legacy (2017 – 2018)
      • Tales of Suspense (2017) #100-104
      • Infinity Countdown: Black Widow (2018) #1 & Infinity Wars (2018)
    • Marvel Fresh Start (2018 – present)
      • Black Widow (2019) #1-6 by Jen & Sylvia Soska and Flaviano
      • The Web of Black Widow (2019) #1-5 by Jody Houser & Stephen Mooney
      • Black Widow (2020) #1-15 by Kelly Thompson & Elena Casagrande
      • White Widow (2023) #1-4 by Sarah Gailey & Alessandro Miracolo
      • Black Widow & Hawkeye (2024) #1-4 by Stephanie Phillips
      • Black Widow: Venomous (2024) #1 & Venom War: Venomous (2024) #1-3 – see Guide to Venom.
  • Out-of-Continuity Material

Join the Crushing On Crushing Krisis mailing list for a notice whenever this page is updated with new collections – plus, a not-more-than weekly ping about new comics content.

Black Widow Epic Collections & Complete Collections

Want the most-complete Black Widow bookshelf with the fewest possible books? Here’s your path to collecting all of Natasha Romanoff’s most-essential comics from 1964 to 2017 in paperback recollections.

Epic Collection, Vol. 1: Beware the Black Widow (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921262 / digital)
Collects Tales of Suspense (1959) #52-53, 57, 60, 64; Avengers (1963) #29-30, 36-37, 43-44; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #86; Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-8; Daredevil (1964) #81, and material and sub-plot pages from from Avengers (1963) #16, 32-33, 38-39, 41-42, 45-47, 57, 63-64, 76.

Black Widow: Marvel Team-Up (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302922788 / digital)
We could call this “Epic Vol. 1.5,” since this volume acts as a “Epic Companion,” filling in team-up stories that run prior to and alongside the second Epic volume. Collects Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10; Marvel Team-Up (1972) #57, 82-85, 98, 140-141; and material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53, 70, 93.

Epic Collection, Vol. 2: The Coldest War (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921309 / digital)
Collects Bizarre Adventures (1981) #25; Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13; Solo Avengers (1987) #7; Black Widow: Coldest War (1990) OGN; Punisher/Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday’s Web (1992) OGN; Daredevil/Black Widow: Abattoir (1993) OGN; Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #135; Daredevil Annual (1967) 10; Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty (1995) OGN; and Journey Into Mystery (1951) #517-519.

Modern Epic Collection, Vol. 1: The Itsy-Bitsy Spider (2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302964061 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Black Widow (2002) #1-3 AKA “Pale Little Spider,” starring Yelena Belova], Black Widow (2004) #1-6, and Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her (2005) #1-6.

Modern Epic Collection, Vol. 2: Contents TBA, but very likely to be similar to the contents of Widowmaker (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921446 / digital), which collects Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2009) #1-4, Black Widow (2010) #1-8, Widowmaker (2010) #1-4, Fear Itself: Black Widow (2011) #1, Black Widow Saga (2010) #1; and material from Enter the Heroic Age (2010) #1 and Iron Man: Kiss and Kill (2010) #1

Modern Epic Collection, Vol. 3: Chaos (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302956431 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (2014) #1-20, plus All-New Marvel Now! Point One (2014) #1 (D-Story) and a crossover with Punisher (2014) #9

by Waid & Samnee Complete Collection (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921293 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (2016) #1-12

by Kelly Thompson [& Elena Cassagrande Complete Collection] (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952662 / digital)

Natasha Romanoff, Black Widow Reading Order

Before Black Widow

UXM - 0268As with several of Marvel’s early heroes, Black Widow’s origin and pre-superhero life have been told and retconned on several occasions. At this point, Natasha’s age is a bit unclear, as her USSR origins are preclude her being aged down to less than her mid-30s by Marvel’s sliding time scale.

Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #1-6: Although the in-continuity aspects of this story happen in 2010 continuity, flashbacks in this series are some of Widow’s earliest stories and they continue through the timeframe of the other issues, below. See below for collection information.

Uncanny X-Men (1963) #268: Features appearances by Natasha as a child. See Uncanny X-Men.

Daredevil (1964) #88: See Guide to Daredevil. Features a brief flashback to Black Widow’s origins as told by a third party, which she quickly interrupts. See below for collection information.

Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10: Contains brief flashbacks similar to those in Daredevil, as this also involves Widow’s companion Ivan. See below for collection information.

Also in this period, various flashbacks to Natasha’s early life and the Red Room, including flashbacks in Daredevil (1964) #88, Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #1, Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10, Wolverine: Origins (2006) #9 & 16, Black Widow (2004) #4, Uncanny X-Men (1981) #268, Black Widow (2010) #4, Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10

Captain America Theater of War: America First! (2008) #1: An entirely apocryphal tale of the Atlas Era Captain America of 1955 (i.e., NOT Steve Rogers). While there is a character named Natasha who works for the Russians in this issue, I cannot suggest you read it. See Guide to Captain America – Steve Rogers for collection information.

Flashbacks continue in Captain America & Bucky (2011) #624, Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #2, Captain America & Bucky (2011) #624, Black Widow: Coldest War (1990) OGN, Avengers (1963) #44, Daredevil (1964) #90, and Avengers Assemble (2012) #12-13

Wolverine (1988) #-1: See Guide to Wolverine – Logan

Before the Fantastic Four: Ben Grimm & Logan #1-3 (2009): See Guide to Wolverine – Logan

Debut in Tales of Suspense (1959) #52-53, 57, 60, 64 (1964 – 1965)

Black Widow debuted in the pages of Tales of Suspense when it was effectively Iron Man’s title (later shared with Captain America, once he was unthawed).

in oversize hardcover…

The Black Widow Strikes Omnibus (2020 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302921279)
This volume includes nearly all of Black Widow’s significant material from her debut through 1998 except for Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Comics Presents stories (with one exception). It collects (in order of release) Tales if Suspense (1959) #52-53, 57, 60 & 64 (Iron Man stories only), Avengers (1963) #29-30, 36-37, & 43-44; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #86; Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-8 (2nd stories), Daredevil (1964) #81; Bizarre Adventures [Magazine] (1981) #25; material from Daredevil (1964) Annual 10; a solo story from Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13; Solo Avengers (1987) #7; Black Widow: The Coldest War (1990) OGN; Punisher/Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday’s Web (1992) OGN; Daredevil/Black Widow: Abattoir (1993) OGN; Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #135 (4th story); Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty (1995) OGN; Journey Into Mystery (1996) #517-519; plus subplot pages from Avengers (1963) #16, 32-33, 38-39, 41-42, 45-47, 57, 63-64, & 76.

Also, see Guide to Iron Man – Tony Stark for other oversize options of this material.

in Epic Collection paperback…

Beware the Black Widow (Epic Vol. 1) (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921262 / digital)
Collects Tales of Suspense (1959) #52-53, 57, 60, & 64; Avengers (1963) #29-30, 36-37, 43-44; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #86; Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-8; Daredevil (1964) #81, and material and sub-plot pages from from Avengers (1963) #16, 32-33, 38-39, 41-42, 45-47, 57, 63-64, 76.

other collections…

Tales of Suspense (1959) #52: The Sting of the Widow (2009 hardcover, ISBN 978-0785137948 / digital)
Collects Tales of Suspense (1959) #52, Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #86, Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-8 (2nd stories), and Daredevil (1964) #81.

Tales of Suspense (1959) #53, 57, 60, 64: See Guide to Iron Man – Tony Stark for additional collection options.

Click for a list of guest appearances in this period.

After ToS #53: Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin (2007) #3

After ToS #57: Untold Tales of Spider-Man (1995) #17

During ToS #60: further flashbacks in Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #2

After ToS #64: flashback in Avengers (1963) #16, then Marvel Heroes & Legends (1996) 1997

Black Widow joins The Avengers (1963) #29-76 (Jun 1966 – May 1970)

Black Widow is considered in the first big Avengers line-up change in Avengers (1963) #16 in 1965, but doesn’t sign on to the team until a year later.

in oversize hardcover…

The Black Widow Strikes Omnibus (2020 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302921279)
This volume includes nearly all of Black Widow’s significant material from her debut through 1998 except for Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Comics Presents stories (with one exception). See above for full contents

Also, see Guide to Avengers (1963-1996) for other oversize options of this material.

in Epic Collection paperback…

Beware the Black Widow (Epic Vol. 1) (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921262 / digital)
Collects Tales of Suspense (1959) #52-53, 57, 60, & 64; Avengers (1963) #29-30, 36-37, 43-44; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #86; Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-8; Daredevil (1964) #81, and material and sub-plot pages from from Avengers (1963) #16, 32-33, 38-39, 41-42, 45-47, 57, 63-64, 76.

other collections…

Avengers (1963) #29-30, 32-33, 35-39, 41-48, 52, 57, 59, 63-64, & 76: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996). Natasha is implied in issue #40, then after issue #44 implied in Annual 1, and implied in issues #48 & 50.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #86: The Sting of the Widow (2009 hardcover, ISBN 978-0785137948 / digital)
Collects Tales of Suspense (1959) #52, Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #86, Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-8 (2nd stories), and Daredevil (1964) #81. Also, see Guide to Spider Man, Peter Parker (1963-2018). This issues introduces Black Widow’s well-known sleek black look.

Click for a list of guest appearances in this period.

On either side of Avengers #59, Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (2007) #2 & 5-8, then continuing to Captain Marvel (1968) #12 before #63.

During #64, flashbacks in Hawkeye: Blindspot (2011) #2.

During Amazing Spider-Man #86:  flashbacks in Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10


Black Widow in Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-8

AmAd - 0001Black Widow headlined this anthology adventure series when it launched, splitting each issue with The Inhumans.

in oversize hardcover…

The Black Widow Strikes Omnibus (2020 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302921279)
This volume includes nearly all of Black Widow’s significant material from her debut through 1998 except for Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Comics Presents stories (with one exception). See above for full contents

Also, see Guide to Daredevil, as this material is often collected with Natasha’s run in Daredevil (1964) as covered in the next section.

in Epic Collection paperback…

Beware the Black Widow (Epic Vol. 1) (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921262 / digital)
Collects Tales of Suspense (1959) #52-53, 57, 60, & 64; Avengers (1963) #29-30, 36-37, 43-44; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #86; Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-8; Daredevil (1964) #81, and material and sub-plot pages from from Avengers (1963) #16, 32-33, 38-39, 41-42, 45-47, 57, 63-64, 76.

other collections…

#1-8 (2nd stories): The Sting of the Widow (2009 hardcover, ISBN 978-0785137948 / digital)
Collects Tales of Suspense (1959) #52, Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #86, Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-8 (2nd stories), and Daredevil (1964) #81.

Avengers (1963) #83: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996). This appearance fits between Amazing Adventures #4-5. Afterward, she is implied but unseen in Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Comic Magazine (2001) #12 before returning to Amazing Adventures #5.


Black Widow & Daredevil in Daredevil (1964) #81-124

After her solo stint in Amazing Adventures, Natasha signs on as a full-time co-star to Daredevil for several years of his ongoing title, which includes his entire classic San Francisco period.

in oversize hardcover & Epic Collection paperback…

Since this is a lengthy, omnibus-sized run all on its own, The Black Widow Strikes Omnibus (2020 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302921279) and Beware the Black Widow (Epic Vol. 1) (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921262 / digital) each only contains issue #81. See Guide to Daredevil for other collection options in these formats.

other collections…

Daredevil (1964) #81-99: See Guide to Daredevil

During Daredevil #83: Marvels (1994) #4
Between Daredevil #88-89: Incredible Hulk (1968) #152
During Daredevil #99: flashbacks in Defenders (1972) #7

Avengers (1963) #111-112: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996). Black Widow officially joins the team only to leave it an issue later.

During Avengers #112: retcon material in I ♥ Marvel: AI (2006)

Daredevil (1964) #101-117 & 120-124: See Guide to Daredevil. Note that Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10, below, fits between #123-124.

Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10: Black Widow: Marvel Team-Up (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302922788 / digital)
This fits prior to Daredevil #124. Collects a number of Natasha’s team-up appearances from the 1970s and 80s by authors like Chris Claremont and Marv Wolfman from Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10; Marvel Team-Up (1972) #57, 82-85, 98, 140-141; and material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53, 70, & 93.

Click for a list of guest appearances in this period.

After Daredevil #101: Flashbacks in Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #3

After Daredevil #107: Man-Thing (1970) #1

After Daredevil #109: Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #3

After Daredevil #117: Code of Honor (1997) #2

Prior to Daredevil #124 and during the founding of the Champions: flashbacks in Avengers (1963) #137 and Iceman (2017) #6 (flashback)


Black Widow of The Champions of Los Angeles (1975 – 1977)

Champions - 0014After her run in Daredevil, Natasha joins this team of unlikely allies, originally conceived as a buddy title for ex-X-Men Iceman and Angel.

The Champions (1975) #1-7: See Guide to The Champions

Marvel Vault: Gambit & The Champions (2011) #1: See Guide to The Champions. This occurs during issue #7

The Champions (1975) #8-13: See Guide to The Champions

Marvel Team-Up (1972) #57: Black Widow: Marvel Team-Up (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302922788 / digital)
Also, See Guide to Spider-Man, Peter Parker (1963-2018), as Team-Up was primarily a Spider-Man supporting title. Collects Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10; Marvel Team-Up (1972) #57, 82-85, 98, 140-141; and material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53, 70, 93.

The Champions (1975) #14-15: See Guide to The Champions

Iron Man (1968) Annual 4, Avengers (1963) #163, & Super-Villain Team-Up (1975) #14: See Guide to The Champions. These guest-appearances are customarily collected alongside that series.

The Champions (1975) #16-17: See Guide to The Champions

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man (1976) #17-18: See Guide to The Champions. These issues resolve the Champions run and are generally collected alongside it, as is Hulk (1968) Annual 7 – but she does not appear in that issue.

Click for a list of guest appearances in this period.

During #1: flashbacks in Iceman (2017) #7
After #4: Ghost Rider (1973) #17
After #6: Avengers (1963) #151
During #7:  Punisher War Journal (2007) #17 (flashback)

After Champions #10: Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) #13

After: Champions #13 and before Team-Up #57: Ghost Rider (1973) #23

After Champions #15 (but before Iron Man Annual et al): Godzilla (1977) #3

After Champions #16: Giant-Size Hulk (2006) #1

Black Widow returns to Avengers & Daredevil

Avengers (1963) #173-177: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996).

During Avengers #177: flashback in Fantastic Four (1961) Annual 24 (2nd story) and additional material in Avengers: Korvac Saga (1991) Trade Paperback

Daredevil (1964) #155-158: See Guide to Daredevil

After Daredevil #158: Flashbacks in Black Widow (1999) #1

Avengers (1963) #181: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996).


Black Widow in Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13 & Marvel Team-Up (1972) #82-85

in oversize hardcover…

MarF - 0010

The Black Widow Strikes Omnibus (2020 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302921279)
This volume includes nearly all of Black Widow’s significant material from her debut through 1998 except for Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Comics Presents stories (with one exception). See above for full contents

in Epic Collection paperback…

The Coldest War (Epic Vol. 2) (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921309 / digital)
Collects Bizarre Adventures (1981) #25; Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13; Solo Avengers (1987) #7; Black Widow: Coldest War (1990) OGN; Punisher/Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday’s Web (1992) OGN; Daredevil/Black Widow: Abattoir (1993) OGN; Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #135; Daredevil Annual (1967) 10; Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty (1995) OGN; and Journey Into Mystery (1951) #517-519.

other collections…

Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13: Black Widow: Web of Intrigue
Collects the story from Marvel Fanfare (1923) #10-13 which later came to be known as “Web of Intrigue,” plus material from Bizarre Adventures #25, and Black Widow: The Coldest War GN. Reprinted in paperback in 2016 (2016 paperback, ISBN 978-1302900267 / digital)

Marvel Team-Up (1972) #82-85: Black Widow: Marvel Team-Up (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302922788 / digital)
Also, See Guide to Spider-Man, Peter Parker (1963-2018), as Team-Up was primarily a Spider-Man supporting title. Collects Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10; Marvel Team-Up (1972) #57, 82-85, 98, 140-141; and material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53, 70, 93.

Black Widow, 1980s Guest Star

Black Widow was without a home title in this period. She was an occasional Avengers and supporting character in Daredevil.

Daredevil (1964) #160-161 & 164-165: See Guide to Daredevil

Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) #25

Marvel Team-Up (1972) #98

Bizarre Adventures [Magazine] (1981) #25: In Web of Intrigue, Omnibus, and Epic, all above.

After Bizarre Adventures: flashbacks in Vote Loki (2016) #1

Avengers (1963) #211 & 221: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

After Avengers #211: cameo in Marvel Graphic Novel (1982) #1 [AKA The Death of Captain Marvel] and flashbacks to those events in Silver Surfer (1968) Annual 6 (flashback) and Daredevil (1964) Annual 10 (2nd story)

Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions (1982) #1-3: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Contests of Champions. Natasha appears in issue #1 and is not selected for the contest, so is only implied in #2-3 (as well as later in Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars (2015) #1 (2nd story)

Daredevil (1964) #187-190 & 200-201: See Guide to Daredevil.

Avengers (1963) #239: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

Marvel Team-Up (1972) #140-141 Black Widow: Marvel Team-Up (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302922788 / digital)
Also, See Guide to Spider-Man, Peter Parker (1963-2018), as Team-Up was primarily a Spider-Man supporting title. Collects Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10; Marvel Team-Up (1972) #57, 82-85, 98, 140-141; and material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53, 70, 93.

Marvel Team-Up (1972) #141: Marvel-Verse Black Widow (2020 digest-size paperback, ISBN 978-1302921194 / digital)
Collects a mix of in- and out-of-continuity material, including Marvel-616 stories from Marvel Team-Up (1972) #141, Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53 & 93, and Enter the Heroic Age (2010) #1 (Black Widow story), as well as all-ages material from Marvel Adventures the Avengers (2006) #21 and Marvel Adventures Super Heroes (2010) #10, 17 (B story).

During Team-Up #141: Code Of Honor (1997) #3

Daredevil (1964) #207-208, 217, & 222: See Guide to Daredevil.

West Coast Avengers (1984) Annual 1: See Guide to Avengers West Coast

Daredevil (1964) #236-237, 239: See Guide to Daredevil.

Black Widow: The Coldest War (1990) & Daredevil/Black Widow: Abbatoir (1993)

in oversize hardcover…

The Black Widow Strikes Omnibus (2020 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302921279)
This volume includes nearly all of Black Widow’s significant material from her debut through 1998 except for Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Comics Presents stories (with one exception). See above for full contents

in Epic Collection paperback…

The Coldest War (Epic Vol. 2) (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921309 / digital)
Collects Bizarre Adventures (1981) #25; Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13; Solo Avengers (1987) #7; Black Widow: Coldest War (1990) OGN; Punisher/Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday’s Web (1992) OGN; Daredevil/Black Widow: Abattoir (1993) OGN; Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #135; Daredevil Annual (1967) 10; Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty (1995) OGN; and Journey Into Mystery (1951) #517-519.

other collections…

Daredevil / Black Widow: Abattoir (1993) OGN (ISBN 0871359944)
Despite its 1993 release, this graphic novel was set in continuity here.

Daredevil #247 & 252: See Guide to Daredevil

Black Widow: The Coldest War (199) OGN (ISBN 0871356430)
After twenty-five years, Black Widow gets her first headlining title! Granted, it’s for a one-shot original graphic novel, but it’s still a major moment. Also collected in Web of Intrigue, Epic, and Omnibus, all, above.

Note that the following Solo Avengers and Daredevil appearances fit with the final few pages of this The Coldest War.

Solo Avengers (1987) #7 (2nd story) & 14-16: See Guide to Hawkeye

Daredevil (1964) #262: See Guide to Daredevil. Occurs between Solo Avengers #7 & 14

Atlantis Attacks: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Atlantis Attacks. Avengers (1963) #305 & Annual 18 and Fantastic Four (1961) Annual 22

Punisher War Journal (1988) #9: See Guide to Punisher

Avengers Spotlight (1989) #27 (2nd story): See Guide to Hawkeye

After Spotlight: flashback in Avengers (1963) Annual 19 (3rd story)

Avengers (1963) #313: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996).

Uncanny X-Men (1981) #268 (present day scenes only): See Guide to Uncanny X-Men by Chris Claremont (1975-1991).This single classic Uncanny X-Men appearance drawn by Jim Lee causes Black Widow continuity issues for years to come by making her as old as Captain America and Wolverine – before the freezing and the adamantium!

Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53 & 70 (4th stories): Black Widow: Marvel Team-Up
(2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302922788 / digital)
Collects Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10; Marvel Team-Up (1972) #57, 82-85, 98, 140-141; and material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53, 70, 93.

Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53 (4th story):
Marvel-Verse Black Widow (2020 digest-size paperback, ISBN 978-1302921194 / digital)
Collects a mix of in- and out-of-continuity material, including Marvel-616 stories from Marvel Team-Up (1972) #141, Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53 & 93, and Enter the Heroic Age (2010) #1 (Black Widow story), as well as all-ages material from Marvel Adventures the Avengers (2006) #21 and Marvel Adventures Super Heroes (2010) #10, 17 (B story).

After MCP #53: Captain America (1968) #373-374 & 376-377, Namor, The Sub-Mariner (1990) Annual 1 (4th story)

After MCP #70: Captain America (1968) #383

Black Widow in the “Leather Jackets” era of Avengers (1963),
Punisher / Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday’s Web (1992) OGN,
& Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty (1995) OGN

Black Widow joins the team full-time for her longest sustained run to date starting from issue #329 in 1991 through the cancellation of the book in 1996. For much of this run she was the team’s Chairman – the de facto decision-maker according to the by-laws.

in oversize hardcover…

The Black Widow Strikes Omnibus (2020 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302921279)
This volume includes nearly all of Black Widow’s significant material from her debut through 1998 except for Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Comics Presents stories (with one exception – MCP #135). See above for full contents

Also, see Guide to Avengers (1963-1996) for other oversize options of this material.

in Epic Collection paperback…

The Coldest War (Epic Vol. 2) (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921309 / digital)
Collects Bizarre Adventures (1981) #25; Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13; Solo Avengers (1987) #7; Black Widow: Coldest War (1990) OGN; Punisher/Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday’s Web (1992) OGN; Daredevil/Black Widow: Abattoir (1993) OGN; Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #135; Daredevil Annual (1967) 10; Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty (1995) OGN; and Journey Into Mystery (1951) #517-519.

in other collections…

Avengers (1963) #329-339: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #93 (4th story): Black Widow: Marvel Team-Up
(2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302922788 / digital)
A one-shot Black Widow and Daredevil story by future Spider-Man writer Dan Slott! Collects Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10; Marvel Team-Up (1972) #57, 82-85, 98, 140-141; and material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53, 70, 93.

Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #93 (4th story):
Marvel-Verse Black Widow (2020 digest-size paperback, ISBN 978-1302921194 / digital)
Collects a mix of in- and out-of-continuity material, including Marvel-616 stories from Marvel Team-Up (1972) #141, Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53 & 93, and Enter the Heroic Age (2010) #1 (Black Widow story), as well as all-ages material from Marvel Adventures the Avengers (2006) #21 and Marvel Adventures Super Heroes (2010) #10, 17 (B story).

Avengers (1963) #341-345: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996). Includes the “Galactic Storm” crossover.

Punisher / Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday’s Web (1992) OGN (ISBN 0871357364)
Also collected in omnibus and Epic, above. Also, see See Guide to Punisher

Avengers (1963) #348-349, 350 (both stories, 351, 355-359, 360 (both stories), & 361-366: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #125-130: See Guide to Wolverine – Logan. This is a serialized Wolverine story collected alongside his material.

Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #135 (4th story): A solo Black Widow story by Mindy Newell. Collected in omnibus and Epic, above.

Avengers (1963) Annual 22, #367-370, 372-374, 375 (both stories), 378-380 & 382 (2nd & 3rd stories): See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996). Includes the “Avengers/X-Men: Bloodties” crossover.

Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty OGN (1995) (ISBN 978-0785101567)
Also collected in omnibus and Epic, above. Also see Guide to Nick Fury (eventually).

Avengers (1963) #384-389, 391, 393-395, 397-402: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996). Includes the “Taking AIM” crossover with Captain America, the Avengers line “The Crossing” crossover, and Onslaught.

Click here for a list of all of appearances in this period, including her membership in Avengers and participation in events.

Avengers (1963) #329-339: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

After #331: flashback in Avengers West Coast (1989) #69

After #33: Alpha Flight (1983) #98-100, Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #348

Iron Man (1968) #269, 271-273, 276-277: See Guide to Iron Man – Tony Stark

Infinity Gauntlet: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Infinity Gauntlet. Natasha cameos in Infinity Gauntlet (1991) #2-3

Subterranean Wars: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events: 1991 Annual Crossovers. Black Widow appears in Avengers Annual 20 & Avengers West Coast Annual 6.

Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #93 (4th story): Black Widow: Marvel Team-Up
(2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302922788 / digital)
A one-shot Black Widow and Daredevil story by future Spider-Man writer Dan Slott! Collects Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #10; Marvel Team-Up (1972) #57, 82-85, 98, 140-141; and material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53, 70, 93.

Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #93 (4th story):
Marvel-Verse Black Widow (2020 digest-size paperback, ISBN 978-1302921194 / digital)
Collects a mix of in- and out-of-continuity material, including Marvel-616 stories from Marvel Team-Up (1972) #141, Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #53 & 93, and Enter the Heroic Age (2010) #1 (Black Widow story), as well as all-ages material from Marvel Adventures the Avengers (2006) #21 and Marvel Adventures Super Heroes (2010) #10, 17 (B story).

Avengers (1963) #341-344: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

Galactic Storm: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996). Black Widow appears in Avengers #345 and Captain America #401-402.

After Galactic Storm flashback in Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #3

Punisher / Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday’s Web OGN (1992) (ISBN 0871357364)

Avengers (1963) #350 (2nd story) fits here

Infinity War: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events: Infinity War.

Infinity War (1992) #1, and after #1 implied in Alpha Flight (1983) #110
Infinity War (1992) #2 and also in Fantastic Four (1963) #367, and continuing through #3 in Marc Spector: Moon Knight (1989) #41 and implied in Wonder Man (1991) #13
Infinity War (1992) #3 and also implied in Fantastic Four (1961) #368
Fantastic Four (1961) #370
Infinity War (1992) #6
Marc Spector: Moon Knight (1989) #44

Citizen Kang: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events: 1992 Annual Crossovers. Black Widow appears in Thor (1966) Annual 17 and Fantastic Four (1961) Annual 25 (but not Avengers Annual 21).

After Citizen Kang: flashback in Iron Man (1968) #284, then in Captain America (1968) #408 (3rd story)

Avengers (1963) #348-349, 350 (both stories, 351, 355-359, 360 (both stories), 361-366: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

After #349: Quasar (1989) #41 & 44
After #356: Marc Spector: Moon Knight (1989) #50
After #357: Mys-Tech Wars (1993) #1-3, a Marvel UK event.

Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #125-130 & 135 (4th story)

Infinity Crusade: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Infinity Crusade. Natasha only appears on-panel in Infinity Crusade (1993) #2.

Natasha appears in Infinity Crusade (1993) #2 and is implied in Warlock & The Infinity Watch (1992) #18-19 and Web of Spider-Man (1985) #104. Then, implied and unseen in all of Infinity Crusade (1993) #3, Web of Spider-Man (1985) #105, and Darkhawk (1991) #31.

Starblast: See Guide to Quasar (eventually). In this cosmic crossover, Black Widow appears in Starblast (1994) #1 and Quasar (1989) #54, as well as epilogue issue #60.

Avengers (1963) Annual 22 & #367: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

After Annual 22: Sleepwalker (1991) #26-27, Darkhawk (1991) #33

Avengers/X-Men: Bloodties: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996), Guide to Avengers West Coast, Guide to Uncanny X-Men – The Crossover Era (1991-2001), or Guide to X-Men Vol. 2 (1991-2001). Natasha appears throughout this crossover in Avengers (1963) #368, X-Men (1991) #26, Avengers West Coast (1989) #101, Uncanny X-Men (1981) #307, and Avengers (1963) #369

After Bloodties: Incredible Hulk (1968) #411, Avengers West Coast (1989) #102, Warlock & The Infinity Watch (1992) #26-28

Avengers (1963) #370, 372-374, 375 (both stories): See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

After #370: Captain America (1968) #422 & 424-425; Daredevil (1964) Annual 10 (2nd story), 326, 329, & 332; Silver Surfer (1987) #93

After #375: Captain America (1968) #430, Force Works (1994) #1-2 (and during #1 in Tales of the Marvels: Wonder Years (1995) #1), Captain America (1968) #431, Thunderstrike (1993) #13

Avengers (1963) #378-380 & 382 (2nd & 3rd stories): See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

After #382: Thunderstrike (1993) #19-20, Spider-Man: Power Of Terror (1995) #3, Tales of the Marvels: Wonder Years (1995) #2, Force Works (1994) #10 (2nd story)

Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty (1995) OGN (ISBN 978-0785101567)
Recollected above in omnibus and Epic Colleciton

After Fury/BW: Captain America (1968) #434, Iron Man (1968) #315-317

Avengers (1963) #384-389: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)

Taking AIM: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996). A crossover in Avengers (1963) #386 (prelude), Captain America (1968) #440, Avengers (1963) #387, Captain America (1968) #441, and Avengers (1963) #388

After Taking AIM and before #389: flashback in Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #3, then in Fantastic Four Unlimited (1993) #11, Force Works (1994) #13-14, Thunderstrike (1993) #23-24, Ghost Rider (1990) #64-65

After #389: Lunatik (1995) #1-2, Captain America (1968) #443, Avengers Unplugged (1995) #1, Captain America (1968) #444, Incredible Hulk (1968) #434, Captain America (1968) #445, Punisher (1995) #1, out of continuity in DC Vs. Marvel (1996) #3 (and implied in #1-2 & 4), out of continuity in Avengers/Ultraforce and Ultraforce/Avengers, then in Star Masters (1995) #2, Fantastic Four Unplugged (1995) #4, Avengers Unplugged (1995) #3.

Avengers: The Crossing: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996). Natasha appears throughout this massive mid-90s crossover in Avengers: The Crossing (1995) #1, Avengers (1963) #391, Force Works (1994) #17, (implied in War Machine (1994) #20 and Avengers (1963) #392), Iron Man (1968) #322, Force Works (1994) #18, War Machine (1994) #21, Iron Man (1968) #323, Avengers (1963) #393, Force Works (1994) #19, War Machine (1994) #22, Iron Man (1968) #324, Avengers (1963) #394, Force Works (1994) #20, Avengers: Timeslide (1996) #1, Iron Man (1968) #325, Avengers (1963) #395, and Age of Innocence: Rebirth of Iron Man (1996) #1

After Timeslide and before Iron Man #325, in a non-crossover issue of Sensational Spider-Man (1996) #3

After Rebirth of Iron Man, in Thor (1966) #495 and Incredible Hulk (1968) #440

Avengers (1963) #397-400: See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996).

After #397: Avengers Unplugged (1995) #4, New Warriors (1990) #72
After #399: Spider-Man Team-Up (1995) #4

Onslaught: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Onslaught or Guide to Avengers (1963-1996). Black Widow appears in Avengers (1963) #401, Fantastic Four (1961) #415, X-Men (1991) #55, Avengers (1963)#402, and Onslaught: Marvel Universe (1996) #1.

Black Widow does not join The Avengers in their pocket Heroes Reborn universe, making her one of the few remaining Avengers-related heroes to remain in the 616 universe in this period.

Natasha appears in Incredible Hulk: Hercules Unleashed (1996) #1, in flashback in Avengers (1998) Annual 1999 and Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #4, Thunderbolts (1997) #1, Imperial Guard (1997) #1, Daredevil (1964) #361, Punisher (1995) #17, Thunderbolts (1997) #3 & 9

Daredevil (1964) #368-371: See Guide to Daredevil

After Daredevil: retcon material in I ♥ Marvel: AI (2006) (3rd story), then in Shadows & Light (1998) #1

Black Widow in Avengers by Busiek & Perez & Journey Into Mystery (1996-1998)

After Heroes Reborn, Avengers, Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor all relaunch with a 3rd volume in 1998. Black Widow appears sporadically across several titles, but is primarily back to being a supporting player in Daredevil’s 1998 relaunch.

in oversize hardcover…

The Black Widow Strikes Omnibus (2020 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302921279)
This volume includes nearly all of Black Widow’s significant material from her debut through 1998 except for Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Comics Presents stories (with one exception). See above for full contents

Also, see Guide to Avengers (1996-2005) for other oversize options of this material.

in Epic Collection paperback…

Journey Into Mystery (1996) #517-519: The Coldest War (Epic Vol. 2) (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921309 / digital)
Collects Bizarre Adventures (1981) #25; Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13; Solo Avengers (1987) #7; Black Widow: Coldest War (1990) OGN; Punisher/Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday’s Web (1992) OGN; Daredevil/Black Widow: Abattoir (1993) OGN; Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #135; Daredevil Annual (1967) 10; Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty (1995) OGN; and Journey Into Mystery (1951) #517-519.

other collections…

Avengers (1998) #1-3: See Guide to Avengers (1996-2005). Nearly every living Avenger to ever be active appears in this opening arc.

After Avengers #1-3: flashback in Avengers (1998) Annual 2001 (2nd story), then in Captain America (1998) #3, implied but unseen in Avengers (1998) #4, then in Daredevil (1964) #375

Journey Into Mystery (1996) #517-519: Black Widow is the star of “The Fire Next time” arc; only collected about in Omnibus and Epic Collection.

After Journey Into Mystery: Wolverine (1988) #125-126, Iron Man (1998) #5-6 & 8-11

X-Force / The Champions Annual ’98: See Guide to The Champions.

After Annual: Wolverine (1988) #134, Ant-Man Big Christmas (1999) #1, and Daredevil (1998) #2, 4, & 8

Black Widow (1999) #1-3BlWv01 - 0001

It’s hard to believe it took almost forty years for Black Widow to get her own limited series! This marked not only her first multi-issue starring title, but also the beginning of her higher profile in the Marvel Universe. Plus, author Devin Grayson introduces Yelena Belova – the future White Widow, though here she is black! This series is really a duet between the two Widows.

in Modern Era Epic Collection…

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider (Modern Epic Vol. 1)
(2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302964061 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Black Widow (2002) #1-3 AKA “Pale Little Spider,” starring Yelena Belova], Black Widow (2004) #1-6, and Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her (2005) #1-6.

as recollected…

#1-3: Marvel Knights Black Widow by Grayson & Rucka: The Complete Collection
(2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1302914004 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Black Widow (2002) #1-3 [AKA “Pale Little Spider,” starring Yelena Belova]

#1-3: Thunderbolts: The Saga of Yelena Belova
(2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302956622 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Widowmakers: Red Guardian and Yelena Belova (2020) #1, Winter Guard (2021) #1-4, and Black Widow (2020) #7-10

as previously collected…

#1-3: Black Widow: The Itsy-Bitsy Spider Hardcover
Previously collected in a TPB – in this case, the Hardcover version is more common. A 2016 TPB collects both this and the 2001 series.

Prior to this series, in Inhumans (1998) #5, Yelena has a shadowy first appearance, sewing the seeds of war with the Inhuman’s home of Attilan. There’s not much to learn about her from this single scene, but it is an appropriately cool introduction.

Contest of Champions II (1999) #3-5: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Contest of Champions II

After Contest of Champions II: Implied in Avengers (1998) Annual 1999, then in Fantastic Four (1998) #27, Daredevil (1998) #9

Black Widow (2001) #1-3

Another Natasha & Yelena adventure, co-written by Devin Grayson & Greg Rucka.

in Modern Era Epic Collection…

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider (Modern Epic Vol. 1)
(2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302964061 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Black Widow (2002) #1-3 AKA “Pale Little Spider,” starring Yelena Belova], Black Widow (2004) #1-6, and Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her (2005) #1-6.

as recollected…

#1-3: Marvel Knights Black Widow by Grayson & Rucka: The Complete Collection (2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1302914004 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Black Widow (2002) #1-3 [AKA “Pale Little Spider,” starring Yelena Belova]

#1-3: Thunderbolts: The Saga of Yelena Belova
(2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302956622 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Widowmakers: Red Guardian and Yelena Belova (2020) #1, Winter Guard (2021) #1-4, and Black Widow (2020) #7-10

as previously collected…

#1-3: Black Widow: The Itsy-Bitsy Spider Hardcover
Previously collected in a TPB – in this case, the Hardcover version is more common. A 2016 TPB collects both this and the 2001 series.

During issue #3: flashback in Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #4

Avengers/Thunderbolts: Nefaria Protocols: See Guide to Avengers (1996-2005). Natasha appears throughout this story in Avengers (1998) #32, Thunderbolts (1997) #43, Avengers (1998) #33, Thunderbolts (1997) #44, and Avengers (1998) #34

Black Widow in Marvel Knights (2000) #1-15 & Marvel Knights (2002) #1-6

Natasha is an anchor of this pair of loosely-affiliated teams of street level characters and plots.

Marvel Knights (2000) #1-15: Marvel Knights By Dixon & Barreto: Defenders of the Streets (2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1302912130 / digital)

During #15: flashbacks in Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #4.

Daredevil (1998) #14-15, Daredevil/Spider-Man (2001) #2-4, & Daredevil (1998) #21: See Guide to Daredevil.

After Daredevil #21: Avengers (1998) #43-44 (and implied but unseen in #41), Thunderbolts (1997) #57 (and implied but unseen in #58), Captain America 1998) #50 (6th story). Also, see Black Widow (2002) #1-3, below.

Marvel Knights (2002) #1-6: Not collected

Marvel Knights Double Shot (2002) #4 (2nd story): Typically collected with Punisher material from this period. See Guide to Punisher.

After Double Shot: flashbacks in both Iron Man (1998) #50 and Daredevil (1998) #33. Then, in Avengers (1998) #55, Daredevil (1998) #36 (and implied in #37), Alias (2001) #15

Secret War (2004) #1-3 & 5: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Secret War

After Secret War: X-Statix (2002) #26, Hawkeye (2003) #7-8, flashback in Wonder Man (2007) #5

Daredevil (1998) #61-64: See Guide to Daredevil

Avengers (1963) #501-503: This is the famous “Avengers Disassembled” story – see Guide to New Avengers (2005-2010) or Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Avengers Disassembled

Yelena Belova in Black Widow (2002) #1-3 [AKA “Pale Little Spider”]

Natasha does not appear. Despite being labeled as “MAX” this series is a part of Marvel continuity – however, since it is a mature readers series, it is not available on Marvel Unlimited. It had never been collected in English prior to 2018.

in Modern Era Epic Collection…

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider (Modern Epic Vol. 1)
(2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302964061 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Black Widow (2002) #1-3 AKA “Pale Little Spider,” starring Yelena Belova], Black Widow (2004) #1-6, and Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her (2005) #1-6.

as previously collected…

#1-3: Marvel Knights Black Widow by Grayson & Rucka: The Complete Collection (2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1302914004 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Black Widow (2002) #1-3 [AKA “Pale Little Spider,” starring Yelena Belova]

Black Widow (2004) #1-6

in Modern Era Epic Collection…

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider (Modern Epic Vol. 1)
(2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302964061 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Black Widow (2002) #1-3 AKA “Pale Little Spider,” starring Yelena Belova], Black Widow (2004) #1-6, and Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her (2005) #1-6.

as recollected…

#1-6: Welcome to the Game (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921255 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (2004) #1-6, Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her (2005) #1-6.

as originally collected…

#1-6: Homecoming

Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her (2005) #1-6

in Modern Era Epic Collection…

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider (Modern Epic Vol. 1)
(2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302964061 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (1999) #1-3, Black Widow (2001) #1-3, Black Widow (2002) #1-3 AKA “Pale Little Spider,” starring Yelena Belova], Black Widow (2004) #1-6, and Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her (2005) #1-6.

as recollected…

#1-6: Welcome to the Game (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921255 / digital)
Collects Black Widow (2004) #1-6, Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her (2005) #1-6.

as originally collected…

#1-6: The Things They Say About Her

After this series: Marvel Team-Up (2005) #6, flashback in Captain America & Bucky (2011) #624, implied but unseen in Captain Universe (2005) #2 [AKA Captain Universe / Daredevil]. Natasha does not appear on-panel in House of M (2005), though her participation is implied in issue #6. Then she is implied but unseen in New Avengers (2005) #45

Then, in Wolverine: Origins (2006) #8-9; Daredevil (1998) #77-80; White Tiger (2007) #1, 3, & 6; and flashback in Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #4

Black Widow in Civil War and The Mighty Avengers

Though Black Widow was not a regular star of New Avengers, in the post-Civil War world her affiliation with SHIELD means that she is a dedicated member of the government-sanctioned Mighty Avengers team.

Civil War: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Civil War. Natasha appears in Civil War (2006) #3, Black Panther (2005) #23, and Civil War (2006) #6-7.

During Civil War #7: flashbacks in Mighty Avengers (2007) #2 and New Avengers (2005) #28-29

Fallen Son: Avengers (2007) #1: See Guide to New Avengers (2005-2010) or Guide to Captain America – Steve Rogers

Around the same time as Fallen Son: scenes in Young Allies Comics 70th Anniversary Special (2009) #1 and Avengers: Initiative (2007) #8, then in Silent War (2007) #5, and further scenes in New Avengers (2005) #29-30

Mighty Avengers (2007) #1-9 & 11: See Guide to Mighty Avengers & Ultimates.

During Mighty Avengers #1: Cameos in Irredeemable Ant-Man (2006) #7
After Mighty Avengers #7: New Avengers (2005) #34, then during #8 New Avengers (2005) #35-36


Black Widow in Captain America (2004) #27-50 & Secret Invasion

During the Death of Captain America saga, Black Widow takes over as one of the stars of the series alongside Winter Soldier, Falcon, and Sharon Carter.

Captain America (2004) #27 & 29-36, & 41-42: See Guide to Captain America – Steve Rogers. She is implied but unseen in issue #39.

After Cap #27: New Warriors (2007) #2, Avengers: Initiative (2007) #3, Giant-Size Avengers (2008) #1, Incredible Hulk (2000) #112, Incredible Hercules (2008) #114, flashback in Avengers: Initiative (2007) #12, New Avengers (2005) #38

After Cap #33: Cable & Deadpool (2004) #50, flashback in Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #4

After Cap #42: Captain Marvel (2008) #1, Marvel Apes (2008) #1, Fantastic Four (1961) #556 & 562, Avengers/Invaders (2008) #2 & 4-8, Hulk Smash Avengers (2012) #5, Hulk (2008) #8-9 (2nd stories), Adam: Legend of the Blue Marvel (2009) #1

Secret Invasion: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Secret Invasion. Natasha appears in Secret Invasion (2008) #1-2, 4-6, Secret Invasion: Front Line (2008) #4, Avengers: Initiative (2007) #19, Secret Invasion (2008) #7 (and also in Marvel Apes (2008) #4 (2nd story and Thunderbolts (1997) #125, and Secret Invasion (2008) #8

After Secret Invasion: Wolverine: Origins (2006) #39

Captain America (2004) #43-48 & 50: See Guide to Captain America

After Cap #48: flashback in Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #4

After Cap #50: flashback in Winter Soldier (2012) #10.

Thunderbolts (1997) #128-136: See Guide to Thunderbolts. Natasha appears throughout Thunderbolts (1997) #128-129, Deadpool (2008) #7-8, Thunderbolts (1997) #130, Deadpool (2008) #9, and then in Thunderbolts (1997) #131-136

After Thunderbolts #133: Spider-Woman (2009) #5-6

During Thunderbolts #135: Secret Warriors (2009) #7-8

Heroic Age:
Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2010) #1-4

as recollected in a single paperback…

Widowmaker (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921446 / digital)
Collects Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2009) #1-4, Black Widow (2010) #1-8, Widowmaker (2010) #1-4, Fear Itself: Black Widow (2011) #1, Black Widow Saga (2010) #1; and material from Enter the Heroic Age (2010) #1 and Iron Man: Kiss and Kill (2010) #1

as originally collected, along with guest appearances…

#1-4: Black Widow: Deadly Origin #1-6
Available in hardcover

Captain America: Reborn (2009): See Guide to Captain America. Natasha appears in Captain America (1968) #600 (2nd story), Captain America: Reborn (2009) #1-6, and Captain America: Who Will Wield The Shield? (2010) #1

After Wield the Shield, in Nomad: Girl Without A World (2009) #1-2 and Wolverine: Weapon X (2009) #10

Invincible Iron Man (2008) #14-22: See Guide to Iron Man – Tony Stark. Natasha turns in a memorable co-starring arc alongside Pepper Potts and Maria Hill.

Heroic Age:
Black Widow (2010) #1-8 & Secret Avengers

BlW-2010 - 0001Black Widow began to assume a more prominent role in the Heroic Age, due in part to her rising star in Marvel Films. She stars in her first ongoing series, even if it is brief, plus continues her co-starring role in Captain America and Winter Soldier.

as recollected in a single paperback…

Widowmaker (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921446 / digital)
Collects Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2009) #1-4, Black Widow (2010) #1-8, Widowmaker (2010) #1-4, Fear Itself: Black Widow (2011) #1, Black Widow Saga (2010) #1; material from Enter the Heroic Age (2010) #1, Iron Man: Kiss and Kill (2010) #1

as originally collected, along with guest appearances…

Iron Man: Kiss & Kill (2010) #1: Relevant portions are collected with Widowmaker, directly above, and Vol. 2, below. Also, see Guide to Iron Man – Tony Stark

At the start of the Heroic Age prior to Kiss & Kill, Natasha appears in New Avengers (2010) #1, Incredible Hulk (1968) #607, Captain America (1968) #609-610 (2nd stories), Avengers (2010) #1

Enter The Heroic Age (2010) #1 (3rd story): Collected above in both Widowmaker (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921446 / digital) and Marvel-Verse Black Widow (2020 digest-size paperback, ISBN 978-1302921194 / digital)

Secret Avengers (2010) #1-4: See Guide to Secret Avengers & Secret Warriors

After Secret Avengers #4: Vengeance Of The Moon Knight (2009) #10, Hercules: Fall of an Avenger (2010) #1, Incredible Hulks (2010) #614

Chaos War: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Chaos Warr. Natasha is in Chaos War (2010) #1-2, Chaos War: Dead Avengers (2011) #1 & 3, and implied in Chaos War (2010)

After Chaos War: I Am An Avenger (2010) #2 (3rd story), Deadpool (2008) #28-29

#1-5: Vol. 1: The Name of the Rose
Available in hardcover.

#6-8: Vol. 2: Kiss or Kill
Also includes material from Iron Man: Kiss and Kill (2010) #1

After #8: Captain America: Forever Allies (2010) #2 & 4, Wolverine (2010) #5.1, Taskmaster (2010) #4

Avengers (2010) #8-12: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present)

Secret Avengers (2010) #6-10, 12.1, & Captain America & Secret Avengers (2011) #1: See Guide to Secret Avengers & Secret Warriors

After Secret Avengers #7: Klaws Of The Panther (2010) #4

Heroic Age:
Widowmaker (2010) #1-4 & Captain America

as recollected in a single paperback…

#1-4: Widowmaker (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921446 / digital)
Collects Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2009) #1-4, Black Widow (2010) #1-8, Widowmaker (2010) #1-4, Fear Itself: Black Widow (2011) #1, Black Widow Saga (2010) #1; material from Enter the Heroic Age (2010) #1, Iron Man: Kiss and Kill (2010) #1

as originally collected…

#1-4: Hawkeye & Mockingbird / Black Widow: Widowmaker #1-4
Also collected in the larger Hawkeye: Avenging Archer trade.

Captain America (1968) #607-611, 611-614 (2nd stories), & 612-619: See Guide to Captain America – Steve Rogers. Natasha is implied but unseen in issue #606

After Cap #611 (1st story) Heroes for Hire (2011) #1 & 5

Heroic Age:
Black Widow in Secret Avengers & in Fear Itself (2011)

Onslaught Unleashed (2011) #1-4: See Guide to Secret Avengers & Secret Warriors. This is effectively an arc of Secret Avengers as a standalone mini-series, which fits prior to Captain America (1968) #612 (1st story).

After Cap #619: Heroes for Hire (2011) #9 (flashback)

Fear Itself (2011): See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Fear Itself or Guide to Secret Avengers & Secret Warriors.  . Natasha doesn’t figure strongly into the main series, but she is the main character of the Secret Avengers tie-ins and is connected to one of the major outcomes of the event. Natasha appears in Fear Itself (2011) #3, Fear Itself: Youth In Revolt (2011) #2, Fear Itself (2011) #4, Secret Avengers (2010) #15, Fear Itself: Black Widow (2011) #1, and Fear Itself (2011) #7, 7.1, & 7.2

Fear Itself: Black Widow (2011) #1: Widowmaker (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921446 / digital)
Collects Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2009) #1-4, Black Widow (2010) #1-8, Widowmaker (2010) #1-4, Fear Itself: Black Widow (2011) #1, Black Widow Saga (2010) #1; material from Enter the Heroic Age (2010) #1, Iron Man: Kiss and Kill (2010) #1

After Fear Itself: Avengers (2010) #16 & 18, Fear Itself: Fearless (2011) #2-2 & 10-11, Battle Scars (2012) #6, Captain America & Bucky (2011) #624, Hulk (2008) #42-43, Spider-Island: Heroes For Hire (2011) #1

Secret Avengers (2010) #16 & 19-25:See Guide to Secret Avengers & Secret Warriors.

After Secret Avengers #21: Moon Knight (2011) #6, Wolverine (2010) #16, X-23 (2010) #20

After Secret Avengers #25: Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #682-685, Amazing Spider-Man: Ends of the Earth (2012) #1, Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #686-697, cameo in Astonishing X-Men (2004) #50, then Venom (2011) #21-22

Captain America & Black Widow (2012) #636-640 by Cullen Bunn

Just prior to the Marvel Now linewide relaunch Cullen Bunn took over Ed Brubaker’s longrunning Captain America title as it renumbered to “Legacy Numbering” and turned it into a team-up title, with a new team-up every arc or issue.

#636-640: Captain America and Black Widow (2013 paperback, ISBN 978-0785165286 / digital)
See Guide to Captain America – Steve Rogers for more collection options.

Black Widow in Avengers Assemble (2012), Avengers vs. X-Men (2012), & Secret Avengers

Avengers Assemble (2012) #1-8: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present)

Avengers vs. X-Men: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Avengers vs. X-Men. Black Widow appears throughout this event. Her main action is in a satisfying knock-down, drag-out fight with Magik in Vs. #3.

Natasha’s chronology in this event is Avengers vs. X-Men (2012) #1-2 and New Avengers (2010) #24, Avengers vs. X-Men (2012) #3-4 and Uncanny X-Men (2012) #13, Avengers vs. X-Men (2012) #5 and AvX Vs. (2012) #3 (2nd story), Avengers Vs. X-Men (2012) #6, Avengers (2010) #29, Avengers Vs. X-Men (2012) #7, 9, & 11-12

Secret Avengers (2010) #29 & 31-37: See Guide to Secret Avengers & Secret Warriors.

After Secret Avengers: Avengers (2010) #34, New Avengers (2010) #33-34, and Avengers Assemble (2012) #9

Marvel Now:
Co-Star in Winter Soldier (2012) #1-14, Avengers (2012),
Avengers Assemble, & Secret Avengers (2012 – 2014)

First, Natasha appears throughout Winter Soldier’s first solo series except in the final arc from #15-19, though she is implied in that story.

Then, she is a regular character in much of the Avengers line in Marvel Now. She is a consistent presence in Avengers, one of the headliners of Secret Avengers and Avengers Assemble, and she even turns up in Hawkeye from time to time.

as recollected…

#1-14: Winter Soldier by Ed Brubaker, The Complete Collection – Also includes Fear Itself #7.1: Captain America

as originally collected…

#1-5: Vol. 1: The Longest Winter 

After Winter Soldier #6: Avengers (2012) Annual 1 (Winter 2013/2014)

A+X (2012) #2: See Guide to Uncanny Avengers. This fits between Winter Soldier #6-7

Avengers (2012) #1-4: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present). This fits between Winter Soldier #6-7

#6-9: Vol. 2: Broken Arrow

#10-14: Vol. 3: Black Widow Hunt

#15-19: Vol. 4: The Electric Ghost

After Winter Soldier: Punisher War Zone (2012) #1-5, Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #700

Click to expand a list of further Avengers appearances in this period, including events.

Avengers Assemble (2012) #12-13: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present)

Age of Ultron: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Age of Ultron. Black Widow is a major character in Age of Ultron’s first half, as well as in a spectacular-but-depressing tie-in issue. Avengers Assemble #14-15 are part of this event.

Avengers (2012) #7 & 9: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present)

After Avengers #9: Superior Spider-Man (2013) #6-8, Secret Avengers (2013) #1-2, Avenging Spider-Man (2012) #20-21, Deadpool (2013) #6, and Hawkeye (2012) #8-9, 13, 15, & 22

Avengers Assemble (2012) #16-17: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present)

After Assemble #17: Captain Marvel (2012) #14

Secret Avengers (2013) #1-5 & 7: See Guide to Secret Avengers & Secret Warriors. Issues #1-2 fit prior to Assemble #16-17, as noted above.

Avengers: Endless Wartime (2013) OGN: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present)

After Endless Wartime: All-New X-Men (2013) #8, A+X (2012) #10, Uncanny X-Men (2013) #2-3

Avengers (2012) #11 & 14-17: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present)

After Avengers #11: Superior Spider-Man Team-Up (2013) #1, Astonishing X-Men (2004) #62-63

After Avengers #17: Fearless Defenders (2013) #5-6, flashback in Wolverine (2014) #1

Infinity: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events: Infinity.

Natasha appears in Infinity (2013) #1, Infinity: The Heist (2013) #1, Avengers (2012) #18, then in “The Enemy Within” crossover within the event in Avengers Assemble (2012) #18, Captain Marvel (2012) #15, Avengers Assemble (2012) #19, Captain Marvel (2012) #16, then back to the main event in Avengers (2013) #20, Infinity (2013) #3, Avengers (2013) #22-23, and Infinity (2013) #6. She may also appear in Wolverine & The X-Men (2011) Annual 1 [need to check!]

Inhumanity: Black Widow appears in #1. See Marvel Universe Events: Inhumanity. Avengers Assemble #21-25 are part of Inhumanity but stand alone as an arc. Black Widow is a featured character.See Avengers Assemble

Avengers Assemble (2012) #21-22 & 24-25: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present)

Marvel Now:
Black Widow (2014) #1-20 by Nathan Edmondson & Phil Noto
Original Sin (2014), Avengers, Avengers World, & Secret Avengers (2014 – 2015)

BlW-2014 - 0018Black Widow earns only her second ongoing series with beautiful art from Phil Noto. She continues to appear in Avengers, Avengers World, and is one of the featured characters in Secret Avengers. Individual issues of those titles will not be listed below.

as recollected in Modern Era Epic Collection paperback…

Chaos (Modern Era Epic Collection, Vol. 3) (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302956431 / digital)
Collects the full series, plus All-New Marvel Now! Point One (2014) #1 (D-Story) and a crossover with Punisher (2014) #9

as originally collected…

#1-6: Vol. 1: The Finely Woven Thread
Includes All-New Marvel Now! Point One (2014) #1 (D-Story)

Original Sin: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events: Original Sin. Black Widow is a featured character in this event. She appear sin Original Sin (2014) #1-2 & 6-8, and also in #3.1.

#7-12: Vol. 2: The Tightly Tangled Web
Also collects Punisher (2014) #9, which is concurrent with issue #9.

#13-20: Vol. 3: Last Days
Note that issues #19-20 are part of “Time Runs Out” as noted below, and are also collected in Secret Wars: Last Days of the Marvel Universe oversize hardcover.

Click here for a list of all of appearances in this period, including her membership in Avengers and participation in events.

Avengers (2013) #24: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present).

After Avengers #24: Superior Spider-Man (2013) #24-26

All-New Marvel Now! Point One (2014) #1 (D-Story): Collected with Vol. 1, below.

After Point One but before her series: flashback in Loki: Agent Of Asgard (2014) #1, Daredevil (2011) #36. Also, sometime in this period in Marvel Knights: Hulk (2014) #4, Daredevil (2014) #1.50, Deadpool (2013) #27.

#1-6: Vol. 1: The Finely Woven Thread
Includes All-New Marvel Now! Point One (2014) #1 (D-Story). Issue 

Secret Avengers (2013) #12-16: See Guide to Secret Avengers & Secret Warriors. Fits between issues #1-2 of her series.

After #2: A+X (2012) #13 (2nd story), Avengers Undercover (2014) #9-10

Avengers World (2014) #1, 3, 7, 10, & 13-14: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present). Fits after the conclusion of her first arc in issue #6. She is a featured player in one of the three main stories of this title, which rotates through non-consecutive issues.

After #6 and Avengers World #14: Superior Spider-Man (2013) #30-31

Read issue #7 here.

Secret Avengers (2014) #1-3: See Guide to Secret Avengers & Secret Warriors.

After Secret Avengers #3: Fantastic Four (2014) #6 & 8

Original Sin: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events: Original Sin. Black Widow is a featured character in this event. She appear sin Original Sin (2014) #1-2 & 6-8, and also in #3.1.

During Original Sin #2: Amazing Spider-Man (2014) #4

Avengers (2012) #25-32 & 34: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present)

Secret Avengers (2014) #3, 5-6, 9, 11-12, 15: See Guide to Secret Avengers & Secret Warriors

Before Secret Avengers #3: Mighty Avengers (2013) #14

After Secret Avengers #15: Captain America Vol. 7 (2013) #25, Death of Wolverine: Deadpool & Captain America (2014) #1. Also, around this time in Thunderbolts #28.

#7-12: Vol. 2: The Tightly Tangled Web
Also collects Punisher (2014) #9. Issue #7 fits in continuity above, as noted, and #12 below, as noted. Issue #9 occurs concurrently with Punisher (2014) #9, which is then seen in flashback in Punisher #11 (not collected here).

Avengers: Millenium (2015): See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present). Black Widow is a featured character in this digital-first series. Approximate placement.

Avengers & X-Men: Axis (2014): See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Axis. Natasha appears throughout this event in Avengers & X-Men: Axis (2014) #1, 3, 5, though she is not a lead character.

After Axis: Nova (2013) #25, Punisher (2014) #11

Read issue #12 here.

#13-20: Vol. 3: Last Days
Note that issues #19-20 are part of “Time Runs Out” as noted below, and are also collected in Secret Wars: Last Days of the Marvel Universe oversize hardcover.

After issue #18: Wolverines (2015) #13, Guardians Team-Up (2015) #1-2, Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (2015) #7, Thor (2014) #7-8.

Ultron Forever: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present). Natasha is part of the Avengers team that appears in the three one-shots of Avengers: Ultron Forever, New Avengers: Ultron Forever, and Uncanny Avengers: Ultron Forever

After issue #18 and Utron Forever: Mockingbird: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary (2015) #1 (2nd story), Spider-Woman (2015) #10. Also sometime prior to “Time Runs Out,” Daredevil #11, Nova #25, Avengers: No More Bullying (2015) #1

Avengers: Time Runs Out: See Guide to Avengers Flagship Titles (2010 – Present). Black Widow is an active character in this “eight months later” closing arc of Marvel Now.

During Time Runs Out, Natasha appears in New Avengers (2013) #26, Avengers (2012) #38-39, New Avengers (2013) #28 and Captain America & The Mighty Avengers (2015) #8, Avengers (2012) #40, New Avengers (2013) #29-30, Avengers (2013) #42-44.

Then, read issues #19-20 here.

Secret Wars (2015): See Guide to Marvel Universe Events: Secret Wars (2015). Natasha is in Free Comic Book Day 2015 (Secret Wars) (2015) #1 and makes a non-continuity appearance in Ultimate End (2015) #1 & 3-4.

All-New, All-Different Marvel:
Black Widow (2016) #1-12 by Samnee & Waid

Natasha scores one of the biggest blockbuster re-debuts with the recently-departed team from Daredevil – Mark Waid and Chris Samnee, but with artist Samnee plotting the series as well as illustrating it and Waid on scripting duties!

as recollected…

by Waid & Samnee Complete Collection (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921293 / digital)

as originally collected…

#1-6: Vol. 1: S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Most Wanted (2016 paperback, ISBN 978-0785199755 / digital)

#7-12: Vol. 2: No More Secrets (2017 paperback, ISBN 978-0785199762 / digital)

Also in this period: Spider-Woman (2016) #1, in the continuity-lite Marvel Tsum Tsum (2016) #1, Mockingbird (2016) #1, cameo in Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up The Marvel Universe (2016) OGN

Civil War II: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Civil War II. Natasha is in Civil War II: Choosing Sides (2016) #4 (3rd story), Ms. Marvel (2016) #12 (2nd story), Captain America: Steve Rogers (2016) #7, Civil War II: The Oath (2017)

After Civil War II, in Mighty Captain Marvel (2017) #4 (and implied but unseen in #5), Guardians of the Galaxy (2015) #16, flashback in Unstoppable Wasp (2017) #7, Spider-Man/Deadpool (2016) #12, Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (2015B) #16, Spider-Woman (2016) #17, Deadpool vs. Punisher (2017) #1, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man (2017) #1 (2nd story)

Black Widow in Secret Empire (2017)

I’d go so far as to say Natasha is one of the main characters of this event!

Secret Empire: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Secret Empire. She appears in Free Comic Book Day 2017: Secret Empire (2017) #1, Amazing Spider-Man (2015) #30, Secret Empire (2017) #1-2, Occupy Avengers (2017) #8-9 (including flashbacks to prior to #1), Secret Empire (2017) #3, Secret Empire: Uprising (2017) #1, Secret Empire (2017) #4-7 & Omega

Marvel Legacy:
Tales of Suspense (2017) #100-104

Natasha headlines a series with her conspicuous absence with Matt Rosenberg’s Tales of Suspense, which follows up on her disappearance at the end of Secret Empire. Though she is not the on-panel star of this series, it is all about her.

#100-104: Tales of Suspense: Hawkeye & the Winter Soldier

After Tales of Suspense: Punisher (1986) #226-228, Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (2015B) #37, Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #1

Black Widow in Infinity Countdown: Black Widow (2018) #1 & Infinity Wars (2018)

Wolverine returns and hands an Infinity Stone over to Natasha – making her a sudden major player in the entire Marvel Universe.

Infinity Countdown: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Infinity Countdown & Infinity Wars. Natasha appears in Infinity Countdown (2018) #1, Infinity Countdown: Black Widow (2018) #1, Infinity Countdown (2018) #5

After Countdown #1, in Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #10 and Punisher (2018) #1 & 4

Infinity Wars: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Infinity Countdown & Infinity Wars. Natasha appears in Infinity Wars (2018) #1-3 and Infinity Wars: Sleepwalker (2018) #1 (and possibly #3)

Marvel Fresh Start:
Black Widow (2019) #1-6 by Jen & Sylvia Soska and Flaviano

After Infinity Wars, Natasha returns in a new series with a dark tone and a focus on human trafficking. [Marvel Unlimited]

#1-5: No Restraints Play (2019 paperback, ISBN 9781302916732 / digital)

Also in this period: Domino: Hotshots (2019) #1-5, Uncanny X-Men (2019) #11 (2nd story), Weapon H (2018) #8-12, Punisher (2018) #13-16, Hulkverines! (2019) #3

The Web of Black Widow (2019) #1-5 by Jody Houser & Stephen Mooney

[Marvel Unlimited]

#1-5: Web of Black Widow (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302920074 / digital)

Also in this period:  War of the Realms Strikeforce: War Avengers (2019) #1 and Captain Marvel (2019) #6-7

Black Widow (2020) #1-15 by Kelly Thompson & Elena Casagrande

A smash-hit, Eisner-winning, ongoing run that focuses on Natasha and her wide supporting cast – though, the first arc starts with a shock! [Marvel Unlimited]

recollected in a single paperback volume…

Black Widow by Kelly Thompson (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952662 / digital)

as originally released…

#1-5: by Kelly Thompson, Vol. 1: The Ties That Bind (2021 paperback, ISBN 978-1302924836 / digital)

#6-10: by Kelly Thompson, Vol. 2: I am the Black Widow (2021 paperback, ISBN 978-1302930134 / digital)
Issues #7-10 are also in Thunderbolts: The Saga of Yelena Belova (2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302956622 / digital).

#11-15: by Kelly Thompson, Vol. 3: Die by the Blade (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302932541 / digital)

White Widow (2023) #1-4 by Sarah Gailey & Alessandro Miracolo

Natasha does not appear in this series. Yelena Belova gets her own solo series 20 years after she first anchored a title with the Widow title, but now she’s seemingly permanently the White Widow thanks to her popularity in the MCU! [Marvel Unlimited]

#1-4: White Widow: Welcome to Idylhaven (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302957322 / digital)

White Widow is next in Thunderbolts (2023) and the back-up story in Blood Hunters (2024).

Black Widow & Hawkeye (2024) #1-4 by Stephanie Phillips

[Marvel Unlimited]

#1-4: Broken Arrow (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302957483 / digital)
Also collects both characters’ debut stories from Tales of Suspense (1959) #52 & 57

Black Widow: Venomous (2024) #1, Venom War (2024) #1-5, & Venom War: Venomous (2024) #1-3

Prior to Venom War, Natasha stars in a one-shot that recaps her recent history and powers – Black Widow: Venomous (2024) #1. Then, she makes some appearances in the main Venom War event, but primary appears in her own mini-series, Venom War: Venomous (2024) #1-3. See Guide to Venom.

Out-of-Continuity Material

Listed in order of publication.

Black Widow and the Marvel Girls (2009) #1-4: Black Widow and the Marvel Girls
This series is part of Earth-20051 Marvel Adventures YA continuity.

Marvel’s the Avengers: Black Widow Strikes (2012) #1-3 (2012 paperback, ISBN 978-0785165682/ digital)
Part of the MCU comics continuity, set between Iron Man 2 and Avengers.

Marvel’s Black Widow: Forever Red [Book 1] by Margaret Stohl
(2015 hardcover, ISBN 978-1484726433 / 2016 paperback, ISBN 978-1484776452 / digital / 2015 CD audiobook / digital audiobook)

Marvel’s Black Widow: Red Vengeance [Book 2] by Margaret Stohl
(2016 hardcover, ISBN 978-1484773475 / 2017 paperback, ISBN 978-1484788486 / digital / 2016 CD audiobook / digital audiobook)

Marvel’s Black Widow Prelude (2019) #1-2 (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921088 / digital)
Part of MCU Comics continuity. Also collects Marvel-616 continuity stories from Avengers (1963) 43 & 196; Web of Black Widow (2019) #1; and material from Tales of Suspense (1959) 52-53.

Black Widow Poster Book (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921347)

Marvel Studios’ Black Widow: The Art of the Movie (2023 hardcover, ISBN 978-1302923587 / digital TBA)

Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Check Amazon for Marvel’s newest Black Widow titles.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jamie B says

    March 16, 2019 at 12:56 pm

    Black Widow, Vol. 4 & Vol. 5 and Civil War is actually Black Widow Vol 3 and Vol 4

    Reply
    • Jamie B says

      March 16, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      Whoops, I meant Black Widow Vol 3 and then ‘Black Widow 2’ also known as Black Widow- The Things They Say About Her (a limited series)

      Reply
      • krisis says

        September 6, 2023 at 9:37 am

        Thanks, Jamie. Trying to keep up with volume numbers for her series is hopeless, since some sources count the series with subtitles as “Black Widow” volumes and some don’t. I’ve switched entirely to attributing them by year with this update.

        Reply
  2. JB says

    June 28, 2021 at 11:29 am

    Black Widow and the Marvel Girls is in continuity.

    Reply
    • JB says

      August 26, 2021 at 9:07 am

      It also comes before the Deadly Origin series.

      Reply
      • krisis says

        September 6, 2023 at 9:39 am

        JB, it appears to be out of continuity with 616 and in continuity with Marvel 20051 (Marvel Adventures). That makes sense, since Paul Tobin had authored several Adventures-continuity series at that point.

        Reply
  3. JB says

    August 26, 2021 at 11:30 am

    Missing the Black Widow: Widowmaker tpb (978-1302921446/ 1302921444) which collects; Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2009) 1-4, Black Widow (2010) 1-8, Widowmaker (2010) 1-4, Fear Itself: Black Widow (2011) 1, Black Widow Saga (2010) 1; material from Enter The Heroic Age (2010) 1, Iron Man: Kiss And Kill (2010) 1

    Reply
    • krisis says

      September 6, 2023 at 9:40 am

      Thanks JB, I finally gave this page a LONG overdue major revision to include all of these pseudo-complete-collections.

      Reply
  4. Jamie B says

    May 19, 2024 at 9:06 am

    The Original Sin section says ‘She appear sin Original Sin’ instead of ‘She appears in Original Sin’.

    Reply
  5. Jamie B says

    June 14, 2024 at 6:58 am

    Avengers: Millennium would fit best before Original Sin due to Hulk not being Doc Green, which he partially became due to Original Sin, and the fact that Cap hasn’t aged which came shortly after Original Sin.

    Reply
  6. Jamie B says

    June 14, 2024 at 9:57 am

    Sam Wilson appears as Captain America in #12 of the 2014 series, which would place it either during or after Axis.

    Reply
  7. JeanSeb says

    August 18, 2024 at 5:58 am

    Hello !
    I believe Black Widow (2019) by Jen & Sylvia Soska and Flaviano is 5 issues only, not 6 !

    Reply
  8. Debgac says

    February 9, 2025 at 11:21 am

    Black Widow was also in the Thunderbolts mini from 2024 (or 2023, I’m not entirely sure)

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Marvel’s Most-Wanted Omnibuses – What’s been printed and what’s gone missing? | Crushing Krisis says:
    June 20, 2016 at 2:07 pm

    […] #48 – Black Widow by Edmonson/Noto I can’t explain this one’s departure – the series was solid and self-contained and hasn’t seen oversize print, but TigerEyes said “it wasn’t even close” this year. Lucky for you, the three TPBs it’s comprised of are still easy to pick up – hit the Black Widow guide. […]

    Reply
  2. 50 More Marvel Runs That Deserve An Omnibus | Crushing Krisis says:
    June 22, 2016 at 2:58 pm

    […] Want to read it? Guide to Black Widow […]

    Reply
  3. X-23: Who she is, her best stories, and every appearance in trade reading order! - Crushing Krisis says:
    April 3, 2017 at 11:13 pm

    […] Black Widow (2014) #11: See Black Widow […]

    Reply

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