"The Black Widow"-From Enemy Spy to Avenger! (60's-70's)

The Black Widow (Natalia Romanova / Natasha Romanoff) started her career as a Russian spy and enemy to Iron Man, in "Tales of Suspense"#52 (Apr. 1964). She was created by Stan Lee (Editor & plotter), Don Rico (scripter) & Don Heck (artist). Her abilities included---athlete, gymnast, acrobat, multi-skilled martial artist, proficient with weaponry, trained for espionage, and also a gifted ballerina, besides!

Natasha had recruited Hawkeye / Clint Barton (who was in love with her) to be her ally against Iron Man, although both of them eventually changed sides (Hawkeye did first, and had become an Avenger). Before she switched sides, The Black Widow joined Power Man & The Swordsman against the Avengers ("The Avengers"#29-July 1966), but allied herself with them by #32 and defected to the U.S.!

The Black Widow originally had a black and gray costume (w / mask) and black hair. She changed to her current sleek black costume and red hair in "The Amazing Spider-Man"#86 (July 1970); she also gained a solo series in "Amazing Adventures"#1-8 (Aug. 1970-Sept. 1971). She then joined Daredevil in his series (#81-124), with the title changing to "Daredevil and The Black Widow". She was also allied with S.H.I.E.L.D.! The Black Widow then joined the outsider group "The Champions" (which had a 17 issue run from Oct. 1975), with the Ghost Rider,Hercules, the Angel,and the Iceman. In later years, she became a full-time member of the Avengers.


Live-Action Film Appearances---"Iron Man 2" (2010); "The Avengers" (2012); and "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014); played to marvelous perfection by Scarlett Johansson! She will reprise the role in "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" in 2015!

Animated Film Appearances---"Ultimate Avengers #1&2" (voiced by Olivia d'Abo); "Iron Man; Rise of Technovore" (voiced by Clare Grant); and "Avengers Confidential: The Black Widow & The Punisher" (voiced by Jennifer Carpenter).

The Black Widow has advanced from a minor villain to one of Marvel's top super-heroines. Here's hoping that she will get a solo movie in the near future. She deserves it!!!

Emerald City Comicon 2014 (Another Enjoyable Experience)

I once again got the privilege of attending the Emerald City Comicon (2014 edition), and had a great time! One of my purposes for going is to try to find buyers for my 60's & 70's comic book collection (I'm haven't been able to book a 'sellers table' yet; I'm usually a little slow at booking one, but I bring cards and catalogs to give to prospective buyers), but I'm also there to feed my current addictions (graphic novels & TPB's, rare DVD movies) and have fun! Some of my purchases included several low-priced Marvel "Essentials" and DC "Showcase Presents---" TPB's; a couple of great graphic novels; an autographed print; an "Archie Marries---" hardback; and a rare 'anime' classic on DVD("Robot Carnival").

I also make a point of getting signatures of favorite comic book writers and artists, as well as classic TV celebrities. This year again had an excellent crop which included---

       Scott Snyder-Comic book writer extraordinaire of "Batman (The New 52)"-The Court of the Owls, City of the Owls, Death of the Family, and so much more!

      Tim Sale-Comic book artist extraordinaire of "Batman"-The Long Halloween, Dark Victory; "Spider-Man Blue", and many other greats!

      Jose Delbo-Classic comic book artist extraordinaire of Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and many other classic DC Comics characters! (Special Note: A man of warmth and sophistication, from whom I bought a print, which he graciously autographed.)

     Caleb Monroe-Rapidly rising excellent young comic book writer of "Steed and Mrs. Peel" series, and other well-known projects! (Special Note: Had an enjoyable time discussing our mutual admiration of the classic British TV spy series,"The Avengers", from which the comic book series "Steed and Mrs. Peel" is taken. Bought one of the graphic novels of that series, that he personally signed for me)!

   Dwight Schultz-Classic TV actor from one of my favorite 80's programs "The A-Team" (as "Howling Mad" Murdock), and in several of the "Star Trek" TV series', such as "Star Trek-Voyager.


I would recommend (if you are a comic book & fantasy lover) attending next year's Emerald City Comicon. Dig those crazy costumes!!! Some are quite well done.