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| Real Name: Natasha Romanov Powers: A graduate of the Moscow-based covert-training academy known as the Red Room, the Black Widow's fighting prowess and tactical abilities have been honed to razor-sharp perfection. As such, Natasha Romanov's body and mind are her most formidable weapons. The Widow's wrist cartridges contain various tools of the spy trade: tear-gas pellets, a radio transmitter and spring-loaded cables, as well as a small device capable of emitting a high-frequency electrostatic charge. Microscopic suction cups built into her uniform enable the Widow to walk on walls and ceilings. History: Natasha Romanov, a descendant of Russia's royal family, was found abandoned as a child by Russian soldier Ivan Petrovitch, who watched over her as she grew to adulthood and today works as her chauffeur. Natasha matured into a brilliant scholar and athlete, and the young Russian gained fame as a ballerina. Natasha married renowned Soviet test pilot Alexi Shostakov, but the couple's wedded bliss was short-lived. The KGB deemed that the two would make exemplary special operatives, and informed Alexi of the state's new plans for him. He was permitted no further contact with friends and relatives, including his wife. A distraught Natasha, believing her husband had died, sought to follow a path worthy of his heroic memory. Having anticipated such a reaction, the KGB forged its naïve new recruit into the Soviet super-spy known as the Black Widow. Early in her career, the Black Widow was a frequent ally of the avenging archer known as Hawkeye. However, her growing love for the future hero weakened her resolve to continue her subversive activities on behalf of the Soviets. Hawkeye refused to act as a criminal any longer; he successfully sought amnesty and membership in the Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Following Clint Barton's about-face, the Black Widow fell into the hands of intelligence agents from the People's Republic of China, who directed her to attack the Avengers. Natasha freed herself from their programming, was reunited with Hawkeye and defected to the United States. She publicly revealed her true identity and offered her services to S.H.I.E.L.D., a worldwide intelligence and peacekeeping organization dedicated to protecting the nations and people of Earth from any and all security threats. S.H.I.E.L.D. has made use of her talents on numerous occasions. Natasha's romance with Hawkeye eventually ended, as did a subsequent love affair and partnership with the blind adventurer known as Daredevil. However, she remains friends with both men. After working through a crisis of faith, Natasha accepted an assignment that brought her into conflict with Yelena Belova, another Russian operative claiming the mantle of Black Widow. Hostile to Natasha, Yelena believed the designation Black Widow was by right hers, citing both "superior potential" and "loyalty to Mother Russia." Although young, Yelena exhibited all the traits of an exceptional agent. The only Red Room graduate ever to match Natasha's scores, Yelena set out to prove she was her predecessor's better. Opportunity presented itself when Natasha embarked on a mission to retrieve a deadly new bio-weapon from the terrorist nation of Rhapastan. Yelena shadowed Natasha to the base housing the lethal serum, and Widow and wannabe Widow clashed. In the wake of Natasha's apparent death, Yelena assumed the guise of Black Widow and received a new assignment: Protect the American and Russian forces attacking the Rhapastan bio-weapons plant. However, Yelena's inexperience resulted in her capture. She escaped, only to be caught by Natasha. Her pride bruised, she lashed out. Natasha again outmaneuvered her adversary and completed the assignment Yelena had accepted. A subsequent encounter saw the two Widows exchange physical appearances, initiating the deception that Yelena had "become" Natasha. The original Widow again gained the upper hand, proving to Yelena that espionage was no game. |
| Black Widow I |
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