Warning: contains potential spoilers for New Avengers #5!
The Avengers have officially revealed their “secret weapon.” In the 63-year history of the Avengers, many heroes have been members, and all of them left some sort of mark on the team. Now, in a preview for New Avengers #5, one member with ties to the MCU is named the team’s official “secret weapon.”
New Avengers #5 is written by Sam Humphries and drawn by Tiago Palma. The New Avengers, led by Bucky Barnes, are preparing to undertake a dangerous mission. Black Widow eases the tension by relating a humorous story involving Hercules from his days on the Avengers. Watching the calming effect Black Widow’s story has, Bucky calls her the team’s “secret weapon.”
Black Widow Was Not Always an Avenger
Thanks to Hawkeye, Black Widow Reformed and Became a Great Hero
Although Black Widow was one of the founding members of the Avengers in the MCU, she did not join the team in the comic until later in her career. Born Natasha Romanov, Black Widow was raised in Soviet Russia and trained in the sinister Red Room, which takes young women and turns them into lethal assassins.
When Black Widow debuted in 1964’s Tales of Suspense #52, she was at first an enemy of Iron Man. Initially a spy, Black Widow quickly defected to the United States. At the time, Black Widow was in love with Hawkeye, and their relationship was a huge factor in her reformation. Black Widow joined the Avengers in issue 30.
Black Widow Has Been an Integral Part of Avengers’ Lore For 60 Years
Now, Black WIdow is Part of a New Group of Avengers, With a Mission Close to Her Heart
Since first joining the Avengers, Black Widow has been one of its most valuable members, and has been a part of many different incarnations of the team. This in turn earned her a spot on the MCU version of the Avengers, which helped launch Black Widow into the mainstream consciousness, culminating with a 2021 feature film.
Now, Black Widow finds herself a part of Bucky’s New Avengers team. Consisting of harder-edged heroes (and anti-heroes) such as Clea, Namor and Carnage, Bucky’s New Avengers team is all about second chances. Black Widow, along with Bucky, were given a chance by the heroic community, and both made the best of it. Now they are looking to return the favor.
Black Widow Knows All About Second Chances, Making Her Perfect for the New Avengers
Black Widow Continues to Earn Her Spot Among the Avengers
Black Widow’s empathy with the New Avengers makes her an ideal leader-figure within the team. Black Widow, perhaps more than anyone other than Bucky, knows all about redemption arcs and overcoming past traumas and conditioning. Black Widow does not judge her teammates, and even tries to defuse tensions.
The preview for New Avengers #5 ends with the team enjoying a good laugh alongside Black Widow before heading into a potentially lethal mission. Black Widow’s deft handling of a difficult situation justifies Bucky’s assessment and proves her worth not only to the team, but the entire Avengers franchise as a whole.
New Avengers #5 is on sale October 1 from Marvel Comics!