In recent years, one Natasha Romanoff, aka Marvel's resident mistress of espionage the Black Widow, has become one of Marvel's most popular heroines. The redheaded spymistress has been seen in video games, cartoons, and naturally, appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as one of the original members of that universe's version of the Avengers, and even recently had her own solo movie.
Like many of the more popular characters in the Marvel Universe, Natasha has actually been around for decades. And over all those years, she has been associated with the Avengers, but has had several solo appearances over the years. But every character has a beginning, so let's take a look at Natasha's first appearance in Tales of Suspense #52!
The cover is a Jack Kirby and George Roussos piece. It's pretty amusing. It depicts the Crimson Dynamo fighting Iron Man. Iron Man's pose here is funny, as it makes him look like he's doing a weird dance.
"The Crimson Dynamo Strikes Again!"
Writers: Stan Lee and N. Korok
Penciler: Don Heck
Inker: Don Heck
Colorist: Unknown
Letterer: Sam Rosen
Editor: Unknown
Editor-in-Chief: Stan Lee
The story begins with a certain red-...well, pink-armored figure walking around Stark Enterprises.
This is Anton Vanko, aka the former Soviet supervillain known as the Crimson Dynamo. He's been testing a new laser weapon he's developing. How does he plan to test it? He basically plans to blast himself in his armor.
Tony Stark saves his life, and chides him for being a dope. You see, Vanko was given a job by Stark after the two of them tussled, and he's eager to prove his desire to help his adopted country. However, his old KGB bosses have found out that Vanko has defected. As such, they send in one of their best agents to take the man out.
Say hello to Natasha Romanoff, everyone! She's accompanied by a big bruiser named Boris, naturally. Boris shows that he's the brawn to Nattie's brain when he picks up a desk like it's made of paper.
As the two are being briefed on the assignment, Natasha notes that Stark is a handsome dude, and that this assignment will be...an interesting one in her own words. A short time later, the two arrive at Stark's munitions plant. Boris is posing as a Ukranian science teacher, and Nat is his sister. Stark greets them, while noting that Natasha is one pretty little Eastern Bloc dish. He offers to take her out to dinner while Boris gets a tour. The big man is able to get to Vanko's lab.
“Surprise, mothatrucka!" The big Russian captures the scientist with a net gun, then carries him out. Boris then sneaks back into the lab and dons the Crimson Dynamo armor. He uses it to wreak havoc on the building.
Stark is on a date with Natasha, when he's alerted to Boris's antics. He and Natasha head to the plant, and Stark goes in the burning building to investigate...as Iron Man, of course. Boris ambushes the Armored Avenger, and is able to overload his circuits. He then takes Iron Man to an escape sub.
Stark uses a light in the room to recharge his armor and escape. He discovers a tied-up Vanko and realizes that someone else is wearing the Crimson Dynamo armor. The two fight, and Natasha pretends to be injured to trick Tony. The trick works, and Boris short-circuits the Iron Man armor. In desperation, Vanko goes for his ultimate weapon.
His new laser pistol is powerful, but it's got a big glitch. The power of the laser is so great, it can destroy its user...somehow. I have no idea. Anyway, Vanko fires the laser, killing both Boris...and himself. Natasha escapes in the confusion as Tony mourns Vanko. The story ends with the Widow on the run, knowing that her superiors will be after her for her failure.
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