The three must-see Black Widow runs: Mark Waid & Chris Samnee (2016-2017) for the perfect spy thriller, Kelly Thompson (2020-2021) for character modernization, and Nathan Edmondson & Phil Noto (2014-2015) for the unique cinematic aesthetic.
Natasha Romanoff has long been underutilized in solo form despite her status as a top-tier Avenger. Yet its best series rival the medium's best thrillers — espionage, betrayal, multiple identities and choreographed action. Black Widow runs are often overlooked gems from the Marvel catalog.
For the collector, the Black Widow series offer excellent value for money: short runs, often complete in a few volumes, with prestigious artists and potential added value linked to the growing popularity of the character in the cinema. A still undervalued segment that deserves your attention.
Top 1 — Mark Waid & Chris Samnee (Black Widow vol. 6 #1-12, 2016-2017)
Screenwriter:Mark Waid |Designer:Chris Samnee
A masterpiece of narrative efficiency. The first issue is a 20-page silent chase that leaves you breathless. Samnee choreographs the action with a fluidity worthy of the best spy films, while Waid weaves a plot about Natasha's past in the Red Room. The definitive Black Widow run — compact, intense, visually stunning.
Key numbers:#1 (cinematic opening), #12 (conclusion).Current rating:#1 in NM: €15-25, full run: €60-90.
Top 2 — Kelly Thompson (Black Widow vol. 8 #1-15, 2020-2021)
Screenwriter:Kelly Thompson |Designer:Elena Casagrande
Thompson reinvents Natasha with an amnesia that places her in an idyllic domestic life — before it all falls apart. The arc mixes psychological thriller and Marvel action brilliantly. Casagrande brings an elegant and expressive style which perfectly serves the dual register of the story. The most successful modern run of the character.
Key numbers:#1 (new direction), #6 (revelation).Current rating:#1 in NM: €8-15.
Top 3 — Nathan Edmondson & Phil Noto (Black Widow vol. 5 #1-20, 2014-2015)
Screenwriter:Nathan Edmondson |Designer:Phil Noto
Noto transforms each page into a spy watercolor. Its unique pictorial style gives the title an immediately recognizable visual identity. Edmondson writes an effective procedural thriller — Natasha takes on missions to pay off her "red debt." The alchemy between text and image is exceptional throughout the run.
Key numbers:#1 (start of series), #2 (iconic cover).Current rating:#1 in NM: €10-18, full run: €50-80.
Top 4 — Devin Grayson & J.G. Jones (Black Widow vol. 1 #1-3 + vol. 2 #1-3, 1999-2001)
Screenwriter:Devin Grayson |Designer:Jones
Two mini-series which revived interest in the character. Grayson explores the Red Room's network of "Widows" with a complex espionage plot. J.G. Jones (before his fame on Wanted and Final Crisis) delivers sumptuous photorealistic plates. Yelena Belova makes her first significant appearances there.
Key numbers:flight. 1 #1 (1st modern mini), vol. 2 #1 (Yelena Belova focus).Current rating:flight. 1 #1 in NM: €20-35, vol. 2 #1: €15-25.
Top 5 — Marjorie Liu & Daniel Acuña (Black Widow vol. 4 #1-8, 2010-2011)
Screenwriter:Marjorie Liu |Designer:Daniel Acuna
Liu writes a nervous techno-thriller: Natasha hunted by an enemy who has a compromising video. Acuña digitally paints dark, atmospheric pages that perfectly capture the paranoid mood of the story. Short but impactful, this run is a model of narrative efficiency.
Key numbers:#1 (start of series), #5 (antagonistic revelation).Current rating:#1 in NM: €8-12.
Top 6 — Chris Claremont & Bill Sienkiewicz (Bizarre Adventures #25, Marvel Fanfare #10-13, 1981-1983)
Screenwriter:Chris Claremont |Designer:Bill Sienkiewicz
Before setting New Mutants alight, Sienkiewicz delivers Black Widow pages in full stylistic transition – between classical realism and expressionism. Claremont delves into Natasha's Soviet past with his usual density. Collector's numbers for their historical importance in the evolution of a major artist.
Key numbers:Bizarre Adventures #25, Marvel Fanfare #10.Current rating:Bizarre Adventures #25 in NM: €25-40.
Top 7 — Morgan Rhodes & Kevin Wada (Black Widow vol. 7, 2019)
Screenwriter:Jen & Sylvia Soska |Designer:Flaviano
A short series but notable for its visceral approach and exploration of Natasha's PTSD. Imperfect but daring in its themes, it offers a different reading of the character. Wada's covers are magnificent and sought after by variant cover collectors.
Key numbers:#1 (Wada cover).Current rating:#1 in NM: €5-8.
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