Spider-Man’s Black Cat Set to Join The Avengers in Exciting New Marvel Comic
Marvel Comics is known for its evolving team dynamics, especially when it comes to the Avengers. While iconic heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor are mainstays in both the comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Avengers have undergone numerous changes since their inception. Following the departure of the founding members in “The Avengers” #16 back in 1964, Captain America found himself leading a new team that included Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch. This shift marked the beginning of a more fluid membership for the Avengers, a characteristic that continues today.
Currently, the MCU is grappling with audience reactions to the frequent lineup changes, which is arguably why Chris Evans is reprising his role in the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday.” In the ongoing “Avengers” comic series, helmed by writer Jed MacKay, the initial roster drew heavily from classic characters, featuring Captain Marvel, Iron Man, Captain America (Sam Wilson), Thor, Black Panther, Scarlet Witch, and Vision. However, with “Avengers” #18, Storm made her entrance to fill the gap left by Thor. Now, with “Avengers” #22 on the horizon, fans will be introduced to a surprise new teammate: Black Cat.
Known to her friends as Felicia Hardy, Black Cat is often compared to Catwoman and is recognized for her complex relationship with Spider-Man, oscillating between thief and antihero. In addition to her impressive agility, she possesses a unique ability to inadvertently bring bad luck to her adversaries. Interestingly, during her animated series presentation, her powers were attributed to the Super Soldier serum responsible for Captain America’s strength.
MacKay, who previously penned a “Black Cat” solo series, is set to elevate her status by welcoming her into the Avengers fold for the very first time. The official synopsis for the upcoming issue teases an ‘out of this world’ auction where the Avengers aim to get ahead of the looming Tribulation Events—predicted catastrophic occurrences that even these remarkable heroes might struggle to confront. The twist? Black Cat arrives at the auction with an unexpected companion, setting the stage for a thrilling narrative in the new year.
In the cover art created by Valerio Schiti, Black Cat is depicted tossing playing cards featuring the Avengers, signaling her dynamic role in this issue. Readers can expect a flashback recap on the opening page that revisits the series’ inaugural arc, wherein Kang the Conqueror prepped the Avengers for the ominous Tribulation Events that could spell trouble for them. The first arc focused on a confrontation with the menacing Ashen Combine.
As anticipation builds for upcoming threats, Scarlet Witch reveals that a valuable data archive previously owned by Kang is up for grabs at a casino managed by the Grandmaster. The Avengers, no strangers to high-stakes scenarios, find themselves in a predicament: they need “wealth on a planetary scale” to participate in the auction, which even billionaire Tony Stark cannot muster. Their solution? A heist to secure the information.
The narrative unfolds as Wanda and Vision make their way to the casino, employing Wanda’s notoriety across the multiverse to gain entry. As they navigate the complexities of the casino environment, Wanda accurately notes the potential impact of her probability-altering powers, and an intriguing mention hints at Black Cat’s impending arrival.
This new arc, ominously titled “The Casino Job,” is poised to be a three-part saga, as indicated by the details for “Avengers” #23 and #24. Black Cat appears prominently on all three covers, raising questions about her future with the team. Will she become a staple member of the roster, or is this merely a temporary engagement before she bids adieu?
Mark your calendars: “Avengers” #22 hits stores and digital platforms on January 1, 2025, setting the stage for a thrilling start to the new year in the Marvel universe.
