Marvel’s Black Widow and Classics Illustrated

Marvel Comics’ Black Widow character has always been a favorite of mine.  Starting out as a Russian spy, Natasha Romanoff (The Black Widow) reformed, joined the Avengers and became an important member of the team and a strong character in her own right.

In Marvel’s Black Widow From Spy To Superhero, edited by Sherry Ginn and published by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, various authors offer essays on Black Widow and her very specific skill set.

Since her introduction as a spy Black Widow has proven to be a formidable foe, an ingenious and resourceful adversary and totally fearless.

Accompanied by black and white illustrations the various essays delve into her past, her origin, her team affiliations and most importantly what drives her.

Black Widow was a key player in many of the Marvel movies and her death and subsequent solo movie demonstrated just how important she was.

Truly one of the most original characters created for comic books she has often been copied but no one matches her skill, cunning and leadership skills that are second to none.

Though no longer published Classics Illustrated comic books were a great way for kids to read the classics while still reading comic books.

I got my first taste of authors Jules Verne and H.G. Wells’s books through Classics Illustrated.

In fact, I remember my English and writing teachers encouraging other students and myself to read the various Classics Illustrated issues as a quick and easy introduction to each classic.

By reading the Classics illustrated it made it easier to delve into the classic themselves.

In Classics Illustrated A Cultural History (Second Edition), by William B. Jones, Jr. and published by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, readers are provided a history of the comic book series.

Lavishly illustrated with black and white and color art, along with photos, the book delves into the impressive 70 years of publishing history began by the Kanter family.

Through the decades Classics Illustrated featured the art of some high profile artists, incredible cover painters and popular industry writers.

Interviews, behind-the-scenes secrets revealed and correspondence all combine to give a wide-stroke history of the publisher that introduced classic literature to several generations.

I am impressed by exhaustive history provided, the information on the various titles adapted and the bibliography and appendixes provided.

As a comic book collector one of the most difficult things to do (up to this point) was getting accurate information about Classics Illustrated titles, their dates of publication and when first prints were issued.

With this book comic book fans will have all the information they need at their fingertips.

1 John 4:20 - If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?