Marvel Now Has Official Explanation For Black Widow’s Codename

Natasha Romanoff always had a pretty interesting codename. Now, it looks like Marvel fans finally have a backstory explaining Black Widow's name.

Marvel just released The Web of Black Widow #1 by Jody Houser (via Screen Rant), and the comic gives us a better look at Black Widow's origin. Taken in by the Red Room, Russia's top-secret school for training young female assassins and spies, we see Natasha Romanoff excel in her classes.

The first issue of the comic showcases a flashback where the Red Room is being hired by a client. Young Natasha is being made to stand by the school's headmistress as she meets with the client, explaining why Natasha's codename.

"Like the deadliest of spider's easily escaping notice," she told the client, "until it is far too late."

While readers might take an explanation as a nod to Natasha's talent, it's also pretty clear that the super agent was named Black Widow because of her age and her size. People rarely see children as a threat, just as much as an unwary individual would take notice of the small, black widow spider until it actually bites and until it's far too late.

It's a pretty interesting origin for the spy, though it seems like the name Black Widow took on another meaning when Natasha grew older. Of course, Black Widow eventually became a hero and an important part of the Avengers.

We won't ever forget the sacrifice that she made in Avengers: Endgame.

The Web of Black Widow #1 is now available to purchase at your local comic book shop or from Marvel Comics.

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