In 2012, Joss Whedon teamed up with Marvel to deliver us one of the most entertaining pieces of Superhero fare: The Avengers (so strangely named Avengers Assemble in the UK, but we’ll deal with the American prefix). It, following in the vein of the comics, collated some stellar super heroes from their stand-alone movies and forced them to fight against Asguardian Loki and a bunch of superbike-riding aliens. Earning billions and exciting fans everywhere, The Avengers has racked up superb acclaim from the avid to the new, setting an enormous bar for spandex-clad movies after. In short, it was incredible.
But with all those superegos sandwiched into a room together to assemble a team like an Ikea tea set, it is hard to pick a favourite.
Well, not that hard.
It’s Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow.
Romanoff’s first cinematic adventure as part of the MCU happened in Iron Man 2. Though the substandard fare that took Tony Stark down a peg was not received well by audiences, the introduction to superspy assassin Black Widow was a triumph. Fresh faced, badass and levelling up to Stark, she solidified interest and quickly became a favourite amongst the MCU community, continuing her role into three movies. In a brief summary, previously a Russian Spy, Romanoff aims to clear her ledger of all misdeeds by working with SHIELD.
But let’s talk about her role in The Avengers, shall we? Though two years have passed since New York was obliterated by the villains and the predilection for exploding expensive buildings, the passions for Widow’s mark in the superhero collection still resonates loudly. Maybe it’s because of the impending release of Age of Ultron, pictures from the set and the fact that Scarlett Johansson seems to effervesce in every role. Or maybe it’s because she is still relegated to thousands of questions about her diet, weight and leather-clad catsuit that it needs to be angrily and passionately pointed out that she is the only hero that gets shit done.
It’s Black Widow who enters the lion’s den and plays Loki like a fool. Mirroring her, quite frankly, superb entrance to the film as she effeminately squeezes Russian secrets from the armies that kidnap her. In a scene that is imperative to female superheroes globally, Black Widow shows her intellect and manipulation by using perceived perceptions against him. She shimmies into the pen and duels with words as she gains unknown information about Loki’s plan by flipping his underestimation against him. It’s beautiful to watch her perform for him, only to whip the carpet out from under him and shimmy back out with the upper hand. When Loki assumes she is weak and broken from Barton’s transformation as one of his agents, Romanoff slams the breaks on his tactics.
And she doesn’t stop her stellar turn there. Not only can she fight amongst the collection of technologically advanced heroes and those with strength beyond her capabilities, but she shows earnest heart. Admirably, when Bruce is transforming into the bulking green beast The Hulk, Romanoff does not run. She stays by his side and tries to calm him down, despite knowing that he could tear her apart. Much more than this, when SHIELD operatives come to help her, she signals for them to leave, not wanting any more collateral damage. Later on, she flippantly comments on Bruce’s antics and tells him that, under control, the team could use it. Showcasing wondrous thoughtfulness, Natasha is not just a hero, but a human, too.
In similar form, she continues her undeniable screen presence in Captain America: Winter Solider. Though, yet again, relegated to a sidekick, Romanoff is the perfect friend to Steve as he navigates between loyalties and convictions as he unearths a sinister plan. But what’s more, she furthers her standing as the best Avenger by willingly placing her history on the line for the sake of SHIELD and a future for the heroes. Whilst there may have been points of contention, she strongly deals with the backlash of her mistakes and is still able to spar, all with wit and humour.
Kevin Feige has hinted at a Black Widow movie and apparently, there is one in development as we speak. While we wait for another triumphant role in Age of Ultron, Natasha Romanoff deserves a rich and fulfilling standalone film. Perhaps a Budapest adventure with her background with Clint, a buddy-cop adventure with Barton relegated to sidekick. Or maybe (though if done badly will upset so many) an origin tale with Chloë Grace Moretz as teen/young adult Widow.
However they play it, there needs to be more Black Widow in our lives as she is the best Avenger they have.