Daredevil #81
1st Appearance of Black Widow in Daredevil
(VERY GOOD+)
"Daredevil #81," released in November 1971, marks a notable issue in the Daredevil series, featuring the combined creative talents of writer Gerry Conway and artist Gene Colan, with inking by Syd Shores. This issue stands out due to its vibrant storytelling and dramatic artwork, reflecting the rich character development and intricate plotlines typical of the era.
In this issue, titled "And Death is a Woman Named Widow," Daredevil finds himself entangled with the Black Widow, also known as Natasha Romanova. At this point in the Marvel Universe, Black Widow is transitioning from a supporting character in the "Iron Man" series to a more prominent role alongside Daredevil, which would eventually lead to several issues where the series was titled "Daredevil and the Black Widow."
The storyline involves Daredevil and Black Widow teaming up in San Francisco, where they face a new villain named The Scorpion (not to be confused with Mac Gargan, the Spider-Man villain). This new adversary brings Daredevil and Black Widow into a complex plot involving espionage and danger that tests their skills and burgeoning partnership.
Gene Colan's artwork in this issue is particularly noteworthy for its dynamic and fluid style, which beautifully captures the motion and emotion of the characters, enhancing the dramatic tension of the narrative. Colan's ability to portray the dark, moody environments and the intense action sequences adds a layer of depth to the story, making it visually compelling.
"Daredevil #81" is significant not only for its action-packed content but also for deepening the relationship between Daredevil and Black Widow, exploring themes of trust, partnership, and justice. This issue marks an important phase in the development of both characters and sets the stage for their future adventures together, solidifying it as a memorable and impactful entry in the Daredevil saga.
