WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for Demon Days: Mariko #1 by Peach Momoko, Zack Davisson, and VC’s Ariana Maher, on sale now.
The Demon Days saga from Peach Momoko has given readers a look at one of the most vibrant versions of the Marvel Universe in years. It has reimagined classic characters through the lens of Japanese folklore, while staying true to the character of those involved.
The latest issue of the series has even thrown its hero Mariko headfirst into a dark conspiracy, one that she has only nearly escaped thanks to an unlikely ally. Not only has the Black Widow just committed the ultimate sin for spies , but it’s a mistake that has nearly cost the hero her life in the past.
Another bad day at school has left Mariko shaken, and the ominous dreams of an enchanting Oni haven’t been helping much, either. When Mariko tells her grandmother about her visions, the elderly woman reveals to Mariko her true lineage as the daughter of an Oni herself. Before the two can finish their conversation, Ms. Kuroki, the housekeeper, steps back into the room through a hidden door and unveils herself as the Black Widow by firing a dart to the grandmother’s neck that leaves her unconscious.
Black Widow explains to Mariko that she wants to have a private chat like they did when she was younger and unveils the plot to kidnap Mariko in order to harvest her blood. The Widow has merely been keeping an eye on Mariko until her memories returned and reporting back to her employer. After so many years, it seems that the Black Widow has grown attached to her target and is willing to put her own neck on the line if it means saving a life she cares about. As heartwarming as it is, this leads her straight into harm’s way. This isn’t the first time that Black Widow’s caring instincts have gotten her into trouble.
Beginning with 2020’s Black Widow #1 by Kelly Thompson and Elena Casagrande, Natasha Romanoff lived a completely non-Avnegers life as an architect named Natalie in San Francisco. Not only had she seemingly forgotten all about her life as an Avenger, but she had even found a loving family with her husband James and their son Stevie, who is far older than the few months that Natasha had been missing. All of this was proven to be a convoluted plot carried out by Natasha’s most loathsome foes in a bid to give her everything she had ever wanted before destroying all of it. Unfortunately for her enemies, Natasha’s memories returned with a vengeance likes of which had never before been seen. No matter how false her life as Natalie was, her feelings and her family were very real. No matter how embroiled she is in the life of being a superhero or expert in espionage, Natasha has always cared more for being herself than the Black Widow, and that familial pull is something that keeps getting her into trouble.
Even in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is an obviously deep-seated desire for a normal life that Black Widow has at the core of her character. While this might be a weakness for some, Natasha Romanoff has made her need to care and comfort one of her greatest strengths, especially when it comes to working with a team. She has been one of the grounding forces of the Avengers without having to give up any of her lethal edge. Even now in her own titular series, Natasha is continuing to provide support and vengeance for those who need it most. While the Black Widow of Demon Days might be in a tough spot for the moment, there is little doubt that she can handle herself and protect the people she loves.
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