Warning: spoilers ahead for Avengers #22!
Black Cat’s Potential Induction into the Avengers
After an impressive 45-year tenure, a notable ally of Spider-Man is finally being considered for membership in the Avengers. Serving as Marvel’s flagship superhero team, securing a spot among the Avengers is renowned as a prestigious honor. This latest development unfolds in Avengers #22, stirring intrigue about the character’s true intentions.
The talented writer Jed MacKay, acclaimed for his recent three-year stint on Doctor Strange, is now at the helm of this storyline. The Avengers find themselves on a mission to uncover a data cache that holds critical details concerning the enigmatic Missing Moment.
This valuable cache is available for acquisition at a galactic auction; however, the Avengers realize they lack the means to secure it through conventional methods. As a result, they decide to orchestrate a heist. The dynamic duo of Vision and Scarlet Witch embark on an infiltration of the casino, only to discover that Kang, also known as Nathaniel Richards, has already made his move.
In a shocking twist, the Avengers are confronted with the realization that Richards is accompanied by the Black Cat.
Understanding Black Cat: Marvel’s Complicated Antiheroine
A Character Defined by Grey Morality
First introduced in Amazing Spider-Man #194 in 1979, Black Cat has evolved into one of Spider-Man’s most significant allies, despite her often dubious methods. Their relationship has even crossed into romantic territory, creating complex dynamics between a hero and a criminal. While they are currently separated, the tension from their past experiences creates an intriguing backdrop for her character.
The prospect of Black Cat joining the Avengers marks a significant progression in her narrative arc. Though some fellow Avengers remain skeptical about her inclusion, Black Cat has proven her worth on numerous occasions—she’s notably one of the few who has successfully pilfered from Doctor Strange‘s sanctum, earning him a measure of respect.
As depicted in Avengers #22, Iron Man is taken aback by her appearance at the casino, raising questions not only about her presence but also about her underlying motives.
Will Black Cat Secure Her Place Among the Avengers?
Assessing Compatibility with Team Members
Black Cat is clearly involved in a deeper strategy within the context of Avengers #22, potentially steering her closer to team membership. Having outmaneuvered formidable opponents in the past, she faces her most dangerous challenge yet: Kang. This engagement could easily push her past the limits of her capabilities, prompting the Avengers to respond.
While Black Cat has many skills to offer, her ambiguous moral compass presents a complication for team dynamics. Nonetheless, her history with Spider-Man demonstrates her ability to align with heroic principles, a requisite for any Avenger.
Make sure to grab your copy of Avengers #22, available now from Marvel Comics!
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