Issue(s): Amazing Adventures #1 (Black Widow story only)
Cover Date: Aug 70
Title: "Then came... the Black Widow"
Credits:
Gary Friedrich - Writer
John Buscema - Penciler
John Verpoorten - Inker

Review/plot:
The Black Widow shows off her new SHIELD-tech derived powers and makes a speech rejecting her inspiration by Spider-Man ("I was a fool to think I needed the powers of Spider-Man! The Black Widow needs only... herself!"). She then goes and beats up some thugs because she craves excitement.

    

Ivan is in this issue (his first appearance), but he's looking about ten years older than in his Champions appearances where he's practically a fighting member of the team. Here, he has no idea that the Widow is a super-hero.

The Widow realizes that designing a costume without a mask jeopardizes her secret identity.

In isolation, this story can be read like the Widow is just a bored jet-setter going out to the slums to look for some excitement, but there's actually a mission statement here that defines the direction for the series:

In the past I've always been involved in government affairs! Perhaps that's why I now feel so compelled to take an interest... in the affairs of the common man.. for without him -- there can be no government!

Not a lot to this issue but i guess it's a good introduction to the character, and Buscema's art is nice.

Quality Rating: C-

Historical Significance Rating: 3 - first Black Widow solo story. First Ivan Petrovitch.

Chronological Placement Considerations: Placing this next to the entry for the Inhumans story in the same issue, although there's no connection.

References:

• The Black Widow changed her costume after getting inspired by Spider-Man in Amazing Spider-Man #86

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: Marvel Selects: Spider-Man #6

I think that Spider-Man has been Natasha's inspiration from the very beginning. This was why she wanted to become a costumed crime fighter in the first place in addition of working as a super spy. This might partially explain why she defected to the USA from the Russian KGB. And She fought Spider-Man because she wanted to see if he was worthy enough to defeat her. A Black Widow Spider always chooses a mate that she wants.

According to a Bill Mantlo-written document with notes added by Jim Shooter published in Back Issue #65, Ivan's last name is Schwartz.

The fanzine Comic Reader #77(1/70) announced John Romita as the artist.