10 Most Dangerous Black Widow Villains in History

Natasha Romanova or Black Widow has quickly become one of the most popular characters in Marvel. Although her appearances in various Marvel Studios movies have helped bolster her popularity, make no mistake, she is very deserving of it. Not only is she one of the best fighters in Marvel and one of its foremost assassins, but she is also one of the most interesting characters Marvel has.

Her heroism isn’t rooted in traditional means like Captain America or Thor. Instead, she has walked a path that includes being a Russian Operative and a member of S.H.I.E.L.D. Due to a history that has taken her everywhere and introduced her to so many, Natasha has become high on the priority list of villains everywhere. As such, she has a rogues gallery that many would shake in fear over. But who are they? Who are the most dangerous enemies she encounters? Great question. Here’s a list of the top 10 most feared Black Widow enemies of all time.

10. Iron Maiden

As a fellow member of the Russian Black Ops, Melina Vostokoff, like Natasha, left her country and tried to create a life of her own. Unfortunately, no matter where she went or whom she met, Natasha was always considered to be better than her. This caused Melina’s jealousy of Natasha to reach new levels.

With a skill set similar to Natasha’s, Iron Maiden is as fierce and adept at fighting as any. As such, when she was hired to kill Natasha, she was the only of those hired who Natasha could not beat on her own. 

9. Mandrill

What Mandrill lacks in appearance he more than makes up for in sexual magnetism. Mandrill is a mutant who produces and releases pheromones that allow him to attract, capture and make women do anything that he desires. In their time as enemies, Black Widow has been one of those women. Under his control, she revealed the identity of Daredevil and along with a group of other women, nearly took over the United States. 

In addition to being able to control women, Mandril also possesses superhuman strength, speed, dexterity, flexibility, and more. It’s no wonder that the two have become such bitter enemies.

8. Bullseye

If it surprises you that Bullseye is on this list, understand this. First, Bullseye is an enemy of practically every hero in Marvel. Second, Black Widow was romantically linked to Daredevil and it’s Daredevil who is considered Bullseye’s greatest enemy. 

Due to their common connection, the two have fought on more than one occasion. Each time that they do, the result is as close to unpredictable as it can be.

7. Snapdragon

Created by the legendary George Pérez and Ralph Macchio, Snapdragon has proven herself to be one of the most dangerous Black Widow enemies. But she didn’t get there in a normal supervillain way. Snapdragon possesses no powers in the traditional power sense.

What she does possess, however, is a helmet with infrared sensors, and a protective suit, and is one of the best hand-to-hand combatants in Marvel. In fact, in their initial encounter, it was Snapdragon who came out on top. 

6. Taskmaster

Like Bullseye, it may seem strange to have Taskmaster here but remember this…he is rumored to appear in the upcoming Black Widow movie. While the two don’t share any sort of past or incredible storyline together, they are the perfect complement to each other. And why do I say this?

Simple. They are both gifted fighters who have committed reprehensible acts. Sure, you’re probably right that this shouldn’t make him a lock for my feared Black Widow enemies list. But, as far as I’m concerned, if Marvel potentially thinks he’s good enough for their movie then he’s good enough for my list.

5. Madame Hydra

If Natasha is everything that S.H.I.E.L.D. now stands for, Viper is everything that Hydra stands for. Even though Natasha holds a slight edge in one-on-one battles, the two are near equals in all aspects of life. Her time in Marvel has seen her as a member of The Hand, H.A.M.M.E.R., Hydra, Secret Empire, and more. And if it wasn’t obvious, each group is a sworn enemy of both Black Widow and the Avengers. 

As one of the Black Widow’s enemies, Viper is proficient in combat, is a master strategist, is able to use practically any weapon in existence, and is immune to venoms and toxins. 

4. Alexi Shostakov 

First appearing in Avengers #43 back in 1967, Alexi Shostakov, or Red Guardian was the once husband to Natasha Romanova. Like Natasha, he was trained by the Soviets. After his training was complete, he became a KGB Agent, and pilot, and was transformed into the Russian Equivalent of Captain America, Red Guardian.

After Black Widow grew tired of Russia’s antics and fled to the United States, Alexi became even more ruthless and brutal than he already was. As everything that America doesn’t stand for, Red Guardian has fought both Black Widow and the Avengers more times than can be counted. And it’s the combination of his aggression and familiarity with his opponents that makes him such a dangerous enemy.

3. Yelena Belova

Yelena Belova, like Natasha Romanova, was trained in the Red Room. In addition to that, she also became a Black Widow. While the two walked the same path in life, they are as different as they come. 

Yelena Belova wanted nothing more than to be the world’s only Black Widow. Due to this desire, she sought to but unsuccessfully killed Natasha on multiple occasions. The remarkable thing about Yelena is that over time the two enemies have become, to an extent, allies. This, however, doesn’t mean that she should be trusted…

2. Ivan Petrovich

The name Ivan Petrovich has firmly cemented itself in the history of Natasha Romanova. Most know him as the father-type figure that took her in and set her down the path of life we all watched her walk. What many don’t realize is that over the years, he developed feelings for her. 

Feelings aside, if not for Ivan, Natasha would probably not have become the Black Widow. And why? If he hadn’t found and met her, she would never have joined the KGB, been placed in the Red Room, and been trained as one of the world’s foremost assassins.

1. Her past

Ok, so if you thought that Taskmaster was a cop-out, then you’ll surely think that having herself as an enemy is also one. That aside, her past is as red as three–quarters of the Canadian flag. Let’s be honest, Natasha, more than most characters in Marvel, has done some heinous things. She’s stolen, killed, committed treason, and more.

Due to her history she has a) spent parts of her life on the run, b) been forced to atone for her mistakes, c) has constantly defended herself, and d) lived with herself. Natasha is her worst enemy for all of these reasons and more. It’s no wonder that she’s quickly become one of the most fascinating characters in Marvel. And that’s it.