Marvel's The Avengers: Black Widow Strikes

Lore & Background

The comic was published as part of a wave of MCU tie-in material leading up to Marvel's The Avengers in 2012. According to the article, Marvel's senior vice-president of sales David Gabriel described a 'more focused' approach to tie-ins for that film, aiming to reach fans of 'all walks of life'. The comic is listed among the tie-ins released before the film, alongside The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week and The Avengers Initiative.

Reader's Guide

The article notes that Marvel retroactively divided tie-in comics into those that exist within MCU continuity and those merely inspired by the films. Black Widow Strikes falls into the latter category, as it is not listed among the canon preludes such as Iron Man 3 Prelude or Thor: The Dark World Prelude. Creative director Will Corona Pilgrim confirmed that earlier tie-ins like Public Identity and First Vengeance were official MCU stories, while other previously released tie-ins—including this one—were considered inspired by the MCU only. This distinction matters because it clarifies that the comic does not affect official MCU continuity, but rather offers 'another fun adventure' with the characters.

Did You Know?

• The comic is one of several prelude titles released for Marvel's The Avengers in 2012.
• It is considered an 'inspired by' tie-in, not an official MCU canon story.
• Marvel's senior vice-president of sales described a 'more focused' approach to tie-ins for The Avengers film.