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Marvel · Silver Age · 1964
Tales of Suspense #52
Marvel · 1964
Noted for: Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff)
KEY ISSUEShop this issue
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Before you buy
Verify the issue and printing, check the grader certification, review restoration notes, and compare recent sold examples in the same grade.
The Tales of Suspense #52 in context
Why collectors care
The first appearance of the Black Widow, cover-dated April 1964, created by Stan Lee, Don Rico, and Don Heck. Natasha Romanoff debuted as an antagonist in the Iron Man feature and became one of Marvel's most commercially prominent characters.
How to identify it
Tales of Suspense #52, April 1964. She appears here in her original spy persona, not the costumed look that came later.
Common mistakes
Buyers expecting the familiar black costume on the first appearance will not find it. Also do not confuse this with Tales of Suspense #57 (first Hawkeye) or #39 (first Iron Man), both also in this catalog.
Grade considerations
Mid-60s anthology with typical spine and gloss concerns. High-grade copies are considerably scarcer than raw availability implies.
Part of these hubs
Tales of Suspense #39
Marvel · 1963
1st: Iron Man
Tales of Suspense #57
Marvel · 1964
1st: Hawkeye
Strange Tales #110
Marvel · 1963
1st: Doctor Strange
Tales to Astonish #27
Marvel · 1962
1st: Hank Pym (pre-Ant-Man)