Black Widow: Marvel Reveals MCU Variant Covers for Scarlett Johansson Film

By Tom Drew Posted:
Black Widow artwork by Jen Bartel, Black Widow logo, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow

Marvel fans will have to wait just a bit longer for Black Widow, which has now been delayed to May 7, 2021. Theater executives were pleased with the decision, grateful that the film would maintain its theatrical run as opposed to a Disney+ release.

The delay was a bit peculiar though, as marketing was seeming to ramp prior to the film's initial release. Florence Pugh talked about her character Yelena Belova and how the film would center on the "abuse of women." Pugh also discussed her future in the MCU going forward.

A spoiler-filled rumor suggested that a past MCU character would also be returning for an appearance in the film, further tying Black Widow to the rest of the MCU.

Another remnant of Black Widow's original November release has been unveiled, coming in the form of new comic artwork...

NEWS

Marvel Entertainment revealed brand new variant covers for various Black Widow comics via their Twitter page, going into a bit more detail on their website. Each artwork is based on the MCU's Black Widow, taking inspiration from the designs and characters from the film. 

Black Widow Variant Cover 1
From Marvel Entertainment

The first cover is illustrated by Jen Bartel for Black Widow (2020) #3, depicting Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff all suited up. The cover features Bartel's trademark realism combined with vibrant, saturated colors, making for visually striking artwork.

Black Widow Variant Cover 2
From Marvel Entertainment

Next is the cover for Widowmakers: Red Guardian and Yelena Belova #1, illustrated by Chris Samnee. This cover is a stylized, movie poster-like piece of artwork, reflecting the espionage themes of Black Widow.

The main players of Black Widow are featured here, including Black Widow herself, Yelena Belova, Taskmaster and Red Guardian. Soldiers are also shrouded in smoke in the background, suggesting that Romanoff is on the run.

Black Widow Variant Cover 3
From Marvel Entertainment

The final cover by Stefano Caselli is for Black Widow: Widow's Sting (2020) #1, picturing Black Widow in her new suit for the film. Natasha is seen running through a facility here, possibly to extract a certain red friend of hers. 

A smaller illustration of Black Widow is also placed in the upper left hand corner of the cover, harkening back to comic book covers of old.

These covers seem to be have been meant to coincide with Black Widow's original release in November. With the film's delay to next year, it is likely that Marvel Studios was unable to move its marketing in time for the announcement.

Regardless of the timing of their release, all of these comic book covers look spectacular and manage to capture the essence of the film perfectly. All of the covers interpret the film in different ways, each honing in on different aspects. 

Jen Bartel's artwork depicts Black Widow herself, presenting the power of her character and how she exists as a symbol to many Marvel fans. Chris Samnee's art represents the overall tone of Black Widow, conveying both the spy-thriller genre and the familial nature of the film's characters. Stefano Caselli's artwork is inspired by events from the film itself, taking a scenario from Black Widow and portraying it a dynamic comic book cover.

Black Widow is set to release in theaters on May 7, 2021. 

- In This Article: Black Widow
Release Date
July 09, 2021
Platform
Theaters
- About The Author: Tom Drew
Tom Drew is the Executive Editor at The Direct. Tom writes for The Direct's Marvel, Star Wars, and DC branches while specializing in all things movies, from blockbuster to indie darlings.