Since the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a lot of the burden of representing the Women of Marvel in mainstream media has fallen on the shoulders of Black Widow. Not that she can’t handle it, but it shouldn’t be up to one female character to pull that weight when there are so many amazing female superheroes in the comics. And there’s about to be one more! In a TMS Exclusive, Marvel is announcing the debut of their latest nuanced female character, complete with an exclusive sneak peek from her first-ever comics appearance!

Before we get to the big reveal, here are the deets for Mockingbird: S.H.E.I.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1, one in a series of upcoming one-shots celebrating S.H.I.E.L.D, which is set to drop September 2nd:

MOCKINGBIRD: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50TH ANNIVERSARY #1

CHELSEA CAIN (W) • JOELLE JONES (A)

Cover by PAUL RENAUD

Variant Cover by CHRISTIAN WARD

ACTION FIGURE VARIANT BY JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

• Mockingbird has always been one of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s best agents, but what happens when someone close to her is murdered?

• Forced to take matters into her own hands, someone is bound to pay!

• New York Times Bestselling Author Chelsea Cain joins the Marvel Universe to tell a story of bloody revenge!

• Plus! A special bonus story by superstar young adult author, Margaret Stohl (Beautiful Creatures), writer for the upcoming YA novel, Black Widow: Forever Red!

And now — introducing Red Widow, who will be making her first appearance in this comic! Check her out in costume:



Margaret Stohl, who has included Red Widow in her upcoming YA book, Black Widow: Forever Red, has this to say about the character:

The Red Widow is a powerful new female superhero for the Marvel universe. In many ways, she’s the opposite of the Black Widow—she actually chooses to become the Red Widow—but both Widows share a mysterious bond and a history, and will change the course of each other’s lives, moving forward. And of course, this is just the beginning for this enigmatic and deadly new character. Red Widow’s story first emerges within the pages of Mockingbird: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1, and will then be featured in my upcoming (prose) novel, Black Widow: Forever Red. I couldn’t be prouder of both Widows—and of Marvel Comics, for being so supportive of the two of them.

All I have to say is, EEEEEEK! Here’s Red Widow alongside Black Widow for some badass comparison:

OMGOMGOMG, I love her! I love the fact that she chooses to be Red Widow, and that she seems set to be a hero that younger women and girls can look up to, as well as one who can keep Natasha on her toes! I can’t wait to meet her!

So, what do you think of Marvel’s newest addition? Are you as excited for Red Widow’s arrival as I am?

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