WARNING! Spoilers for Iron Man #9After decades of fighting side-by-side as members of the Avengers,Iron ManandBlack Widoware about to turn against each other in a conflict that’s been a long time coming. Natasha Romanoff made her Marvel debut as an enemy of Tony Stark, and it seems that dynamic may be returning now that a rift is forming between the two heroes.
The Earth-shatteringOne World Under Doomeventcontinues through the month of June, and Marvel Comics has unveiled a look at what the fight against Doctor Doom has in store for Iron Man. InIron Man#9 by Spencer Ackerman and Julius Ohta, Tony Stark will be operating separately from the Avengers to defeat Doom, but one Avenger has taken issue with his controversial strategy.
IRON MAN #9 (2025)
June 18th, 2025
Variant Cover:
Ario Anindito
IRON MAN DISASSEMBLED! While the Avengers fight Doom on the public stage, Tony Stark tries to bring him down from inside Latveria. But can his former teammate the Black Widow trust his tactics? Find out when the Winter Guard arrives for round two!
Rather than battling Doom in the traditional sense, Iron Man plans to take him down from the inside, which Black Widow doesn’t approve of.TheseAvengers teammatesare about to butt heads in a shocking shift to their usual dynamic, returning to their antagonistic roots.
Iron Man vs Black Widow: Marvel Is Setting Up a Conflict Between Avengers
Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff’s History Sets Up Their Dispute
Black Widow made her first appearance inTales of Suspense#52 by Stan Lee, Don Rico, and Don Heck as avillain who stood against Iron Man, though she would go on to become an Avenger like him and his heroic allies in 1992’sAvengers#343. In the 33 years since then, Natasha and Tony have been comrades on the side of justice, but even Earth’s Mightiest Heroes can suffer from disagreements. While Black Widow seems to bealigning with the Avengersnow that Doctor Doom has seized power, Iron Man is embarking on his own path to take him down.
Has Iron Man Lost Himself? Marvel Certainly Thinks So and So Do I
Iron Man has been put through the physical and emotional wringer in his new series, and one moment proves just how far Tony Stark has fallen.
Despite Black Widow’s villainous past, she’s more than proven herself to be a true Avenger that can stand proudly among the likes ofCaptain America. When she might have fought for her own ends once, she now has the greater good on her mind while facing Doom. Not only is she joining the Avengers' fight, but she’s also teaming up with theThunderboltsas they combat Doom’s Fulgur Victoris police force. Iron Man, however, will be carrying out his own schemes instead of helping Black Widow and the other heroes. Naturally,Tony’s decision doesn’t please Natasha, and it may fracture their friendship for good.
Iron Man’s Methods to Take Down Doctor Doom Are Definitely Controversial
Black Widow May Be Right to Question Tony Stark’s Actions
Iron Man hasn’t been making the best decisions lately, which explains why Black Widow may be wary of trusting his judgment during dire times. InIron Man#5, for instance,Tony resorted to desperate tacticswhen injured in a fight by slamming his armor against an opponent recklessly. In most cases, Iron Man is smarter than that, but pushing himself through major injuries and refusing to help the Avengers both hint at a pattern of ill-informed choices. IfBlack Widowcan’t setIron Manstraight, then she might have no choice but to sever their ties for the time being, uprooting their established dynamic.
Iron Man#9will be available on June 18th, 2025 from Marvel Comics!
