Sex and popular media have always been inextricably tied to one another, and the realm of comic books is no exception. While underground, independent, and edgier titles have rarely if ever held back on their scintillating offerings, more mainstream books from big name publishers have long avoided anything that would be considered objectively obscene by today's standards. This isn't to say they haven't leaned into the hot and heavy where they can, and Marvel's Black Cat has long since proven just how potent of a force that can be both on and off the battlefield.
While Felicia Hardy's first appearance as Black Cat in 1979's Amazing Spider-Man #194 (by Marv Wolfman and Keith Pollard) presented her as the titular hero's latest villain, things quickly took a turn that not even his Spider-Sense could anticipate. During their first encounter, Black Cat not only managed to trip Spider-Man up thanks to her impeccable skills as a thief, but also by stealing a kiss from the hero. Apart from establishing Black Cat as someone capable of keeping up with Spider-Man, this set the stage for their relationship to unfold in the years to come and cemented Felicia's place as one of Marvel's most sensual and alluring characters.
Black Cat Has Weaponized Her Most Feminine Traits
Despite bursting onto the scene as a buxom antivillain of sorts, Felicia Hardy's personal history was marred by her earliest intimate encounter. While in college, Felicia was rescued from an attack by a fellow student, only for the man who had come to her aid to force himself upon her after the fact. Following this devastating moment, Felicia dedicated herself to taking the life of the man who violated her and embarked upon a mission to become as lethal as possible. Felicia spent months on end training her mind, spirit, and body in preparation of what would be her moment of vengeance, only for her attacker to die in a drunken car accident before she ever got the chance to enact her intentions.
With nowhere else to go and a whole new set of skills at her disposal, Felicia turned to crime, following in the footsteps of her father Walter Hardy. Although she wasn't particularly successful in her initial endeavors, her father's longtime mentor and partner in crime, the Black Fox, offered her his services. Under his instruction, Felicia learned not only the tricks of the trade, but how advantageous her appearance could be. Instead of utilizing her looks and figure as a means of distraction, however, she shaped them into a persona that has become as iconic as it is menacing.
Whereas plenty of other comic book femme fatales have been derided for the way they have been sexualized over the years, Black Cat has rarely suffered from those criticisms. It has been generally accepted that the imagery associated with Black Cat is indelible to her character and serves to build her up rather than reduce her. Whether by embracing her sexuality on a personal level or by never having to explain her various romantic interests to satiate others, Felicia exudes a confidence that makes it clear she is in total control of her image, something which puts her in familiar territory with some of pop culture's biggest names.
Black Cat's Conscious Control of Her Image is a Powerful Tool
Prior to the Black Cat gaining the popularity she has earned in Marvel Comics, the world was introduced to Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Created and portrayed by the legendary Cassandra Peterson, Elvira first appeared as the host of Elvira's Movie Macabre, a television anthology series that debuted in 1981 and saw the titular host provide commentary on different B movie titles. Seven years later, Peterson starred in a feature film that gave the character a winding backstory and set of abilities derived directly from her sexuality.
Black Cat might not be as overtly provocative in her methods as Elvira, but the command over her sexuality coupled with Felicia's apathy toward what others think of her is unmistakably similar. There are always going to be those who underestimate Felicia for her looks and appeal, but those are frequently the same people she ends up regularly outwitting. Ever since making the decision to take control of her life, Felicia has excelled without ever having to worry about whether she might be seen as weaker for way she presents herself. Simply put, Marvel's Black Cat is acutely aware of how powerful her sex appeal can be, and she has refined it into yet another cutting edge at her disposal.
If you are a U.S.-based victim of sexual assault or misconduct in need of help, contact RAINN at 800-656-4673 to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. If you are based outside the U.S., click here for a list of international sexual assault resources.