Marvel Comics
BLACK CAT
520
APPEARANCES
1509
TOTAL ISSUES
1082
SERIES
The Black Cat (Felicia Hardy) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Throughout her history, Black Cat has been an enemy, love interest, and ally of the superhero Spider-Man. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Dave Cockrum, she first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #194 (July 1979). Felicia Hardy is the daughter of Walter Hardy, a world-renowned cat burglar. After suffering a traumatic experience as a college freshman, she trained herself in various fighting styles and acrobatics and, after deciding to follow in her father's footsteps, adopted the costumed identity of the Black Cat. As Black Cat, she has the subconscious ability to affect probability fields, producing "bad luck" for her enemies. The character was originally a super-villain and adversary of Spider-Man, but over time the two fell in love, which motivated her into becoming an anti-heroine and his partner. However, their relationship grew complicated after it became apparent that Black Cat was only attracted to the alter ego of Spider-Man and had little interest in the hero's civilian life as Peter Parker. After their break-up, Black Cat maintained her role as one of Spider-Man's most trusted allies and for years the pair shared on-again, off-again romance before she eventually lapsed back into her criminal ways (much to Spider-Man's dismay and annoyance).
FIRST APPEARANCE
The Amazing Spider-Man #194
"Never Let the Black Cat Cross Your Path!"
July 1979
First appearance of Black Cat.
CREATORS
Writers and artists on Black Cat's earliest appearances.
