Black Cat (comics)

Black Cat
Black Cat Art by Terry Dodson.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	The Amazing Spider-Man #194 (July 1979)
Created by	Marv Wolfman (writer) Keith Pollard (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Felicia Hardy
Team affiliations	Heroes for Hire Defenders Black Cat's Gang
Partnerships	Spider-Man
Notable aliases	Felicia Harmon, Felicity Harmon, Leesh, Party Hardy
Abilities	Expert burglar Excellent street fighter Highly skilled martial artist Probability manipulation Enhanced agility via earrings Above average strength via micro-servos in costume Retractable claws and grappling hooks via gloves Ability to see in various ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum via contact lenses Formerly: Superhuman strength, speed, agility and endurance Night vision Retractable talons

The Black Cat (Felicia Hardy) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Keith Pollard, she first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #194 (July 1979).

Felicia Hardy is the daughter of a world-renowned cat burglar. After suffering a traumatic event as a college freshman, she trained herself in various fighting styles and acrobatics and, after deciding to follow in her father's footsteps, adopted her costumed identity as the Black Cat.

Felicia Hardy made her cinematic debut in the 2014 film The Amazing Spider-Man 2, portrayed by actress Felicity Jones.

In 1979, creator Marv Wolfman was looking for a female foil for Spider-Woman. He decided to base a character on a Tex Avery cartoon "Bad Luck Blackie", in which a black cat brought misfortune to anyone in close proximity. The Black Cat's costume and appearance were designed by Dave Cockrum.

When Wolfman changed writing assignments within Marvel Comics to The Amazing Spider-Man, he brought his character with him. He made considerable changes to the character and her appearance over this time; the Black Cat intended to debut in Spider-Woman had only her name and powers in common with the one who finally appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man. On the bottom of the letters page of The Amazing Spider-Man #194, a thumbnail of the intended cover for Spider-Woman #9 appears along with a rejected cover for The Amazing Spider-Man #194. Wolfman said in an interview, "I didn't plan Black Cat to be in Spidey. I created her for Spider-Woman (look at the letter column of the first B.C. story and you’ll see). I then decided to leave Spider-Woman and moved her over. So, I never even thought of Catwoman when I did her. I got the idea for her from a Tex Avery cartoon, Bad Luck Blackie."