When she works as a superhero, Black Widow associates with some of the Marvel Universe's heaviest hitters, like Thor, Hercules and the Hulk. On her own, though, the genetically-engineered former spy and assassin is just as dangerous as any of the company she keeps. In the recent Tales of Suspense miniseries, she proved that to the secret cabal that resurrected her and tried to revive the sinister Red Room program by utterly destroying them and their goals. This winter, the citizens of one of the Marvel Universe's most decadent locales will learn first-hand exactly what Black Widow is capable of when she invades its shores on a mission of vengeance.

It all happens this January, when filmmakers Jen and Sylvia Soska and artist Flaviano Armentaro kick off a new volume of Black Widow, where their title character will stalk the wealthy and crime-ridden districts of the island nation known as Madripoor in search of some very evil people she's targeted for elimination. CBR spoke with the Soska sisters about their take on Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow stories that inspired them and who or what Black Widow might run into during her mission to Madripoor.

CBR: So Jen and Sylvia, for your new series you're tackling the Black Widow, a character who's been a spy, assassin and a superhero. So, she can be caring and compassionate or she can be as ruthless and driven as someone like the Punisher. Which aspects of her character were you most interested in exploring for this series?

Sylvia Soska: One of the many cool things about writing a character like Widow is that she is very multi-layered. There's a warmth, but there's also a Russian winter frost when she needs it. Her heart is going to motivate her in this story, but it's what she's like when she's a deadly spy and assassin rather than a superhero. She's going into some dark territory, being ruthless is going to be helpful.

Jen Soska: I like Widow’s dark side. I don’t like to see her restrained. I don’t like to see her apologetic. She is a living weapon. She knows what she does is often a regrettable necessity, but sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes people are so awful that they deserve someone like the Black Widow taking them out. It’s funny to say, but it’s actually her heart and compassion that lead her down this dark path of bloody justice.

You're tackling Natasha in the aftermath of two huge stories for her; her death in Secret Empire and her resurrection in Tales of Suspense. So what's your sense of the character when you pick up with her? And is this an introspective tale where we'll hear Natasha's inner monologue about what she's been through? A more actions speak louder than words story? Or is it a bit of both?

Sylvia: We've been reading Marvel comics since we were kids, so it's impossible not to look at the rich history of the character and the different milestones that she has had. Widow has been to Madripoor before, she has a lot of history with a lot of characters that could spring up in a place like that. You'll get her inner thoughts and lots of action.

Jen: Natasha has been through a lot and she internalizes. She’s a spy. To really get to know what’s going on with her you need to get a glimpse into her head, and you will. After what she’s been through, Nat is reconnecting with who she is. She has a morbid sense of humor about it, too, as she’s had a lifetime of hardships. Black Widow is identifying who she is without the Avengers.

NEXT PAGE: Black Widow Will Be On The Hunt For a Very Different Red Room

For this story you're sending Natasha to Madripoor; a fictional and well established locale of crime, decadence and intrigue. As long time Marvel fans, what's it like telling a story in such an iconic locale?

Sylvia: As fans, we've always wanted to go to Madripoor. I mean, there's a lot of pretty iconic characters hanging out there or that could appear there at any time. With the level of dangerous Widow is feeling right now, it's better she's around people worthy of her anger -- an island of criminals is just what the doctor ordered.

Jen: I feel like I get to visit Madripoor. It’s one of the most badass places in the Marvel Universe. I love the idea of dropping one of the deadliest characters in the most deadliest of locations. And watch her thrive. No one is gonna miss anyone who goes missing in Madripoor. It’s the perfect place to unleash her rage with no one holding her back. Shes not an Avenger, so she doesn’t have to follow anyone’s rules but her own.

What can you tell us about the mission that brings Natasha to Madripoor? What is she after and who is she up against?

Sylvia: If you can think of literally the worst kind of people you would like to see Black Widow kill, these are them. Widow was made in the Red Room, but online there are different sinister Red Rooms where young girls are prey. It strikes a chord with Nat and sends her on a mission where you see her in full Black Widow vengeance.

Jen: Black Widow goes looking for someone that deserves to be in her crosshairs and is turned onto the string of children who are being abducted. Madripoor is full of the worst villains you can imagine, so it’s not easy to find who’s behind it, but you will see Nat go through some familiar and new faces as she cuts down anyone and anything standing in her way.

The Black Widow is a very well connected character with ties to the Avengers, the X-Men and even street-level heroes like Daredevil. Plus, the money and power of Madripoor could draw a number of people into this story. So, what can you tell us about some of the other established Marvel characters we might see in this book and the roles they'll play?

Sylvia: I totally don't know if I can answer this question, so I'll just name a few people who would be cool to see there -- isn't Magneto there with his X-Men? Sabretooth has a lot of history there. Maybe someone will kidnap Spider-Man? That's always exciting. I have a feeling you'll see some pretty badass villains, some people it would be fun to see Widow take on.

Jen: I love the history of Madripoor. I don’t imagine I’ll be giving too much away to say she’ll be teaming with Jessica Hoan, A.K.A. Tyger Tiger. She does not take kindly to trafficking of any kind on Madripoor, but especially not children. She’s a great character with a dark past, but a lot of heart as well. I love how she tries to keep the criminals classy in Madripoor.

NEXT PAGE: The Soskas Are Big Fans of Nat and Matt (Murdock, That Is)

Your collaborator on Black Widow is Flaviano Armentaro, an artist whose usual style has a very cartoony and animated feel to it. So what's it like working with Flaviano on this book? What do you enjoy most about his style?

Sylvia: I love what Flaviano does. His style really captures emotion beautifully. He shared a pic of Nat online and I was so in love with it. He brings her to life. She's a real person when he draws her. Kudos to our editor, Jake Thomas, who put us all together -- he always picks the most fantastic artists for our stories.

Jen: Flaviano is so talented! I’m so exited to be teamed together! It’s going to be a beautiful series. Lots of big beautiful locations and action. It’s going to be such a treat for the eyes. I love how expressive his characters are. I love the range of emotion he gives them. He makes very playful images. I am excited to see him bring out that side of Nat. She does love what she does.

Finally, as fans and now creators who have worked on the character, what are some past Black Widow stories that you've found especially enjoyable and inspiring?

Sylvia: My sister is the biggest Daredevil fan, so I've always loved anything with Nat & Matt. Marjorie Liu is one of my favorite writers and Widow in Black Widow: The Name of the Rose was killer. Her style is so cool and the artwork by Daniel Acuna was stunning. It's fun to see Widow being Widow and what Richard K. Morgan did with her on Black Widow: Homecoming was like watching a badass spy movie, and Bill Sienkiewicz's artwork is divine.

Jen: Anything with her and Matt (Daredevil). I was so pulling for the two of them. I even loved her in “Guardian Devil,” when Matt leaves her babysitting a mysterious child he’s been saddled with protecting. When he tells her he believes the child to be the Anti-Christ her reaction is priceless. And then she has to fight Matt to protect the kid. That was Kevin Smith gold. I love her older stuff with Bucky, too

Sylvia: We're stoked about the book and hope that you enjoy reading it. Maybe if it gets popular enough it can be the next Black Widow movie? Maybe a rated R one?

Jen: Couldn’t be more honored or excited to be writing for such a badass like Black Widow. We grew up reading Marvel and these books had a profound effect on who we grew up to be. It’s incredible to be writing these stories for a whole new generation of fans. And everyone who’s been reading as long as we have? You are in for a treat.