And while we're at it, who am I? Aside from a lost and scared little girl, who has nothing and no one? Is that all there is? Because it doesn't feel like enough. "Strong like an ox and sharp like a razor." That's what my mother would say. But I could be those things, can't I? Strong. Brave. Without needing anyone. As powerful as Natasha Romanoff -- but far less of a disappointment. I can almost see it now...The Red Widow. And this time, sestra, I'll be the one doing the saving. 
- —Ava Orlova[src]
History
Ava Anatolyova Orlova was nine years old when she was rescued from the Russian mafia by Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow. Romanoff promised Ava she would return for her, but she never did. Ava was ultimately brought from Ukraine to the United States by S.H.I.E.L.D., who kept her under lockdown the following five years. Ava picked up knowledge from living with spies and escaped custody on her fourteenth birthday.
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She started living on the streets of Brooklyn, where she met and befriended a girl named Oksana. When she was seventeen, Ava forcibly accompanied Oksana to a rave. In the middle of the party, Ava realized Oksana had disappeared. Ava made her way to a back room, where she attacked the boy who had lured Oksana into it and rescued her. After Oksana and herself were safe, Ava came to her senses on how violently she had reacted.
Later that night, Ava recalled her encounter with Romanoff, and how much of a disappointment she ended up being to her, but at the same time she was inspired by her to create her own vigilante identity, the Red Widow.[1]Attributes
Powers
Abilities
Efficient Combatant: To her own surprise, Ava is an efficient combatant, being able to trounce people taller and bigger than herself.[1]
Swordsmanship: Ava has taken fencing lessons at the YMCA.[1]Paraphernalia
Equipment
S.H.I.E.L.D. Gear: When she escaped custody, Ava stole gear from S.H.I.E.L.D..[1]
Twin Sabers Her primary weapons are a pair of extendable and retractable sabers through which she can channel her powers.[2]Notes
- Natasha Romanoff addressed Ava as "sestra" ("sister" in Russian) during their encounter, hinting Ava is most likely a fellow member of the Black Widow Ops Program.[1]
See Also
- 4 appearance(s) of Ava Orlova (Earth-616)
- 8 image(s) of Ava Orlova (Earth-616)
- 1 quotation(s) by or about Ava Orlova (Earth-616)