Felicia Hardy

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Felicia Hardy
Alias(es)	Black Cat; Black Cat Queen
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Hardy Foundation; Galactic Plumbers; Thunderbolts
Occupation/Role	Superhero; underworld leader
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 9

Background / History

Felicia was a wealthy student known at school for her beauty and Hardy Foundation background. Despite not considering herself a genius, she studied diligently and pursued perfection because of her missing father's advice: to do her best rather than settle for a lesser role. 9 24

She first attempted to bring Ben Parker into a study group, but his repeated lack of time frustrated her. Even so, she continued seeking his company and later assisted him with acquiring Osborn Corporation scientific instruments by helping spread rumors that the Hardy Foundation would acquire Osborn. 9 37 53

During the Lizard Man attack on Midtown, Felicia remained behind amid the evacuation and searched for Ben alongside Mary Jane Watson. Her concern for Ben became increasingly clear during later crises, including his disappearance and capture. 39 40 103 133

Felicia's father returned after Ben released him from imprisonment. He was revealed to be John Hardesky, also known as the Cat Burglar, a master thief who had used the Super Soldier Serum and possessed its formula. Felicia learned of his criminal past during their emotional reunion. 172 173

Wanting to stand beside and protect Ben, Felicia trained under her father. She received an improved Super Soldier Serum created by Dr. Curt Connors and Dr. Bruce Banner, becoming Black Cat. 170 177 178

Appearance

Felicia is a blonde young woman whose appearance changes markedly when she becomes Black Cat.

• In civilian form, she has long golden-blonde hair and a refined, high-class appearance. 9 39
• As Black Cat, her hair turns silver and she wears a form-fitting black battle suit. 178
• Her Black Cat uniform includes a night-vision eye mask, balance-enhancing earrings, sound-dampening footwear, and retractable claws. 177
• Her serum-enhanced physique is athletic rather than bulky. 178

Personality

Felicia is competitive, diligent, and determined to achieve perfection even when she feels outmatched by more naturally gifted people. Her father's lessons remained central to her identity throughout his absence. 24 172

She is affectionate toward Ben but often expresses it through teasing, playful challenges, and attempts to conceal what she knows about his identity as Hacker Spider-Man. 173 179 180 215

As Black Cat, Felicia is more assertive and ferocious. She is willing to use intimidating force against criminals, though she initially disables Kingpin's gangsters rather than killing them. 178

Abilities & Skills

Enhanced Physiology

Felicia gained superhuman physical abilities through an improved Super Soldier Serum.

• Possesses enhanced strength, agility, and senses. 178
• Her physical abilities are stated to be no worse than Captain America's. 178
• Can hide her enhanced powers at will due to the serum's modified properties. 177
• Can leap several meters, climb walls with her claws, and move silently. 178
• Her agility and combat ability allowed her to defeat Kingpin. 181

Cat Burglar Training

Felicia trained under her father, the Cat Burglar.

• Learned more than seven-eighths of her father's theft skills in a short period. 177
• Uses controlled movement and body awareness to reduce the sound and force of her landings. 178
• Developed combat experience through fighting gangs and operating in New York's underworld. 215

Claw Combat

Felicia fights primarily with close-range claw strikes and acrobatic movement.

• Her retractable claws can pierce metal equipment and disarm opponents. 178
• Her later Anti-Vibranium claws can decompose and tear through ordinary metal and Vibranium. 351
• She used her claws to overwhelm Kingpin despite his physical modifications. 181

Battle Suit Systems

Felicia's suit was secretly prepared with Ben's support.

• The suit is bullet-resistant and absorbs some impact. 177
• Its eye mask provides night vision. 177 178
• Vibranium protection allowed her to withstand Nebula's shockwave and Ultron Robots' combined sonic attacks. 221 268
• Later modifications include kinetic-energy functions, Manna patterns, Kryptonian armor technology, and environmental protection. 466

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Black Cat Battle Suit — Black, high-tech protective suit with night vision, sound-dampening shoes, balance-enhancing earrings, and impact resistance. 177
• Vibranium claws — Retractable claws installed in her white gloves. 177
• Anti-Vibranium claws — Later claw upgrade capable of damaging Vibranium and other metals. 351
• Vibranium-enhanced battle suit — Protects her from powerful sonic and shockwave attacks. 221 268

Relationships

• Ben Parker / Hacker Spider-Man — Boyfriend and regular partner in Black Cat activities. Felicia initially tried to hide that she knew his superhero identity, unaware that Ben had arranged her serum and equipment. 172 179 180 215
• John Hardesky / Cat Burglar — Father and trainer. His return reunited Felicia with the parent she had believed gone for years. 172 173 177
• Mrs. Hardy — Mother. Felicia defied her to protect Ben and his allies when Primus was threatened. 53 166
• Mary Jane Watson — Friend and occasional combat partner. The two searched for Ben during the Lizard attack and later fought together against larger threats. 39 351
• Peter Parker / Spider-Man — Ally and fellow Galactic Plumber. Felicia assisted Peter against Ultron Robots. 215 268
• Looma — One of Ben's other romantic partners and a source of rivalry for Felicia. 341 351 352

Story Role / Major Arcs

School Years and Primus Support

Felicia begins as Ben's classmate and study-group organizer. She assists his early business efforts by helping create the circumstances for Primus Technology to acquire Osborn equipment. 9 24 53

Becoming Black Cat

After reuniting with her father, Felicia trains under him and receives an enhanced Super Soldier Serum. She awakens as Black Cat while defending the Hardy Foundation from Kingpin's men. 173 177 178

Kingpin's Fall and the Black Cat Queen

Felicia recruits Hacker Spider-Man to help confront Kingpin. She defeats Kingpin herself, after which Ben publicly welcomes her as the “Black Cat Queen.” She subsequently takes control of portions of Kingpin's former criminal network. 180 181 182 215

Galactic Plumbers and Cosmic Missions

After Ben openly confirms his knowledge of her identity, Felicia learns more about his watch and joins the Galactic Plumbers. She accompanies the team on the mission to retrieve the Spirit Orb from Morag and fights Nebula's forces. 215 220 221

Thunderbolts Membership

Ben later forms the Thunderbolts with Felicia, Captain America, Spider-Man, Sandman, and Daredevil. 299

Defense of Earth

Felicia fights alongside Mary Jane and Helen Cho during the Hammer Envoy invasion, though EightEight's strength proves overwhelming until Looma intervenes. 351

Trivia

• Felicia chose the name Black Cat because she claimed darkness and night made her comfortable; privately, she chose it because Hacker Spider-Man's battle suit was black. 173
• She prefers acting at night and is drawn to the mystery and danger of darkness. 173 178
• Felicia's original goal in gaining powers was to protect Ben; after learning more of his circumstances, she wanted to fight at his side instead. 177