In an unexpected twist of fate, a largely forgotten Marvel anime from 2014, has recently resurfaced on YouTube, becoming the talk of Marvel and anime fans alike. This decade-old anime film, titled, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher, produced by Madhouse, was initially overlooked by mainstream audiences. However, thanks to YouTube’s mysterious algorithm, it’s now finding a new audience and receiving a second wind of attention.
But why has this anime suddenly resurfaced? There are several theories explaining this, from algorithmic coincidences to deliberate marketing strategies by Marvel and YouTube. This anime’s resurrection feels almost too appropriate given the current wave of interest in Marvel’s film world.
The Revival of Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher
Directed by Kenichi Shimizu, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher is a 2014 Japanese superhero anime produced by Madhouse in partnership with Marvel Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan. This film marked the final collaboration between Marvel and Madhouse, who had previously produced a handful of Marvel Anime series.
The story follows the unexpected duo of Black Widow and Punisher as they team up to stop the global terrorist group Leviathan. The plot sees Punisher inadvertently disrupting a S.H.I.E.L.D. mission led by Black Widow, and as a result, they must collaborate to prevent stolen technology from falling into the wrong hands.
Black Widow in Avengers Confidential arguably surpasses Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal in the live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly in the way the character is written and animated. In the MCU, Black Widow often served as a supporting character with limited depth compared to her male counterparts. However, this anime offers a more complex and action-heavy take on Natasha Romanoff, bringing her espionage skills and fighting abilities to the forefront.
There are a few likely reasons why the YouTube algorithm has suddenly started recommending this particular film. While the first possibility is its 10-year anniversary, the other potential reason might be Marvel’s marketing strategy. On the other hand, with the growing popularity of anime adaptations of Western series, YouTube might have seen this Marvel anime as a suitable recommendation for anime fans.
Is Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher Worth Watching?
Despite its great production and strong animation quality, the film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher, flew under the radar, garnering mediocre reviews from viewers. IGN gave it a solid 8/10, praising its complexity and action, while Den of Geek was far less kind, criticizing the dialogue and character development but giving credit to its thrilling fight scenes.
Commercially, the film wasn’t a blockbuster by any means, pulling in just over $1.5 million in domestic home video sales, leaving many fans unaware of its existence. But fast forward to 2024, and this once-dismissed anime has been making an unlikely comeback.
The YouTube algorithm has given this film a second chance. Whether driven by nostalgia, the MCU’s ongoing popularity, or the rising interest in anime, the film has an opportunity to find new audiences in 2024.
If you’re a Marvel fan or an anime enthusiast, Avengers Confidential is worth revisiting, for its crossover of Marvel and anime universe. Its action sequences, strong animation, and significant portrayal of Black Widow are reason enough to give this forgotten gem a shot — especially now that it’s easily accessible.
Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher is currently available to watch on Netflix.
