Marvel Comics has announced that Black Cat, one of Spider-Man's most enduring allies and love interests, will officially join the X-Men for the first time in her 47-year history. The move features in the upcoming issue Black Cat #17, written by G. Willow Wilson with artwork by Andrés Genolet, and marks a significant shift for a character who has traditionally operated in Peter Parker's New York-based world rather than the mutant side of the Marvel universe.

According to the comic's official description, Felicia Hardy undergoes a "second genesis" after an encounter with X-Men figure Emma Frost leaves her "mutated", paving the way for her to join the team. The issue is due for release on 9 December. The announcement comes amid a strong year for Spider-Man more broadly, with the film Spider-Man: Brand New Day having grossed $2.4 billion at the global box office, though no details have yet been confirmed regarding the character's future appearances in film or other media.