#all-black the necrosword

[hollow-keys]

Saw someone describe black cats as "all black" and immediately thought "all black the necrocat" sksksks

[living-codex]

[ultimate-sword-showdown]

Round 1, Match 28: All-Black vs. Musou Isshin

All-Black

From: Venom

Wielder: Gorr, Knull, Dylan Brock (as Codex)

All-Black is a Necrosword first forged by Knull, using his firstborn symbiote. Later, the sword was wielded by Gorr who used it to slay gods. It is now possessed by Dylan Brock, who uses it to sever symbiotes from the Hive Mind. All-Black grants its wielder superhuman abilities, such as extreme strength, durability, speed, and reflexes. It can also shapeshift and manipulate dark energy.

Musou Isshin

From: Genshin Impact

Wielder: Raiden Shogun

Originally under the possession of Raiden Makoto, the original Electro Archon, it was never used for battle but was a symbol of peace. After Makoto died, she passed the Musou Isshin along with the title of Electro Archon down to her younger twin sister, Ei, who now wields it in battle.

[danaclese]

The klyntar should be chill, only venom and carnage are supposed to be mean.

Venom was originally only supposed to be violent and malicious because of the trauma of being forcibly abandoned by its first host peter in its infancy and then bonded to someone with untreated depression who hated peter obsessively.

Carnage was bonded to a severely imbalanced, psychopathic serial killer, at birth. a klyntar imprints its personality from its earliest hosts. It is incapable of creativity it merely enhances the host.

There has since been a lot of retcon to make them more evil but i miss them being just like any other species, mostly just people. Remember when the species wasnt a synthetic living abyss necrosword created by the dark godthing "Knull The King In Black" in the void between the 6th an 7th dimension?

It was just a bunch of slimy little dudes who wanted a friend and in turn the friend's natural traits and impulses would be enhanced?

Gwen stacy has one you know.

I miss the possibility of cool klyntar who just eat chocolate and do heroic shit and arent killing anybody or doing any monster shit because KLYNTAR ARENT PREDATORS the HUMAN HOST IS.

their powers are well suited to nonlethal protection, they can do all the green lantern stuff with smaller range.

A young klyntar has one original input to the relationship "yes. lets do more"

[marveldcnerdys]

Knull: The Dark God of the Symbiotes and Marvel’s Lord of the Abyss

In Marvel’s cosmic pantheon, Knull stands as one of the darkest, most formidable deities to emerge in recent years. Known as the “God of the Symbiotes,” Knull was introduced in *Venom* (2018), created by writer Donny Cates and artist Ryan Stegman. As the ancient being who gave birth to the symbiote species, Knull's story expands the Marvel Universe’s lore in new, terrifying ways, adding layers of mythology to characters like Venom and Carnage. His story is one of darkness, chaos, and an unquenchable thirst for destruction, making Knull an imposing and memorable villain. This article explores Knull’s origin, powers, motivations, and impact on the Marvel Universe, revealing how this ancient god has become one of the most sinister figures in recent Marvel history.

1. Origin and Creation of Knull

Knull’s story begins at the dawn of time, before the creation of the universe itself. As Marvel lore tells it, Knull existed in a realm of complete darkness, a void predating even the birth of celestial beings. When the Celestials—the cosmic gods who shaped much of the Marvel Universe—began to create stars and planets, Knull viewed it as an act of invasion. To him, their light disrupted the primordial darkness that he had called home for eons. Infuriated by this intrusion, Knull lashed out against the Celestials, vowing to destroy all life that brought light into his beloved void.

To fight these cosmic beings, Knull fashioned a weapon that would become legendary in its own right: All-Black the Necrosword. Forged from living darkness, the sword became the universe’s first symbiotic weapon, a deadly blade capable of cutting through even the mightiest gods. With it, Knull waged a war against the Celestials, slaying several of them before he was ultimately overpowered and cast down into the void he once ruled.

Knull's defeat led him to a revelation: he could create life from the darkness itself. Channeling his rage and hatred, he forged the first symbiote from the abyss, bonding it to himself and becoming a being of unparalleled power. He created a vast army of symbiotes, dark creatures that he sent out across the universe to conquer worlds and spread his influence.

2. The Birth of the Symbiote Hive

Knull’s symbiotes were not merely individual organisms; they were connected to him through a hive mind, allowing him to control and influence them across vast distances. This hive mind became an extension of Knull’s consciousness, allowing him to spread his darkness through the universe. Each symbiote carried a part of Knull's essence, his hatred of the Celestials, and his longing to consume the light.

Over time, the symbiotes became increasingly independent, eventually rebelling against Knull’s control. Realizing the destructiveness of their creator, they imprisoned him within a planet-sized cage made of their combined mass. This prison-planet would become known as *Klyntar*—which, in the symbiote language, ironically means “cage.” While the symbiotes continued to exist, the bond with Knull was severed, leaving them free to pursue their individual instincts.

3. The Role of All-Black the Necrosword

All-Black the Necrosword, the first symbiotic weapon created by Knull, plays a critical role in Marvel’s cosmic history. After being separated from Knull, the sword found its way into the hands of Gorr the God Butcher, a character introduced in *Thor: God of Thunder* (2012) by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic. Gorr wielded the Necrosword in his quest to kill gods across the Marvel Universe, unaware that his weapon was born from Knull’s darkness. This connection between Knull, the Necrosword, and Gorr adds depth to the Marvel mythos, linking Knull’s influence to events far beyond the scope of the symbiote narrative.

The Necrosword became a symbol of godly destruction, passed from Knull to Gorr and then later to Thor himself. Each wielder carried a fragment of Knull’s hatred, unknowingly perpetuating his dark legacy. This cycle of death and destruction demonstrates how Knull’s influence permeates the Marvel Universe, even when he is not directly involved.

4. Return and Rise of Knull

Knull remained imprisoned within Klyntar for millennia, yet his influence persisted. Many symbiotes, such as Venom and Carnage, retained traces of Knull’s malevolent nature, unknowingly serving as conduits of his will. However, it wasn’t until recent events that Knull began to regain his power. In *Absolute Carnage* (2019), Carnage attempted to resurrect Knull by collecting the remnants of his essence embedded in the DNA of various symbiote hosts. His efforts brought Knull closer to liberation, sparking the events that would lead to Knull’s return.

In the *King in Black* storyline, Knull finally broke free from his prison, returning to the universe with a vengeance. Emerging as the supreme ruler of darkness, he unleashed his vast army of symbiotes upon Earth and other planets, declaring himself the “King in Black.” His arrival plunged the Marvel Universe into chaos, as he aimed to consume all light and life, transforming the cosmos back into the empty darkness he so cherished. Knull’s return signaled an existential threat, one that required the combined efforts of heroes, gods, and cosmic beings to combat.

5. Knull’s Powers and Abilities

Knull’s power is nearly godlike, placing him among Marvel’s most formidable villains. His abilities stem from his connection to the primordial darkness and his mastery over the symbiote hive. Key aspects of his power include:

Symbiote Control: As the creator of the symbiotes, Knull holds absolute control over the hive mind, able to manipulate any symbiote across the universe. He can take over symbiote hosts, use symbiotes as weapons, and even transform planets into extensions of his will. His control is so profound that he can sever a symbiote’s bond with its host, returning it to his influence.

Darkness Manipulation: Knull has the power to manipulate and weaponize darkness itself, creating constructs and weapons from living shadows. His power over darkness allows him to engulf entire worlds in blackness, rendering them lifeless and barren.

Superhuman Strength and Durability: Knull possesses immense strength and durability, allowing him to battle cosmic beings such as the Celestials. He has survived confrontations with some of Marvel’s most powerful entities, underscoring his status as a true cosmic powerhouse.

Immortality: As a primordial god, Knull is functionally immortal, existing beyond the constraints of time and space. He is immune to aging, disease, and conventional forms of death, making him a nearly unstoppable force.

Necrosword: With All-Black the Necrosword, Knull becomes even more formidable, capable of slaying gods and cosmic beings. The sword enhances his physical abilities and serves as an extension of his will, symbolizing his desire to eradicate all life.

6. Knull’s Philosophy and Motivations

Knull is driven by a deep-seated hatred of life and light, viewing creation as an affront to the primordial darkness he once ruled. Unlike some villains who seek power, domination, or revenge, Knull’s motivations are almost nihilistic. He desires to return the universe to its original state of darkness, where he alone reigns supreme. To Knull, the very existence of stars, planets, and living beings is an abomination, an invasion that disrupted his perfect void.

This perspective makes Knull a unique villain in the Marvel Universe, as he embodies the concept of pure, cosmic entropy. His ambitions go beyond typical conquest or domination; he seeks to erase creation itself. Knull’s hatred of light, life, and the Celestials reveals an unsettling philosophy that resonates with cosmic horror, painting him as a figure of existential dread.

7. Impact on the Marvel Universe

Knull’s return has had far-reaching consequences in the Marvel Universe, especially for characters associated with the symbiotes. The *King in Black* storyline saw Earth’s mightiest heroes, including the Avengers, the X-Men, and cosmic entities, united in their struggle against him. Knull’s invasion brought humanity to its knees, with symbiote dragons and corrupted heroes spreading his influence across the planet.

Perhaps the most significant impact of Knull’s return was on Eddie Brock, the host of Venom. Throughout the King in Black storyline, Eddie emerged as the primary counterforce against Knull. Empowered by the symbiote hive, Eddie eventually absorbed enough power to challenge Knull himself, using the Enigma Force (the power of Captain Universe) to finally defeat the dark god. In the aftermath of Knull’s defeat, Eddie assumed a new role as the King in Black, taking control of the symbiote hive and redefining its purpose from one of destruction to one of protection.

8. Legacy of Knull

Knull’s legacy endures in Marvel’s cosmic landscape. His creation of the symbiotes has left a permanent mark on the universe, with characters like Venom, Carnage, and countless others carrying his dark influence. While Knull himself was ultimately defeated, his philosophies and power continue to shape the Marvel Universe. Eddie Brock’s new role as the King in Black opens the door to stories where the symbiote hive becomes a force for good, representing the triumph of light over darkness.

Knull’s story also expanded Marvel’s mythos, connecting symbiotes to ancient cosmic forces and establishing a link between various characters and artifacts, such as All-Black the Necrosword. His tale added layers of horror, complexity, and tragedy to the symbiote lore, enriching characters like Venom and providing a deeper context for the symbiotes’ existence.

Conclusion

Knull, the God of the Symbiotes, remains one of the most impactful villains to emerge in Marvel’s recent history. As a primordial force of darkness, he embodies the terror of the unknown and the relentless nature of entropy. His story brings together themes of cosmic horror, nihilism, and power, making him a figure both terrifying and fascinating. In a universe filled with gods, mutants, and superheroes, Knull stands apart as a reminder of the darkness that predates them all—a darkness that, while defeated, forever lingers in the shadows.

[mischief-lies-and-stories]

Why Kid Loki's Backstory in Loki Proves (More Than Anything Else) That the Writers Don't Understand Loki's Character

I've mostly already talked about this in a theory around Kid Loki, but now I'm going in a comic-heavy rant direction with it. Spoilers for Loki, Journey into Mystery, Immortal Thor, King Thor, and possibly more.

So Kid Loki in the show says he's taken in by the TVA for killing Thor. It is not clear whether Thor is also a child at this point in the timeline, or (as in my theory) this is Kid Loki from Journey into Mystery, a Kid Loki from our Loki's future (a future that hasn't happened yet in the main timeline of the MCU). Which would mean that the Thor he kills is an adult (probably. The future MCU option could deviate from Journey into Mystery and mean Thor is also a younger, reincarnated iteration of himself).

In the comics, the closest Kid Loki comes to killing Thor is 1., in Journey into Mystery, when he influences events during a battle to end the bloodshed by helping bring about Thor's sacrifice for the greater good. If he had not died, the battle would have gone on and led to more terrible destruction for Asgard. 2., In AoA, after "Kid Loki" ages up in Young Avengers, when he stabs Thor with Gram in order to free him from Loki's evil future self, who has hitched a ride inside Thor as a symbiote-like parasite.

In JiM, Loki privately and very deeply mourns Thor's death. (He also does so publicly, but in a way to avoid the suspicion of Asgard that he had something to do with Thor's death. But then the Asgardians go away and he's left alone, and he cries.) He knows what needed to be done, but he has lost his brother, his protector, his friend. He loves him. He is often shown throughout JiM to care about Thor. He calls for him instinctively when something he summons turns on him. He tries to make Thor promise to kill him if he goes bad again. He names his dog after him.

In Immortal Thor, we are reminded that Thor sought out Kid Loki, Thor awoke the piece of dormant soul inside him, Thor brought him back to himself and home to Asgard. Kid Loki would never kill Thor. Unless he had to.

Likewise, in King Thor, most of the comic is Loki, armed with the Necrosword, fighting Thor. Yet even here, even influenced by the elder god of the symbiotes themself, he cannot bring himself to annihilate Thor. (Now, he certainly does a good job of trying, even when he isn't as much under All-Black's influence. He makes an effort, I'm not discounting that. I'm not saying he's pretending to kill him, but in the end there's a shift.)

At a certain point, it stops being about Thor vs. Loki and the fight of an Asgardian lifetime. At a certain point, Loki very nearly gives it up, and Thor lets him. Loki says that it's too late, but not for their bond, not for a truce between them. It's too late to end this fight, because Loki has unleashed All-Black back into the universe, and it is too powerful even on its own for Loki to contain or control.

But the important thing here is that Loki stops. He stops fighting Thor. He stops trying to kill him. And when all hope is lost, as All-Black devours them, drowning them in despair and its own viscous, all-consuming darkness, Thor reaches for Loki, and Loki reaches back.

And this is a comic. We can make assumptions based on what we know about these characters, but at the end of the day, this is a comic, a stationary form of visual storytelling. Meaning that the panel portraying this moment does not display the first reaching hand, and so we cannot truly know who reaches for whom first. The important thing is that Loki reaches, too, but he could easily have reached out first.

Therefore, if Loki can reach for his brother, for comfort and peace and a promise of tomorrow, when all hope and light is dying around him, when he's about to die himself in a universe-ending disaster of his own making, centuries and millennia into a future of antagonism and villainy and sibling rivalry played out on a cosmic scale, then why the hell would he ever truly kill Thor as an eleven-year-old?

Aside from the shock factor (for both the main Loki and the viewers), it makes absolutely no sense. And if the writers cannot even comprehend that this would never happen, not in any universe (JiM and King Thor have nothing to do with each other, yet are connected by this one truth), no matter what Loki may claim, then why should they be expected to know anything else about Loki's character?

[roughentumble]

okay all-black the necrosword, godslayer, is a sqord that has the ability to kill gods who would otherwise get up and be fine. but does it have the ability to kill ANYTHING it deals vital damage to? would it stop a healing factor? is it constructed SPECIFICALLY to execute gods, and doesnt have an effect on mortal healing factors(making it a powerful but not insurmountable weapon)? or is it so powerful it trumps all mortals and healing factors and superpowers and mutations AND ALSO the powers of the gods themselves?

[theology101]

I have an MCU/Sonyverse Theory, and I want y’alls vibe on it

The creator of the Symbiotes is ancient being, Older then even the Celestials and their expansion, before Light and Creation began in earnest. To fight the Symbiotes he made many, many mighty weapons.

The first is Allblack the Necrosword, then a Symbiote known as Grendel. Using the Necrosword he decapitated a Celestial - creating Knowhere. He would’ve continued like this, it wasn’t for Thor breaking his control over the Symbiotes (in what can only be described as Thor running an errand), scattering his weapons and then being in prisoned by the beings he created.

Why do I bring this up? I think that the MCU’s Grendel is the Dweller-In-Darkness from Shang Chi

I’ve had this theory for a while now (As well as the idea that the Black Sword from the end of Eternals that Jon Snow is going to use is a second creation of Knull’s, given its organic/very symbiotey reaction to him) but the new Trailer for Venom kind of confirms it to me

I know its a bad picture but these things look very, very similar to me. The Tentacles too, but its clear that this is some sort of weapon or animal for the Symbiotes/Knull. And I think that Knull as a Villain might come into play

Not in this movie, not at all, but maybe in a future Spider-Man, Guardians, Thor or Avengers film. Knull is an immensely dangerous and powerful being and, given that Symbiotes share a hivemind across dimensional barriers, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is only One Knull in the Multiverse

And he’s coming for us.

[tobiasdrake]

Five minutes into Thor: Love and Thunder and it's already selling the "antagonist is being controlled/influenced by the true villain, a malevolent artifact" thing better than Multiverse of Madness did with the Darkhold.

Gorr is introduced to us as a man of unwavering faith, right up until his god Rapu told him to his face that he and his kind are irrelevant.

There's an interesting bit of irony in this scene, as Gorr calls out: Rapu is celebrating defeating the Necrosword's previous host and gloats that his empire will not fall, but it already has. His followers are all dead. Gorr is the last.

There's an implied bit of nuance in that Rapu abandoning his people is suggested to be because he was concerning himself with fighting the Dark Shadow Lord instead of governing. Given that the Dark Shadow Lord was trying to reach Eternity and kill all gods, stopping him does seem pretty important.

But's only a bit of nuance. Rapu himself is portrayed as an arrogant, condescending bastard who doesn't even give a shit about his people dying because mortals are disposable. He's so full of himself that he doesn't even consider the risks of telling his last follower to go fuck off and die when the Sword of Murdering Gods Easily is lying five feet away.

And Gorr? Gorr is a man of faith looking for something to believe in. It's ironic that here, he's essentially just trading out one god for another. Moving from doing things because he believes it's what Rapu wants from him to doing things because it's what All-Black tells him outright that it wants from him. The sword is his god now.

Even as he becomes the God-Butcher, Gorr marches off to obey someone else's divine plan without an ounce of hesitation. I guess that's just his personality type.

[blanddcheadcanons]

[Marvel X-over]

Knull, All-Black the Necrosword, and the Symbiotes spawned from it were actually Nekron/The Black Lantern Entity's first attempt at having an agent, but was quickly abandoned when the first Symbiote to gain sentience and a conscience came into being

‎

[doomed-jester]

Calling it right now, current Venom run ends with Eddie becoming Meridius just in time for Dylan to amass his own army of symbiotes. Dylan, as Codex, battles Meridius, each wielding their own necroswords.

Dylan stabs Meridius with the final decisive blow which severs the king in black from the hive, meaning all the symbiote constructs that Dylan's army was fighting just turn to mush.

Being severed from the hive resets Eddie's memories to the moment he became the King in Black, right after defeating Knull.

Dylan becomes the new King in Black and sets out to repair all the damage caused by Meridius. He and Eddie have a tearful goodbye, Eddie is now Venom again.

Dylan, as Codex/The New King in Black gets his own spinoff series that's cancelled after 7 issues and we all pretend that none of this ever happened.

That's what I'm expecting, I hope I'm wrong because that would suck.

[ask-roxy-and-the-devil-blog23]

Roxy and the Devil won't be available for a while.

They've gone off to help @loki104-uwu 's Jack Skellington, loki, and Hades recover the Necrosword to defeat Pitch Black and left Henchman and King Dice in charge as a result of this post. But all the other characters like the rest of the casino bosses, Cuphead, Mugman, Henchman, King Dice, Aku, Akira, I.M.P, the hotel crew (aka Hazbin hotel), Gabriel, Him, Mojo Jojo, Amenadeil Morningstar, Demongo Morningstar, Angel Star, Fenrir, Bendy, and even the flying Dutchman are still available though so feel free to ask them as many questions as you want, just don't spam me with them

King Dice and Henchman haven't been getting any asks at all since this blog was created, so I'd recommend giving them some attention

[samasmith23]

My brief thoughts on Thor: Love & Thunder

So I saw Thor: Love & Thunder for the first time last night and it was just... meh?

I mean don't get me wrong, the acting from Natalie Portman & Christian Bale was pretty solid, but as a huge fan of the original Jason Aaron Thor run that the film is based on, I feel like their characterization could have been a lot stronger. I especially wasn't a fan of how Gorr's story concluded since him having a last minute heel-turn and allowing Thor Odinson to raise his resurrected dead daughter felt very at odds with Gorr's arc of being a self-defeating hypocrite like in the comics.

Plus, Jane's death felt rather vague and anti-climatic, like it lacked the grandiosity that her sacrifice did in the comics.

However, I think my biggest problem with the movie was the tone, as it was too over-stuffed with jokey-jokes which detracted from what should have been an incredibly serious and thematically rich narrative.

Despite my misgivings, there were quite a few positive elements to the movie. Like I said previously, the acting was very solid all-around. I also really loved how the film portrayed Gorr's shadow-powers with the Necrosword, and Jane's ability to turn the shards of Mjolnir into shrapnel bullets and immediately reconstruct them was incredibly badass! It was also incredibly satisfying to see Odinson kill Zeus with his own thunderbolt because when it comes to the gods of Greek mythology, Zeus is the absolute worst! Plus, that whole scene where Jane, Odinson, Valkyrie & Kong are trapped in Gorr's dimension and the film briefly goes all black-&-white was effectively chilling and creepy. And seeing Jane & Gorr on-screen together was pretty awesome since despite the two being mirror reflections of each other ideologically, the two never actually encountered each other in the comics!

But overall, Thor: Love & Thunder was sadly mediocre IMO, which is a bit of a disappointment since the original "God Butcher" and "Jane Foster, the Mighty Thor" storylines from the comics are incredibly compelling narratives which ask very interesting theological questions on a grand cosmic-fantasy scale.

I give the film 3 out of 5 stars...

[ultimate-sword-showdown]

Round 2, Match 14: Mayalaran vs. All-Black

Mayalaran

From: The Stormlight Archive

Wielder: Adolin Kholin

Mayalaran is a Shardblade; a type of blade that can be magically summoned or dismissed and can cut through any physical object. She is wielded by Adolin Kholin, who nicknamed her Maya. Prior to learning her name, he refused to give her a name of his choosing, musing that that would be rude. Adolin often speaks to her even though she does not respond. Much of the lore surrounding Mayalaran gets into spoiler territory, so I will place more details under the cut if you are interested in learning more and don’t think you will read the books!

All-Black

From: Venom

Wielder: Gorr, Knull, Dylan Brock (as Codex)

All-Black is a Necrosword first forged by Knull, using his firstborn symbiote. Later, the sword was wielded by Gorr who used it to slay gods. It is now possessed by Dylan Brock, who uses it to sever symbiotes from the Hive Mind. All-Black grants its wielder superhuman abilities, such as extreme strength, durability, speed, and reflexes. It can also shapeshift and manipulate dark energy.

Mayalaran is a true spren, meaning that she had sentience in the cognitive realm (realm of the mind) and appeared as a humanoid (as opposed to lesser spren, which appear as animal- or spirit-like creatures in the cognitive realm and do not have sapience). However, she has been killed and now manifests as a deadeye, giving her once lively grassy hair a brown, wilting look and rendering her eyes black and scratched out. She was once bonded to a Radiant Knight through a Nahel bond (formed by stating Oaths), but when the Radiant she was bonded to broke their Oaths, she was killed and turned into a deadeye. Because of this, she cannot speak and only screeches, and wanders in the cognitive realm following her corpse (the sword, her physical form). Living Shardblades are able to communicate with the person they are bonded to, and are able to shape and manipulate their physical form. They can also be summoned instantaneously. However, as a deadeye, Maya’s form is static and cannot change, and she requires ten heartbeats to be summoned.

Most likely due to the unique way that Adolin interacts with Maya, she has been partially revived and is capable of greater sapience than before. She told Adolin her name, and has spoken on at least one other occasion. Once she moved to protect Adolin from attack by a Fused (in simple terms, an hostile entity) of her own volition, something deadeyes are not known to do. Once, she was summoned in only seven heartbeats instead of ten. After being partially revived, she is able to speak and converse, although her speech is slow or off. It is possible that she may be revived further as the series continues!

[dispatchdcu]

Carnage #10 Review

Writer: Ram V Artist: Francesco Manna Color Artist: Erick Arciniega Cover Artist: Kendrick “Kunkka” Lim Publisher: Marvel Comics Reviewer: StoryBabbler Carnage is out in the Universe, traveling through the mythical Ten Realms for one purpose – to forge a weapon. And not just any weapon, the very same ancient symbiote weapon called All-Black the Necrosword, created by Knull, God of the Symbiotes,…

[marveldcnerdys]

King in Black: A Marvel Epic of Darkness and Redemption

Marvel’s King in Black event, crafted by writer Donny Cates and artist Ryan Stegman, is more than a cosmic clash—it’s a layered story about fear, hope, and the redemptive journey of Eddie Brock, also known as Venom. The saga follows the invasion of Earth by Knull, the God of the Void and creator of the symbiotes, as he unleashes a reign of darkness that tests Earth’s heroes to their limits. But at its heart, King in Black is a story of sacrifice, legacy, and the ultimate struggle between light and darkness.

Knull’s Origins: A God of Primordial Darkness

The series begins with an exploration of Knull’s origins, positioning him as one of the Marvel Universe’s oldest entities. Before the universe even took shape, Knull existed in a vast nothingness. When the Celestials created the first stars, introducing light into the void, Knull was cast out. Enraged, he forged the All-Black Necrosword, a dark weapon that would become one of the most feared artifacts in Marvel. Knull’s subsequent conquest against creation is not just motivated by revenge but by a profound hatred for life and light.

To expand his influence, Knull created an army of symbiotes, sentient beings who could bond with hosts and enact his will across the cosmos. Over time, however, these symbiotes rebelled, breaking free from his control and imprisoning him on their homeworld. This loss marks Knull as a figure of resentment, eager to reclaim his “children” and extinguish all light once and for all. This cosmic vendetta sets the stage for Knull’s descent upon Earth, which he views not only as a battleground but as the final frontier in his crusade.

A Dark Invasion: Knull’s Arrival on Earth

Knull’s arrival on Earth isn’t just an invasion—it’s a force of nature. Marvel sets the stakes early by showing just how easily Knull can manipulate symbiotes to overpower Earth’s strongest defenders. The sheer power of Knull’s forces, including his terrifying symbiote dragons, plunges the world into darkness, creating an apocalyptic atmosphere rarely seen in Marvel’s crossovers.

In a devastating display of his strength, Knull quickly dismantles Earth’s primary defense lines. He dispatches major heroes with ease, including Thor, Iron Man, and the Avengers, and in one of the event’s most shocking moments, he confronts the Sentry, a character known for near-godlike strength. Knull’s brutal victory over the Sentry, mirroring the Sentry’s own past takedown of Carnage, is a moment of horror for readers and heroes alike. By tearing apart one of Marvel’s most powerful heroes, Knull’s power and cruelty are established, sending a clear message: this is a villain like no other.

Eddie Brock’s Journey: The Redemption of Venom

One of the series’ core narratives is Eddie Brock’s journey from an embattled anti-hero to a figure of cosmic significance. Throughout King in Black, Eddie faces Knull not only as a hero fighting for Earth but as a man contending with his past. Eddie’s relationship with his symbiote, once defined by anger and vengeance, has transformed over the years, evolving into a powerful partnership. But Knull’s arrival forces Eddie to confront his lingering insecurities and fears—especially when the Venom symbiote is forcibly ripped from him, leaving him vulnerable.

As Eddie grapples with his role, he also worries about protecting his son, Dylan. In earlier arcs, Dylan was revealed to have unique abilities that allow him to resist Knull’s control. This power places immense pressure on Dylan, who is thrust into a critical role in the fight against Knull. His father’s encouragement, combined with his own resilience, makes Dylan a symbol of hope amid the darkness. But Eddie’s mortal injury adds a layer of tragedy and urgency to the story, pushing Dylan to step up in ways he never expected.

A Cosmic Rebirth: Eddie as the New King in Black

Eddie’s death is a defining moment in King in Black. In a final act of heroism, he attempts to sever Knull’s connection to the symbiote hive but is left mortally wounded, seemingly sacrificing himself. Yet Eddie’s journey doesn’t end with his death; instead, it opens up a new path. Through the Hive, Eddie discovers he can still access the symbiotes’ collective consciousness. This metaphysical journey brings Eddie face-to-face with the powers Knull once held, transforming him into the new King in Black.

Eddie’s resurrection as the King in Black is more than a power upgrade—it’s a fundamental shift in his character. Now, Eddie wields the powers Knull once controlled, including dominion over the symbiotes. This transformation grants him a position of cosmic importance and challenges him to wield his powers responsibly. Eddie’s ascension symbolizes not only his personal redemption but also the redemption of the symbiote race, which he now commands as a force for good.

The Final Battle: Light Versus Darkness

The climactic battle between Eddie and Knull is as much a thematic showdown as it is a physical fight. To counter Knull’s void-born darkness, Eddie taps into the Enigma Force, also known as the “God of Light,” which has been seeking a host capable of wielding its powers. This force, the ultimate antithesis to Knull, allows Eddie to stand as a beacon of hope. In this moment, Eddie’s journey from darkness to light reaches its peak, as he channels the Enigma Force to deliver a final blow to Knull, ending his reign and freeing Earth from his shadow.

Eddie’s victory not only liberates humanity but redefines the legacy of symbiotes. No longer bound to Knull’s dark influence, they are free to explore their own identities, and Eddie, as their new king, embodies a protective rather than oppressive leadership. The battle between Eddie and Knull thus stands as a powerful allegory of self-determination, highlighting that even those born in darkness can choose a path of light.

The Tie-Ins: Expanded Narratives and Unseen Heroes

Marvel’s King in Black event extends into numerous tie-ins, each providing unique perspectives on Knull’s invasion and exploring how various heroes respond to this unprecedented threat. Some of the most significant tie-ins include:

1. Spider-Man and Venom: The King in Black: Spider-Man and Venom issues delve into Peter Parker’s support for Dylan and the wider Marvel community. Peter, already familiar with the impact of symbiotes, becomes a mentor for Dylan and provides moral guidance, emphasizing the shared legacy of hope between Spider-Man and Venom.

2. X-Men and Krakoa: The King in Black: X-Men tie-ins explore how mutants defend their new homeland, Krakoa, from symbiote forces. Characters like Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Magik engage in battles that test their abilities and fortitude, reinforcing the themes of resilience and unity under siege. The X-Men’s commitment to protecting both mutantkind and humanity underscores their evolving role as global defenders.

3. Doctor Doom and Iron Man: In King in Black: Iron Man/Doctor Doom, these two genius rivals put aside their differences to fend off Knull’s forces. Their interactions highlight both their intellectual rivalry and the necessity of cooperation in the face of cosmic threats, showing that even vastly different minds can find common ground when faced with shared dangers.

4. Black Knight and Mystical Forces: King in Black: Black Knight delves into the mystical side of the Marvel Universe, as the Black Knight’s Ebony Blade resonates with Knull’s dark power. The storyline explores the duality of the blade and the nature of dark power wielded for good, emphasizing that even the darkest tools can serve a noble cause.

5. Silver Surfer and Cosmic Power: The Silver Surfer’s return in King in Black reminds readers of Marvel’s cosmic depth. As one of the few beings with experience in cosmic-level battles, the Silver Surfer uses his Power Cosmic to resist Knull, bridging the gap between Earth-bound heroes and the universe’s larger cosmic forces.

Lasting Impact on Marvel’s Universe

The King in Black storyline creates a ripple effect across the Marvel Universe, impacting both characters and lore in profound ways:

1. Eddie Brock as the New King in Black: Eddie’s transformation into the King in Black redefines his role, positioning him as a protector with far-reaching influence over all symbiotes. This evolution makes Eddie a cosmic figure and hints at potential storylines exploring his responsibilities and the ethical challenges of wielding such vast power.

2. Dylan Brock’s Emergence as a New Hero: Dylan’s unique powers, coupled with his courage, suggest he may play an essential role in future Marvel stories. His journey reflects the importance of family, legacy, and self-discovery, marking him as a potential new hero with a special connection to symbiotes.

3. Redemption of the Symbiotes: With Knull’s defeat, symbiotes are no longer tainted by his malevolence. This shift allows Marvel to portray symbiotes in new ways, presenting them as entities capable of both good and evil, free to choose their own paths.

4. Exploration of Cosmic Balance: The story’s introduction of the Enigma Force as the opposite of Knull highlights the Marvel Universe’s theme of cosmic balance. With light and darkness personified, King in Black enriches the Marvel mythos, adding layers to the concept of cosmic duality and the perpetual struggle between creation and destruction.

Art and Symbolism

Ryan Stegman’s artwork in King in Black captures the grandeur of this dark epic. His portrayal of Knull as a towering, malevolent figure embodies cosmic horror, while his scenes of Earth’s heroes falling against Knull’s forces emphasize the overwhelming odds. Stegman’s visual storytelling reaches new heights in Eddie’s transformation, using light to symbolize redemption and framing Eddie’s final battle with Knull as an almost mythic confrontation between good and evil.

Conclusion: King in Black as a Marvel Milestone

King in Black transcends a typical Marvel crossover with its cosmic scale, emotional depth, and masterful storytelling. At its heart, the series explores universal themes of hope, resilience, and redemption, offering readers a story that resonates beyond superhero battles. Eddie Brock’s journey from anti-hero to cosmic guardian exemplifies the power of legacy and transformation, while his son, Dylan, embodies the next generation of heroes shaped by love, courage, and sacrifice.

Through a narrative of darkness and light, King in Black serves as a powerful reminder that heroes are defined not by their origins but by their choices, and that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, hope can—and will—prevail.