Introduction to Knull and the King in Black

The conclusion of Venom: The Last Dance introduces Knull, the Symbiote God, who refers to himself as “The King in Black.” This title, originating from the comics, carries significant multiversal implications that extend beyond Knull himself. The live-action confirmation of Knull as the King in Black is a pivotal moment, hinting at exciting developments for Sony’s Spider-Man universe and beyond.

At the end of Venom: The Last Dance, Knull’s symbiote-hunting Xenophages fail to capture Venom and Eddie Brock’s codex, the key to his liberation from the world of Klyntar. The post-credits scene shows Knull still trapped on his throne, exuding confidence that he will eventually be freed, ominously declaring that everything will burn. This raises questions about the meaning of “King in Black” in the original Marvel Comics and what it foreshadows for future Sony films.

The Significance of Knull as the King in Black

In the comics, “The King in Black” is a title given to Knull, the void-god, following the emergence of Marvel’s Celestials. These beings brought light and creation, pushing Knull’s darkness into the far corners of the multiverse. Known also as the Onyx King, Knull’s role was to serve as a counterpart to the Beyonders, also referred to as the Kings in White or Ivory Kings, maintaining order throughout the multiverse.

However, Knull rejected the responsibilities tied to his title and defied the Celestials for encroaching upon his dark domain. Armed with the All-Black, a powerful sword, Knull decapitated one of the Celestials before being banished back to the abyss. This severed head eventually became Knowhere, as seen in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies.

The King in Black Crossover Event Explained

Knull’s Invasion of Earth

From his abyssal prison, Knull created symbiotes who ultimately betrayed him, opposing his desire to extinguish all life and light. He was long imprisoned on Klyntar, the symbiotes’ term for “cage.” However, Carnage’s loyalty to Knull led to his liberation during the 2019 Absolute Carnage event, setting the stage for the 2020 King in Black crossover event. Here are the key events from that storyline:

• Knull begins claiming and destroying planets, leading to his invasion of Earth with hordes of symbiote dragons and symbiote-possessed Celestials.
• Venom and Captain America unite the Marvel Universe’s heroes against Knull, including the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Spider-Man.
• Knull proves overwhelmingly powerful, “venomizing” several heroes and effortlessly ripping The Sentry in two.
• He envelops Earth in a massive symbiote, cutting it off from the light.
• Knull seeks Eddie Brock’s son, Dylan, absorbing the Venom symbiote and throwing Eddie off a skyscraper.
• Dylan’s unique ability to control and destroy symbiotes is revealed as Eddie dies.
• A coalition of heroes, including Dylan, Thor, Silver Surfer, and Doctor Strange, rallies against Knull, freeing possessed heroes and regaining control of the Celestials.
• The God of Light, known as the Enigma Force, revives Eddie Brock, designating him as the new Captain Universe.
• Venom wields Thor’s hammer and Silver Surfer’s board to create a cosmic battleaxe, ultimately throwing Knull into the Sun, vaporizing him with the Uni-Power.
• Eddie Brock emerges as the new God of the Symbiotes and King in Black, while Dylan takes on the mantle of Venom.

While the King in Black crossover event features many more details and tie-ins, these key moments illustrate the enormity of the storyline and its implications for Sony’s cinematic universe now that Knull is introduced in live-action.

How Sony Could Adapt the Marvel King in Black Storyline

The Challenge of Adapting King in Black

Given the vast scope of the King in Black crossover across the Marvel Universe, it’s challenging to envision how Sony will adapt this storyline for the big screen. It’s possible that Sony’s version will focus more on Spider-Man, utilizing various characters from the Spider-Verse to confront the King in Black or incorporating Spider-Man’s adjacent villains. After all, Knull poses a threat to all existence.

Venom Trivia

• Knull’s Origin: Knull was created by writer Donny Cates and artist Ryan Stegman, first appearing in Venom #3 in 2018.
• The All-Black: Knull forged the All-Black from the darkness of the universe, which allows him to create symbiotes.
• Venom’s Evolution: The character of Venom has evolved significantly since his first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #300 in 1988, transitioning from a villain to an anti-hero.
• Symbiote Lore: The symbiotes in Marvel Comics are known for their ability to bond with hosts, granting them enhanced abilities, but they also have a parasitic nature.

This exploration of Knull and the King in Black sets the stage for thrilling developments in the Sony Marvel Universe as it continues to expand.