The Marvel Universe is bracing for a seismic shift this summer with the arrival of “Queen in Black,” a crossover event promising to redefine the power dynamics between gods, symbiotes and the very fabric of reality. Ahead of the official announcement, Marvel has revealed striking new looks for key players, including Mary Jane Watson and the formidable Knull, signaling a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The event, spinning out of the current Venom run penned by Al Ewing and illustrated by Carlos Gómez, and the newly launched Knull limited series by Ewing, Tom Waltz, and Juanan Ramírez, centers around Hela’s conquest of the Marvel Universe. But before Hela fully asserts her dominion, both Venom and Knull are undergoing significant transformations, visually and narratively.
Perhaps the most surprising development is Mary Jane Watson’s deepening connection to the Venom symbiote. Following the events of the “Death Spiral” storyline, MJ is fully embracing her newfound abilities, a journey that will culminate in a redesigned costume debuting in ’s Venom #259. The new suit, designed by R.B. Silva, isn’t merely a cosmetic change. it represents a “levelling up” of sorts, according to Ewing. “After her most serious challenge as Venom so far, it represents a reassessment of her relationship with the symbiote—just in time for an even bigger threat looming on the horizon.”
The evolution of MJ’s role within the Venom mythos is particularly noteworthy. The narrative arc, beginning with a confrontation between Peter Parker, MJ, and Venom in Venom #258, promises a complex exploration of their intertwined destinies. The upcoming issue will see Peter and MJ engage in a “long overdue heart-to-heart,” but the peace won’t last. The dynamic between Spider-Man and Venom is far from resolved, and MJ’s embrace of the symbiote’s power will undoubtedly complicate matters further. The shift signifies a move beyond the initial shock of her transformation, solidifying her position as a key player in the unfolding drama.
While MJ is forging a stronger bond with the symbiote, Knull, the God of the Abyss, is harnessing a new power source: Light. The final issue of the Knull limited series, #5, will showcase a dramatically altered appearance for the cosmic entity. Ryan Stegman’s design depicts Knull clad in white armor, a stark contrast to his traditionally dark and menacing aesthetic. This transformation reflects his conquest of the Lightforce Dimension and the acquisition of a “dastardly eternal mark in SUPERNOVA fashion.”
However, Knull’s victory may be short-lived. The solicitations hint at the return of a previously defeated enemy, now “upgraded for battle.” This suggests a formidable challenge to Knull’s newfound power, setting the stage for a climactic showdown. The narrative also introduces a layer of uncertainty surrounding Hela’s strategy, with the Queen in Black beginning to question her approach and potentially activating “Plan B.”
The “Queen in Black” event isn’t simply a superhero spectacle; it’s a culmination of storylines that have been building for years. The interplay between Venom, Knull, and Hela represents a fundamental clash of ideologies and cosmic forces. The event’s success will likely hinge on Ewing and his collaborators’ ability to deliver on the promise of a truly universe-altering narrative. The new costumes aren’t merely aesthetic choices; they’re visual representations of the characters’ evolving roles and the shifting power dynamics within the Marvel Universe.
The creative teams behind both Venom and Knull are clearly aiming to elevate the stakes and deliver a crossover event that will resonate with fans long after the final issue is released. The focus on character development, particularly MJ’s journey, adds a layer of emotional depth to the cosmic conflict. The introduction of Light as a counterforce to Knull’s darkness also introduces a compelling thematic element, suggesting a more nuanced exploration of good and evil than typically seen in superhero narratives.
With Venom #259 arriving in and Knull #5 hitting shelves in , the stage is set for a summer of epic proportions in the Marvel Universe. The “Queen in Black” event promises to be a defining moment for these characters and a turning point for the entire Marvel cosmos.
