Who is Knull in the Marvel universe? In what issue did it appear? What is its connection to Venom and other symbiotes and why does it pose a threat to the world?
Knull, one of the most terrifying entities in the Marvel Universe, is a primordial god of darkness. His existence predates the universe itself, originating from the vast, infinite emptiness before the emergence of light. As the creator of the symbiotes, Knull’s legacy reverberates throughout the cosmos, making him a formidable force that threatens not only Earth but also the entire multiverse.
Origins: Knull with the Primordial Void
Knull made his first appearance in Venom #3 (2018), written by Donny Cates and illustrated by Ryan Stegman. Knull was introduced as the deity responsible for creating the symbiotes, the alien race to which Venom belongs. His origin story is deeply rooted in the cosmic fabric of the Marvel Universe. Before the Celestials and other gods, there was darkness—a void that Knull ruled over. When the Celestials began bringing light and life into the universe, Knull viewed this as a violation of his domain and sought revenge.
Knull forged a weapon called the All-Black Necrosword, made from the very essence of darkness. With this blade, he waged war against the Celestials, killing many of them. His rebellion was monumental, and his battle scars would echo for millennia across the galaxy. However, Knull was eventually cast down and banished to the void by the surviving Celestials, temporarily ending his reign of terror. This setback would only strengthen his resolve, leading to the creation of one of the most dangerous weapons the Marvel Universe has ever seen: the symbiotes.
The Connection with Symbiotes and Venom
Knull’s connection to Venom and the symbiotes lies at the heart of his power. After his defeat by the Celestials, Knull began experimenting with darkness to create living weapons. From this darkness emerged the first symbiote, known as the All-Black Necrosword, a living weapon that Knull would wield to cut down gods. Over time, Knull perfected his creations, giving birth to the symbiote race, which he controlled through a hive-mind connection.
Venom, arguably the most famous of these symbiotes, has a direct lineage that ties back to Knull. Venom and other symbiotes, including Carnage, Riot, and others, are all essentially manifestations of Knull’s dark essence. However, it wasn’t until the recent Venom comics written by Donny Cates that Knull’s role as their true creator was fully revealed.
According to Venom #3, the symbiotes rebelled against Knull long ago, creating an artificial world called Klyntar to imprison him. Over time, the symbiotes forgot their origins and became parasites, attaching themselves to various hosts, including Eddie Brock and his Venom symbiote. This severed connection with Knull explains why Venom and other symbiotes are typically portrayed as separate entities with their own personalities, unlike Knull’s original vision of control.
Knull’s Resurrection and Return to Power
For thousands of years, Knull lay dormant, trapped in Klyntar, but the events surrounding the King in Black storyline (2020-2021) saw his triumphant return. His reawakening occurred when symbiote hosts like Eddie Brock (Venom) and Cletus Kasady (Carnage) unknowingly broke the seal that contained him.
Once freed, Knull set his sights on Earth, determined to reclaim the symbiotes and plunge the universe back into darkness. In King in Black, Knull descends upon Earth, wielding unimaginable power as he controls an army of symbiotes, even taking control of superheroes such as Captain America, Hulk, and Spider-Man. The stakes were catastrophic: Knull’s goal was not just to conquer the Earth but to envelop all of existence in an eternal night.
Eddie Brock, bonded with the Venom symbiote, found himself directly opposing Knull. It was revealed that the only way to defeat Knull was to sever his connection to the symbiote hive-mind and weaken his control over his creations. During this war, Eddie Brock was able to harness the power of the Enigma Force, becoming the new God of Light, the cosmic opposite of Knull’s darkness. Ultimately, Eddie delivered the killing blow, ending Knull’s reign and saving the multiverse from eternal doom.
Why Knull is a Threat to the Universe
Knull represents a cosmic-level threat for several reasons:
- Control Over Symbiotes: Knull can control every symbiote in existence, giving him dominion over an entire race of parasitic beings that have spread across the universe. This control includes the ability to manipulate any host bonded with a symbiote, which makes even Earth’s most powerful superheroes vulnerable to his influence.
- The Necrosword: Knull’s weapon, the All-Black Necrosword, is one of the most destructive tools in the Marvel Universe. Its potential to kill gods and its ties to darkness make it a weapon of unparalleled destruction. This sword has been used by characters such as Gorr the God Butcher, illustrating its long-lasting impact across cosmic storylines.
- Immense Cosmic Power: As the god of darkness, Knull wields powers on par with the likes of Galactus and the Celestials. His ability to manipulate void energy, corrupt entire planets, and summon an army of symbiotes places him far beyond most Marvel villains. During his attack on Earth, Knull brought with him a swarm of symbiote dragons and darkened the skies, plunging the entire planet into shadow.
- Threat to the Multiverse: Knull’s ambitions go beyond Earth and the universe—his goal is to extinguish all light and life throughout the multiverse. His influence is not limited to one dimension, meaning his darkness could spread across alternate realities, threatening every possible version of life.
Knull’s Legacy and Aftermath
Knull’s influence on the Marvel Universe is profound. His creation of the symbiotes not only gave birth to iconic characters like Venom and Carnage but also altered the cosmic hierarchy. Knull’s return in King in Black shook the Marvel Universe to its core, revealing the fragile nature of light and life in the face of cosmic darkness.
Though Knull was ultimately defeated, his legacy endures. His symbiotes still roam the universe, and his teachings continue to shape the darkest corners of the galaxy. Whether through Venom’s struggle for redemption or the ongoing battle between light and darkness, Knull’s shadow looms large, a reminder that even in a universe full of heroes, true darkness can never be fully extinguished.
Conclusion
Knull is more than just a villain; he is the personification of darkness itself, a primordial force that seeks to end all life and return the universe to its original state of void. His connection with the symbiotes, especially Venom, amplifies his significance in the Marvel Universe. Through his terrifying power, complex backstory, and cataclysmic goals, Knull has cemented his place as one of the most dangerous and impactful characters to emerge in recent years.
As Donny Cates, the writer responsible for Knull’s modern portrayal, said in an interview, “Knull is the god of the abyss, a literal void in which everything dies.” His presence serves as a chilling reminder that even in a world filled with gods and superheroes, there are some forces that are simply beyond comprehension, lurking in the darkness, waiting to strike.
References:
- Venom #3 (2018) by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman.
- King in Black (2020-2021) by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman.
- Interview with Donny Cates, “The Origin of Knull,” Marvel Comics
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