How powerful is Knull in Marvel World?

Marvel’s so-called Dark God is the most powerful evil (yes he smacks Thanos) how powerful is he?

In the vast Marvel Universe, where cosmic entities clash with Earth’s mightiest heroes, Knull stands as one of the most terrifying and powerful villains ever introduced. As the primordial God of Darkness, Knull’s power is not just immense—it is ancient, god-like, and capable of reshaping the universe itself. His reign of terror stretches across millennia, from the farthest corners of space to the very streets of Earth. But what makes Knull so powerful, and how does he compare to Marvel’s greatest heroes?

Lord of Darkness with the Origins of Knull’s Power

Knull’s power derives from his existence as the embodiment of darkness. Introduced in Venom #3 (2018) by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman, Knull existed before the creation of the universe, living in the endless void before light and life emerged. His dominion over this primordial darkness makes him one of the oldest beings in the Marvel universe, granting him powers far beyond most characters, including gods like Thor and cosmic entities such as the Celestials.

One of the most important aspects of Knull’s power is his ability to control darkness and void energy. With this, he created the All-Black Necrosword, a weapon so powerful that it can kill gods. This sword alone is responsible for many of Knull’s conquests, including his brutal slayings of Celestials, the towering god-like beings responsible for shaping the universe.

Knull’s greatest creation, however, may be the symbiotes. He forged them out of the darkness, creating an army of living weapons that could bond with hosts, amplifying their power. These symbiotes spread across the universe, becoming parasites that would later bond with characters like Venom, Carnage, and others. Through the symbiotes, Knull exerts a terrifying level of control over those connected to his hive mind.

Knull’s Conquests: Heroes and Gods Slain

Knull’s strength is demonstrated not just by his god-like powers but also by his long list of victims. Over his long history, Knull has slain or defeated many powerful beings. His most notable victims include:

1. Celestials: The Celestials, creators of worlds and civilizations, were some of the first to feel Knull’s wrath. During the creation of the universe, when the Celestials brought light into the void, Knull saw this as an invasion of his kingdom. He forged the All-Black Necrosword and killed several Celestials, cementing his reputation as a god-killer. It is extremely rare in the Marvel Universe for anyone to defeat, let alone kill, a Celestial—yet Knull slaughtered them with ease.
2. Thor: In the King in Black storyline (2020-2021), Knull clashes with Thor, one of Marvel’s most powerful heroes. Though Thor is the God of Thunder and has defeated cosmic entities before, Knull proves to be more than a match for him. The two engage in a titanic battle, with Knull temporarily overpowering Thor using his control over the symbiotes and void energy. Thor, despite his immense strength and wielding Mjolnir, is unable to stop Knull alone, showcasing the villain’s cosmic-level power.
3. Sentry: One of Knull’s most devastating victories came at the expense of the Sentry, Marvel’s Superman-like hero. The Sentry, with the power of a million exploding suns, is one of the most powerful beings on Earth, yet Knull defeats him in a brutal and horrifying manner. In King in Black #1, Knull rips Sentry in half, ending one of Earth’s strongest defenders in a single, merciless move. This moment highlights just how terrifying Knull is; even Marvel’s greatest heroes fall quickly under his might.
4. The Avengers and X-Men: Knull’s attack on Earth during King in Black sees him overpowering the combined forces of the Avengers and X-Men. Heroes like Iron Man, Captain America, and the Hulk fall under the control of Knull’s symbiote army, their immense power rendered useless as they become slaves to his will. Even the likes of Storm, one of the most powerful mutants, cannot resist Knull’s corruption, as he plunges the Earth into darkness.

Knull’s Connection to Spider-Man

Knull’s influence stretches far and wide, and it also touches one of Marvel’s most beloved characters: Spider-Man. As the creator of the symbiotes, Knull is indirectly responsible for Spider-Man’s encounter with Venom. In the famous Secret Wars storyline, Spider-Man first encounters the black symbiote suit, which later bonds with Eddie Brock to become Venom. This bond between symbiote and host is a direct result of Knull’s dark creations.

During the King in Black storyline, Spider-Man plays a significant role in trying to stop Knull’s invasion. Spider-Man has long been connected to the symbiotes, first through his own experiences with the alien suit and later through his battles with Venom and Carnage. In King in Black, Spider-Man is among the first to realize the full extent of Knull’s power. Despite his heroic efforts, even Spider-Man cannot resist the overwhelming might of the symbiote god.

However, Spider-Man’s influence on the battle against Knull is significant, especially through his relationship with Eddie Brock, the current host of Venom. Throughout their shared history, Spider-Man and Venom have evolved from enemies to uneasy allies, and it is this connection that plays a crucial role in Knull’s defeat. While Spider-Man cannot directly overpower Knull, his faith in Eddie Brock and his understanding of the symbiote bond helps lead to the ultimate downfall of the dark god.

Knull’s Defeat and Legacy

Although Knull is seemingly unbeatable, his reign of terror comes to an end in King in Black. In the final battle, Eddie Brock, bonded with the Venom symbiote, becomes the new God of Light by merging with the Enigma Force, the cosmic entity opposite to Knull’s darkness. Empowered by this newfound light, Eddie is able to sever Knull’s control over the symbiote hive and, ultimately, destroy the god of darkness.

Yet, Knull’s legacy remains. The symbiotes, his creation, continue to play a crucial role in the Marvel Universe, and his influence lingers in the dark corners of the galaxy. His defeat also raises questions about the balance of light and darkness in the universe and whether such an ancient force can ever truly be eradicated.

Why Knull is a Unique Threat

Knull’s power lies not just in his physical strength but in his ability to manipulate entire armies of symbiotes and the void itself. His control over darkness and creation, combined with his god-like ability to slay celestial beings and corrupt the most powerful heroes, sets him apart from other Marvel villains.

Moreover, Knull’s unique role as the originator of the symbiotes gives him an unparalleled connection to many Marvel heroes, including Venom and Spider-Man. His existence as the “god” of the symbiotes makes him a threat to every being who has ever encountered them, as he can reclaim control over any symbiote host at will.

As Donny Cates, the writer behind Knull, explained in an interview, “Knull isn’t just a villain; he’s an idea—a concept of darkness that exists within us all. He is the void we fear, the absence of life and light.” This cosmic and existential nature of Knull makes him a unique and terrifying force, a villain who is not simply a physical threat but a representation of the ultimate void.

Conclusion

Knull’s power in the Marvel Universe is undeniable. From slaying Celestials to defeating Earth’s mightiest heroes, he has proven himself to be one of the most formidable entities ever introduced. His connection to Spider-Man and Venom further deepens his impact on the Marvel Universe, making him a central figure in the ongoing cosmic saga of the symbiotes.

Though defeated, Knull’s shadow will always loom large over the Marvel cosmos, a reminder of the fragile balance between light and darkness, life and void. As long as symbiotes exist, so too does Knull’s legacy, waiting to be unleashed again.

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 Creation of Knull,” Marvel Comics

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