A new year always feels like a clean slate — a fresh place to start — and honestly, there couldn’t be a better way to kick things off than with something as epic and ambitious as Knull #1. Starting the year with a story centered on the King in Black just feels right. This issue immediately announces that 2026 is not here to play, and it sets the tone with cosmic stakes, brutal violence, and myth-level storytelling that feels bigger than your typical Marvel book.
One of the first things I really appreciated about this comic is how reader-friendly it is. If you’re a longtime fan of Knull and have been following his journey since King in Black, this issue clearly respects that history and gives you plenty to chew on. But at the same time, it does a solid job welcoming in readers who may not be fully familiar with Knull yet. The explanations and background never feel condescending, and they make it very clear who Knull is and why he matters.
And that’s the key thing here: this comic truly understands how important Knull is — not just as a cosmic villain, but specifically to the Spider-Man family, Venom, and the symbiotes as a whole. Even though this is Knull’s book, you can feel his deep roots in Spider-Man lore all over the pages. This still feels very close to the Spider-Man corner of the Marvel Universe, and the story constantly reminds us how vital Knull is to that mythology. But at the same time, the spotlight is finally his — and he absolutely earns it.
A Cosmic Fantasy, Not a Typical Marvel Comic
Right away, the art stands out. It’s stunning. The visuals perfectly capture the high-fantasy and science-fiction vibe of the story. This doesn’t feel like a standard superhero comic at all. From the panel layouts to the environments, everything feels grand, alien, and mythic. The writing and script reinforce that tone beautifully — this feels more like an epic cosmic saga unfolding across the universe than a traditional Marvel hero-vs-villain arc.
Honestly, I love that about this book. It feels refreshing. It feels different. It feels bold.
Knull, Stripped of Power — and It Works
One of the most interesting choices this issue makes is showing Knull in a vulnerable state. We’re so used to seeing him as this godlike force of darkness — unstoppable, cruel, untouchable. But here, we meet him as a prisoner.
Hela has captured him.
And not only that — she is actively stealing his power to crown herself the Queen in Black.
Seeing Knull weakened is unsettling in the best way. It immediately raises questions. It adds tension. It flips expectations. And it allows the story to explore something far more interesting than just raw domination: manipulation.
Of course, when Knull eventually escapes his prison, he reminds everyone exactly why he’s feared. The moment he breaks free is brutal, violent, and horrifying — exactly how a Knull story should feel. The carnage is raw, gory, and unapologetic, and I loved every second of it. This comic doesn’t hold back at all. It leans fully into horror, and it benefits tremendously from that choice.
Watching Knull transform from a helpless captive back into a terrifying force of destruction is deeply satisfying — but the story doesn’t stop there.
Hela Steals the Show
What really elevates this issue is how much Hela shines. She isn’t just a side villain here — she is positioned as a full-on A-list threat. She’s already powerful on her own, but draining Knull of his power pushes her into an entirely new tier. There’s a strong sense that everything happening — even Knull’s escape — may be part of her larger plan.
That ambiguity is brilliant.
Who is really in control here?
Who is manipulating whom?
The idea of a growing, empowered Hela eventually facing a fully restored Knull is incredibly exciting. The battle for the title of King or Queen in Black feels inevitable — and monumental.
That Final Page…
Without spoiling anything, the final page is going to get people talking. Hela guides Knull toward a very familiar, fan-favorite Marvel villain, and the implications are huge. Even if you’re primarily an MCU fan and not deeply embedded in comic lore, this is a big deal. This is one of those moments that makes you stop, reread the page, and immediately want the next issue.
The hype is real.
CONS
If I had to point out one small flaw, it would be how Knull’s origin is sometimes woven into the issue. While the information itself is important, there are moments where it feels a bit awkwardly inserted into the flow of the story. Personally, I think some of that could have worked just as well as an opening recap or intro page rather than being folded into active scenes.
That said — this is a very minor complaint. It doesn’t hurt the pacing in any meaningful way, and it certainly doesn’t take away from the impact of the story.
FINAL GRADE: A
Conclusion
Knull #1 is an outstanding way to start the year — for new readers and longtime fans alike. It doesn’t feel like a typical Marvel superhero book, and that’s exactly why it works. Instead, it plays like a standalone science-fiction and high-fantasy epic, filled with horror, cosmic ambition, and brutal intensity.
This is a story about gods, power, manipulation, and identity — and it’s told with confidence and scale. If this first issue is any indication, Knull is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and refreshing Marvel titles of the year.
English (US) · 