Review by Ian Keogh

King in Black originates from the plots Donny Cates conceived for Venom, occurring after Venom Beyond’s glimpse into an alternate universe, but expands to include most Marvel series of the day. The threat is Knull, the god of the symbiotic race of which the Venom costume is an isolated example.

Cates begins with Eddie Brock’s realisation that Knull is heading toward Earth accompanied by a horde of followers intent on possessing the planet. The Avengers can’t stop landfall, and Eddie locks his son in a super-protective bunker in order that whatever happens he’ll survive. From that point Eddie’s story continues in Venom: King in Black.

Knull’s bonafides are established in an opening chapter in which Earth’s defences are circumvented with ease, exceptionally well drawn by Ryan Stegman. Power and intimidation are key, and Stegman uses frequent spreads to show the sheer resources at Knull’s disposal, or what he’s capable of. In the sample art it’s dealing with Venom, but Stegman’s equally stunning when it comes to other characters, as even more powerful heroes fall.

While action is prioritised, several sequences attest to Cates having thought things through, one being the arrival of Namor pointing out his Atlantean race have centuries of experience of combat in the extensive darkness in which Knull has shrouded Earth. Another difference to the standard crossover is Dylan Brock being key, and it’s unusual not only seeing a child at the heart of the action, but as one of the most powerful players. Readers who’ve not followed Cates and Stegman’s Venom aren’t catered for as they just have to take it as gospel that Dylan has the resources to handle himself without the background being provided.

Despite Stegman’s excellence throughout, Venom fans are likely to enjoy King in Black more than other readers. A few interesting ideas can’t disguise Cates following the genre form of escalation, desperation, temptation, surprise and everything being darkest before the dawn. However, credit to Cates for the highspot of his finale. Everything comes back to Venom and a decisive battle that’s played out coherently and results in definitive transformation, which is rare in crossover stories.

As this is a crossover, plenty of tie-ins were published, and the recommendations are for the best of them. Alternatively, everything is collected in hardcover as the King in Black Omnibus.