KING IN BLACK #1: …And So It Begins

If Stephen Spielberg and James Cameron made comics it would probably look something like King in Black #1. Ever since being introduced to Knull in Venom #4 and seeing his destruction play out before us, it was only a matter of time before he would get his own mini-series. For about a year now we have been waiting for the arrival of the king of the abyss. He has finally arrived! A story this big needs to be accompanied by panels and art of equal size and that is exactly what is being delivered in this first installment. 

King in Black #1 continues to spoil readers with symbiote greatness. Knull’s reach has finally descended onto Earth and it will take every hero to help stop the king in his pursuit of destruction. Partnering with a who’s who cast of Marvel’s best, Eddie Brock will have to pull out all the stops in order to save Earth, his friends, and his son Dylan – but will it be enough? From the opening panel, in true Cates fashion, it is an all-out onslaught of in your face action with magnificently huge scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat. 

With only one issue in the books, seeing the roster of Marvel’s finest take on one of the most powerful beings in the galaxy followed by the jaw-dropping panels of destruction caused by Knull makes you wonder just what is in store for the rest of the series. Cates beautifully captures every bit of raw emotion in every character while showing no mercy and planting seeds of defeat in the reader. The great thing about Cates’ writing is he brings out the best in the character and keeps the reader guessing as to what will happen next and this issue is a prime example of his talents. After all, he did help create Knull. 

Along with Donny Cates on this destructive roller coaster is the fabulous art team of Ryan Stegman (pencils), JP Mayer (inker), Frank Martin (colors), and Clayton Cowles (letters) and just like Cates are providing big art to match the big story. Martin’s colors adjust accordingly, sending chills to the bones as blood, explosions, and doomed facial expressions jump out from the panels. We can only hope that this creative team will stick together for the entire series because the cohesiveness comes through brilliantly.