‘King in Black’ #4 recontextualizes a familiar cosmic element and builds on Symbiote history

‘King in Black’ #4 rewrites Symbiote history once again!

February 17, 2021

Spoilers ahead. You’ve been warned. For more, read our review of King in Black #4.

Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman have delivered big twists and even bigger action in their King in Black series, but possibly the most earth-shattering when it comes to Marvel history dropped in King in Black #4. This issue serves as the penultimate issue before the finale and so a lot goes on to set up Knull’s turn from conqueror to conquered. He’s not beat yet, but in a surprise reveal the tide is turned by a cosmic force we haven’t seen in some time.

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After Dylan has his big heroic moment and an X-Man helps knock Knull down for a moment the stakes are raised once again as Knull prepares to take his final shot. That is until Jean Grey realizes something is trying to get into the Earth’s atmosphere through Knull’s Symbiote dome.

Courtesy Marvel Comics

The “god of light” was referenced in Web of Venom: Wraith, which is Knull’s foil and ultimate enemy. As revealed above, that god of light is a Symbiote, but of an opposite complexion so to speak. In fact, this light Symbiote as nearly as old as Knull as it rose up long ago to defeat Knull after he was created. Not only do we learn Knull is the God of Abyss and not darkness, but that this Symbiote of light is the only thing that can defeat him, especially since it has grown stronger since being defeated by Knull billions of years ago.

With the help of Silver Surfer, the white Symbiote energy breaks into the atmosphere.

But what is this white light Symbiote? It turns out the Symbiote is something we’ve seen before. Mr. Fantastic realizes this when he sees it and analyzes it. In fact, it’s a power Spider-Man has worn before! It’s none other than…

Courtesy Marvel Comics

That’s right, Cates has introduced the idea of the Enigma Force as a polar opposite to Knull and the black abyss Symbiotes. This energy is somehow a similar species and has had a long history tied to Knull. Now that the Enigma Force is here, who will it join forces with to defeat Knull?

Considering the event you can probably guess.

Courtesy Marvel Comics

That’s right, Venom is technically the next Captain Universe!

Now, will Venom aka Eddie Brock go with the usual blue and white look or something a little more in his tastes? I can’t imagine Venom will go with a look like this:

Courtesy Marvel Comics

What do you think readers, is this an exciting development? Do you like how Cates has rewritten the Enigma Force backstory? Let us know in the comments. This is only a fraction of the story though and I highly recommend you read the entire King in Black #4 comic!