Knull is a character I’ve never found all that interesting, partly because he’s overpowered, but also possibly because his origin is so simple and seems retconned to fit within cosmic Marvel. All that power is gone at the start of Knull, a new five-issue series by Al Ewing, Tom Waltz, and Juanan Ramirez. Leave it to Ewing, a lover of Marvel lore and canon, to headline a book that seems to be lifting up what makes Knull tick.
Given where Knull was in Venom #250, it’s hard to gather what this book is about when you start reading it. The opening does a good job of establishing his origin and recapping it over two pages. His origins are a byproduct of the Celestials ruining his once peaceful life in the void. Now, a capture of Hela, his powers are nearly gone entirely, but he still has a few tricks up his sleeve.
This is a strong first issue, establishing Knull’s new low point as he lives in a cage on Daedalus 5. Hela domineers over him and also saps his power. Meanwhile, guards do not fear him, but Hela seems to know the truth. This all sets up a rather ferocious action sequence, with some of the grizzliest gore you’ll see all year. We’re talking spines being ripped out, and Knull brandishing an interesting powerset.
Miserable jerk.
Credit: Marvel
While this issue has to do a lot of expository scenes to catch up even the newest fans, it does firmly establish what’s at stake, and what Knull and Hela are up to. For a comic with its lead character trapped in a cage for much of it, it manages to keep things moving.
Outside of establishing Knull’s powers, I will say he remains more of an entity than a well-rounded character. Maybe that’s going to be the case for all time, but even Hela has more humanity than Knull. There isn’t a lot of time for Knull to be anything but evil or a curmudgeon, though.
The art by Ramirez is exceptional, with a wispy supernatural vibe, with Hela and Knull’s powers. Colors by Erick Arciniega adds a dinginess that makes it clear this is a horror book at the end of the day. In one key scene, Knull appears behind someone, and the visage of his face is like something out of Insidious. Hela’s powers are impressive looking as well. What takes the cake, however, is the gore, which is gag-inducing, in a good way. Frankly, I’m surprised this book isn’t a Red Band book, with some gory visuals that top polybagged books from 2025.
Knull #1 does an effective job reestablishing the character’s place in Marvel’s cosmic landscape, even if it doesn’t try to completely reinvent who he is just yet. Al Ewing and Tom Waltz smartly strip away Knull’s godhood and recast him as a dangerous, cornered force rather than an untouchable deity, giving the story real tension from the jump. While Knull still reads more like an ominous presence than a deeply humanized character, and even Hela shows more emotional range, that feels less like a shortcoming and more like the reality of who Knull has always been. For now, the series leans into his role as a dark, mythic figure, and with the strength of the storytelling and horror-infused visuals, that approach works in the book’s favor.
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