Before the Queen in Black arrives, both Venom and Knull are undergoing major transformations.
Marvel Comics has revealed new details tied to Queen in Black, a summer crossover event connected to the current Venom run by Al Ewing and Carlos Gómez along with the recently launched Knull limited series by Ewing, Tom Waltz, and Juanan Ramírez. Alongside the upcoming event, Marvel has shared preview covers highlighting major story developments, including new costumes for Mary Jane Watson and Knull himself. Expect to ask questions all about these costumes in an upcoming Venom Unleashed.
The redesigned looks signal a significant evolution for both characters as the event approaches. Mary Jane’s new appearance reflects her deepening connection to the Venom symbiote, while Knull receives new armor tied to his latest source of power, Light. It’s also worth noting that Mary Jane is getting quite a dark and twisted look in full-mask mode. What’s up with that?
Mary Jane’s updated costume debuts in Venom #259 this June, following the confrontation between Peter Parker, MJ, and Venom in May’s Venom #258. The issue explores the aftermath of the Death Spiral storyline, with Peter and Mary Jane finally confronting lingering emotions. When they suit up as Spider-Man and Venom, however, unresolved tension quickly resurfaces. With her identity no longer hidden, Mary Jane steps fully into her role alongside the symbiote, reshaping her partnership with Venom moving forward.
“MJ’s new look represents a ‘levelling up’ of sorts,” Ewing explained. “After her most serious challenge as Venom so far, it represents a reassessment of her relationship with the symbiote – just in time for an even bigger threat looming on the horizon.”
Meanwhile, Knull #5 brings the series to its explosive conclusion. The story sees Knull conquer the Lightforce Dimension, unleashing what Marvel describes as a SUPERNOVA-level display of power. The finale also introduces the return of a presumed defeated enemy who returns stronger and prepared for battle. At the same time, Hela, newly crowned as the Queen in Black, begins questioning her approach to confronting Knull as she considers activating a backup plan.
Marvel is also previewing new artwork connected to the storyline, including Ryan Stegman’s cover for Knull #5 and his original design sheet for Knull’s updated armor. Additional preview material includes Carlos Gómez’s covers for Venom #258 and #259, along with R.B. Silva’s design sheet for Mary Jane’s new symbiote costume.
Fans can preorder both series now at local comic shops, with Marvel teasing that a full announcement for Queen in Black is coming soon.
KNULL #5 (OF 5)
Written by AL EWING & TOM WALTZ
Art by JUANAN RAMÍREZ
Cover by RYAN STEGMAN
On Sale 5/13
VENOM #259
Written by AL EWING
Art and Cover by CARLOS GÓMEZ
On Sale 6/17
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