QUEEN IN BLACK: Hela and Knull Collide in Marvel’s Summer Showdown

Marvel Comics is set to plunge readers into a cataclysmic clash of cosmic proportions with its upcoming five-issue event series, QUEEN IN BLACK. Helmed by acclaimed writer Al Ewing (Venom, Immortal Hulk) and superstar artist Iban Coello (Fantastic Four), this summer saga promises to reshape the Marvel Universe as two godlike forces battle for ultimate dominion.

Spinning out of Ewing’s 2025 Venom run and the 2026 Knull limited series, QUEEN IN BLACK picks up in the aftermath of Hela’s shocking seizure of Knull’s throne. Now, the Goddess of Death commands a legion of symbiotes and sets her sights on Earth—just as Knull returns with a vengeance and a new, terrifying power.

The result? A war between darkness and deeper darkness, with Earth’s mightiest heroes—Spider-Man, Venom, Mary Jane, Eddie Brock, and Dylan Brock—caught in the middle of a cosmic deathmatch. “The only threat bigger than one evil god is two of them fighting each other,” Ewing teased. “There can only be one winner—but whoever wins, it’s the worst news possible for our heroes.”

HEL ON EARTH: Symbiotes, Death, and Destruction

In HEL ON EARTH, a key arc within the event, Hela makes planetfall on the edge of the solar system, bringing with her a twisted army of the galaxy’s most dangerous symbiotes. As Knull retaliates, the stage is set for a battle that could unravel the very fabric of reality.

True Believers Blind Bags: Exclusive Variant Covers

To celebrate the launch, QUEEN IN BLACK #1 will debut in Marvel’s next wave of True Believers Blind Bags—but with a twist. Unlike previous releases, these sealed bags will contain only exclusive variant covers not available anywhere else. Collectors can hunt down stunning renditions by Ryan Stegman, David Nakayama, Gurihiru, Pat Gleason, Artgerm, Jeehyung Lee, Peach Momoko, and David Marquez. Super rare, one-of-a-kind hand-drawn sketch covers by surprise artists will also be hidden among them.

The main cover by Stegman and regular variants by Coello, Momoko, and Chip Zdarsky will be available separately, but the Blind Bags promise the most thrilling collector’s experience yet.

What’s Next?

Marvel has teased a wave of tie-in series that will explore QUEEN IN BLACK’s ripple effects across the Marvel Universe. Stay tuned for more cover reveals, character spotlights, and announcements as the event draws closer.