Knull, the god of the symbiotes, is one of Marvel Comics’ most ancient and malevolent cosmic beings. Introduced relatively recently, Knull quickly became a central figure in the Marvel Universe’s mythology. Known for his dark influence over the symbiotes, creatures like Venom and Carnage, Knull’s backstory is tied to the creation of the symbiotes and the greater cosmology of the Marvel Universe. His raw power, destructive intent, and terrifying design have made him a fan-favorite villain.
Knull first appeared in Venom (Vol. 4) #3 in 2018, created by writer Donny Cates and artist Ryan Stegman. However, his history predates even the birth of the Marvel Universe as we know it.
Knull’s story begins in the primordial void before the universe was formed. When the Celestials—the god-like beings responsible for much of Marvel’s cosmic architecture—began creating stars and life, they disrupted the darkness that Knull had ruled over for eons. Unwilling to surrender his dominion, Knull waged war against the Celestials. His hatred for creation would become the foundation of his persona as a god of darkness.
To combat the Celestials, Knull forged the All-Black the Necrosword, a sentient blade born from the Living Abyss, the same primordial darkness he controlled. This sword gave Knull immense power, allowing him to slay Celestials and other gods. The Necrosword, later wielded by characters like Gorr the God Butcher in Thor: God of Thunder, became one of the deadliest weapons in Marvel lore.
After being cast away from the Celestials’ light, Knull retreated deeper into the void, using his dark powers to create living weapons. These creatures would later become known as the symbiotes. Knull shaped them from his abyssal essence, intending them to act as his army to reclaim the darkness and destroy the light of creation. These symbiotes were designed to be parasites, bonding with hosts and granting them powers, while Knull could control them from afar.
Over time, the symbiotes, also called Klyntar, turned against Knull. They imprisoned him on the symbiote homeworld, creating a cage for their creator. However, Knull’s influence would still be felt across the universe through individual symbiotes like Venom and Carnage.
Though imprisoned for eons, Knull’s power began to seep back into the universe through his symbiote creations. He remained dormant until a series of events set him free.
A symbiote dragon known as Grendel, created by Knull, was unearthed in modern times. Eddie Brock and Venom encountered this dragon in Venom #3, and through their interactions, Knull began to awaken. Carnage, the murderous offspring of Venom, also became an important figure in Knull’s resurgence. In the Absolute Carnage storyline, Carnage sought to gather symbiote codices—remnants left behind by symbiotes in their former hosts—to resurrect Knull. This was a precursor to Knull’s full return in the massive event known as King in Black.
The King in Black storyline, which ran from late 2020 to early 2021, marked Knull’s full-scale assault on Earth and the Marvel Universe. The narrative showcased his terrifying power and revealed more about his connection to the symbiotes.
Knull descended upon Earth with an army of symbiote dragons and a massive, planet-sized symbiote entity. The Avengers, X-Men, and other Marvel heroes were overwhelmed as Knull began covering the planet in a symbiote darkness, turning many of Earth’s greatest champions into his symbiote slaves. This invasion highlighted Knull’s cosmic power as he systematically dismantled Earth’s defenses.
Knull’s encounters with characters like Thor, the Avengers, and Eddie Brock were particularly intense. At one point, Knull was able to incapacitate even the mighty Thor, one of Marvel’s most powerful gods, demonstrating the sheer scope of his abilities.
One of the most significant moments in Knull’s arc came when Eddie Brock, bonded with the Venom symbiote, ultimately sacrificed himself in the battle against Knull. However, Eddie was resurrected by the Enigma Force, also known as the God of Light, which is the antithesis of Knull’s dark essence. Empowered by this cosmic force, Eddie became a god-like being and fought Knull in an epic showdown, ultimately defeating him and ending his reign of terror. Eddie’s victory severed Knull’s connection to the symbiotes, freeing them from his control.
Best Moments of Knull
Knull’s First Appearance
When Knull first appeared in Venom (Vol. 4) #3, fans were immediately captivated by his eerie, Gothic design. His introduction as a god of darkness who predates the universe set the stage for his importance in the Marvel cosmology.
Slaying a Celestial
Knull’s power was fully realized when he used the Necrosword to decapitate a Celestial. This act alone demonstrated his status as a cosmic threat, on par with the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe.
Knull’s Awakening in Venom’s Mind
During Eddie Brock’s struggle with his symbiote in *Venom*, Knull began to reawaken, taking control of the symbiote hive. This moment not only revealed Knull’s connection to Venom but also showed how deeply entrenched he was in symbiote lore.
Absolute Carnage
Knull’s influence over Carnage in the Absolute Carnage event was one of his most terrifying displays. Carnage, powered by Knull, tore through numerous characters and set the stage for Knull’s eventual return.
The Arrival in King in Black
When Knull arrived on Earth in King in Black #1, it was one of the most apocalyptic moments in Marvel history. His army of symbiotes and the overwhelming darkness he brought left readers breathless as heroes like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor fell before him.
The Final Battle with Venom
Knull’s defeat at the hands of Eddie Brock, empowered by the Enigma Force, was a climactic and emotional moment. Eddie’s transformation into the ultimate symbiote god marked a fitting end to Knull’s storyline, closing a significant chapter in Marvel’s cosmic lore.
Knull’s rise to prominence as the god of the symbiotes has made him one of Marvel’s most compelling villains in recent years. His dark, Lovecraftian origin and his influence over the entire symbiote race add layers