Queen in Black #3

The King in Black limited series, published by Marvel Comics starting in late 2020, serves as the climactic chapter in writer Donny Cates and artist Ryan Stegman’s multi-year narrative involving the symbiote deity Knull. This issue, the third in the five-part event, follows the aftermath of Knull’s invasion of Earth and his efforts to consume the planet in darkness. The series was designed as a high-stakes cosmic horror spectacle, intended to resolve long-standing plot threads introduced during the duo's tenure on the Venom solo title.

Ryan Stegman’s artistic approach for this series emphasized a gritty, intense aesthetic characterized by heavy shadows and fluid, grotesque character designs, reflecting the Lovecraftian influence inherent to the Knull character. The third issue in particular was received by fans and critics as a pivotal turning point in the conflict, focusing on the tactical desperation of the Avengers and the X-Men against an overwhelming celestial antagonist. It fits within the tradition of Marvel's large-scale crossover events, prioritizing cinematic paneling and significant impacts on the publisher's shared universe continuity.