Queen in Black: Hela #1

Released in early 2021 as a tie-in to the broader King in Black crossover event, Queen in Black: Hela #1 was written by Leah Williams with interior art by Germán Peralta. The narrative serves as a focused character study of Hela, the Asgardian Goddess of Death, as she navigates the cosmic chaos unleashed by the symbiote deity Knull. The story explores Hela's fractured status within the afterlife during the event, emphasizing her resilience and tactical cunning while the rest of the Marvel universe struggled against the Knull invasion.

The creative team aimed to bridge the gap between Hela’s established mythology and the high-stakes, horror-tinged atmosphere of the King in Black event. Peralta’s visual design leans into the gothic and visceral aesthetic synonymous with the symbiote-heavy crossover, providing a stark contrast to Hela’s traditional regal presentation. Upon its release, the issue was noted by readers and critics primarily for its contribution to the expanded lore of the King in Black saga and for its character-driven approach to an event tie-in.