Knull is an ancient cosmic entity and the primordial god of darkness in the Marvel Universe. Existing before the creation of the known cosmos, Knull is the malevolent force responsible for the creation of the symbiotes—a parasitic alien species best known through characters like Venom and Carnage. He is an embodiment of void and entropy, hating the light and life birthed by the Celestials, and seeking to return the universe to the primordial darkness that preceded creation.
Knull forged the All-Black the Necrosword, a weapon of pure living darkness that could slay gods, and with it began a cosmic genocide. After being cast into the darkness by the Celestials, he later created the symbiotes as a hive-minded army, binding them to his will. Over millennia, the symbiotes rebelled and imprisoned him in a planet-sized cage—Klyntar—until he eventually returned as the King in Black, launching an invasion of Earth and the multiverse.
Story[]
Knull is a primordial deity who existed in the endless void before the birth of the universe. When the Celestials ignited the light of creation, Knull was awakened and enraged by this intrusion upon his domain of darkness. In retaliation, he forged the All-Black, the first symbiote and a god-slaying sword, and used it to kill one of the Celestials, initiating a brutal crusade against creation. Cast back into the void, Knull began crafting living weapons from the abyss—symbiotes—which he used to conquer countless worlds, forming a hive mind under his control. However, over time, the symbiotes grew empathetic through bonding with sentient hosts and rebelled, trapping Knull within their collective mass, which formed the planet Klyntar. After centuries of slumber, Knull’s influence reemerged through darker symbiotes like Carnage, leading to his release. Once freed, he launched a devastating invasion of Earth during the "King in Black" event, defeating cosmic entities and heroes alike. Ultimately, he was destroyed by Eddie Brock, who bonded with the cosmic Enigma Force and became the new God of the Symbiotes, ending Knull’s reign of darkness.
Powers and abilities[]
Knull is one of the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe, born from the primordial void that existed before creation. As the embodiment of darkness and entropy, his command over the Living Abyss—a semi-sentient, shadow-like substance—is absolute. With it, he can shape weapons, summon creatures, and create entire armies. This abyss serves as both his armor and his weapon, responding to his thoughts instantly. Knull’s most iconic creation from this substance is the All-Black the Necrosword, a god-slaying blade that channels his raw hatred and cosmic power. This sword was so powerful that it enabled him to kill a Celestial—beings otherwise considered nigh-invincible. The All-Black also grants its wielder immortality, superhuman strength, and a deep connection to darkness.
Knull possesses control over the symbiote species, as he is their original creator. All symbiotes originate from the Living Abyss, and for eons, Knull used them as parasites to dominate and corrupt entire civilizations. Through the symbiote hive mind, Knull can see through their eyes, speak through their mouths, and manipulate their hosts’ bodies at will, even across vast cosmic distances. This telepathic control extends to millions of symbiotes at once, giving him an almost omniscient presence throughout the universe when connected. Though some symbiotes have broken free of his influence, such as Venom, Knull is still capable of reasserting control over many, particularly when his power is fully unleashed.
Physically, Knull is incredibly formidable. His strength rivals and even surpasses that of gods like Thor and Hercules, and he has easily overpowered cosmic-level beings such as the Silver Surfer and the Sentry. His durability is nearly unmatched; he has withstood god-blows, cosmic blasts, and planetary-scale assaults without sustaining lasting damage. Knull’s regeneration is also potent, allowing him to recover from injuries that would annihilate lesser beings. Despite being ancient and sustained through darkness, he maintains an agile, predatory combat style, often engaging directly in brutal melee fights, especially with his necrosword or constructs.
Knull’s cosmic powers extend beyond brute force. He can corrupt matter and energy, enveloping entire planets in darkness or extinguishing stars. His very presence is toxic to light, hope, and life, with many characters describing the experience of being near him as overwhelming dread or cosmic suffocation. He can create massive symbiote dragons, aerial monsters capable of city-level destruction, and rain them down from the void like an apocalyptic swarm. His powers are so vast that he conquered entire galaxies before being imprisoned and, upon his return, crushed Earth’s mightiest heroes with ease.
Despite his immense power, Knull has one true weakness: the Enigma Force, also known as the God of Light. This ancient power is the direct counter to his darkness, representing creation, life, and hope. It is the only force that has ever truly harmed him. When Eddie Brock bonded with the Enigma Force, he achieved the power necessary to defeat Knull. This demonstrates that while Knull is nearly all-powerful, he is not invincible—especially in the face of an opposite, equally ancient force of light.