On the farthest edges of the solar system, KNULL, GOD OF THE VOID, builds a brand-new army to destroy Earth…but HELA OF ASGARD might have gotten there first – as she makes planetfall with a legion of the galaxy’s deadliest symbiotes! Two of the most powerful evils in the galaxy are at war…and the SON OF VENOM is caught right in the middle! Queen in Black #1 continues the wild twists and turns of the Venom saga that began so many years ago, but bringing it to an even bigger level.

Written by Al Ewing, Queen in Black #1 kicks off this event spanning multiple mini-series and a wide cast of characters. For those all in on the story of Venom and the symbiotes, it’s the latest chapter and one that’ll interest those super fans. For those more casual readers, the debut issue features a few bumps that might leave them scratching their heads. But, overall, the debut issue is that big picture epic alien invasion type story that you don’t need to think too much to enjoy and is all about the action.

Knull and Hela are on a collision course and Earth is at the center of the battle which has the world’s heroes scrambling to figure out what the hell is going on. While they expect to be dealing with Knull, they find a very different individual on the Black Throne, which might be confusing for new readers who haven’t paid too much attention to parts of the Marvel Universe. Queen in Black #1 hinges on what’s going on in The Mortal Thor, where the world has forgotten about Thor and Asgard and its gods. So, while numerous heroes have actually battled her in the past, she’s a new individual to them creating more of an x-factor to the upcoming battle. That memory erasure is one of the things new readers might pause about which also includes a new hero fighting by the Avengers’ side. While Queen in Black #1 might be a first issue, it builds off of recent events more than just Knull vs. Hela.

But, all of that confusion makes it an interesting story in some ways. Ewing focuses on Earth’s heroes really not knowing what’s going on and preparing for the wrong villain. It helps add to the fear of what’s to come in some ways and chaos of events.

The art by Iban Coello and Zé Carlos is good with color by Guru-eFX and lettering by Clayton Cowles. The issue packs a lot in with a cast that feels like it creeps into the dozens, not to mention the invading armies. Add in the creation of a whole new world for Knull to rule and mold and it’s an issue that is filled with interesting imagery. But, even with all of those grand visuals, the issue also keeps things grounded at times as Earth’s heroes plan and discuss where things are at. Iron Man dealing with Spider-Man and his team stands out as reveals and dropped as trust is built.

Queen in Black #1 is an interesting debut that has a dose of summer popcorn fun. It relies a bit much on recent events around the Avengers and Thor, so might be confusing for some, but beyond that, it’s more about the grand visuals, battles, and villains strutting their stuff. It’s a fine start of the next chapter for Venom and that whole world that shakes things up just enough from what we’ve seen before.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Iban Coello, Zé Carlos
Color: Guru-eFX Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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