If you’re digging it (or just want the Web of Venom one-shots integrated into your read chronologically), you’ll want to proceed forward with the full Venom reading order, but if you’re on more of a fast track kick, I’d just jump ahead here to Absolute Carnage and keep on rolling! Absolute Carnage

The first collected hardcover (linked above) collects Venom #1 to #12, which serves as the absolute most essential information setting the stage for this event. Unsurprisingly, reading the full Cates/Stegman era Venom run is the best way to prepare for King in Black. This is optional reading for understanding the King in Black, but honestly 1) This run is fantastic, and highly recommended on its own terms and 2) Aaron’s work here inspires a lot of Donny Cates larger cosmic vision for the Marvel Universe. Technically, the origins of Knull extend back to Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic’s highly recommended Thor: God of Thunder, which more fully unravels the history and mystery of All-Black the Necrosword (a cosmic weapon of immense power, created by our G Knull). Knull finally shakes out.īelow you’ll find a guide on the comics that set the stage for the King in Black event, as well as a complete list of comics and tie-ins involved in the crossover as they’re announced and released.

Regardless, the creative team has earned some Marvel Universe goodwill, and I’m invested in seeing how Venom vs. We’ll see how the event shakes out, but in theory this promises to deliver on the cosmic symbiote promise the creative team have been building towards since the start of Marvel Fresh Start.Īdmittedly, Venom’s momentum has felt relatively stalled since the strong kickoff of Absolute Carnage, and for my money hasn’t really picked up steam again until the “ Venom Beyond ” arc setting the stage for King in Black. King in Black promises to deliver on the coming of Knull, the God of Symbiotes introduced to the Marvel Universe way back in Cates/Stegman first Venom story arc that launched the series into must-read status. Approximately one year after Absolute Carnage and a full two years into the Donny Cates / Ryan Stegman era of Venom, the symbiote saga builds to another crossover event in late 2020 and early 2021’s King in Black.

Donny cates king in black