Independent of how divisive they are, symbiote events have become a staple of Marvel’s publishing schedule. That side of the Marvel universe has come a long way, becoming one of the most complex and richest parts of it. And Hela is ready to start a new chapter to that story with Queen in Black, hitting the shelves this week.
The event follows a battle between Hela and Knull, the new King of Light. But, obviously, Earth is also in their path of destruction. This event is interesting because it represents a shift for many characters, like Hela, Knull, Mary Jane Watson, Dylan Brock, and Eddie Brock. Speaking of which, this will also be the end of MJ’s run as Venom.
You can check out the reading order for the entire Queen in Black event, including recommended readings to understand the new status quo.
Queen in Black – Prologue Chapters
Before diving right into Queen in Black, we have a few recommended readings for your list. These are comics that set up the status quo of the upcoming event and give insight into what might happen throughout its story.
Amazing Spider-Man / Venom: Death Spiral TP
Writer: Joe Kelly, Charles Soule, Al Ewing
Artist: Carlos Gómez, Jesús Saíz, Ed McGuinness, Francesco Manna
Death Spiral has its flaws, but it develops Eddie Brock, Peter Parker, and Mary Jane in interesting ways. It sees a new serial killer, Torment, tracking and killing people connected to our heroes. By the end, it deals with Brock and Carnage’s separation and a grim destiny for the character.
Comics Giveaway Day 2026: Amazing Spider-Man / Queen in Black #1
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Iban Coello
Besides Spidey and Infernal Hulk stories, this one-shot also presents a preview for the Queen in Black event. It shows some important characters and elements that will be featured in the comic.
Knull (2026)
Writer: Al Ewing, Tom Waltz
Artist: Juanan Ramírez
Knull escapes his prison so he can become the King in Black again, but Hela is also eyeing his prize. And, from what we can see, she succeeds. Still, Ewing’s story has a few good surprises and flips the titular character on its head. That way, it creates an interesting new starting point for him.
Venom #259
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Carlos Gómez
The last issue before Queen in Black, Venom #259 focuses a lot on Dylan and MJ. It puts the finishing touches on their characters, preparing them for the upcoming threat.
Queen in Black – Main Event
Queen in Black #1
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Iban Coello, Zé Carlos
Hela and Knull are at war, and the Earth is caught in the middle. Some of Earth’s mightiest heroes and symbiotes will stick together to save the planet from another symbiote apocalypse.
Queen in Black: Hela #1
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Carlos Magno
For those who want more of the main antagonist, this series will focus on the titular character and the Asgardian side of the plot. It’ll explore Balder Odinson seeking answers about how Hela came into power.
Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark #1
Writer: Tom Waltz
Artist: Zé Carlos
As the “team-up book” of the event, Defenders reunite an interesting lineup to face both Hela and Knull. Let’s hope Beta Ray Bill, Monica Rambeau, Flash Thompson, Cable, and the other get a good chance to shine.
Queen in Black: Venom Unchained #1
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Juanan Ramírez
Soule continues to write Eddie Brock, as the character must find a way to escape prison. Hela is coming for Earth, and he can’t do anything without Venom.
Queen in Black #2
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Iban Coello
Hela unleashes the Symbiote Intelligence upon Earth, forcing the Fantastic Four and Venom to work together to stop it. Meanwhile, we also get a few bits of the tie-in issues, seeing Iron Man’s progress in his mission to fight Hela and Knull in space.
Queen in Black: Thor #1
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Sergio Fernández Dávila
Al Ewing’s Mortal Thor ties into the Queen in Black event. Hela has plans for Sigurd Jarlson as well, and he’ll have to play a role to stop the symbiote apocalypse.
Venom #260
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Carlos Gómez
The Eventuality is back, and so is Dylan as Venom. Once, he asked the Eventuality five questions and got answers hinting at a dark future. Now, that future is becoming his present.
Queen in Black #3
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Paco Medina, Iban Coello
Returning as Codex, Dylan seems to be the key to ending the war. But things won’t be easy for him, nor his allies. Hela wants him on his side, and Knull will do anything to kill him.
Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark #2
Writer: Tom Waltz
Artist: Zé Carlos
Cloak and Dagger seem to be the keys to Tony Stark’s plan to defeat their enemies. However, with already so much at stake, it seems in-fighting isn’t out of the equation.
Queen in Black: Venom Unchained #2
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Juanan Ramírez
Sleeper breaks Eddie out of prison, getting to the conflict against Hela. Who will he bond with to survive and help his loved ones? Will it be Sleeper, or another unexpected symbiote?
Venom #261
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Carlos Gómez
Ewing loves to explore the symbiote’s perspective, and he does it again here. The alien is still traumatized by Reed, the man who tore him apart from Peter in the ’80s. And now, they’ll have to work together.
Black Cat #14
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artist: Gleb Melnikov
Black Cat joins the Queen in Black event with a space adventure. There’s something out there that will change the tide of battle, and she’s the only one who can steal it.
Queen in Black #4
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Iban Coello
Hela and Knull throw down while Reed investigates Codex’s half-symbiote power. Meanwhile, Tyr uses his ultimate weapon against Earth.
Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark #3
Writer: Tom Waltz
Artist: Zé Carlos
In this miniseries finale, both the Light and Dark teams unite after a loss against Hela and Knull. Will their secret Plan B prove to be enough to stop their enemies this time?
Queen in Black #5
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Iban Coello
The battle between Hela and Knull is over, and one of them is the winner. Now, the winner gives Earth their full attention, and the Avengers and Mary Jane have to stop them.
Queen in Black: Venom Unchained #3
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Juanan Ramírez
This apocalypse only happened because Eddie Brock vacated the throne, so is he taking it back now? It’s time for Eddie to make up for his mistake in this badass miniseries finale.
Venom #262
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Carlos Gómez
It’s the end of Ewing and MJ’s time in Venom, and it’s time for a new symbiote hero to come out. With the entire world as a possible host, who will come out on top?
The Amazing Venom #1
Writer: Jordan Morris
Artist: Luke Ross
After the incredible Web of Venom #1, Morris and Ross return as our all-new Venom team. Comeback, A.K.A. Boomerang, is always a fun character. So, here’s hoping the new series strikes gold before the gimmick runs itself into the ground.
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