Check Out Queen in Black: Defenders of Black and White Issue 1

Marvel has arrived with a new chapter in the Queen in Black crossover event. This issue picks up right where the main series leaves off, following Iron Man and Cable as they split the heroes into two strike teams. One group heads off to confront Knull while the other focuses on Hela. If you are keeping up with the event, this story is a must read to understand how these battles develop simultaneously across space.

Fans will notice the focus stays largely on Cloak and Dagger, who find themselves in way over their heads. Seeing these young heroes struggle alongside veterans like Beta Ray Bill and Monica Rambeau adds a nice layer of tension to the action. The dialogue shines, especially during a sharp confrontation between Beta Ray Bill and Tyr, the God of War.

Artist Zé Carlos carries a heavy load here, managing to capture chaotic battles on two different fronts. The visuals are striking, with crystalline enemies and swirling symbiote armies providing a great contrast to the heroes. The colors effectively shift between the oppressive darkness of Hela’s domain and the intense, vibrant powers of the defenders.

This is a fast paced and demanding issue that does not give the reader much room to breathe. While the large cast makes it tough to develop every character, the stakes are clearly high. Be sure to pick up a copy at your local comic shop to see how the team manages these overwhelming threats.