Prepare for Queen in Black: Your Essential Reading Guide

The Queen in Black event is shaping up to be a summer blockbuster that merges the terrifying power of Symbiotes with the mythic presence of Asgardians. Hela has claimed the title of Queen in Black, combining her role as the Goddess of Death with the power of the Symbiote god to launch an invasion on Earth. With Knull also back in the mix with new abilities, there is plenty of history to catch up on before the main event kicks off.

To fully understand the stakes, start with the original King in Black series. It perfectly establishes the threat level Knull poses as a cosmic force of nature. For the current Symbiote lore, the latest run of Venom is crucial. Specifically, issues 258 and 259 provide the direct setup for the events that unfold in the opening of the new crossover.

Since the story features a heavy Asgardian influence, you should also look at The Immortal Thor. This series explains why everyone has forgotten Asgard, meaning the heroes of Earth have no idea who Hela is or what she is capable of. The final issues, 23 through 25, are especially helpful for context.

Finally, keep an eye on Scarlet Witch in the Sorcerer Supreme series. She has stepped up as Earth's primary magic defender and plays a massive role in the opening conflict. While there are many threads leading into this event, focusing on these key titles will give you the perfect foundation to follow the action as it starts.