Knull is a powerful cosmic entity within Marvel Comics, created by writer Donny Cates and artist Ryan Stegman. Introduced in Venom #3 (2018), Knull is the malevolent god of darkness and the creator of the symbiotes, the alien race that includes Venom and Carnage. He represents the primordial darkness that existed before the universe came into being, making him one of the oldest and most dangerous entities in Marvel's cosmic pantheon.

Origin and Role in Marvel Lore

Knull's story begins billions of years ago, long before the existence of the Marvel multiverse as we know it. He was born in the void of nothingness, a time when darkness reigned supreme. When the Celestials—the cosmic gods responsible for the creation of life—began shaping the universe with light, Knull took it as a personal affront. He sought to plunge the universe back into darkness, waging war against the Celestials with a weapon he forged: the All-Black, a sword made from his own shadow that later became the first symbiote. This weapon was used to decapitate a Celestial, an act that demonstrated his sheer power.

From there, Knull was imprisoned within the symbiote race he created, the Klyntar, which ultimately rebelled against him. However, his influence would resurdata-face billions of years later when he began orchestrating events across the galaxy to regain control of his symbiotes and return the universe to a state of darkness.

Powers and Abilities

Knull's powers are vast and formidable, easily placing him among the strongest beings in Marvel Comics. His abilities include:

Symbiote Control: As the god of the symbiotes, Knull has absolute control over all symbiotes, able to manipulate their forms, thoughts, and behaviors. This includes creating new symbiotes from his own being.

Darkness Manipulation: Knull can control and shape pure darkness, which he uses to create weapons, beings, and entire armies of symbiotes.

Immortality: Knull is ageless and cannot die through conventional means. Even when his physical body is destroyed, his essence persists.

Superhuman Strength and Durability: Knull's strength is immeasurable, far surpassing most of the heroes and villains of the Marvel Universe. He has taken on some of the most powerful cosmic entities and emerged victorious.

Cosmic Awareness and Reality Warping: Knull is aware of the universe on a cosmic scale and has shown the ability to manipulate reality to a degree, especially through his symbiotes and the darkness he controls.

All-Black, the Necrosword: Knull's most iconic weapon, the Necrosword, grants him vast destructive power. This sword is capable of killing gods, and it later becomes a weapon used by various Marvel characters, including Gorr the god Butcher.

How Does He Compare to doctor Doom?

doctor Doom, a master of both science and sorcery, is one of the most intelligent and dangerous villains in Marvel's Earth-based stories. He rules the nation of Latveria with an iron fist, frequently clashes with the Fantastic Four, and has mastered nearly every form of magic available in the Marvel Universe. Doom's intellect, combined with his proficiency in magic and the technology he creates, allows him to contend with beings far more powerful than himself, even on a cosmic scale.

However, comparing Knull to doctor Doom is a clash between two different kinds of power:

• Raw Power vs. Intelligence and Strategy: Knull's power is more innate and tied to his cosmic origins, while Doom’s strength lies in his combination of brilliance, cunning, and the ability to wield powerful artifacts, such as the Infinity Gauntlet or the power of the Beyonders in certain storylines.

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• Cosmic vs. Earthly Threats: Knull operates on a universal scale, whereas Doom's greatest feats are often centered on Earth. Doom can compete with cosmic entities through preparation and acquiring power, but Knull is a god by birthright, wielding vast power without needing external tools.

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In a direct conflict, Doom would likely seek to use his intelligence and magic to exploit Knull’s weaknesses. However, if Knull unleashed the full force of his darkness and symbiotes, he would overwhelm Doom's resources. Doom's power is impressive, but Knull's status as a god and his control over an entire race of symbiotes make him an overwhelming force. In raw strength, Knull is stronger, but Doom’s genius and adaptability could allow him to survive—or even defeat—Knull under the right circumstances.

Knull represents one of the most terrifying threats in Marvel's cosmic stories. His control over darkness, immortality, and god-like powers make him a nearly unstoppable force. While doctor Doom is a genius who has manipulated and conquered vast powers, Knull's strength as the god of the symbiotes would give him an edge in sheer raw power. However, Doom’s craftiness has allowed him to best cosmic entities before, meaning the outcome of such a battle would depend on the circumstances and the resources Doom could marshal.