Writer: Simon Spurrier

Art: Sergio Dávila, Sean Parsons, Arif Prianto, VC’s Cory Petit, Jesus Aburtov, and Iban Coello

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: March 17th, 2021

Dane Whitman is the BLACK KNIGHT, however, his power comes at a horrible cost. Dane is cursed with a ravenous passion for blood and violence that’s unending, consuming, and gradually pushes him closer and closer to total darkness. Nevertheless, after the events of the KING IN BLACK, Dane become revitalized with a new sense of promise and direction. However, he gains all his power and ability from his Ebony Blade, which has a twisted curse. The more hate and rage he possesses; the more powerful Dane becomes. Moreover, the calmer and more peaceful Dane becomes, the weaker he becomes. Let’s dive into this inaugural tale of the BLACK KNIGHT: EBONY BLADE #1 by Si Spurrier to see some of the inner dilemmas and outer trials this one-time AVENGER is currently struggling with.

If you’re interested in this comic or any of the others mentioned, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.

STORY

The first words that pop into my mind after reading this opening installment are informative, interesting, and purely fascinating. If I could be honest, I’ve read very little on the BLACK KNIGHT. So, as someone (basically) brand new to the character, Spurrier uses this issue as a rapid-fire introductory lesson on Dane Whitman and the Ebony Blade. Readers will learn about his emotional state, how his powers work (kind of), and what their effects are on those around him.

Furthermore, readers get a small taste as to how the AVENGERS view the BLACK KNIGHT and how truly “respected” he is by his peers. Lastly, Spurrier ushers in what appears to be a brand new ability for our hero that has the potential to make Dane rather unstoppable if it holds true.

COMPARISON

During the issue, CAPTAIN MARVEL makes a pretty spot-on comparison that really helped channel my newfound understanding of Dane Whitman and the Ebony Blade. She compares the BLACK KNIGHT to THOR in almost every conceivable way… except polar opposites. Image the characteristics that make up the God of Thunder, yet flipped on their head. If you do that, you have yourself the BLACK KNIGHT. And after Spurrier sets up that analogy, all the pieces began to connect much better…even down to the “worthiness” of the weapon.

ART

Sergio Dávila leads the charge on an art team that manages to hold their own. There is a ton of action in this issue that gets to showcase their abilities and ultimately makes this issue rather busy. Dávila, with the help of Sean Parsons and Arif Prianto, did an outstanding job making this inaugural tale pop with splash pages that were completely enthralling with the epic power of the Ebony Blade. However, there were a few aspects of the issue that I couldn’t tell exactly what was going on without help from Spurrier’s script. Overall, this creative team held their own well and kept me captivated even with the heavy dialogue cluttered around the issue, which was truly helpful.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you have any interest at all in the BLACK KNIGHT, this is a highly illuminating and action-packed issue that will leave you with a touch of enthusiasm for what’s to come. There’s something for long-time fans as well as new recruits while opening the door for some crazy developments down the road. Spurrier and his team managed to hook me into the series and I truly believe, if given the chance, you may be hooked too. Give it a look, let me know what you think, and God Bless!

8.9/10

Dig into our other Comic Book Dispatch Reviews HERE or grab another perspective from Weird Science Marvel Comics HERE. And, if you’re curious as to what’s arriving in comic shops each week, check out our Comic Book Dispatch Previews HERE

If you’re interested in BLACK KNIGHT: CURSE OF THE EBONY BLADE #1, click HERE to grab a copy. If you love the BLACK KNIGHT, click HERE to snag related issues and trades. And finally, if you’re looking for something else to read, check out my Amazon Online Comic Shop by clicking HERE. Thank you all for checking out the Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade #1 Preview as well as your continued support. Stay safe and stay healthy.