The rise of the Dark Knight: from the comics to the MCU
Since his mysterious introduction in The Eternals, the Black Knight of the MCU, portrayed by Dane Whitman, has captivated the imagination and hype of fans.
An heir to a medieval hero and bearer of the ancient Ebony Sword, Whitman stands out for his narrative richness, rooted in a blend of Arthurian mythology and modern dramas. This complex character offers unique depth to the MCU, promising to explore themes of nobility, sacrifice, and internal struggle.
Who is the Black Knight in The Eternals?
Dane Whitman, aka the Black Knight, is introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the film The Eternals. Nephew of Nathan Garrett, a villain of the same name, Dane inherits the family castle and a formidable sword capable of cutting through absolutely anything, the Ebony Sword.
In the film, he is presented as an expert in medieval history working at the Natural History Museum in London and maintains a romantic relationship with Sersi, one of the Eternals. His brief appearance in the post-credits scene where he opens a box containing the famed sword foreshadows his future role in the MCU.
What are the powers of the Black Knight?
The Black Knight wields the Ebony Sword, an extremely powerful weapon that was supposedly carved from a meteorite and enchanted by Merlin.
It gives Dane the ability to generate magical shields, cast spells, and, in some tales, communicate with past Black Knights. It can cut through almost all materials (including multiverses!) and can repel magic. However, the sword is cursed, and the weight of the curse includes also an influence on his psychological state, making him darker and more conflict-prone.
This curse comes from the souls of all those it has killed, thereby enhancing its power, but in return, it exerts this harmful influence on its bearer, pushing him towards darker feelings and sometimes towards madness.
What does the Black Knight do?
In the comics, the Black Knight acts as a superhero, often affiliated with groups like the Avengers. He fights crime using his skills in both armed and unarmed combat, backed by his knowledge of history and magic.
His quest involves righting the wrongs of his ancestor while managing the curse of the Ebony Sword. His internal struggle with the consequences of this curse defines much of his actions and adventures. Unlike other superheroes, he does not attempt to rectify his own mistakes but rather those of his ancestor, highlighting a goal that is both honorable and pure.
The Black Knight in the comics
In the Marvel Comics, Dane Whitman takes up the mantle of the Black Knight from his uncle, seeking to restore the honor to their name.
Since his first appearance in The Avengers #47 in 1967, Dane has had a rich history, battling both external enemies and his own tendency towards corruption by the sword. Besides his solo adventures, he has played a crucial role in major sagas and served as a bridge between the world of humans and that of magic and mysticism.
All his adventures are based on a conflict between his good and valiant self and the Ebony Sword which increasingly tries to corrupt him further.
Is the Black Knight powerful?
Yes, the Black Knight is extremely powerful, especially because of his mastery of the Ebony Sword. His strength lies in his human courage combined with magical abilities, making him capable of standing up to overwhelmingly powerful enemies.
He is respected for his bravery and his ability to fight both physical and supernatural opponents, making him a valuable ally of the Avengers and other superheroes.
For a memorable comic book moment, the Black Knight, using the Ebony Sword, managed to defeat the mighty Thor in a single blow, thus demonstrating the extraordinary power of the cursed sword capable of overturning even a god (nothing to do with the Necrosword!).
What future for the Black Knight in the MCU?
The future of the Black Knight in the MCU looks promising and full of potential. After his introduction in The Eternals, fans speculate on his involvement in future projects, such as crossovers with Blade or other films centered on the supernatural and magic.
His rich history and complexity make him an ideal candidate to explore darker themes in the MCU, potentially in series or films that delve deeper into the mythology and magical artifacts of the Marvel Universe.
The future of the Black Knight seems filled with intriguing possibilities. Perhaps we will soon see him forge closer ties with other heroes we all know, paving the way for challenges that go beyond the simple earthly frame to touch on the very essence of heroism and redemption.
By the team MySuperSuit
