Warning: contains potential spoilers for The End 2099 #4!
One of the founding members of the X-Men just debuted their scariest redesign of all time. Since Venom’s debut in 1988, Marvel has played around with “symbiote” versions of other heroes. Also called “Venomizing,” it became a popular trend, particularly around the time of Venom’s feature film debut and the King in Black storyline.
The King in Black, which ran in late 2020/early 2021, was a character-defining story. Building off decades of Venom lore, King in Black introduced Knull, the “god” of the symbiotes. Knull attempted an invasion of Earth, but was turned back by an army of heroes, led by Venom. Eddie Brock then became the King in Black.
Recently, a new Knull variant popped up in the pages of The End 2099. In an alternate timeline, Knull merged with Galactus, creating the powerful soul-eater Abyssus, who is now engaged in a battle of survival with Mephisto. An alternate cover to The End 2099 #4 shows the horrors Absyssus has visited upon Jean Grey.
Knull Has Taken Control of Jean Grey
Jean Grey May Get a Chance to Fight Knull
Marvel released a look at Kendrick Lim’s variant cover for The End 2099 #4, which was written by Steve Orlando and drawn by Ibraim Roberson. It depicts Jean Grey, in the “Marvel Girl” outfit she wore early on in her career. However, she has been corrupted by the Knull/Galactus hybrid.
Lim’s cover is peak nightmare fuel. Jean Grey’s hands have become scaly and claw-like. The dark symbiote oozes through her blood. Her body is adored with Knull’s symbols, including the spiral rune on her forehead. Jean Grey’s eyes glow bright red, giving her sinister appearance an even more demonic demeanor.
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It is worth noting that a Jean Grey variant is appearing in The End 2099. Mephisto and Abyssus brought together teams from across Marvel’s vast multiverse to fight for its survival. Jean Grey, as she appears on the variant cover, is one of the many forced to fight against her will.
Knull Having Jean Grey’s Powers Should Terrify Every Marvel Fan
The Phoenix Force Could Counter Knull’s Powers
The implications of a “Knull-ified” Jean Grey are horrifying. Jean Grey is one of the most powerful psychics in the Marvel Universe. She is an Omega-level psychic, rivaled only by Professor X in terms of power. Knull having such abilities at his disposal gives him a chance to spread his evil further.
Even more terrifying is that by possessing Jean Grey, Knull could gain access to the Phoenix Force. One of the most destructive forces in comics, it has chosen Jean Grey to be its host several times. If Knull utilized the Phoenix Force, particularly in his Abyssyus state, then no one, not even Mephisto, would stand a chance.
However, the Phoenix Force has demonstrated some unique abilities that could give Jen Grey an advantage over the Knull/Galactus hybrid.
However, the Phoenix Force has demonstrated some unique abilities that could give Jen Grey an advantage over the Knull/Galactus hybrid. It helped purge vampirism from Jubilee, meaning perhaps it could do something similar to Knull’s influence. The Phoenix Force is primal to the Marvel Universe, just like Knull or Galactus.
Will Other Marvel Knull Variants Follow?
Knull Variants Could Become Another Viral Trend
Kendrick Lim’s cover for The End 2099 #4 also introduces a new trend: “Knullifiying” characters. Showing popular Marvel heroes distorted and corrupted by the Venom symbiote was a treat for fans, giving them fresh looks at the publisher’s icons. It allowed Marvel characters as diverse as Captain America and Rocket Raccoon to show their dark sides.
Knullifying characters has the potential to be even scarier. Knull used his powers, as well as his Soul Sword, to kill or enslave deities. His power was so great he could challenge, and defeat, the Celestials. Having the abilities of heroes like Jean Grey or Ms. Marvel could further Knull’s campaign against the gods.
If Knull was powerful enough to kill Celestials, then he may be able to resist the Phoenix Force as well. If this is the case, then the universe would fall before him. If Knull was in his Abyssus state, and were to take the Phoenix Force, then he could snuff out every soul across space and time, making Thanos look weak.
Jean Grey Is In For the Fight of Her Life Against Knull
Jean Grey is Powerful, But Can She Kill a God?
The conclusion to The End 2099 should be an epic one, full of life and death battles that will determine the fate of the multiverse. Jean Grey has been involved in many of these as a member of the X-Men. Yet this time, her vast powers may not be enough to save her from a hellish fate.
The End 2099 #4 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!
