With rumors swirling about his possible inclusion to the MCU, Marvel's Black Knight character is all the buzz right now. Although he was an Avenger in the comics, the Black Knight was always more of a D-List character. Because of this, little is known about him among most comic book fans.
But because of this character's rich, storied history, that needs to change, especially as we get closer to his possible movie debut. Here are the top ten things you need to know about Marvel's Black Knight.
10 10. A Stan Lee Creation
Like most of Marvel's best characters, Black Knight was a Stan Lee creation. Debuting in 1955, the original Black Knight, Sir Percy of Scandia, was a medieval knight and hero in the court of King Arthur. There would be two more iterations of the character that became popular during the '60s. The first of these, Nathan Garrett, was also created by Stan Lee.
The second, however, was created by acclaimed writer Roy Thomas. Although it was Thomas' version that became most popular, the groundwork laid by Stan Lee for the character served as the bedrock for the Black Knight and still informs who the character is to this day.
9 9. Originally A Villain
The second incarnation of Black Knight, Nathan Garrett, was a supervillain. An unassuming Biology Professor, Garrett turned out to be the direct descendant of the original Black Knight. After discovering Sir Percy's tomb, Garrett tries to take the mythical Ebony Blade. Shunned by Percy's ghost for his evil tendencies, Garrett becomes a supervillain to spite his ancestor, using technology to make up for his lack of powers.
After a battle with Iron Man mortally wounds him, Garrett calls his nephew, Dane Whitman, to his deathbed. Repenting for all the wrong he had done, Garrett asks Whitman to make up for all the wrong he has done. Inspired, Whitman becomes the next Black Knight—a hero.
8 8. Multiple Incarnations
There have been many Black Knights over the course of Marvel comics history. The most notable of them are the first three: Sir Percy, Nathan Garrett, and Dane Whitman. There have, however, been a few more of note. One such character was Augustine du Lac, an agent of the Vatican who wished to spread Catholicism to Wakanda.
Another younger female Black Knight was a member of the Young Masters. The Young Masters is the antagonistic team to the Young Avengers, much like the Masters of Evil are to the Avengers.
7 7. New Excalibur
Excalibur is a British superhero team based out of London. Lead by Captain Britain, Dane Whitman's Black Knight was also inducted as an important member of the team. Black Knight fought alongside his friend, Captain Britain, for some time.
Unfortunately, after finding out that his version of the Ebony Blade was a fake, Whitman is forced to leave Excalibur. Although his search for the Ebony Blade caused him to leave, Black Knight would eventually return.
6 6. MI-13
Upon his return to Britain, Black Knight joined Captain Britain's new team MI-13. At this time, the Skrull Secret Invasion crossover was happening in Marvel comics. Captain Britain, Black Knight, and the rest of MI-13 took it upon themselves to defend London from the alien invasion.
During this time, Whitman met a medic named Faiza Hussain. Romantically attracted to Hussain, Black Knight decided to make her his squire. She went on to wield the sword Excalibur and also used Excalibur as her codename.
5 5. His Steed
A mystical creature from the land of Valinor, Black Knight's steed is named Strider. A winged horse, Strider can fly at extremely high speeds, easily capable of breaking the sound barrier. Strider is extremely loyal and will always come when Whitman calls him.
Other Black Knights have ridden other steeds. Nathan Garrett, for instance, instead had a mechanical robot horse that wasn't nearly as effective. None of the other steeds come close to the greatness of Strider.
4 4. An Avenger
Shortly after taking on the mantle from his uncle, Dane Whitman was attacked by the Avengers. They later realized they had made a mistake and decided to work with the new Black Knight.
Using his mantle's villainous past to his advantage, Dane used the Black Knight's reputation to gain membership with the Masters of Evil. Helping defeat them from within, Black Knight proved himself to the Avengers and became an important member of the team.
3 3. Heroes For Hire
Although the Heroes for Hire is traditionally thought of as the team up of Iron Fist and Luke Cage, there was a time when Black Knight was a character. After helping them defeat the deadly villain Nitro, Iron Fist made Whitman an offer to join the team, which he gladly accepted.
While his time with the team was short, it helped show that Black Knight is intrinsically tied to the Marvel universe. He has made friends and allies with all kinds of different heroes on many of Marvel's greatest teams.
2 2. The Ebony Blade
An indestructible, enchanted weapon, the Ebony Blade has had many wielders over the course of its existence. Carved from a meteor and enchanted by the wizard Merlin, this weapon has unbelievable powers.
This sword can cut through anything short of adamantium or other enchanted weapons. It can destroy mystical barriers and either deflect or absorb all kinds of energy. It can also be summoned back to the Black Knight through a mystical ceremony if it should ever be lost. It can also never be used on its owner, as it's unable to pierce his/her skin if used against the owner.
1 1. The Curse Of The Blade
Due to its mystical nature and all the blood it had spilled, the Ebony Blade became afflicted with a blood curse. Its curse can do various things to the users. Sometimes it turns them to stone, offers additional powers, or makes the user go mad with rage.
With the help of the Sorcerer Supreme himself, Doctor Strange, Dane Whitman was able to finally remove the blade of its curse. The danger always remains, however. If it should ever be used for unnecessary bloodshed again, the curse will return.