The Marvel Cinematic Universe will introduce fans to The Eternals in their very own big-screen movie. The group is Earth's protectors, part of an ancient race of Celestials who defend the planet from the evil Deviants. However, one character on the team is not like the rest.
fans look forward to seeing his on-screen version.
Dane Is The Nephew Of The Previous Black Knight
Dane Whitman is the Black Knight in comics, but he isn’t the first Black Knight. There were two other Black Knights before him. The first was Sir Percy of Scandia, who was part of King Arthur’s court. The second was supervillain Nathan Garrett, a direct descendant of Sir Percy. Garrett was an Iron Man villain, and he died following a battle.
Before he died, Garrett called his nephew Dane Whitman and asked forgiveness. He then asked Dane to take up the cause and turn Black Knight into a hero.
Dane Is The Avengers' Black Knight
The first thing Dane tried to do as Black Knight was help the Avengers when Magneto kidnapped Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. However, thinking he was his uncle, they attacked him, causing him to refuse to help them any further.
It wasn’t long, though, before the two sides made good and Black Knight ed The Avengers. Black Knight served as a member into the ‘90s, where he enjoyed his highest-profile role with the team, at the same time the Eternals’ Sersi ed them.
Dane Is A Gifted Scientist
Dane Whitman isn’t only a fierce warrior, but he is also very intelligent. Forget about his sword and flying steed; he is also a scientist trained in physics. This helped him fit in well with the Avengers, who have always had a need for scientists, from Tony Stark to Hank Pym.
What makes Dane different from those Avengers is that he has also mixed his scientific knowledge with magic. Black Knight knows both are an important part of his repertoire.
Black Knight's Weapon Is The Ebony Blade
To become Black Knight, Dane Whitman received the Ebony Blade to use as his weapon. This enchanted sword ed through many hands over the years. It came to be when Merlin carved it from a meteor before enchanting it.
The Ebony Blade can cut through almost anything, including mystical barriers. Black Knight can also use it as a defensive weapon to deflect or absorb energy blasts. It also connects to its owner so villains can’t use it against Dane. The sword will never cut its owner.
Dane Knight's Sword Is Cursed
While the Ebony Blade is a magical, powerful sword that Black Knight uses to fight evil, it possesses a curse. In 2021’s King in Black: Black Knight #1 by Simon Spurrier and Jesus Saiz, Knull said Merlin created the sword for the impure at heart. It corrupts the soul of those who wield it, especially when they use it to kill.
The individuals who used the Ebony Blade before Dane ended up as bloodthirsty tyrants. Dane crossed the line more than once, and in the 2015 Black Knight miniseries by Frank Tieri and Julian Totino Tedesco, Steve Rogers realized how dangerous the sword is when he has to weild it. After this, he held greater respect for Dane for having so much control over himself.
Black Knight Rides A Mystical Winged Horse
Dane Whitman has ridden many magical flying steeds. His main steed is Strider, who the Lady of the Lake gave him as a gift. The horse has supersonic flight and can survive underwater. He also previously rode a horse named Aragorn.
After Enchantress turned him to stone, Valkyrie took ownership of Aragorn, and when Black Knight returned, he allowed her to keep the steed. He also gained another horse for a short time after traveling back to the 12th Century, this one named Valinor.
Dane And Sersi Dated In The Avengers
Black Knight had many relationships while he was with the Avengers. At one time, he developed a relationship with Wasp. However, the most famous romantic relationship Dane enjoyed in the Avengers comics came with a love triangle including one member of the Eternals.
Sersi had left the Eternals and ed the Avengers and while there, she developed a romantic relationship with Dane. However, this triangle also included Crystal of the Inhumans. In Avengers #375 by Bob Harras and Steve Epting, Dane and Sersi left the Avengers together.
Black Knight Is Immune To Magic
Black Knight might have no superpowers, but he has one ability thanks to his sword. Not only can the Ebony Blade slice through anything short of adamantium, it also provides him with protection from magical attacks.
This is because the Ebony Blade can deflect magical attacks when held right; it can also absorb magical energy shot at it. There is also no way that a magical villain can use their powers to affect the sword.
Black Knight Was Also Part Of Excalibur
Dane Whitman was not only a member of The Avengers. He also ed up with Excalibur in the 2001 four-issue miniseries. The team-up was unique, as it was clear there was a true rivalry here between Black Knight and Captain Britain, but they teamed for the greater good.
It was this storyline that eventually ended with Captain Britain becoming the new monarch of Otherworld, which still plays out today in the pages of X-Men comics.
Dane Created New Avalon
While the Braddock’s have their home of Avalon in Otherworld, that is not the only Avalon in Marvel Comics. In the Black Knight Vol. 3 by Frank Tieri, Luca Pizzari & David Walker, Dane went to Weirdworld after losing control of himself while using the Ebony Blade.
He killed King Zaltin Tar and turned Weirdworld into New Avalon. The kingdom followed him loyally and even when the Avengers showed up to bring him in for a murder, his new kingdom stood up for him. In the end, Steve Rogers allowed Dane to remain there as its ruler.
