With the announcement of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 came the reveal of the game’s subtitle: The Black Order. But who exactly is the Black Order, and what is their significance within the Marvel universe?
Everything We Know About The Black Order
The Black Order was formed by Thanos, who serves as the figurehead and leader of the group. The intergalactic despot enlisted the likes of Corvus Glaive, Black Dwarf, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, and Supergiant. When you set their names aside it’s easy to realize why Thanos personally recruited these weapons of destruction. Each of the members of this elite group was adopted by him from planets he had razed, and together form his personal task force.
Corvus Glaive
Thanos’ favorite among all his disciples, Corvus Glaive stands out among the crowd for a number of reasons, not least of all being that his name can actually strike fear into the hearts of his foes. His weapon of choice is, as originality dictates, a glaive of course. This glaive is no ordinary blade though, as it grants Corvus immortality so long as the weapon is intact.
In addition to his deviously powerful weapon and enhanced physical abilities, Corvus Glaive has an excellent tactical mind. It’s for this reason he is most effective at leading the Black Order as Thanos’ second in command. Guiding the squad to ruthless success by despicable means is what Corvus Glaive does best.
Ebony Maw
One of two members of the Black Order who subdues combatants with his will instead of his strength, Ebony Maw is a master manipulator in every sense of the term. With no physical powers to mention, he weaponizes the power of his mind to overcome those who would oppose Thanos. His most notable achievement within the comics was his ability to overpower Doctor Strange.
He turned the Sorcerer Supreme into his puppet, subduing one of the most powerful casters in the Marvel universe. He used Strange to unleash the multi-dimensional horror known as Shuma-Gorath on Earth and to find Thanos’ son Thane. Once Strange had fulfilled his use, Maw simply cut him loose, forcing his Thrall to forget the events that had transpired. The nonchalant use of such a strong magic user as a slave is the prime reason why Ebony Maw should be known and feared.
Proxima Midnight
Although their frontman is a force to be reckoned with, his wife Proxima Midnight is not one to be underestimated. Her battle expertise matches that of her husband, and her weapon is considerably more lethal than Corvus’ glaive. Crafted from a star by Thanos himself, Proxima’s spear can split into multiple prongs, piercing her targets with fatal toxins. While her spear does not grant immortality, it does make her incredibly difficult to kill.
Supergiant
Supergiant is the least known entity of the Black Order, as her role in the comics was minimal, and her presence in Avengers: Infinity War was nonexistent. Similarly to Ebony Maw, Supergiant uses powers of mental domination to overpower her enemies. Contrary to Maw, however, is her ability to strengthen herself by feeding off of the intelligence of other life forms. While she is certainly less understood than her peers, the mystery that shrouds her may be the most powerful weapon she has.
Black Dwarf
Brother of Corvus Glaive and the primary physical powerhouse of the group is Black Dwarf. The absolutely massive alien stands shoulder to shoulder with Hulk in terms of sheer size and brings just about the same qualities to the table. Wielding a menacing battle axe to match his brutish appearance, Black Dwarf utilizes his super strength and seemingly impervious skin to control the battlefield. While he was defeated by the Wakandans and once more by the Avengers, his presence in the game has yet to be determined, and he could prove to be a major challenge.