The Rise and Fall of MARVEL KNIGHTS

In this video, Owen explains the history of Marvel Knights, how Joe Quesada and Jimmy Palmiotti changed comics forever, and the legacy of this ambitious imprint.
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▶ Further Reading:
The Making of Marvel Knights: Black Panther (Behind the Panel) | SYFY WIRE
• The Making Of Marvel K...
The Making of Marvel Knights: Daredevil (Behind the Panel) | SYFY WIRE
• The Making Of Marvel K...
The Making of Marvel Knights: The Punisher (Behind the Panel) | SYFY WIRE
• The Making Of Marvel K...
Marvel Knights: An Oral History, Marvel.com
www.marvel.com/oral-history-m...
Rosie Night, How MARVEL KNIGHTS Changed the Face and Fate of Marvel Comics, Nerdist.com
nerdist.com/article/marvel-kn...
Sean Howe, Marvel Comics: The Untold Story
▶ Special thanks to Aeric Azana, Mattie Pahl, Mikayla J. Laird and Sal Crivelli for providing additional voiceover:
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▶ Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
2:45 - New Beginnings
9:50 - Initial Success
18:22 - Fall From Grace
22:27 - Conclusion
27:40 - Outro
▶ Music Used:
Music from freetousemusic.com
Lukrembo - Marshmallow
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Blue Wednesday - Exhale
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Less People - Beautifully So
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Fantompower - Blankets
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Nymano - Mistral
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Sugi.wa - Memories
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Marvel Knights was an imprint of Marvel Comics. Dealing with more mature themes than the regular imprint, it was intended more for teenagers rather than children. However, it did not deal with the adult themes touched on by the Marvel MAX imprint. The imprint was meant to revive old, lesser-known characters who had lapsed in popularity. The imprint originated in 1998 when Marvel outsourced four titles (Black Panther, Daredevil, Punisher, and The Inhumans) to Joe Quesada's Event Comics company. Event hired the creative teams for the Knights line while Marvel published them. The imprint has since been folded back into Marvel's standard methods of publication, and is used to single out Marvel's "edgier" titles.
#MarvelKnights #Marvel #ComicBooks

[@OwenLikesComics]

▶ If you enjoyed this video, consider supporting Owen Likes Comics on Patreon: www.patreon.com/owenlikescomics

[@outpostalpha]

The Marvel Knights eras of Black Panther and Daredevil are still among the best runs on those characters. Really interesting history behind this imprint!

[@paulakroy2635]

Also punisher.

[@thephyrexian9664]

​​@@paulakroy2635 The GOAT

[@justinriley]

The Marvel Knights run of Black Panther made me a lifelong fan of the character.

[@SHLVideos]

I've got a lotta love for the Ennis Punisher stories, and Marvel Boy was pretty awesome as well. It sure kept me reading comics when I was having a hard time finding anything good to read!

[@pushon10]

I agree, but I'm not fond of Steve Dillon's art. He draws everyone's face the same way!

[@avisionleshawn1116]

I was fortunate enough to read Marvel knights as a kid and I thought these stories were extraordinary because it was something different Marvel Knights wasn't my favorite run of all time But I still believe that it should be cherished among fans around the world I can't thank you enough Owen for the amount of time and effort that you put into these videos I wish I could tell you how much your videos mean to me And I sincerely mean that from the bottom of my heart take care and keep reading

[@MrKyGuy]

I always get so excited when you drop a video. Appreciate all your work that you put into these, and the amount of research and clarity that shines in the videos is just so superb!

[@AprilMoon7]

Right???

[@OwenLikesComics]

I appreciate that!

[@ginoames]

The original Marvel Knights stuff was great. There was a cool magazine size reprint book that had 3-4 issues in it. It was cool to see the art blown up like that. Sadly the imprint became first a victim of "more, we need more" and then once the Ultimate Universe came to be it was basically forgotten about. It's funny, when Joe Q came to Marvel I was really excited......then he stayed way too long. I wanted him as far a way from the characters as possible.

[@MikelWash]

Great Essay I think it is important to note that Priest Created the Dora and he is one of the few creators who wasn't given high profile book after Relaunching BP into what we know him today and his influence on one of the highest-grossing movies in history

[@georgelea4297]

I loved the Priest/Texiera run on Black Panther and the Jenkins/Lee Inhumans during the initial run of Marvel Knights

[@JokersVsZombies]

I talk a lot of shit about bendis, but his daredevil run was top tier great.

[@IkanTheNo-One]

Once again, Owen does something that we don't get enough of, thanks for this exploration of the stories and the background behind this line (Honestly I completely forgot about Event Comics) . Let's be real, I don't know where Marvel would be now without the success of MK, especially with stories like Ennis Punisher, Gaiman's 1602 or Smith's Daredevil. This books mean so much to so many people including myself, I missed those days. Again, great video, keep the machine going 👏🏻

[@SilhouetteofDarkseid]

We need a video on Vertigo Comics

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

Need a video on Valiant.

[@pushon10]

The Marvel Knights books were just what Marvel needed at the time: action-packed superhero stories that were also mature, gritty and easy to identify without being tryhard or 'edgy.'

[@pious83]

I'd forgotten _Angel_ Punisher and Ennis Punisher existed within the same imprint Lol The latter giving the definitive run and voice to Frank. Only Greg Rucka's underrated run being a close second.

[@HishamA.N_Comicbroe]

Great video as always! I've always wanted to more about his imprint as it had sounded pretty cool to me. Would love it if you did one on the Max imprint too.

[@OwenLikesComics]

Noted!

[@JTR_3]

yes a dive into the Max line would be great!@@OwenLikesComics

[@basscot17]

This might be my favorite video by you! Thanks for exploring a less talked about era of Marvel comics. I really enjoyed DD, Black Panther, inhumans, Sentry. Still haven't had the chance to read Punisher Purgatory but i guess it's part of The culture so i should give it a chance. Keep the good stuff coming! If I may, here are some suggestions: Maybe Vertigo? The lesser known titles like Doom patrol or Animal man after Morrison? Shade the changing Man? A deep drive into Hellblazer?

[@Mephiestopholes]

Great as always

[@kenrobinson7563]

Been waiting for a in depth discussion about the marvel knights titles super excited for this one

[@ryanspengler4877]

And yet Quesada will instead be remembered for shotgunning Spider-Man's entire legacy in the back of the head with One More Day...

[@Thenameless1]

I need to read more of these Marvel Knights comics, I've already loved The Punisher and The Sentry runs and really appreciated it's Inhumans run and would love to read more of these. They really feel like great entry points into the Marvel universe.

[@chazz335]

YES! The video I’ve been waiting for!!! Thank you, Owen!

[@OwenLikesComics]

My pleasure!

[@willgreen8668]

Great video I always love learning about comics history from you!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Glad to hear it!

[@omegaminoseer4539]

I feel like Daredevil and especially Christopher Priest's Black Panther carried that imprint. It agonizes to see that the edge in Black Panther was shaved off, while Coates and Hudlin abused the framework-built brick-by-brick by Priest. While I never knew about all of Marvel Knights until I was in high school, I can cite Black Panther and The Crew almost issue-by-issue because I'd read them backwards and forwards. Guardian Devil became one of my favorite comics, ever, when I was finally able to read it. That darkness and willingness to consume the negativity of being human was a common throughline for the text. Yet, seeing these street-level superheroes ascend to godhood in their unconquered spirit made ME try harder, as I emulated their example.

[@owensreviews625]

High quality stuff as always, Owen. Keep up the great work!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Much appreciated!

[@jackiemcgill6433]

Awesome video as always @owenlikescomics! So interesting, I didn't know how much the MCU drew from Marvel Nights Black Panther run.

[@oldmanlogan9616]

Great video as always.

[@OwenLikesComics]

I appreciate that!

[@rolandoalvarado2979]

Love this channel always learning

[@OwenLikesComics]

I appreciate that!

[@NatrixNate]

Great video? I would love to see you cover DC's vertigo imprint next!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Great suggestion!

[@NadeemShekh-uy9zn]

Can you do a video on the supernatural side of marvel specifically teams like the Legion of Monsters, Howling Commandos, night shift and the Midnight Sons

[@jamessherman7512]

Great video, would love to see you tackle Marvel MAX next 👍

[@OwenLikesComics]

Great suggestion!

[@FireKnight96]

Fantastic video. I'm aware of some the titles, but didn't know how far back the history of this run went. Thanks for the history lesson, Owen.

[@OwenLikesComics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lewishayne8250]

Love the channel 😊

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thank you!

[@tristonivory8967]

I think you doing a video on the MAX line of marvel comics would be a great one

[@JoeLovesComics]

Great review!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-oe8tx9co1p]

good job dude, keep it up!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thanks, will do!

[@oscarcantujr.4639]

Another amazing video!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AkiDave]

I remember seeing the Marvel Knights DVD/Blu-Ray set at Best Buy lol. Great video as usual Owen 💙

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thanks!

[@AkiDave]

@@OwenLikesComics Ofc!

[@Superpartymarty]

Brilliant work 👏

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@graefx]

For years, my mental image of black panther and inhumans were defined by those Knights runs. Guardian Devil or Bendis for daredevil, and Ennis for Frank, those covers especially. Theres an energy and risk to those books that seems lacking today.

[@jesusfernandez974]

A great job you did Owen 👍💯.

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thanks!

[@positiveproductions6699]

Just want to say really like your videos keep up the great work I really like these documentary style videos you do

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thank you so much, will do!

[@jessemillan1385]

The Marvel Knights run helped bring Marvel Comics from the brink of Bankruptcy while also set up stories such as Spider-Man Blue, the MAX series, Hulk Grey by Jeff Loeb, and the current runs in Marvel Comics today. The dark nature of Marvel Knight redefined story telling because it brought a new era with a new generation of comic writers such as Brian Michael Bendis, Jeff Loeb, Jason Aaron, and Jonathan Hickman.

[@harleymitchell6050]

Great work, man. I began with Matvel in 1980, and many years later, then married adult, MK was a sign of cómics growing up, just as I was. I fondly remember that time Thanks!

[@Kostas_in_space]

Bendis run was the first i ve read along with my brother. Man that was amazing

[@OwenLikesComics]

It's so good!

[@KiramidHead]

It's funny how Ben Affleck's Daredevil straight up murdered a stand in for Quesada.

[@maxordman4100]

The first Black Panther story was amazing! I picked up the book from a store in Las Vegas and it is one of the best Black Panther stories ever! I have also read Spider-man Blue which I thought was also really good. There’s plenty of other amazing comics runs discussed here that I would like to check out. Thank you for making this video. I will be sure to check out many of these stories.

[@alexpinet3503]

The Marvel Knights DD run (Smith/Bendis/Brubaker) couldn’t exist without Miller’s, but at this point, I believe it to be just as influential and important. Such great stuff. Your content is excellent. Keep up the great and hard work!

[@deberleoffice]

True, but marvel knights didn't last until brubaker was on the book. Technically the same run, but the imprint was finished.

[@alexpinet3503]

@@deberleoffice Yeah, I know. I just meant what had started with Smith/Quesada. It kinda maintained the same tone until Diggle came around and added some supernatural elements. I do enjoy his run, too, though.

[@deberleoffice]

@@alexpinet3503 diggle's was also definitely good. Wait a second... "Who is this?"

[@alexpinet3503]

@@deberleoffice “Uncle Leo…?”

[@OwenLikesComics]

Couldn't agree more!

[@kazzakoool]

To me, the Marvel/Netflix shows were The MKCU (Marvel Knights Cinematic Universe)

[@lancefullmer9384]

I loved the early 2000s marvel with marvel knights and the prime of the ultimate universe its what I grew up with and its always gunna be a large part of how I view alot of my favorite characters

[@user-yh8hx6wr9f]

Owen, have you ever considered a meet up for your UK fans? I've been reading comics for 20 years, but none of my friends do. I'd love to meet up with like minded fans to talk about our favourite books (i would chew your ear off about Hickman's FF haha)

[@joefur2835]

Again the quality of your videos is nothing short of sublime. Keep working I’m glad I’m here before you blow up. Edit: having watched this whole video it was very touching for me. I was in my late teens and early 20s when marvel knights came out. For 3-4 years this imprint was one of the best things in comics. Getting to read this in real time is one of my favorite comic book memories.

[@OwenLikesComics]

I really appreciate that, thank you so much for the kind words and thanks for sharing your thoughts on the books!

[@Cartercooks317]

@@OwenLikesComics I wish you had talked about the crossover Bendis did between his max comic books, and his knights books.

[@williammaldonado4936]

Soooo, any thoughts on doing content about indie comics? Your work is amazing. 🖤

[@Smoove91321]

I was wondering if you would do a video of the agents of Atlas, sir?

[@icarusgaming6269]

Can you please cover the MAX imprint?

[@funnywackysillyman7780]

marvel is at its best with these character-centric books

[@brodygarrison5216]

Bendis's Daredevil might be one of my favorite comic runs of all time. Definitely one of the best things to come out of this era.

[@dexter123423]

It’s definitely one of my favorite runs too!

[@daniescott3000]

They should bring back the Marvel Knights imprint.

[@dirtydan3551]

Do a video on Marvel max, dc black label and dc vertigo.

[@TrillyThough]

Great video as usual. This run of series was transformative and revolutionary.

[@OwenLikesComics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adrianrocha6844]

Marvel Knights should comeback and give it its original intent and the way marvel is these days I think it would help it out and maybe it can last longer

[@martezberry3164]

I have most of the digital comics they produced, love it 💪

[@damianmonke3922]

He’s gotta do a video on the marvel max imprint next

[@matthewgxx1]

a day after my birthday, this is what i just needed😈

[@stevenoneil5785]

Because I started collecting with superior spiderman I saw the marvel knights spiderman coming out concurrently and was interested and that got me into the history of Marvel knights

[@AngelPerez-tu1nk]

Bold experiments like Marvel Knights might not endure for long, but the impact they left must be respected. (Also Jon Calamari? Sorry but that made me laugh xD).

[@ojar91]

Love dark and gritter comics.

[@Hobo613]

one casualty no talks about is that have the 1-2 punch of Quesada and Palmiotti taken off the board art wise for almost 20yrs. Nothing brought me more joy than seeing the occasional pinup or cover from them that were sparingly released

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

It would be great if we got a video on the 20th anniversary comic. For resources I recommend watching "Why I Killed Lockjaw: Donny Cates On Inhumans, Marvel Knights & More (Behind The Panel) | SYFY WIRE" and "Joe Q's Mornin' Warm Up w/ Tini Howard | Issue #15".

[@ginofrancejr555]

Excellent video my favorite marvel knights books are Christopher priests black panther daredevil Ennis punisher

[@stevenmarecle5502]

Marvel Knights would have been a great concept for a TV show. Better than what they usually put out

[@gevdarg]

I didn't realize this was a Event Comics production.

[@bensneb360]

I’ve been saying, the MCU needs a Marvel Knights label, so they can make more mature and riskier movies… it would help shake things up

[@craftyperson2504]

Honestly they should have done that with the Netflix shows.

[@KiramidHead]

A Marvel Knights movie label existed for a while, but the two movies made under it (Punisher War Zone, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance) both bombed hard at the box office and the idea was scrapped.

[@pacotorres5968]

any of you guy's thoughts on the marvel knights Elektra ?

[@akira17_samurai]

I think they should use the marvel knights banner for the mcu to do more experimental and R-rated super hero projects

[@ellbent]

Now I’m 60% sure they can. One, the Netflix shows are now canon to the MCU. Two, Oscar Isaac says he wants Marvel Knights / Midnight Sons to happen. Specifically with Blade, Ghost Rider, Doctor Strange, Punisher, and Daredevil.

[@neonniteridr294]

Funny how Stan lees is alway named first when he actually has nothing to do with creating or outlining a story lol😂 he was just a really good editor

[@99jmaster]

Seeing young Joe Quesada is always weird

[@katherinealvarez9216]

I think the one I have read from Marvel Knights was the Inhumans and it was after Agents of SHIELD season 2.

[@srstriker6420]

It was weird time period at the time especially with the Pre-MCU movies

[@Bonzulac]

"Had rose through the ranks?" Are you kidding?

[@diegodreossi1458]

I didnt know Daredevil yellow was marvel knights.

[@mttylerdurden9]

Love live the MARVEL KNIGHTS

[@rosecity_chris]

Ive always wished the mcu would adapt Knights for rated R, darker and more mature movies.

[@davidparker7327]

Inhumans #5, big key.

[@danielgreen2788]

Enjoy while It last, It all fades rather quickly, It was fun

[@MarvelKnight-tw9hb]

Thay really need to go back to the marvel knights imprint to compete with DC since they're having some success with their black label books!

[@mathieuleader8601]

Imagine in another timeline we got Marvel Knights instead of Avengers

[@JustinTyme33]

Drink every time Owen says the word “IMPRINT”. It’s impossible.

[@OwenLikesComics]

Please don't that's a health risk

[@hammerheadcorvette4]

Joe *One More Day* Quezada

[@lorrnem]

Sal is that you? @Comicpop

[@jonathanhill3668]

Marvels knighrs it’s a team right?

[@sahilhossian8212]

Lore of The Rise and Fall of MARVEL KNIGHTS momentum 100

[@tipwatts1954]

I collected it the best black and white. Iron fist power man Chang chi white tiger marvel knights the best!!!!!!!!!!

[@bryce253]

Umm..... The name of the comic is Powerman and Iron Fist. Get the order right.

[@jackmackakaheavyguyhaiku545]

Gotta say, I'm nowhere near the comic BOOK fan that I used to be. Mainly it comes down to money. But I have to tell you, I'm not a huge fan of bringing Punisher into a more supernatural light.

[@bradlyharris2001ify]

Sal!

[@IAINTBLACKTHEN]

Doesn't Black Widow have a marvel knights run??...

[@neonniteridr294]

😂😂😂😂 you pulled a tini Howard quote 😂😂😂😂😂 its crazy how she learned nothing from reading these pretty good comics

[@theonlymatthew.l]

Loved Marvel Knights overall, but i dislike Queseda due to his f@(kery with Spider-Man

[@jmace2424]

Kevin Smith disappointing people? That never happened again 🤣🤣🤣

[@KiramidHead]

The only bad Marvel Knights series I've read is Angel Punisher. Christopher Golden is a great writer, but the approach just didn't fit the character, and the retcon to his origin was awful.