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The Black Vortex
The Black Vortex
The Black Vortex
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"The Black Vortex"
PublisherMarvel Comics
Publication dateFebruary–April 2015
Genre
Main character(s)Guardians of the Galaxy
All New X-Men
Captain Marvel
Nova
Creative team
WriterSam Humphries
PencillerEd McGuinness
Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex ISBN 978-0785197706

"The Black Vortex" is a 2015 comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics involving the All New X-Men and the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Plot

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Prologue

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Star-Lord (Peter Quill) tries to avoid the Slaughter Lords and those hunting him for a bounty posted by Mister Knife, while attempting to maintain a long-distance relationship with Kitty Pryde. He is eventually caught by ex-Spartax warriors led by his half-sister, Captain Victoria. Together they concoct a plan to turn him in on the prison planet Viderdoom, collect the bounty, and then steal the remaining funds from Blight, the jailer.[1]

The Slaughter Lords approach Thanos' son Thane with an offer to join Mister Knife, but Thane has disavowed violence and become a minister.[2] Mister Knife secretly kills the congregation in a plot to enrage Thane into joining his cause. Mister Knife later captures Star-Lord while he is teleconferencing with Kitty Pryde, and Star-Lord learns that Mister Knife is actually his father, J'son, the dethroned emperor of Spartax.

Kitty Pryde rescues Star-Lord by throwing herself from her ship and phasing through his flying fortress. She grabs Peter Quill while phasing both of them through the bottom of the fortress, landing back in her ship. At first, she is angry that Quill is back to his pirating ways. Learning that he sends everything to an orphanage on Spartax, Pryde decides that she will help him steal the Black Vortex from J'son.[3]

Main event

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Twelve billion years ago, an ancient race called the Viscardi were visited by a Celestial. He gifted them with a mirror known as the Black Vortex. Those who "submit" to the Black Vortex gain Celestial power, and with this immense power the Viscardi attacked each other toward extinction. There was only one survivor, Gala, and the Vortex was lost.

J'son locates the Black Vortex after visiting a Celestial graveyard. Kitty Pryde and Star-Lord decide to steal it before J'son uses it on himself and Thane. However, he uses it on his Slaughter Lords. Kitty and Star-Lord recruit the X-Men, Nova, and the Guardians of the Galaxy to prevent the Slaughter Lords from retrieving the Black Vortex. Greatly overpowered when the Slaughter Lords attack, Gamora, Beast, and Angel submit and tip the balance of the battle.[4] The team then fight among themselves, and Ronan the Accuser steals the Vortex.[5]

Gamora, Beast, and Angel are enraged and attack Hala, the Kree empire's capital planet. The team split into three groups: one battles Gamora, Beast, and Angel; the second stays on Spartax to distract the Slaughter Lords; and the third team speaks with the Kree Supreme Intelligence. The Supreme Intelligence demands that Ronan stand down until their star fleet can return, but Ronan uses the Vortex. He is successful in repelling Gamora, Beast, and Angel, but is banished by the Supreme Intelligence. The Slaughter Lords and J'son use this opportunity to sneak into Hala to steal the Vortex, and the floating fortress unleashes a massive barrage that destroys Hala. The heroes narrowly escape, and Nova acquires the Vortex from the Slaughter Lords. The Collector follows Nova to Earth and attempts to steal the Vortex, but Nova goes to Spartax and unknowingly returns it to J'son, who empowers Thane.[6] Thane then uses his super-powered "Living Death" and engulfs Spartax in amber. J'son allows the Brood to invade Spartax and use its citizens as hosts. His plan was to take out the two largest empires, Spartax and Hala, allowing the Brood to spread, then use it to take over the galaxy.[7]

Cyclops, Iceman, and Groot are captured by the Slaughter Lords but are able to escape and steal the Vortex. They give themselves cosmic powers and pass the Vortex to Captain Marvel.[8] She is confronted by a super-powered Thane and J'son and resists the temptation to use the Vortex, instead using the mirror surface to reflect Thane's Living Death blast at J'son, encasing him in amber. Gala then returns, defeats Thane, and attempts to destroy the Black Vortex before it can corrupt anyone else.[9] Captain Marvel is able to return the Vortex to the team, and they debate who should use the power one more time to save Spartax. Jean Grey offers, but everybody is worried about a repeat of the Dark Phoenix. Star-Lord contemplates but knows if he is super-powered he will waste his potential. Kitty Pryde volunteers to shoulder the burden. Gala agrees to it being used one last time.[10]

Kitty Pryde gains cosmic powers and uses her phasing ability to phase out the entire planet of Spartax from the amber, except for the Brood, which are then destroyed. The Slaughter Lords retreat afterwards. Cyclops, Iceman, Groot, and Beast return their cosmic powers, but Gamora, Angel, Kitty, and Ronan keep theirs. Star-Lord then proposes to Kitty. Gala takes away the Black Vortex. The Collector collects the amber-encased J'son. Ebony Maw then attaches himself to the cosmically powered Thane.[11]

In the aftermath, Ronan vows to rebuild the Kree Empire. Victoria, Star-Lord's half-sister, meets with the Collector. She strikes a deal with him in order to secure J'son's body, but secretly steals the last remaining seed of the Kree Supreme Intelligence.[12]

Titles involved

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Number Title Issue(s)
Prologue
Legendary Star-Lord #4–8
Main series
Part One Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Alpha #1
Part Two Guardians of the Galaxy (vol. 3) #24
Part Three Legendary Star-Lord #9
Part Four All New X-Men #38
Part Five All New X-Men #39
Part Six Guardians Team-Up #3
Part Seven Guardians of the Galaxy (vol. 3) #25
Part Eight Nova (vol. 5) #28
Part Nine Legendary Star-Lord #10
Part Ten Cyclops (vol. 3) #12
Part Eleven Captain Marvel (vol. 8) #14
Part Twelve Legendary Star-Lord #11
Part Thirteen Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Omega #1

Collected editions

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Title Material collected Publication date ISBN
Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Alpha #1, Guardians of the Galaxy (vol. 3) #24–25, Legendary Star-Lord #9–11, All-New X-Men #38–39, Guardians Team-Up #3, Nova (vol. 5) #28, Cyclops (vol. 3) #12, Captain Marvel (vol. 8) #14, Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Omega #1. July 2015 978-0785197706

In other media

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  • The Black Vortex storyline was added as an add-on mission in the Facebook game Marvel: Avengers Alliance in June 2016.[13]
  • The Black Vortex storyline was adapted as a four-part story arc in Disney XD's Guardians of the Galaxy.[14][15] This version of the Vortex is owned by Thanos, serves as a prison trapping victims inside their own thoughts, and contains several alternate dimensions with different animation styles.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Black Vortex

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Black Vortex is an ancient Celestial artifact in the universe, functioning as a quasi-mirror that reveals and amplifies a beholder's latent cosmic potential to god-like levels upon submission, though it carries the risk of corruption and overwhelming power. It anchors the 2015 crossover comic book event & : The Black Vortex, a storyline spanning multiple series that unites the , , and allies like Nova and Captain Marvel against interstellar threats seeking to exploit its abilities. The narrative begins with (Peter Quill) and stealing the Vortex from Mister Knife, the alias of Quill's father, the deposed Spartax emperor J'Son, who allies with —son of —to harness its power for galactic domination. As the artifact changes hands amid chases across planets like Spartax and , villains including and Slaughter Lords deploy it to empower their forces, endangering billions and sparking debates among the heroes on whether to destroy the indestructible relic or use it strategically. Several protagonists succumb to its allure for temporary enhancements: becomes a cosmic warrior with enhanced strength and energy manipulation; gains fiery, metallic wings and flight capabilities; and Beast acquires reality-warping intellect and form-shifting powers, as well as members of the such as Cyclops and Iceman, who briefly gained cosmic enhancements to their mutant abilities. The event culminates in a massive confrontation where and the Empire seize the Vortex, only for the heroes to reclaim it; uses its power to purge a on Spartax, while the artifact is ultimately recovered by Gara for safekeeping to prevent future misuse. Beyond the high-stakes action and cosmic upgrades—reverted for most characters post-event—the storyline features personal milestones, such as Star-Lord's proposal to , which she accepts, blending epic scope with character-driven drama in the Marvel NOW! era. Collected in trade paperbacks and hardcovers, the event highlights themes of power's corrupting influence and inter-team collaboration, influencing subsequent Guardians and arcs.

Concept and premise

The Black Vortex artifact

The Black Vortex is a cosmic artifact created approximately twelve billion years ago by the Celestial known as the . This creation occurred in response to a plea from Gara, a member of the ancient Viscardi species on their , who sought a means for her people to transcend their limitations and explore beyond their galaxy. The Godhead, overseeing the Viscardi's repeated but thwarted attempts at space travel, manifested the Vortex as a tool to unlock and amplify an individual's genetic and evolutionary potential, granting visions of their ultimate form and the power to achieve it. Physically, the Black Vortex appears as a massive, swirling mirror-like portal, capable of scanning a subject's essence and projecting transformative energies. It is often depicted as a dark, vortex-shaped structure suspended in ancient temples or cosmic sites, such as those on the Viscardi homeworld or later hidden locations across galaxies. The artifact's design evokes a gateway to infinite possibilities, drawing users into its reflective depths where they confront their latent cosmic destiny. In its early history, the Black Vortex empowered the Viscardi, allowing them to evolve into god-like beings and fulfill their exploratory ambitions. However, the unchecked amplification of power led to widespread corruption, madness, and self-destruction among the species, leading to their near-extinction, with only Gara surviving as they turned on each other in pursuit of greater might. As the sole survivor, Gara concealed the artifact in remote locations to prevent further misuse, where it remained lost for eons until resurfacing in modern cosmic conflicts. As a in Marvel lore, the Black Vortex serves as a pivotal catalyst for power escalation, offering unparalleled evolutionary enhancement while harboring inherent dangers of psychological instability and grotesque physical mutations. Its dual nature—bestowing godhood or ruin—drives interstellar pursuits and alliances, such as those involving the and , underscoring themes of ambition and the perils of tampering with one's destiny.

Powers and corruption effects

The Black Vortex operates as a quasi-mirror artifact that reveals an individual's cosmic potential upon gazing into it. By voluntarily submitting to its influence, the user undergoes a process of amplification, unlocking latent abilities and elevating their powers to god-like cosmic levels, such as enhanced energy manipulation, flight, and vastly increased durability applicable to both mutants and non-mutants. This enhancement, however, carries profound corruption effects that compromise the user's stability. Prolonged or intense exposure induces psychological instability, manifesting as aggressive tendencies, power , and a erosion of moral judgment, often transforming individuals into obsessive, power-hungry entities prone to destructive behavior. Physical mutations may also occur, further distancing users from their original form and humanity. Historically, the artifact's dangers were demonstrated among the ancient Viscardi civilization, to whom it was gifted by the Celestial approximately 12 billion years ago; widespread use led to as empowered members turned violently on one another, resulting in the near-extinction of their species, with Gara as the sole survivor. Key limitations temper its allure: the amplification requires conscious submission, and not every individual survives the transformative ordeal, with some facing irreversible harm or death. External interventions, such as advanced or exceptional willpower, can disrupt or resist the process, preventing full corruption or enhancement.

Publication history

Development and creative team

The Black Vortex storyline originated from conceptual seeds planted in issue #5 of The Legendary Star-Lord series, where the artifact was first introduced as a powerful cosmic device capable of unlocking latent potential in its users. The initial idea originated before editor Mike Marts' return to the company and was refined during a Marvel story summit in April 2014, and was pitched as a major crossover event to unite the X-Men and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises, blending mutant family dynamics with space opera adventures amid Marvel's All-New, All-Different Marvel relaunch initiative. The event was designed to capitalize on the successful team-up chemistry established in The Trial of Jean Grey miniseries, expanding Marvel's cosmic narrative while introducing accessible entry points for new readers through its self-contained structure spanning multiple ongoing titles. The creative team was led by writer Sam Humphries as the primary architect and showrunner, overseeing the narrative cohesion across the event's chapters, with contributions from co-writers including , , and Gerry Duggan, who handled tie-ins in their respective series such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Uncanny X-Men. Additional writing support came from Chris Hastings for specific segments. On the art side, provided the dynamic visuals for the bookend issues. Editorial oversight was provided by executive editor Mike Marts and associate editor Katie Kubert, under the broader guidance of editor-in-chief and X-Men group editor Mark Paniccia, who ensured alignment with Marvel's 2015 publishing strategy focused on interconnected cosmic events. Inspirations drew heavily from Marvel's established cosmic lore, including large-scale events like and , which explored galaxy-spanning threats and alliances among alien races and planets, as well as transformative artifacts echoing the Silver Surfer's origin and the Phoenix Force's corrupting power. The Black Vortex's mythology as a Celestial-engineered device also echoed Jack Kirby's foundational cosmic elements, such as god-like entities and reality-altering technology from his Fourth World saga and Eternals work, infusing the story with a sense of ancient, universe-shaping mythology. Humphries described the approach as an "everything but the kitchen sink" attitude, aiming to pack in diverse cosmic defenders and high-stakes perils without overwhelming the core crossover premise. Production began in earnest following the April 2014 summit, with detailed scripting and artwork progressing through mid-2014, culminating in the official announcement at on October 11, 2014, where Humphries unveiled the Alpha issue's creative direction. This timeline positioned the event as a key component of Marvel's early 2015 lineup, launching in February with the Alpha one-shot and concluding in April, allowing for rapid collaboration among the team to meet the tight schedule while integrating into the broader All-New, All-Different era.

Release schedule and titles

The Black Vortex is a 13-part crossover comic book event published by Marvel Comics from February to April 2015, spanning multiple ongoing series and two special issues. The storyline begins with Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Alpha #1, released on February 4, 2015, which introduces the central artifact and sets the conflict in motion. The narrative then unfolds across issues from Guardians of the Galaxy, Legendary Star-Lord, All-New X-Men, Guardians Team-Up, Nova, Cyclops, and Captain Marvel, alternating between the perspectives of the and teams to build tension and interconnect the cosmic and mutant elements of the plot. The event concludes with Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Omega #1 on April 22, 2015, resolving the central arc. The releases followed a structured chronology without significant delays, allowing readers to follow the chapters in sequence as they were published monthly. Key participating titles included that incorporated Black Vortex chapters alongside their regular storylines, enhancing the crossover's scope across the Marvel NOW! era. Below is the release schedule for the core 13 chapters:
ChapterIssue TitleSeriesRelease Date
1The Black Vortex Alpha & : The Black Vortex Alpha (2015) #1February 4, 2015
2N/A (2013) #24February 18, 2015
3N/ALegendary (2014) #9February 25, 2015
4N/A (2012) #38February 25, 2015
5N/A (2012) #39March 25, 2015
6N/AGuardians Team-Up (2015) #3March 25, 2015
7N/A (2013) #25March 25, 2015
8N/ANova (2013) #28March 25, 2015
9N/ALegendary (2014) #10March 25, 2015
10N/ACyclops (2014) #12April 22, 2015
11N/ACaptain Marvel (2014) #14April 22, 2015
12N/ALegendary (2014) #11April 22, 2015
13The Black Vortex Omega & : The Black Vortex Omega (2015) #1April 22, 2015
This schedule facilitated a seamless narrative flow, with early chapters establishing the threat and later ones converging the heroes' efforts, culminating in the Omega issue that ties together the event's threads. Variant covers featuring interconnected artwork across titles were released alongside the standard editions to promote the crossover.

Plot summary

Prelude and setup

The Black Vortex, an ancient artifact capable of unlocking an individual's cosmic potential, was stolen by Mr. Knife, the alias of J'son of Spartax, from its guardians on the planet Kymellia III, where it had been hidden for centuries. J'son, seeking revenge against his former empire of Spartax after his dethroning, deployed his Slaughter Squad to seize the device and began using it to empower his forces, transforming them into enhanced warriors known as Slaughter Lords to launch assaults on Spartax. This theft escalated interstellar tensions, as the artifact's corrupting influence amplified J'son's ambitions to conquer and dominate the galaxy. During a covert mission aboard J'son's flagship, (Peter Quill) and uncovered the theft and the Vortex's active use, prompting them to steal the artifact themselves to prevent further misuse. Recognizing the device's immense danger, they transported it to Earth and alerted the , who were operating in space, as well as the teams at the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning and the New Charles Xavier School, forging an initial link between the cosmic adventurers and Earth's mutant defenders. This discovery thrust the heroes into a precarious situation, as J'son's pursuit forced them to confront the artifact's volatile power on unfamiliar terrain. Early skirmishes erupted as Mr. Knife's allies, including the reptilian warriors, ambushed the heroes to reclaim , testing the uneasy cooperation between the groups amid chaotic battles across and space. The artifact's allure quickly manifested, drawing characters like Cyclops, who saw it as a means to bolster mutantkind's survival, and , tempted by its promise of unmatched strength against cosmic threats. These encounters highlighted 's seductive pull, as initial exposures revealed visions of godlike evolution, complicating the heroes' strategies. As the groups converged, heated debates arose over the Vortex's fate—whether to harness its power for heroic ends, as advocated by figures like and the elder Beast, or to destroy it outright due to its history of corruption and the risk of irreversible transformation. These discussions underscored the moral tensions, with emphasizing caution while others weighed the potential benefits against billions of lives endangered by J'son's forces. This prelude set the stage for broader alliances, bridging the Guardians' interstellar expertise with the X-Men's resilience, as they prepared to safeguard the artifact from falling back into malevolent hands.

Main storyline and climax

Following the theft of the Black Vortex by and from Mr. Knife's possession, the and formed an uneasy alliance to safeguard the artifact from falling back into villainous hands, leading to a series of interstellar pursuits across multiple planets. As the heroes tracked Mr. Knife—revealed as the deposed Spartax J'Son—to his flying fortress, they encountered empowered minions known as the Slaughter Lords, resulting in intense battles that tested the coalition's unity. Alliances began to fracture when debates arose over the Vortex's potential: some advocated for its destruction to prevent corruption, while others, tempted by visions of unlocked cosmic power, considered using it against the threat. Star-Lord's infiltration team, including Kitty Pryde and members of the Guardians, attempted to secure the artifact within Mr. Knife's fortress, but the mission led to captures by the Slaughter Lords, prompting a desperate rescue operation by the X-Men. This escalated into a multi-team assault involving reinforcements like Nova, Captain Marvel, and Ronan the Accuser, who shifted allegiances mid-conflict to seize the Vortex for the Kree Empire. Key confrontations unfolded as the cosmically enhanced heroes—such as Gamora, Angel, and Beast, who had submitted to the Vortex—clashed with Mr. Knife's forces and later the Brood, after the villain encased the planet Spartax in amber to unleash a larval infestation. These battles highlighted the artifact's corrupting influence, with Mr. Knife manipulating his son Thane into betrayal by promising him godlike enhancements, further complicating the heroes' efforts. The climax unfolded in a high-stakes assault on Mr. Knife's stronghold, where the combined forces of the Guardians and confronted the empowered Slaughter Lords amid billions of lives at risk across the galaxy. Attempts to destroy the indestructible Vortex failed, forcing several heroes, including Cyclops, Iceman, and , to undergo the enhancement ritual as a sacrificial measure to match the villains' power, though this risked permanent loss of their humanity. , newly empowered by the Vortex, played a pivotal role by phasing through realities to shatter the amber encasing Spartax, crushing threat and turning the tide against Mr. , who was ultimately subdued and encased himself. In the resolution, most heroes relinquished their enhancements to avoid the Vortex's corrupting pull, but the artifact itself proved unbreakable and was entrusted to Gara, the last Viscardi, who took it to the heart of a star to guard it and allow the heroes to relinquish their enhancements. The events left lingering cosmic alterations on select characters, such as Kitty's expanded phasing abilities, while teasing broader repercussions for intergalactic relations and personal dynamics, including Star-Lord's proposal to , which she accepted amid the celebrations.

Characters

Protagonists and allies

The protagonists of The Black Vortex storyline primarily consist of the and various teams, united in their efforts to safeguard the cosmos from the artifact's dangers. , the charismatic leader of the Guardians, plays a central role, drawing on his royal Spartax heritage and tactical expertise to coordinate the alliance, while navigating personal stakes tied to his father's imperial ambitions. His romantic involvement with adds layers to the team's interpersonal dynamics, fostering a bridge between cosmic adventurers and Earth-based mutants. , the deadliest woman in the galaxy and a key Guardian warrior, contributes her unparalleled combat skills and strategic mindset, motivated by a drive to prevent the artifact's power from falling into destructive hands, though she grapples with its potential for personal enhancement. Supporting the core team are , the inventive tactician who provides technological support and amid high-stakes decisions; , the loyal, regenerative flora colossus whose unwavering solidarity strengthens group resolve; and , whose relentless pursuit of justice bolsters the frontline defense against cosmic threats. These Guardians embody a ragtag family dynamic, emphasizing protection of the galaxy over individual gain. From the X-Men side, Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat) emerges as a co-leader, leveraging her phasing abilities and leadership experience from prior missions to integrate mutant perspectives into the broader alliance, all while prioritizing the prevention of widespread corruption. Cyclops (Scott Summers), a veteran strategist from the time-displaced , focuses on long-term mutant survival and tactical oversight, reflecting his history of guiding teams through existential crises. Beast (Hank McCoy) brings scientific curiosity and ethical deliberation, analyzing the artifact's implications for evolution while advocating caution to avoid unintended consequences. Iceman (Bobby Drake) and Storm (Ororo Munroe), fellow members of the time-displaced , contribute their cryogenic and weather-manipulating powers, respectively, to the team's defensive efforts and debates on the Vortex's use. Younger members like the teenage Angel (Warren Worthington III) represent the next generation, contributing aerial reconnaissance and youthful optimism to the effort, highlighting the X-Men's commitment to nurturing emerging heroes. Additional allies include Nova (Sam Alexander), the young cosmic hero whose Nova Corps training equips him for interstellar patrols, joining to counter galactic-scale perils and advance his own heroic development. Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) provides aerial combat prowess and leadership from her Avengers experience, aligning with the group to protect and the galaxy from the Vortex's threats. Ronan the Accuser, a warrior, temporarily allies with the heroes, using his Universal Weapon to help seize the artifact from the amid the chaos on planet Hala. Overall, the alliance grapples with inherent tensions between the Guardians' freewheeling cosmic outlook and the X-Men's structured focus on rights, leading to debates over whether the artifact could ethically aid advancement versus the risks of universal corruption. This divide underscores their collective motivation: to preserve galactic stability without succumbing to the allure of unchecked power.

Antagonists and supporting roles

The primary antagonist of The Black Vortex storyline is Mr. Knife, the alias adopted by J'son of Spartax, the deposed emperor of the Spartax Empire. Overthrown due to the actions of his son, Peter Quill (Star-Lord), J'son sought to reclaim his power by stealing the Black Vortex, an ancient Celestial artifact capable of amplifying users' abilities to cosmic levels. His objective was to harness the Vortex's power to conquer Spartax and expand his influence across the galaxy, employing ruthless tactics such as allying with interstellar threats and betraying his own people. This ambition positioned him in direct opposition to the protagonists, who aimed to prevent the artifact's misuse. Supporting J'son's campaign were the Badoon warriors, reptilian aliens serving as enforcers in his forces, including members of the Slaughter Lords. Some submitted to the Black Vortex, gaining temporary enhancements that bolstered their combat prowess, though the powers ultimately proved unstable. Their role involved raiding key locations to secure the artifact, amplifying the threat through coordinated assaults driven by promises of domination. Ties to Thanos were evident through his son , a supporting manipulated by J'son into aiding the of the ; Thane's involvement stemmed from a desire for personal , contrasting the Mad Titan's broader cosmic agendas but echoing his lineage's pursuit of ultimate control. Corrupted users and potential turncoats further escalated the conflict, as individuals tempted by the Vortex's allure risked for amplified abilities, embodying the artifact's influence. Remnants of the ancient Viscardi race, particularly the survivor Gara, sought the destruction of the Black Vortex to avert universal catastrophe, having witnessed its prior devastations on her species; in the climax, she aids the heroes by enabling the reversal of enhancements before the artifact is safeguarded. Collectively, these antagonists sought domination via the Vortex's power amplification, starkly contrasting the heroes' emphasis on restraint and protection.

Collected editions

Trade paperbacks

The primary trade paperback collecting the "Black Vortex" crossover event is Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex, published by Marvel Comics in February 2016. This 312-page volume compiles all 13 chapters of the storyline, including Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Alpha #1, Guardians of the Galaxy #24-25, Legendary Star-Lord #9-11, All-New X-Men #38-39, Guardians Team-Up #3, Nova #28, Cyclops #12, Captain Marvel #14, and Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Omega #1. It features an ISBN-13 of 978-0785199090 and was originally priced at $39.99, with additional material such as variant covers and creator sketches included to provide context for the event. A related trade paperback with partial overlap is Legendary Star-Lord Vol. 2: Rise of the Black Vortex, released by in July 2015. This 160-page edition collects Legendary Star-Lord #6-12, covering key early chapters of the "Black Vortex" arc involving Peter Quill's encounters with Mr. Knife and the artifact's rising threat, and was priced at $19.99 with ISBN-13 978-0785191605.

Digital and hardcover collections

The digital editions of The Black Vortex were released concurrently with the print issues in 2015, enabling readers to purchase and read individual chapters as well as bundled collections through platforms like and the Marvel app. The full event storyline became available on shortly after its initial publication, offering subscribers unlimited access to the crossover's 13 issues spanning , , and related one-shots. A complete digital bundle, compiling Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Alpha #1, the main event chapters, and Omega #1, was issued as an ebook on July 14, 2015, via , facilitating easy access for digital-first audiences. In addition to standard digital releases, the event saw international availability through Marvel's mobile apps and partnered platforms, broadening its reach beyond without region-specific exclusives. These digital formats include features like guided view modes and searchable annotations, improving readability on devices such as tablets and smartphones. For collectors seeking premium physical options, a edition titled Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: Black Vortex HC was published by Marvel in July 2015, presented in an oversized format with bonus and behind-the-scenes material not found in the trade paperback. This 312-page volume (ISBN 978-0785197706) collects the complete storyline, including Guardians of the Galaxy & : The Black Vortex Alpha #1, Guardians of the Galaxy #24-25, Legendary #9-11, #38-39, Guardians Team-Up #3, Nova #28, Cyclops #12, Captain Marvel #14, and Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Omega #1, emphasizing its archival durability for long-term preservation. No additional special hardcover variants beyond this deluxe release were produced for .

Reception and legacy

Critical response

The Black Vortex received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its energetic crossover between the and teams, lively character interactions, and visually striking cosmic artwork, while criticizing its uneven pacing and lack of substantial narrative depth. IGN's Jesse Schedeen awarded the Alpha issue a 6.5 out of 10, highlighting the "fun moments and snazzy art" but noting that it "doesn't offer much drama or a strong hook" in blending the two franchises. Similarly, The Mary Sue's review commended the storyline's intriguing setup and exploration of the temptations of power, describing the initial chapters as leaving readers "legitimately and excitedly invested" in the event's potential. Critics pointed to issues with the event's execution across multiple tie-in issues, including expository dialogue that slowed momentum and underdeveloped antagonist motivations, often relying on sudden power enhancements via the Vortex artifact. ' Marykate Jasper gave the Alpha a 5 out of 10, calling it a "fun enough start" but questioning "what it adds to either the Guardians or franchises." We The Nerdy echoed these concerns, praising isolated "moments of great work" in action sequences but faulting the "inconsistent artwork and expository storytelling" for failing to build compelling stakes. The romance between and was a frequent highlight for its humorous and heartfelt moments, though some felt it overshadowed deeper thematic elements like the costs of amplified power and the underutilization of mutant lore in a cosmic context. Aggregate scores reflected this divided reception, with Comic Book Roundup tallying an average of 6.5 out of 10 across 85 critic reviews for the 13-issue event. The storyline featured Sam Alexander's Nova prominently, concluding his solo series and providing a positive anchor amid the crossover's flashier but sometimes superficial elements.

Impact on Marvel continuity

The Black Vortex storyline introduced lasting alterations to several key characters within the . Notably, the young () underwent a transformation via the artifact, gaining wings composed of celestial fire that enhanced his flight capabilities and granted him additional cosmic energy projection abilities. This change represented a partial reversion toward his darker persona, blending his original angelic form with intensified mutant powers. Similarly, Sam Alexander (Nova) experienced a surge in prominence following his involvement, as the crossover integrated him more deeply into cosmic narratives, elevating his role from a solo adventurer to a central figure in interstellar conflicts and paving the way for expanded explorations of his Nova Corps heritage in ongoing series. Kitty Pryde's exposure to the Vortex not only amplified her phasing abilities to planetary scales but also solidified her transition to the , where she assumed leadership roles and adopted the mantle of after her engagement to Peter Quill, marking a significant shift from Earth-based duties to full-time cosmic guardianship. The event's influence extended to series legacies, providing a temporary commercial uplift for both Guardians of the Galaxy and X-Men titles amid Marvel's mid-2010s push for interconnected storytelling. Key issues, such as the Black Vortex Alpha one-shot, sold 60,412 copies to direct market retailers, contributing to heightened visibility and sales spikes across tie-in series like All-New X-Men and Legendary Star-Lord during the crossover's run. While not directly setting up major events like Infinity Wars (2018), the storyline reinforced Celestial mythology by depicting the artifact's origins in the hands of the enigmatic Celestial known as Godhead, expanding the lore of these ancient entities as architects of evolutionary tools across the universe and tying mutant potential to cosmic heritage without subsequent retcons as of 2025. Occasional nods appear in mutant-space crossovers, such as Kitty Pryde's lingering cosmic phasing feats during the Krakoa era's interstellar expeditions in Marauders (2019-2021), blending X-Men resilience with Guardians-style adventures. Commercially and narratively, it exemplified Marvel's 2010s crossover trend, emphasizing high-stakes, multi-team events that bridged terrestrial and extraterrestrial storylines, with collective tie-in sales exceeding 100,000 units for flagship installments and fostering a wave of similar hybrid epics like Civil War II (2016). The artifact has also influenced media beyond comics, appearing as a location in the 2024 Marvel Snap season "Black Order," where it transforms the next card played into a random 6-cost card.

References

  1. https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/spirits-of-vengeance-weaponized
  2. https://www.marvel.com/comics/collection/55082/guardians_of_the_galaxy_x-men_the_black_vortex_trade_paperback
  3. https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/guarding-the-galaxy-the-black-vortex
  4. https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/51908/guardians_of_the_galaxy_x-men_the_black_vortex_alpha_2015_1
  5. https://screenrant.com/x-men-guardians-galaxy-every-black-vortex-upgrade/
  6. https://www.cbr.com/bendis-humphries-explore-marvels-black-vortex-event/
  7. https://sciencefiction.com/2015/01/09/brian-bendis-sam-humphries-share-details-marvels-black-vortex/
  8. https://bleedingcool.com/comics/recent-updates/alien-race-tomorrows-black-vortex-named-marvel-ex-employee/
  9. https://www.cbr.com/nycc-humphries-marts-open-up-marvels-the-black-vortex/
  10. https://ew.com/article/2014/10/11/black-vortex-marvel-comics-next-guardiansx-men-event/
  11. https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/09/the-x-men-and-guardians-of-the-galaxy-face-the-black-vortex
  12. https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/51911/guardians_of_the_galaxy_x-men_the_black_vortex_omega_2015_1
  13. https://www.comicbookherald.com/the-complete-marvel-reading-order-guide/black-vortex-x-men-guardians-of-the-galaxy/
  14. https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/19044/legendary_star-lord_2014_-_present
  15. https://www.housetoastonish.com/?p=2968
  16. https://www.multiversitycomics.com/reviews/lots-of-explaining-and-little-action-in-guardians-of-the-galaxy-x-men-black-vortex-alpha-1-review/
  17. https://www.themarysue.com/review-black-vortex-3/
  18. https://www.worldcomicbookreview.com/2015/06/09/guardians-of-the-galaxy-the-x-men-black-vortex-omega/
  19. https://www.marvel.com/characters/kitty-pryde
  20. https://www.marvel.com/characters/angel-warren-worthington-iii
  21. https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Vortex
  22. https://www.comics.org/issue/1540333/
  23. https://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Galaxy-X-Men-Black-Vortex/dp/0785199098
  24. https://www.marvel.com/comics/collection/52019/legendary_star-lord_vol_2_rise_of_the_black_vortex_trade_paperback
  25. https://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Star-Lord-Vol-Black-Vortex/dp/0785191607
  26. https://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Galaxy-X-Men-Black-Vortex-ebook/dp/B00WUNKZZA
  27. https://www.marvel.com/comics/guides/408/guardians-and-x-men-black-vortex
  28. https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/19444/guardians_of_the_galaxy_and_xmen_the_black_vortex_2015
  29. https://www.previewsworld.com/Catalog/APR150902
  30. https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=29399717
  31. https://www.ign.com/comics/guardians-of-the-galaxy-x-men-the-black-vortex-alpha/reviews
  32. https://www.themarysue.com/review-marvels-the-black-vortex-alpha/
  33. https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/marvel-comics/guardians-of-the-galaxy--x-men-the-black-vortex/alpha-1
  34. https://wethenerdy.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-x-men-the-black-vortex-alpha-review/
  35. https://13thdimension.com/review-the-black-vortex-alpha/
  36. https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/event/black-vortex
  37. https://www.comicbookwire.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-x-men-the-black-vortex/
  38. https://www.cbr.com/duggans-nova-rockets-through-axis-black-vortex/
  39. https://www.cbr.com/x-men-kitty-pryde-guardians-of-the-galaxy/
  40. https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2015/2015-02.html
  41. https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/a-complete-guide-to-marvel-s-galactic-empires
  42. https://www.howtolovecomics.com/2015/01/31/black-vortex-reading-order-checklist/
  43. https://www.marvel.com/articles/games/the-black-order-descends-on-new-season-of-marvel-snap
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