Marvel’s ‘Darkhold’ event returns to the schedule in September

Marvel’s long-brewing Darkhold event returns to the schedule for September with Darkhold Alpha by Steve Orlando and Cian Tormey.

The event, which would feature the return of the most evil tome in the Marvel Universe, was originally slated to start last June, but then the pandemic hit, the world shut down and publishers had to revisit their planned releases for the spring and summer.

The event will kick off with an “Alpha” issue, which will be followed by a series of one-shots starring different Marvel characters — a format Marvel used for its recent Man-Thing anniversary event, which was also spearheaded by Orlando. This event will feature both Scarlet Witch and Doctor Doom, as well as characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man and Blade.

“At last, we’re ready to open the Darkhold together,” Orlando told Marvel.com. “Scarlet Witch and Doctor Doom are two of Marvel’s most intimidating icons! And I am so excited for you all to get on board with this journey that pushes Wanda to the limit, as five of Marvel’s biggest heroes must overcome the nightmares held by the Darkhold’s pages, to stand with Wanda against one of her oldest enemies.”

Here’s the official description from Marvel: For hundreds of years, scholars and heroes alike have searched for the Darkhold—AKA the Book of the Damned, written by the elder god Chthon. Now Doctor Doom, one of the greatest sorcerers in the Multiverse has found it, and Chthon has found him. To save them all, the Scarlet Witch recruits a group of the world’s greatest heroes: Iron Man, Janet Van Dyne, Black Bolt, Blade and Spider-Man. But in order to enter Chthon’s dimension and fight him, the heroes must read from the legendary Darkhold, which drives them utterly insane. Together, they’ll have to confront their inner darkness to overcome of the most powerful mystical threats the Marvel Universe has ever faced.

The “alpha” issue arrives Sept. 22, with a cover by Greg Smallwood: