WARNING: The following contains spoilers for King In Black: Thunderbolts #3 by Matthew Rosenberg, Juan Ferreyra, and VC's Joe Sabino, on sale now.
King in Black has been one of the darkest major events that the Marvel Universe has seen yet, both figuratively and literally. The sprawling darkness that Knull has unleashed on the world is endless, and there aren't many heroes left who can do anything about it. However, plenty of villains have jumped into the fray too, and King in Black: Thunderbolts #3 shows Taskmaster looking forward to maintaining his newfound heroic status long after this particular battle is over.
When Wilson Fisk brought the new team together, he appointed Taskmaster as their leader, and it's a job that he's taken to with a stoic resolve that is almost uncharacteristic of him. Taskmaster has always taken his work seriously, but the dedication to the mission at hand as well as the former villains under his purview goes far beyond catching a hefty paycheck. Not only has he brought the Thunderbolts through the symbiote-infested city with relative success, but he has also made sure they walked back out of it alive. During the team's assault on Knull's stronghold, Taskmaster was secretly in communication with Norman Osborn. Instead of taking the available exit through his wealthy and powerful connections, Taskmaster chose to stay behind and see the mission through.
This isn't the only surprising turn that the character has taken recently. In the pages of Taskmaster #3 by Jed MacKay and Alessandro Vitti, the titular villain is currently on the run for the assassination of Maria Hill. For once he is innocent, though proving that is easier said than done. The quest to clear his name has put Taskmaster in the crosshairs of some powerful individuals, and none are as bloodthirsty as Black Widow. Knowing that she's come to kill him, as well as that she is more than capable of doing so, Taskmaster puts to use a specially designed failsafe to incapacitate his pursuers.
Now presented with the opportunity to end Black Widow's life, Taskmaster seriously considers it before ultimately making his escape instead. A big part of that decision might have been made in part out of fear of retribution should the Avenger recover, but the fact that he weighed the option at all is a major change of pace for the classic villain.
The Marvel Universe can always use more heroes, and it certainly looks like Taskmaster is on his way to solidifying himself as one sooner than later, especially as the current leader of the Thunderbolts. The team has historically been comprised of villains, which has lent itself to a long line of former members making a change for the better later on.
Various heroes such as the Winter Soldier and Luke Cage have led the team in efforts to help reform former villains, succeeding in serious ways with powerhouses such as the Juggernaut. Now that Taskmaster has such a prime opportunity to do so, he might just become the hero fans didn't know they needed until now.
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