Black Knight #3 (1990)

Dane Whitman - the Black Knight - is caught in a battle between his family legacy, the cursed Ebony Blade, and dark mystical forces. He has been haunted by visions and supernatural enemies connected to the blood curse on the blade. He’s joined by Victoria Bentley, a mystic and ally of Doctor Strange. Balor and the Valkyr appear in this issue, they are nightmare entities used to test Dane’s resolve, showing how deep the curse of the Ebony Blade goes. They bring horror, myth, and psychological drama together - which is why this issue stands out.

Significance

This issue helps redefine the Ebony Blade as a double-edged legacy, not just a cool weapon. It is (as the whole series is) one of the first to really explore the Ebony Blade’s curse in depth - not just as a magical weapon, but as a corrupting legacy that psychologically and spiritually affects its wielder.

Key Elements

• Deepens the Ebony Blade Curse Mythos: The idea that violence “feeds” the blade and drives its bearer toward madness or evil becomes a core theme in future stories, especially "Captain Britain and MI:13", "The Avengers (Jason Aaron era)", and even in the MCU post-credit tease with Kit Harington’s Dane Whitman
• Psychological Trial for Dane Whitman: This issue is essentially Dane Whitman’s “Dark Night of the Soul” - where he confronts a vision of himself corrupted by the blade, faces mythical threats like Balor and the Valkyr, and undergoes a mystical ritual guided by Doctor Strange. It's a crucial character study moment, which draws a straight line from this issue to his later moral dilemmas and identity crises.
• Doctor Strange's Involvement: Doctor Strange’s presence elevates the story. This isn’t just a knight swinging a sword - it’s about magic, legacy, and inner demons. Strange adds gravitas and connects Dane more deeply to the mystic side of the Marvel Universe.