The Black Order
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Christianity are thought to be summoned by the breaking of the first four of the Seven Seals, sent as signals of the upcoming apocalypse ("Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," n.d.). Is it coincidental that The Black Order, or the Children of Thanos, consist of four of his loyal followers? These characters act on behalf of Thanos, enacting his will, in his quest to bring about the end of the Marvel Universe as we've known it. Thanos sends the four of them to Earth before his arrival; they serve as a warning for what is about to happen, once Thanos becomes all powerful. Sound familiar? In addition to the general similarity, it is possible to see each of these characters as each one of the individual horsemen.
Ebony Maw - Conquest
The first horseman is commonly seen as Conquest ("Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," n.d.). Conquest, meaning to take control of a place or of people using force, can be symbolized by Ebony Maw's character. The Maw is something of a military strategist, who also happens to have telekinetic powers and powers of persuasion. In the comics, his character is even able to brainwash heroes (Whitbrook, 2018). In the film, he constantly addresses the population which he is subduing, sprouting propaganda about how they have been saved by Thanos. He also uses his powers to try to torture Dr. Strange into giving up the Time Stone. Through the use of his intelligence, strategic skills, and supernatural powers, Ebony Maw can easily be seen as Conquest, the first horseman of the Apocalypse.
Cull Obsidian - War
The second horseman represents War ("Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," n.d.). Cull Obsidian can be described as "the most physically imposing member of the Black Order, with superhuman strength and even density, as well as unbreakable skin that can deflect almost any attack" (Whitbrook, 2018). Cull Obsidian mirrors Bruce Banner's (whom he fights in the film) Hulk: savage, brutal and a near-unstoppable force. He takes great pleasure in battle and seems to have little intelligence, as he does not speak. Cull Obsidian is unquestionably a depiction of War personified.
Proxima Midnight - Law Giver
While the third horseman is commonly referred to as Famine, some have also interprted it to signify "the 'Lord as a Law-Giver' holding Scales of Justice" ("Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," n.d.). This interpretation fits with the character of Proxima Midnight. As one of Thanos' most loyal followers, she is also committed to his vision of bringing balance to the world (Whitbrook, 2018). Throughout the film, she also touches on the themes of justice, vengeance and balance when she tells the heroes that they will pay for the injury and eventual death of her husband, Corvus Glaive with their own lives. Proxima Midnight is committed to justice, albeit a corrupt sense of it, thus making her a match for the third horseman.
Corvus Glaive - Death
The fourth and final horseman symbolizes Death ("Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," n.d.). Corvus Glaive's physical characteristics show obvious references to this idea: he is pale and bony, dressed in all black, and carries a specialized glaive as a weapon. These characteristics are reminiscent of a Grim Reaper - a common personification of death. In addition to this, he is stealthy and a skilled combatant, easily overpowering and killing enemies. Corvus Glaive is also directly related to the concept of death, as his glaive holds the power of immortality. He can not be permanently killed while he is in possession of the weapon and it is unbroken (Whitbrook, 2018). Therefore, Corvus Glaive is undeniably correlated with death, making him the fourth horseman.
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How can anyone possibly stop the coming Apocalypse? Between the threat of the all-powerful Thanos and his Four Horsemen, a saviour (or maybe a few...) is needed in the Marvel Universe. Who will save the world?