Every Marvel Comics fan knows that few things can stand up against Wakanda’s famous vibranium – one of the hallmarks of the Black Panther mythos. With its incredible durability and unique vibration-absorbing properties, T’Challa’s signature anti-metal is truly unparalleled. But while it may be one of the strongest substances on Earth, that doesn’t make it totally invulnerable.
Thor #30 by Torunn Gronbekk and Nic Klein continues its storyline focusing on the legacy of the Mad Titan Thanos. As part of the action, Thanos’ lieutenant Corvus Glaive – made famous by Avengers: Infinity War in the MCU – has captured Thor’s young sister Laussa, using her to harvest Odin’s blood. But as Corvus futiley attempts to cut through a door shielded by Asgardian blood magic, it’s noted that, “The glaive can cut through stone, carbon and vibranium. It can even cut atoms.” This suprising statement upends vibranium’s place within Marvel Comics’ hierarchy of power.
Corvus Glaive’s Glaive Is a Vibranium-Killer
Corvus Glaive’s weapon is an incredibly powerful and unique cosmic weapon. Corvus’ defining power is that so long as his glaive remains unbroken, he can heal almost instantly from any injury. However, the blade doesn’t just keep him alive – it also cuts substances on the atomic level, including the super-hard skin of beings including the Hulk and Hyperion, Marvel’s version of Superman. Despite this, the glaive’s ability to cut vibranium is a surprise – the anti-metal’s vibration-absorbing qualities mean that it’s not impossible to cut because of its density, but because it redirects any cutting force wielded against it. However, in slicing atoms themselves, it seems Corvus Glaive’s weapon is capable of neutralizing this seemingly unbeatable quality.
Corvus Glaive Isn’t Just Thanos’ Lieutenant
Black Panther’s vibranium, along with Wolverine’s adamantium and the uru with which Thor’s hammer Mjolnir was forged, has long been considered to be one of the most powerful substances within the Marvel universe. The fact that there exists a weapon that can disrupt it so easily, let alone the fact that it is in the hands of a despicable force of destruction like one of the Children of Thanos, presents an unparalleled threat. The moment serves to make it clear that Corvus Glaive is a uniquely powerful cosmic killer – not just a Thanos underling, but a deadly force in his own right.
Vibranium Isn’t As Foolproof As Fans Thought
Those who have been following Thor know that Corvus’ glaive will eventually find its way into the hands of Laussa as her chosen weapon in the future – much like her brother Thor’s hammer. While it’s comforting to know the vibranium-cutting blade will eventually be used by a hero, a lot can happen before those events come to pass. There’s no doubt that Black Panther’s vibranium is incredibly powerful, but unfortunately Wakanda’s treasured bedrock is far from infallible. Black Panther wields vibranium with genius and skill, but out in the galaxy there are forces that can cut it to pieces, and Corvus Glaive is among them.
