If you pay attention to both superhero TV shows / movies and comic books, you can get a sense of when someone is going to return in the latter or get a major push. For example, before Avengers: Infinity War premiered in theaters in 2018, Marvel Comics released Thanos (written by Jeff Lemire and with art by Mike Deodato Jr). This was likely preparation for the Mad Titan’s domination in the the conclusion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Infinity Saga. Flash forward seven years to Daredevil: Born Again, and it seemed like the groundwork was laid for another villain's big comic book return.
The creative team for the hit Disney+ Plus show took a different approach when it came to villains. Instead of using popular antagonists like Typhoid Mary to accompany Wilson Fisk, they used a lesser-known character named Muse (who debuted in Daredevil No. 11 in 2015).
In the comics, he’s an Inhuman with superhuman strength and other abilities. However, just like he did in the MCU show, Muse used people to create his art. But, instead of dying via bullet (as he did in episode 7 of Daredevil: Born Again), the villain walks straight into a fire in the comics (Daredevil No. 600).
Muse’s death in Daredevil: Born Again shocked the internet because they liked the character, and it seemed premature to kill the villain off after so few episodes. The same could be said for him in the comics. Well, it could have been if he hadn’t returned in Eddie Brock: Carnage.
Eddie Brock: Carnage: Nos. 4 and 5 creative team
- Writer: Charles Soule
- Artist: Juanan Ramirez
- Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
When issue No. 4 of Eddie Brock: Carnage was released, I was hesitant to say that Muse returned because it seemed like a trick, as readers didn’t see Muse in person. After all, it was just one of his murals. Plus, Eddie Brock uses the moment to trick Carnage into telling him the location of the passengers from a crashed plane (this happened in issue No. 1). At the end of the most recent issue, Muse reveals himself at his now burned-down hideout.
You’d think that Muse would be furious. All of his… art utensils and subjects were ruined, and his warehouse was destroyed. He’d have to start over. Instead, he didn’t seem too upset (granted, you can’t tell through his mask). The only thing he said was, “Whoever did this… you’re my new obsession.”
Knowing Muse's personality, saying "obsession" doesn’t sound like someone who’s looking for revenge. It sounds like his new inspiration. Muse may well make murals dedicated to Carnage. Since his warehouse was burned, he will probably use the burned bodies for his art instead of blood.
To make things worse, Eddie Brock isn't playing nice with his newest symbiote. When the opportunity arises, Carnage will absolutely take the chance to switch hosts. Muse gains more power, and Carnage gets a host who is willing to kill. It's a win-win for them, but a loss for everyone else.
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