Iconic Marvel Heroes Unleash Permanent New Superpowers for the First Time

Published Aug 20, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT Shaun Corley has been with ScreenRant for over 5 years, and is currently the Coordinator for PR and Outreach for the Comics Team. Warning: contains spoilers for Queen in Black: Agents of Light and Dark #2! An iconic pair of Marvel heroes have unleashed a new and permanent superpower for the first time. For over 40 years, the fan-favorite duo of Cloak and Dagger have kept the streets of New York City safe, all the while fighting alongside the likes of Spider-Man. Furthermore, they have both been members of the X-Men. Debuting in 1982’s Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #64, and created by Bill Mantlo and Ed Hannigan, Cloak and Dagger quickly spun off into their own title. Both Cloak and Dagger were runaways, coming from vastly different backgrounds. They met on the streets and participated in an experiment that activated their latent mutant genes. Dagger gained the ability to create hard-light constructs and Cloak became a master of darkness. Together, they balance one another out, creating a unique dynamic that has endeared them to generations of fans. Currently, Cloak and Dagger are caught up in the events of Queen in Black, a crossover pitting Knull, the former King in Black, against Hela, who has usurped the dark god’s powers. In Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark, the two young heroes have joined forces with Iron Man and others, who are taking the fight to both Knull and Hela, and during the fight, Dagger unleashes a new, and awesome, superpower. Dagger Can Now Wield the All-Light Sword Cloak Seemingly Got an Upgrade Too In Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark #2, written by Al Ewing and Tom Waltz and drawn by Ze Carlos, Cloak and Dagger are caught at a crossroads. In a previous issue, Knull stabbed Cloak with the All-Light Sword. As issue 2 begins, Cloak lays dying, all while Knull taunts him. He reaches out to Dagger, who is also feeling Cloak’s pain. Cloak and Dagger then find themselves in the realm of the In-Betweener, who begins “unraveling” the pair, stating they must be tested before the balance between them can be restored. Cloak and Dagger power through the ordeal, their deep love for each other winning out in the end. The In-Betweener, having been proven wrong, looks on with a sense of satisfaction, telling Cloak and Dagger the “universe is watching how brightly [they] refuse to settle.” The duo awaken back in their reality, but they feel (and look) different. Cloak’s cape has taken on a more rugged, ragged look, while Dagger now wields the All-Light Sword. However, the Sword is now seemingly bound to Dagger, which she will be able to manifest as if it was one of her hard-light creations. Cloak and Dagger’s respective teams take advantage of these power upgrades, and the duo help turn the tide of battle. Watching Dagger slice her way through Hela’s hordes impresses even Beta Ray Bill. Cloak and Dagger's New Powers Celebrate What Makes Them Great Cloak and Dagger's unique abilities derive from the deep personal connection the two share, and the upgrades they receive in Defenders of Light and Dark celebrates this aspect of their lore. The duo are agents of light and dark, existing in a precarious balance, and this manifests itself in a variety of ways. Beyond their powers, their personalities reflect the light and the dark: Dagger is more optimistic while Cloak tends to be more sour and depressed. Later years have seen Cloak mellow out a bit more. Cloak and Dagger's unique abilities derive from the deep personal connection the two share, and the upgrades they receive in Defenders of Light and Dark celebrates this aspect of their lore. It cannot be understated how impressive a feat Cloak and Dagger pulled off in impressing the In-Betweener. As the entity itself notes, it was created by the Master Order and Lord Chaos, two of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe, and the In-Betweener appears on their level. Cloak and Dagger defied the In-Betweener, and their audacity ensured their survival. Their love for each other transcends time and space, and this no doubt factored into their new power upgrades as well. Now Fans Need to See Cloak Cut Loose In issue two of Defenders of Light and Dark, fans only get to see Dagger take advantage of her new powers, but it is a sight to behold. Dagger confidently hacks and slashes Hela’s henchmen, angering the dark goddess and giving hope to Beta Ray Bill. Hopefully, readers can witness Cloak unleash the full scope of his upgrade too, in future issues, and throughout the rest of his appearances in the Marvel Universe. Queen in Black: Agents of Light and Dark #2 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!