Dane Whitman (Earth-616)

File:Black Knight III 001.gif

Black Knight III

Real Name Dane Whitman
Known relatives Nathan Garrett aka Black Knight II, uncle.
Group Affiliations Avengers, Heroes For Hire

History: Dane Whitman inherited his uncle Nathan's castle. He was unaware that his uncle had been Black Knight II until finding notes and inventions. Eventually he came upon the Ebony Blade. Passing its test, Sir Percival explained the history of the blade and its curse. Taking the weapon Dane decided to be a hero, although the Avengers did not trust them until he assisted them against Kang.

The curse of the Ebony Blade became too dangerous and Dane eventually abandoned it choosing to use a technological weapon instead. On a few occasions he needed the help of Doctor Strange and Victoria Bentley to avoid being posessed by its hunger for blood and to reverse being turned into stone. Dane thought he had rid the curse by freeing Sir Percival's spirit.

Dane was involved in a love triangle with Crystal and Sersi. He eventually renounced his feelings with Crystal as she and Quicksilver attempted to reconcile, and agreed to become Sersi's 'Gann Josin', a sort of psychic link. After Proctor (an evil alternate version of Dane) was finally defeated, Sersi felt she was too dangerous and must exile herself. Dane went along with her.

The two eventually ended up in the Ultraverse along with several other heroes and villains. Dane even briefly led the Ultraforce. Eventually the two decided to return to 616. However, Sersi's teleportation sent them into Earth's past.

Dane was briefly in the body of his ancestor Eobar Garrington during the Crusades, where he met the knight Bennet du Paris, who shortly became Exodus. This explains why Dane felt he was somehow familiar when they 'first' met on Genosha.

The Defenders sought to bring Dane back to the present using the Evil Eye to find him, but Dane explained he felt the need to assist his ancestor while Mordred's evil was interfering with events.

Sersi was later able to transport herself and Dane back to the present. Their 'Gann Josin' has apparently been broken and they have gone their separate ways aside from acting as reservist Avengers. Dane also joined Luke Cage's Heroes for Hire shortly after his return.

While they were gone, Victoria Bentley had retained ownership of his castle so he would not lose ownership. Dane's former squire became possessed by the Ebony Blade, turned into the Bloodwraith, and murdered Victoria.

Not long after, the Lady of the Lake appeared to Dane, telling him he was destined to become Avalon's champion. She presented him with a new armor as well as the Shield of Night and the Sword of Might.

While pursuing the Bloodwraith, Dane came across the High Evolutionary's Knights of Wundagore and agreed to train them.

It was recently revealed that Dane had been tricked into joining Klaw's forces while he was getting used to being the Black Knight. He was apparently told the Wakandans were evil and needed to be purified.

Powers None.
Abilities Dane has skill with science and technology and has become somewhat familiar with magic.
Weapons Dane currently wields the Sword of Light and the Shield of Night. The shield absorbs energy which can then be fired through the sword.

He formerly used a 'neural disrupter' energy sword and the Ebony Blade.

Transportation Dane normally rides the winged horse, Aragorn. He also used Valinor like his uncle did. While with the Knights of Wundagore, Dane uses one of their 'atomic steeds'.

While he used the Ebony Blade, Dane could be summoned to it regardless of location through the use of a ritual.

Equipment Dane wears a protective armor, apparently of elven design. He also posesses a necklace that can contain his armor, sword and shield and reappear whenever he says 'Avalon.'