Phil Coulson Officially Unleashes His New Powers as Marvel’s Avatar of Death

Marvel’s newest superhero officially emerges, as Phil Coulson, the consummate S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, returns from the dead bearing a new Infinity Stone – just in time for Thanos to lead the Avengers into an Infinity Watch crossover. This shocking turn instantly transformed the iconic MCU character into a Marvel powerhouse. Now, he has finally unleashed his powers, showing fans precisely what he’s capable of.

Incredible Hulk 2024 Annual #1 contained the back-up story, “The Death Stone Saga, Chapter Six” – written by Derek Landy, with art by Sara Pichelli – where Phil Coulson decides to finally put his new Marvel powers to use. When Nighthawk threatens the life of Nick Fury, the wielder of the most powerful Infinity Stone decides to use his powers to threaten Nighthawk’s in return.

Readers – and Coulson, for that matter – still don’t exactly know what Coulson can or can’t do with his newfound power, but as readers eagerly anticipate the next chapter, it doesn’t hurt to speculate.

Phil Coulson Is Ready To Use His New Powers As A Cosmic Marvel Hero

The Incredible Hulk 2024 Annual #1, Back-Up Story “The Death Stone Saga, Chapter Six” – Written By Derek Landy; Art By Sara Pichelli, Mattia Iacono, and VC’s Travis Lanham

In both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the official Earth-616 comics canon, Phil Coulson had a reputation as someone who loved heroes and was one. One black-eye to his legacy was the “Heroes Reborn” storyline, which saw Coulson return from the dead as a supervillain who, using the Pandemonium Cube, expel the Avengers from existence and rebrand himself the President of the United States. This is eventually undone and no one – not even Phil – remembers his evil deeds … except for Nighthawk. This is why when Coulson is revived again, Nighthawk is eager to put him down for good.

Thanks to a trusty pager, Nick Fury rushes to his friend’s rescue, but not without falling into Nighthawk’s clutches. In an effort to protect his friend, Coulson decides it’s time to test his untested powers. A dark essence flows and glows from his hands and his eyes grow black. Fury is certainly impressed at the spectacle, but knowing this would be the first time that Coulson is using powers he doesn’t fully understand yet, Nighthawk isn’t worried. The issue ends with Coulson beaming this darkness in Nighthawk’s direction.

The Extent Of Phil Coulson’s New Powers Remains A Mystery – Even To Him

Coulson’s Highly Anticipated Return Asks More Questions Than It Answers

It’s hard to tell yet what exactly Phil can do with his powers, but considering that he gathers his powers from the Death Stone, it might be safe to assume that these powers could result in instant death for whoever opposes him. The Death Stone has been positioned as the most powerful Infinity Stone, and Fury’s assertion that “glowy powers are the best powers” doubles down on the notion of Coulson wielding exponential powers. Readers will need to wait for the next Marvel issue featuring Coulson’s story, but Nighthawk could be in serious trouble next time readers see him.