Phil Coulson Reveals a Secret From His Past, Exposing a Tie to Lady Death

Warning: SPOILERS for The Amazing Spider-Man #65As the lovably awkward Agent of SHIELD, Phil Coulson, continues his service as the avatar of Death, he’s been struggling to grasp why he was chosen for the role. Seemingly picked at random, Coulson isn’t exactly the poster boy for death and decay. However, new information from Coulson’s past reveals that he and Death have secretly been connected for decades. There was only ever one soul destined to surpass Death.

In The Amazing Spider-Man #65 by Derek Landy and Kev Walker, Peter Parker has completely given up being Spider-Man. Overwhelmed by the death he’s faced in his life, Phil Coulson arrives to console Peter as best he can.

However, Coulson is still coming to terms with his new responsibility and struggles to reassure the hero. While questioning his own purpose, Coulson is drawn to a childhood memory of his first interaction with Lady Death. Surprised that a mortal child could see her, the Abstract Entity believed there was something special about the boy.

Phil Coulson Has Known Lady Death Since His Childhood

The Amazing Spider-Man #65 by Derek Landy, Kev Walker, Wade Von Grawbadger, Mattia Iacono, and Joe Caramagna

When Phil Coulson was only a young child, he discovered that his grandfather had passed away in his sleep. Firmly staring at the thin veil of mortality at such an early age left its mark on the boy. However, it wasn’t his grandfather that he first saw, but Death herself. Unlike her usual skeletal form, Lady Death presented herself as a faceless sinewy specter. Wrapped in a mess of tattered robes, only her arms and claws emerged from the decrepit form. In one hand, she firmly gripped a scythe, equally aged and wispy as her. However, Coulson was not afraid.

Despite his shock, Phil Coulson only wanted to know if his grandfather had made it to Heaven. The wraith-like reaper explained to Coulson the true nature of the afterlife and that people unnecessarily fear what is inevitable. Forced to literally stare Death in the face, Coulson uttered a phrase that took the grim entity back: “I’m not scared of you.” Towering over the boy, Lady Death stated that Phil Coulson is special. From that moment, Death forever remembered the boy who didn’t fear her. In her time of need, many years later, she would choose that boy to become her successor.

Phil Coulson's Acceptance of Lady Death's Position Makes Him the Perfect Choice

Coulson Has Never Had an Ulterior Motive

There are few with the ability to see Death without her permission, let alone with the mental fortitude to speak to her. Given that her usual mortal company consists of Thanos and Deadpool, Phil Coulson’s simple disposition is a pleasant relief. Unlike Thanos or Deadpool, Coulson never wanted anything from Death. His lack of fear isn’t because of greed, love, or bravery - it’s casual. As a child, he was shocked at what he saw but treated Death with normalcy as one would treat the forces of nature. Coulson isn’t special because he could see Death, but because he accepted her.

Even as a boy, Coulson proved that he understood Death better than anyone. Lady Death is a living concept; mortals who treat her as a mortal can’t see past their wants and desires. Their inability to understand the magnitude, yet simplicity, of her existence proves that they'll never be responsible enough to wield her power. But Coulson has shown that he understands the humility needed for the position. He has no ulterior motive and no intent to abuse his power. Coulson didn’t want the job, making him the perfect candidate. He may not remember, but Phil Coulson has long impressed Lady Death.

The Amazing Spider-Man #65is available now from Marvel Comics.