
In the intricate tapestry of Dark Matter, where cosmic stakes, moral ambiguity, and multidimensional forces collide, Malleck stands out as a character who embodies both the burden of guilt and the hope of redemption. Cast into the shadowy abyss of the Dark Matter, Malleck’s journey is one of pain, penance, and the relentless pursuit of meaning. He is a tragic figure, but also one brimming with untapped potential, waiting to play a pivotal role in the rebellion against the gods.
Let’s dive into Malleck’s character to unravel his story, his struggles, and his importance to the larger narrative of Dark Matter.
Malleck’s story begins with defiance. He used knowledge that he can’t work out where it came from to save Zivah and her unborn son, Joshua, during childbirth. This act of compassion was an act of rebellion against the Nameless Gods who designed the multiverse. By interfering with the threads of fate, Malleck defied their grand cycle of creation, suffering, and destruction—a decision that would cost him dearly.
For his act of defiance, Malleck was cast into the Dark Matter, a realm of endless shadows where light never touches and time seems to fold in on itself. The Dark Matter is not just a place but a psychological prison—a manifestation of the chaos and despair that threatens to consume anyone exiled there. Malleck has spent countless years wandering this void, separated from everything he once knew and grappling with the weight of his choices.
But what makes Malleck’s story so compelling is that his punishment wasn’t for a selfish act—it was for saving lives. His exile is a reminder of the cruelty of the gods and the sacrifices required to oppose them. It’s also what makes Malleck such a sympathetic character. Despite his suffering, he remains a protector at heart, someone who has risked everything to do what he believed was right.
Malleck’s connection to Zivah and Joshua is central to his character. Though his physical presence in their lives is brief, his impact is profound. By saving Zivah and ensuring Joshua’s survival, Malleck becomes a silent guardian of the prophecy—a key player in the rebellion against the old gods, even if he doesn’t fully realise it yet.
What Malleck doesn’t know is that Uriel guided his hand during the night he used forbidden spells to save Zivah and Joshua. Uriel whispered the spells into Malleck’s mind, planting the knowledge that allowed him to bind life to life and alter fate itself. This manipulation, though hidden, ties Malleck to Uriel’s larger plan and sets the stage for his eventual return.
In many ways, Malleck is a mirror of Joshua. Both characters carry the weight of failure and guilt, but both are also driven by a desire to make things right. While Joshua struggles to navigate the multiverse and uncover the truth, Malleck’s journey is one of survival and redemption—a slow but steady climb out of the darkness.
The Dark Matter isn’t just a backdrop for Malleck’s story—it’s a crucible that has shaped him into the creature he is. The realm’s shadows are alive, writhing with chaos and taking on forms that reflect the fears and regrets of those trapped within it. For Malleck, these shadows manifest as the faces of those he failed to save, the echoes of lives lost because he couldn’t act in time. His exile is a constant reminder of his perceived failures, forcing him to confront his own inner demons.
But the Dark Matter is also a forge. In this realm of despair, Malleck begins to hone his strength and rediscover his purpose. His years of isolation have taught him resilience, and his encounters with the living shadows have given him a unique understanding of the forces that exist beyond the gods’ control. Malleck may be trapped, but he is far from defeated. The Dark Matter has not broken him—it has tempered him.
At his core, Malleck is a character defined by guilt and redemption. His act of defiance—the use of forbidden spells to save Zivah and Joshua—was noble, but the cost of that act has left him questioning his worth. Did he do the right thing? Was the sacrifice worth it? These questions haunt him, but they also drive him. Malleck isn’t content to wallow in despair; he wants to make amends, even if he’s not entirely sure how.
This makes Malleck one of the most relatable characters in Dark Matter. Who among us hasn’t made a difficult choice and questioned whether it was the right one? Who hasn’t carried the weight of guilt or wished for a chance at redemption? Malleck’s struggle is deeply human, even as it plays out on a cosmic scale.
While Malleck’s role in the rebellion is still unfolding, it’s clear that he is destined to become Joshua’s protector. His knowledge of forbidden magic, his understanding of the Dark Matter, and his resilience in the face of despair make him uniquely suited to this role. But it’s not just about his abilities—Malleck’s compassion and willingness to sacrifice himself for others are what truly set him apart.
Uriel, ever the manipulator, has been quietly preparing Malleck for this role. By guiding him in the past and subtly influencing his actions, Uriel ensures that Malleck remains connected to the prophecy. But Malleck’s ultimate redemption will come not from Uriel’s plan, but from his own choices. To truly protect Joshua and fulfil his role in the rebellion, Malleck will have to confront his past, embrace his guilt, and find the strength to fight for a future worth saving.
Malleck’s character serves several important functions in Dark Matter:
Moral Complexity:
Malleck’s story raises questions about the cost of defiance and the price of redemption. His struggle to reconcile his actions with their consequences adds a layer of moral ambiguity to the story, challenging readers to consider what they would do in his place.
Foreshadowing the Rebellion:
By saving Zivah and Joshua, Malleck sets the stage for the rebellion against the gods. His actions ripple through the multiverse, influencing events in ways he can’t yet understand.
Humanising the Cosmic Stakes:
In a story filled with gods, shadows, and multiverse-spanning conflicts, Malleck’s deeply personal journey provides a grounding element. His struggles remind us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, individual choices matter.
Thematic Resonance:
Malleck embodies one of the central themes of Dark Matter: the idea that even in the darkest places, there is hope. His journey through the Dark Matter and his refusal to give up show that redemption is always possible, no matter how far you’ve fallen.
Malleck may not be the most visible character in Dark Matter, but his presence looms large. He is a character of contrasts—guilt and redemption, despair and hope, shadow and light. His story reminds us that even the smallest acts of defiance can have far-reaching consequences, and that redemption is never out of reach, no matter how dark the path may seem.
In a world shaped by gods and rebellion, Malleck stands as a testament to the resilience of the spirit. He shows us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, it’s possible to fight for something greater than yourself—and that even in the darkest shadows, there is always a flicker of light waiting to be found.
Malleck’s future in Dark Matter is filled with potential. As Joshua’s protector, he is likely to emerge as a key player in the rebellion, using his knowledge of forbidden magic and the Dark Matter to help Joshua confront the gods. But Malleck’s journey isn’t just about Joshua—it’s also about finding his own redemption. To truly fulfil his role, Malleck will need to forgive himself and embrace the possibility that his actions, no matter how small, can make a difference. But this is for another book. Sorry Malleck.