Vantablack: it sounds like a brooding superhero who lurks in shadows, using his grumpy disposition to mask a tragic backstory. Until Marvel runs with this idea, Vantablack remains a shade of black—but it’s still pretty impressive nonetheless.

Developed through a chemical vapor deposition process, this super-black coating is the world’s darkest material, swallowing over 99% of visible light. When applied to objects, Vantablack creates a surreal illusion, making them appear completely flat.

Beyond its visual trickery, it serves practical roles in science, reducing light interference in telescopes and boosting infrared imaging. Controversially, artist Anish Kapoor secured exclusive rights to use Vantablack in art, sparking a feud with fellow artist Stuart Semple, who created alternative pigments available to everyone—except Kapoor.