There’s a new Spider-Man in the Marvel Universe, stepping up to take Peter Parker’s role as the protector of New York City. But in a rare twist, this shockingly redesigned symbiote substitute isn’t stealing the spotlight, but trying to convince the world he’s still the same old webslinger… underneath a much, much, much bigger costume. And don’t even ask about the tongue.
Mary Jane Watson & Venom Become Marvel’s New Spider-Man
Admitting There’s No Better Hero, The Symbiote Duo Recreate Spidey’s Suit
Marvel has made no secret of Venom’s new Spidey-inspired costume, but the details surrounding its creation have been harder to grasp. After recoloring itself in the previous issue, the symbiotic alliance between the Venom symbiote and Mary Jane Watson lets its full intentions be known.
Fans can read the official preview pages and plot synopsis below, for not only another Venom suit change, but the tease of “a brand new name” for the hero as well:
THE RUMORS ARE TRUE! Venom has a brand-new red-and-blue suit – and a brand new name to go with it! How will the people of New York react when they find out that the city’s newest Spider-Man is the SYMBIOTE they love to loathe? Luke Cage and Otto Octavius are ready to debate the matter — with their fists! PLUS: A bonus tale of the origin of an even All-NEWER Venom! AND a celebratory flashback story by the team behind the classic AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #252!
Venom Replaces Spidey With A New Name And Role, But For How Long?
Venom #252 by Al Ewing, Paco Medina, Frank D’Armata
Previously, the color change had appeared to be a superficial adjustment, perhaps nothing more than a Marvel-motivated appeal to sell a fantastic line of variant covers. And while that may still be the case, the preview pages reveal a much deeper storyline is unfolding. Mary Jane and the symbiote are not subliminally shifting to a more heroic role, or even signaling such a shift to the public. They’re pulling a full-on charade.
By calling themselves Spider-Man, and even concealing Venom’s signature tongue to be more convincing, the pair is actually attempting to pass themselves off as Peter Parker. But given the size discrepancy, Mayor Luke Cage’s belief that this Venom is something new, and even the tease of a new codename, fans may be about to witness true Marvel history. If this character is no longer Venom, then who shall it become? And for how long?
These questions will have to wait, until Venom #252 arrives on December 3, from Marvel Comics.
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- Alias
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Peter Parker, Ben Reilly, Otto Octavius, Yu Komori, Kaine Parker, Pavitr Prabhakar, William Braddock, Miles Morales, Kurt Wagner
- Created By
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Stan Lee, Steve Ditko
- Franchise
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Marvel, Spider-Man
- Race
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Human
- First Appearance
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Amazing Fantasy
- Alliance
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Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Secret Defenders, Future Foundation, Heroes for Hire, Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, Web-Warriors
Spider-Man is the name given to several individuals who have employed a spider-moniker throughout Marvel Comics. Typically gaining their powers through a bite from a radioactive spider, the different Spider-Man heroes employ super-strength, agility, and intellect while utilizing webbing to swing and tangle up their foes. The most notable of these Spider-Men is Peter Parker, who remains one of the most popular superheroes throughout the world.
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- NAME
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Venom (Symbiote), Eddie Brock (most prominent host)
- Alias
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Eddie Brock
- Created By
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David Michelinie, Todd McFarlane
- POWERS
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Superhuman strength, speed, agility, and endurance, Ability to cling to surfaces, Shape-shifting abilities (forming weapons, shields), Regeneration and healing factor, Immunity to Spider-Man’s spider-sense, Enhanced senses, Able to produce webbing, Bonding with a host to share or amplify powers, Immunity to all Earthly diseases
- RELATIONSHIPS
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Eddie Brock (primary host and ally), Peter Parker/Spider-Man (initial enemy, later uneasy ally), Anne Weying (former wife of Eddie Brock and occasional host), Cletus Kasady/Carnage (offspring of the Venom symbiote and a deadly enemy)
- HISTORY
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The Venom symbiote is an alien organism that first bonded with Peter Parker (Spider-Man) during the “Secret Wars” storyline. After Parker rejected the symbiote, it found a new host in Eddie Brock, a disgraced journalist. The symbiote and Brock bonded over their mutual hatred for Spider-Man, becoming the anti-hero known as Venom. Over time, Venom has evolved from a villain to an anti-hero, often fighting alongside other heroes to protect innocents, though his methods remain brutal.
Venom is a symbiotic alien entity bonded with various human hosts, notably Eddie Brock and later Flash Thompson. It grants superhuman strength, agility, and a shape-shifting black costume. Initially a Spider-Man villain due to its origins, Venom evolved into an antihero, battling both villains and his own dark impulses. The character embodies themes of duality and redemption within the Marvel Universe.
