Exploring Venom’s Most Unusual Hosts in Marvel Comics
Among the various members of the symbiote family, Venom stands out as the most sought-after entity. Originally introduced when it bonded with Spider-Man, Venom quickly established itself as one of Marvel’s most infamous characters. Over time, the symbiote has connected with countless hosts, with its latest incarnation featuring Mary Jane Watson in a surprising twist.
The collaboration between Venom and Mary Jane Watson has sparked debate among fans, many of whom regard it as an odd pairing. Yet, it’s essential to acknowledge that Venom has had even stranger hosts in the past. With a symbiote as desirable as Venom, it attracts a diverse array of potential hosts, leading to some unexpected, yet intriguing choices beyond the usual suspects, such as Eddie or Dylan Brock.
10. Mysterio
Symbiote Spider-Man #5 (by Peter David, Greg Land, Jay Leisten, Frank D’Armata, Joe Sabino)
In a memorable encounter, Peter Parker faced off against Mysterio, leading to a chaotic battle over the alien symbiote. During the conflict, Mysterio successfully bonds with the Venom symbiote, unleashing havoc across the city. Ultimately, he is separated from the symbiote amidst the chaos, but this brief connection leaves fans pondering how much more formidable Mysterio could have been with the symbiote’s power at his disposal.
9. Aunt May
Julian Totino’s Variant Cover for Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #4
Aunt May’s transformation into Venom appears on a stunning variant cover rather than a full comic storyline. This raises an engaging What If? scenario: What if Aunt May succumbed to the influence of Venom? Traditionally a source of hope for Peter Parker, one can only wonder whether that hope would linger in a Venomized form.
Incorporating Aunt May into the world of superpowers isn’t as unprecedented as it seems; various iterations of her character in the Spider-Verse have demonstrated her potential for heroism. Thus, envisioning her as a powerful Venomized figure is a creative extension of Marvel’s ongoing narrative innovation.
8. The Purple Man
Venom: Separation Anxiety #1 (by David Michelinie, Gerardo Sandoval, Romulo Fajardo Jr., Travis Lanham)
The notorious Zebediah Killgrave, known as The Purple Man, becomes a significant threat when he merges with Venom. Originating from an encounter where Eddie Brock and Rhino inadvertently release him from captivity, Killgrave seizes control of the symbiote, amplifying his already formidable powers of manipulation. The combination of his abilities and the symbiote’s strength creates an incredibly dangerous adversary.
7. The Human Torch
Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man #24 (by Fred Van Lente, Cory Hamscher, Guru-eFX, Dave Sharpe)
Even though Eddie Brock is no fan of the Human Torch, the Venom symbiote respects Johnny Storm, allowing him to don the infamous black suit. In a unique storyline, the Human Torch lifts the symbiote after Peter leaves it at the Baxter Building. His attempt at style, however, is foiled when his fiery abilities accidentally destroy the suit.
The time spent with the symbiote could have transformed Johnny Storm into a formidable force. Just imagine how his powers would have evolved if he could remain a Flame-Enhanced Venom!
6. Drax the Destroyer
Guardians of the Galaxy #22 (by Brian Michael Bendis, David López, Valerio Schiti, Jason Keith, Cory Petit)
When Drax the Destroyer merges with the Venom symbiote, he showcases immense power, becoming one of the most potent iterations of Venom. This fusion not only amplifies Drax’s strength but also enhances his shape-shifting abilities, making him a nearly unstoppable force.
5. Kingpin
100th Anniversary Special – Spider-Man #1 (by Sean Ryan, In-Hyuk Lee, Clayton Cowles)
When Wilson Fisk, or Kingpin, merges with the Venom symbiote, he reaches new heights of power. This version features a sophisticated techno-symbiote suit that not only amplifies the symbiote’s powers but also integrates advanced technology that allows Kingpin to manipulate his surroundings in unprecedented ways.
4. Vision
Spider-Man / Deadpool #32 (by Robbie Thompson, Scott Hepburn, Ian Herring, Joe Sabino)
In a fascinating future setting, a version of Vision infused with the Venom symbiote emerges, offering a unique twist on both characters. This amalgamation allows the hybrid to wield Venom’s powers and transform into a formidable combatant with a variety of abilities.
3. The Sentry
Contest of Champions #10 (by Al Ewing, Rhoald Marcellius, Andrew Crossley, Joe Sabino)
In a twist of fate during a Contest of Champions event, The Sentry’s dark counterpart, The Void, becomes intertwined with the Venom symbiote. This merger gives rise to an overwhelming army of Symbioids, each exhibiting formidable powers, such as flight, invulnerability, and energy projection.
The combination of Venom with The Void creates a nearly divine entity, showcasing the symbiote’s potential when fused with extraordinary abilities.
2. Hawkeye
Civil War #2 (by Charles Soule, Leinil Francis Yu, Gerry Alanguilan, Sunny Gho, Joe Sabino)
Clint Barton, known as Hawkeye, encounters the Venom symbiote under mysterious circumstances after its previous owner, Mac Gargan, passes away. With his newfound abilities, he emerges as a lethal asset for Steve Rogers during the Civil War saga, proving his effectiveness and brutality when using the symbiote.
1. John Walker
Dark Avengers #185 (by Jeff Parker, Neil Edwards, Terry Pallot, Chris Sotomayor, Joe Caramagna)
Known primarily as U.S. Agent, John Walker’s chapter with Venom occurs when he opts for the symbiote following the loss of his limbs in battle. The science of Toxie Doxie enables him to regain his arms and legs, utilizing a controlled version of Venom to foster recovery.
Ultimately, Walker’s experience leads him to find power and restoration rather than transformation into the monstrous Venom, representing a unique intersection in the world of Marvel’s heroes and anti-heroes.