Venom
Creation & Design
Venom was created by writer David Michelinie and artist Todd McFarlane, first appearing in 'The Amazing Spider-Man' as a dark reflection of Spider-Man, showcasing the consequences of power and obsession.Early Years
Initially introduced as a villain to Spider-Man, Venom quickly gained popularity, leading to his own series and evolving into an anti-hero with a complex moral code.Character Development
Over the years, Venom has evolved from a villain into a complex anti-hero, grappling with his darker impulses while striving to protect the innocent, making him one of Marvel's most beloved characters.Cultural Reception
Venom has received a mixed but generally positive reception, with fans praising his anti-hero status and complex character arc.Character Details
Real Name:
Eddie Brock
Aliases:
Venom, Anti-Venom, Toxin
Species:
Human/Alien Symbiote
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Spider-Man, The Sinister Six, The Thunderbolts
Abilities:
Superhuman strength, Regeneration, Shape-shifting, Web-slinging
Equipment:
Symbiote suit, Web-shooters
Weight:
225lbs
Height:
5' 10"
Eye Color:
white
Hair Color:
black
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Comics Journal #85
Fantagraphics
•
1983
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
First published sketch of Spider-Man's black costume, side view of the suit
Key Facts
First published sketch of Spider-Man's black costume, side view of the suit
Amazing Heroes #35
Fantagraphics
•
1983
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Preview sketch of Spider-Man's black costume, rear view of the suit
Key Facts
Preview sketch of Spider-Man's black costume, rear view of the suit
Heroes Hotline #4
Heroes Hotline
•
1983
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Preview sketch of Spider-Man's black costume, front and back view of the suit
Key Facts
Preview sketch of Spider-Man's black costume, front and back view of the suit
Comic Reader #215
Street Enterprises
•
1983
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Preview sketch of Spider-Man's black costume, front, side and rear view plus crouching stance
Key Facts
Preview sketch of Spider-Man's black costume, front, side and rear view plus crouching stance
Amazing Heroes #39
Fantagraphics
•
1984
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Preview sketch of Spider-Man's black costume, crouching position
Key Facts
Preview sketch of Spider-Man's black costume, crouching position
Marvel Age #12
Marvel
•
1984
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Preview sketch of Spider-Man's black costume with spider logo colored red
The design of this costume is courtesy of a Marvel fan from Norridge, Illinois, Randy Schueller
Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter, paid Schueller $220 for ownership of the costume design which debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #252 with a white logo instead of the red spider emblem from the original design (tap cover and swipe for interior images)
Key Facts
Preview sketch of Spider-Man's black costume with spider logo colored red
The design of this costume is courtesy of a Marvel fan from Norridge, Illinois, Randy Schueller
Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter, paid Schueller $220 for ownership of the costume design which debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #252 with a white logo instead of the red spider emblem from the original design (tap cover and swipe for interior images)
Amazing Heroes #45
Fantagraphics
•
1984
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Solicitation for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
Preview of Spider-Man’s Symbiote suit
Key Facts
Solicitation for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
Preview of Spider-Man’s Symbiote suit
Amazing Spider-Man #252
Marvel
•
1984
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Spider-Man's black costume
Cited as being tied with Marvel Team-Up #141 as the first appearance of the black costume, this issue went on sale January 31,1984
Marvel Team-Up #141 went on sale February 14,1984
Cover art inspired by Amazing Fantasy #15
The symbiote costume was designed by a Marvel fan from Illinois named Randy Schueller who was paid $220 by Editor-In-Chief Jim Shooter for the concept
[March 2026 - the evolution of Spider-Man in the Spider-Man (Tom Holland franchise) may be building toward a symbiote bond, based on clues in the latest Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Spider-Man's black costume
Cited as being tied with Marvel Team-Up #141 as the first appearance of the black costume, this issue went on sale January 31,1984
Marvel Team-Up #141 went on sale February 14,1984
Cover art inspired by Amazing Fantasy #15
The symbiote costume was designed by a Marvel fan from Illinois named Randy Schueller who was paid $220 by Editor-In-Chief Jim Shooter for the concept
[March 2026 - the evolution of Spider-Man in the Spider-Man (Tom Holland franchise) may be building toward a symbiote bond, based on clues in the latest Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer]
Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #90
Marvel
•
1984
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Spider-Man's black costume
According to solicitations from 1984, The Amazing Spider-Man #252 went on sale January 31
Marvel Team-up #141 and The Spectacular Spider-Man #90 both went on sale February 14
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Spider-Man's black costume
According to solicitations from 1984, The Amazing Spider-Man #252 went on sale January 31
Marvel Team-up #141 and The Spectacular Spider-Man #90 both went on sale February 14
Marvel Team-Up #141
Marvel
•
1984
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Spider-Man's black costume, tied with Spectacular Spider-Man #90
According to solicitations from 1984, The Amazing Spider-Man #252 went on sale January 31
Marvel Team-up #141 and The Spectacular Spider-Man #90 both went on sale February 14
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Spider-Man's black costume, tied with Spectacular Spider-Man #90
According to solicitations from 1984, The Amazing Spider-Man #252 went on sale January 31
Marvel Team-up #141 and The Spectacular Spider-Man #90 both went on sale February 14
Amazing Spider-Man #258
Marvel
•
1984
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Reed Richards discovers Spider-Man's black costume is an alien symbiote
Debut of Spider-Man’s Bombastic Bag Man costume, a temporary disguise consisting of a Fantastic Four uniform with a brown paper bag for a mask
Key Facts
Reed Richards discovers Spider-Man's black costume is an alien symbiote
Debut of Spider-Man’s Bombastic Bag Man costume, a temporary disguise consisting of a Fantastic Four uniform with a brown paper bag for a mask
Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8
Marvel
•
1984
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Origin of the black symbiote costume that later bonds with Eddie Brock to become Venom
2nd appearance of Spider-Woman, Julia Carpenter
Key Facts
Origin of the black symbiote costume that later bonds with Eddie Brock to become Venom
2nd appearance of Spider-Woman, Julia Carpenter
Web of Spider-Man #18
Marvel
•
1986
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Eddie Brock, hands only, pushing Peter Parker into the path of an oncoming train
The hands that push Peter Parker in this panel were intended to be those of a woman who lost her family in an accident, indirectly caused by Spider-Man but eventually Eddie became the main antagonist in the symbiote suit
This scene is retold from Brock's perspective in The Amazing Spider-Man #388
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Eddie Brock, hands only, pushing Peter Parker into the path of an oncoming train
The hands that push Peter Parker in this panel were intended to be those of a woman who lost her family in an accident, indirectly caused by Spider-Man but eventually Eddie became the main antagonist in the symbiote suit
This scene is retold from Brock's perspective in The Amazing Spider-Man #388
Amazing Spider-Man #282
Marvel
•
1986
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Specialty border printed on select covers published in November 1986 celebrating Marvel's 25th Anniversary or more precisely, the 25th year since Fantastic Four #1 was published in November 1961
Key Facts
Specialty border printed on select covers published in November 1986 celebrating Marvel's 25th Anniversary or more precisely, the 25th year since Fantastic Four #1 was published in November 1961
Web of Spider-Man #24
Marvel
•
1987
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
2nd cameo appearance of Eddie Brock, a shadowy hand
Amazing Heroes #131
Fantagraphics
•
1987
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
First preview appearance of Venom, the symbiote merged with Eddie Brock
Key Facts
First preview appearance of Venom, the symbiote merged with Eddie Brock
Amazing Spider-Man #298
Marvel
•
1988
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Venom, creeping over Eddie Brock's hands
First cover art by Todd McFarlane on the Amazing Spider-Man title
1st team appearance of the Life Foundation led by Carlton Drake
1st appearance of Carlton Drake who discovered there were five symbiote seeds that could be extracted from the Venom symbiote
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Venom, creeping over Eddie Brock's hands
First cover art by Todd McFarlane on the Amazing Spider-Man title
1st team appearance of the Life Foundation led by Carlton Drake
1st appearance of Carlton Drake who discovered there were five symbiote seeds that could be extracted from the Venom symbiote
Comics Scene #2
Starlog
•
1988
•
Vol. 2
Key Facts
Second preview appearance of Venom
Article about the 300th anniversary issue of Spider-Man
Key Facts
Second preview appearance of Venom
Article about the 300th anniversary issue of Spider-Man
Amazing Spider-Man #299
Marvel
•
1988
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
2nd cameo appearance of Venom
⚠️ Debatable Firsts: Todd McFarlane explains in an interview that he considers The Amazing Spider-Man #299 the first full appearance of Venom but various comic book resources cite The Amazing Spider-Man #300
The Amazing Spider-Man #299 was used as a prop in the film, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)
Key Facts
2nd cameo appearance of Venom
⚠️ Debatable Firsts: Todd McFarlane explains in an interview that he considers The Amazing Spider-Man #299 the first full appearance of Venom but various comic book resources cite The Amazing Spider-Man #300
The Amazing Spider-Man #299 was used as a prop in the film, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)
Amazing Spider-Man #300
Marvel
•
1988
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Venom
Peter Parker returns to his classic red-and-blue costume
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Venom
Peter Parker returns to his classic red-and-blue costume
Amazing Spider-Man #315
Marvel
•
1989
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Venom
1st partial cover appearance of Venom
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Venom
1st partial cover appearance of Venom
Amazing Spider-Man #316
Marvel
•
1989
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
3rd appearance of Venom
1st full cover appearance of Venom - head appears in and inset of issue #315
Key Facts
3rd appearance of Venom
1st full cover appearance of Venom - head appears in and inset of issue #315
Amazing Spider-Man #317
Marvel
•
1989
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
4th appearance of Venom
Quasar #6
Marvel
•
1990
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
First appearance of Venom outside of a Spider-Man title
Amazing Spider-Man #332
Marvel
•
1990
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
First time Venom is depicted with a long tongue and drool, a significant addition to Venom's design, added by Erik Larsen
Hidden in the background of a panel featuring Spider-Man in a park are Charlie Brown and Snoopy having a picnic - tap cover and swipe to view additional image
Key Facts
First time Venom is depicted with a long tongue and drool, a significant addition to Venom's design, added by Erik Larsen
Hidden in the background of a panel featuring Spider-Man in a park are Charlie Brown and Snoopy having a picnic - tap cover and swipe to view additional image
Amazing Spider-Man #345
Marvel
•
1991
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Cletus Kasady becomes infected by the Venom symbiote, later becomes Carnage
[March 2026 - a glimpse of Spider-Man battling Boomerang in the Brand New Day trailer was inspired by this cover - tap cover and swipe to view screenshot]
Key Facts
Cletus Kasady becomes infected by the Venom symbiote, later becomes Carnage
[March 2026 - a glimpse of Spider-Man battling Boomerang in the Brand New Day trailer was inspired by this cover - tap cover and swipe to view screenshot]
Amazing Spider-Man #346
Marvel
•
1991
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Iconic cover art by Erik Larsen
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #25
Marvel
•
1991
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
First solo story featuring Venom
Quasar #30
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of a Venomized character - Thor appears on the cover, bonded to a symbiote but not the interior story
Key Facts
1st appearance of a Venomized character - Thor appears on the cover, bonded to a symbiote but not the interior story
Amazing Spider-Man #361
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Carnage, spawned from the extraterrestrial parasite known as the Venom symbiote
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Carnage, spawned from the extraterrestrial parasite known as the Venom symbiote
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #26
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Origin of Venom, the first meeting of Eddie Brock and the Venom symbiote
'First Kill' told in 3 back-up chapters
Part 2: Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #12
Part 3: Web of Spider-Man Annual #8
Key Facts
Origin of Venom, the first meeting of Eddie Brock and the Venom symbiote
'First Kill' told in 3 back-up chapters
Part 2: Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #12
Part 3: Web of Spider-Man Annual #8
Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #12
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Part 2 of the three-part story, 'First Kill' that recounts the origin of how Eddie Brock and Venom bonded
Part 1: The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #26
Part 3: Web of Spider-Man Annual #8
Key Facts
Part 2 of the three-part story, 'First Kill' that recounts the origin of how Eddie Brock and Venom bonded
Part 1: The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #26
Part 3: Web of Spider-Man Annual #8
Web of Spider-Man Annual #8
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Conclusion of the first solo Venom story 'First Kill' told in 3 back-up stories
Part 1: Amazing Spider-Man Annual #26
Part 2: Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #12
Key Facts
Conclusion of the first solo Venom story 'First Kill' told in 3 back-up stories
Part 1: Amazing Spider-Man Annual #26
Part 2: Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #12
Spider-Man Special Edition #1
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Battle of Spider-man and Daredevil vs Venom
Issue exclusively obtained through a UNICEF mail-in charity drive
Interior pin-up poster included
Key Facts
Battle of Spider-man and Daredevil vs Venom
Issue exclusively obtained through a UNICEF mail-in charity drive
Interior pin-up poster included
What If...? #44
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 2
Key Facts
Alternate reality story where the Venom symbiote bonds with the Punisher
Key Facts
Alternate reality story where the Venom symbiote bonds with the Punisher
Venom: Lethal Protector #1
Marvel
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
First solo series featuring Venom
1st cameo appearance of General Orwell Taylor
Key Facts
First solo series featuring Venom
1st cameo appearance of General Orwell Taylor
Amazing Spider-Man #375
Marvel
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Ann Weying, Eddie Brock’s ex-wife who later becomes She-Venom
1st appearance of Carl Brock, Eddie's father
First team-up of Spider-Man and Venom
Key Facts
1st appearance of Ann Weying, Eddie Brock’s ex-wife who later becomes She-Venom
1st appearance of Carl Brock, Eddie's father
First team-up of Spider-Man and Venom
Venumb #1
Parody Press
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Parody of Venom
Venom: Lethal Protector #4
Marvel
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Scream
1st cameo appearance of Agony
1st cameo appearance of Lasher
1st cameo appearance of Phage
1st cameo appearance Riot
Key Facts
1st appearance of Scream
1st cameo appearance of Agony
1st cameo appearance of Lasher
1st cameo appearance of Phage
1st cameo appearance Riot
Web of Spider-Man #102
Marvel
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
"Maximum Carnage" part 6
First meeting of Morbius and Venom
Venom The Enemy Within #1
Marvel
•
1994
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Glow-in-the-dark cover art
Iron Man #302
Marvel
•
1994
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Battle of Iron Man vs Venom
Incredible Hulk vs. Venom #1
Marvel
•
1994
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Battle of The Incredible Hulk against Venom
Issue exclusively obtained through a UNICEF mail-in charity drive
Foil, embossed cover
Key Facts
Battle of The Incredible Hulk against Venom
Issue exclusively obtained through a UNICEF mail-in charity drive
Foil, embossed cover
Amazing Spider-Man #388
Marvel
•
1994
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Origin of Eddie Brock, events retold from his point-of-view first seen in Web of Spider-Man #18
Originally, the unseen individual who pushed Peter Parker in front of the train was supposed to be a woman and her hands were illustrated as such but later, the character who would be Venom was changed to Eddie Brock
Key Facts
Origin of Eddie Brock, events retold from his point-of-view first seen in Web of Spider-Man #18
Originally, the unseen individual who pushed Peter Parker in front of the train was supposed to be a woman and her hands were illustrated as such but later, the character who would be Venom was changed to Eddie Brock
Amazing Spider-Man Super Special #1
Marvel
•
1995
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
"Planet of the Symbiotes" part 1 in a 5 part series
Origin of the Alien Symbiote
Flip book cover paying homage to McFarlane's Spider-Man #1 featuring the Scarlet Spider
Title colored with silver ink
Key Facts
"Planet of the Symbiotes" part 1 in a 5 part series
Origin of the Alien Symbiote
Flip book cover paying homage to McFarlane's Spider-Man #1 featuring the Scarlet Spider
Title colored with silver ink
Venom: Sinner Takes All #3
Marvel
•
1995
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st full appearance of She-Venom
Rune vs. Venom #1
Marvel
•
1995
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Marvel and Malibu publisher crossover
Venom is depicted with bat-like wings and claims to be a dark god
Key Facts
Marvel and Malibu publisher crossover
Venom is depicted with bat-like wings and claims to be a dark god
Adventures of Spider-Man #12
Marvel
•
1997
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Final issue featuring a team-up of Venom and Dr. Octopus
Venom: The Finale #3
Marvel
•
1998
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Separation of Eddie Brock from the alien symbiote
Final issue of a three-part limited series that marked the end of an era for the Venom character who headlined twenty-three miniseries over a 5 year period
Interest in Venom waned by 1998 causing Marvel to reduce the character's presence for a number of years
Key Facts
Separation of Eddie Brock from the alien symbiote
Final issue of a three-part limited series that marked the end of an era for the Venom character who headlined twenty-three miniseries over a 5 year period
Interest in Venom waned by 1998 causing Marvel to reduce the character's presence for a number of years
Amazing Spider-Man #19
Marvel
•
2000
•
Vol. 2
Key Facts
Cover art by Erik Larsen featuring Venom and Doctor Octopus teamed-up against Spider-Man
Key Facts
Cover art by Erik Larsen featuring Venom and Doctor Octopus teamed-up against Spider-Man
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