Summary
- Spider-Man reunites with the Venom symbiote in Venom War, donning a black suit with chains for the symbiote supremacy battle.
- Peter Parker bonds with Venom again in a new black suit with Spawn-inspired chains, as he's chosen as host by the symbiote for his purity of heart in the Venom War.
- Spider-Man, Spawn, and symbiote history are closely intertwined, with Todd McFarlane's iconic designs in '90s comics having a lasting impact on Spidey.
This August, Spawn. Venom War is the next symbiote centered-event, beginning on August 8 with Venom War #1 by Al Ewing and Iban Coello. The event will see all former and current symbiote hosts, including Flash Thompson, Cletus Kasady, and Black Widow pledging their allegiance to either Eddie or Dylan Brock in a battle for symbiote supremacy.
In a shocking twist, Venom has gone through many hosts, and gained new powers since then. Readers can get their first glimpse at Spidey in his new black suit, complete with Spawn-inspired chains, on the cover for Venom War: Spider-Man #1 by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelley, Greg Land, Jay Leisten and Frank D'Armata.
Venom War: Spider-Man #1 (2024) |
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| Release Date: |
August 14 |
| Writers: |
Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelley |
| Artist: |
Greg Land |
| Cover Artist: |
Greg Land |
| Variant Covers: |
Anand Ramcheron, Marin Cóccolo |
THE SPIDER-MAN IN BLACK! Eddie Brock wants the symbiote, Dylan Brock wants the symbiote… but they're forgetting about the first host to ever wear the black… PETER PARKER! That's right — Spider-Man is back in black again, and this time, he's liking how it fits him! Maybe the winner of the Venom War could be the OG! |
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Venom #35, written by Al Ewing with art by CAFU, has revealed that the alien can sense emotions, and chooses its host based on the presence of emotions like hate and rage. Heading into Venom War, the symbiote has chosen Parker as its host again because he was able to reject it previously due to the purity of his heart.
New Black Cat Debuts, As the Original's Daughter Gets Her Own Costume & Codename
Held captive 30 years in the future, Spider-Man is rescued by Kitty-Kat, the daughter of his ally and one-time love interest, Black Cat.
The Original Venom's Son Dylan Brock Loves '90s Comics
Dylan reveals that he has consciously chosen the chains as an homage to the comics he grew up on, and to separate himself from Peter and Eddie.
Anand Ramchero's variant cover for Venom War: Spider-Man #1 sees a fully suited-up Spidey using the chains as webs while swinging through the city alongside Jackpot. In Venom #200, written by Donny Cates and Philip Kennedy Johnson, with art by Ryan Stegman, the Venom symbiote bonds to Dylan Brock, with the distinct chains making their first appearance. Dylan reveals that he has consciously chosen the chains as an homage to the comics he grew up on, and to separate himself from Peter and Eddie. While it is possible he read Pitt and The Maxx, there is no comic that exemplifies the grittiness and extreme violence of the '90s like Spawn.
Spider-Man, Spawn, and the Symbiote Have a History
Spider-Man and Spawn have a deeply connected history. While he did not create the symbiote, Todd McFarlane would redefine the Webslinger's black costume and create the iconic Venom design in Amazing Spider-Man #299. Five years later, McFarlane would go on to be one of the original founders of Image Comics, and launch Spawn, which became a massive critical and financial success and helped define the art style of '90s comics.
While he did not create the symbiote, Todd McFarlane would redefine the Webslinger's black costume and create the iconic Venom design in Amazing Spider-Man #299.
Even after departing Marvel, McFarlane would continue to draw Spider-Man, in both official and unofficial capacities. Spawn #10, released in May 1993, would feature many heroes and villains from both Marvel and DC, with the Wallcrawler and the alien symbiote directly in the middle of many other familiar hands. Overstreet Price Guide is the most recent, and the last crossover between the two icons.
An official Batman/Spawn crossover series was released in 2022, meaning it is possible for the worlds of mainstream and independent comics to collide. While Spider-Man has never met his most famous creation, Todd McFarlane's enduring influence on the character cannot be denied. The most recent symbiote suit is the perfect example of this, trading chains for webs and featuring a new, more sinister insignia. Spider-Man was chosen to wear the symbiote because of his purity, but after Venom War, he may be an entirely different man.
Venom War: Spider-Man #1 is on sale August 14 from Marvel Comics.
- Alias
- Peter Parker, Ben Reilly, Otto Octavius, Yu Komori, Kaine Parker, Pavitr Prabhakar, William Braddock, Miles Morales, Kurt Wagner
- Created By
- Stan Lee, Steve Ditko
- Franchise
- Marvel, Spider-Man
- Race
- Human
- First Appearance
- Amazing Fantasy
- Alliance
- 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.
