Why Do We Love Venom? Origin, Key Comics & the New 2026 Series
Updated October 2, 2026.
Venom, as the dark and monstrous counterpart to Spider-Man, was almost destined to become a fan-favorite villain. Introduced in the late 1980s, a time when comic book storylines were becoming edgier and more violent, Venom embodied the era’s shift towards grittier narratives. His massive build, black suit (which once belonged to Spider-Man), and demonic, alien-like features made him more than just another villain—he became an iconic, terrifying figure that represented what Spider-Man might look like if he embraced his darkest impulses.
Venom's rise to popularity has been monumental: three solo films between 2018 and 2024, and a brand-new ongoing comic series launching October 14, 2026. But what is it about Venom that resonates so much with fans? To understand his enduring appeal, we need to look back at the comic book storylines and media portrayals that helped shape him into the character we know and love today.
Before the 1980s, comic books were largely seen as light-hearted entertainment aimed at children. Marvel's stories, including those featuring Spider-Man, were considered fun and adventurous but not exactly deep or complex. Spider-Man, created in 1962 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, embodied the spirit of the times with his relatable, everyday struggles of balancing superhero duties with personal responsibilities. His stories often revolved around his relationships with characters like Mary Jane and Aunt May, and his battles with villains like the Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus. These villains were colorful, but they lacked the depth and darkness that would come to define later antagonists.
Venom's Origin: From Black Costume to Eddie Brock
However, by the late 1980s, everything was changing. Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman movie showed that superhero stories could have genuine drama, artistic merit, and enormous box-office potential. Comics, too, were beginning to explore darker themes, and characters like Venom were born from this new creative landscape. With Todd McFarlane, one of the most influential comic book artists of the time, at the helm of The Amazing Spider-Man series, Venom was introduced as a twisted foil to Spider-Man—a literal embodiment of his dark side.
Venom’s origin story began in 1984 during Marvel’s Secret Wars saga, where Spider-Man’s iconic red-and-blue suit was damaged in battle, leading him to discover a mysterious black substance—an alien symbiote—that attached itself to him, giving him enhanced powers and a sleek new look. Spider-Man would later realize, with the help of the Fantastic Four, that the suit was alive and trying to bond with him. Desperate to rid himself of the symbiote, he managed to escape its clutches by using sonic technology, but the symbiote survived and soon found a new host in Eddie Brock.
Eddie Brock, a disgraced journalist who blamed Spider-Man for his personal downfall, was the perfect match for the symbiote. Together, they became Venom—a terrifying entity driven by Brock’s hatred for Spider-Man. Venom wasn’t just another villain with a grudge; he possessed all of Spider-Man’s powers and then some. With enhanced strength, the ability to block Spider-Man’s “spider-sense,” and intimate knowledge of Peter Parker’s personal life, Venom quickly became one of Spider-Man’s most formidable foes.
But what makes Venom truly interesting is the complexity of his character. Venom isn’t just about brute force or chaos; he represents something deeper. The symbiote’s time with Spider-Man left it with a warped sense of justice, and Brock’s own moral compass led Venom down a path of violent vigilantism. Over time, Venom transitioned from a pure villain to an antihero, often seen as a “Lethal Protector” who uses lethal means to punish those he sees as deserving of it.
Lethal Protector, Carnage and the 1990s
This duality—Venom’s role as both a villain and a twisted savior—is one of the reasons for his enduring popularity. Readers are drawn to characters that embody inner conflict, and Venom’s struggle between his darker impulses and his desire for some semblance of justice makes him relatable in a way that traditional villains are not.
Venom’s popularity grew throughout the 1990s, leading to his own comic series and major storylines like Venom: Lethal Protector, where he relocates to San Francisco and continues his brutal brand of justice. His rivalry with Spider-Man remained central to his character, but he also faced new threats, including Carnage, a symbiote offspring bonded with the psychopathic serial killer Cletus Kasady. Carnage’s introduction in the 1990s added another layer of complexity to Venom’s character, as he had to team up with Spider-Man to stop Carnage’s murderous rampage, despite their mutual hatred for one another.
New Hosts and the Movies
Over the years, Venom’s story has continued to evolve. In the 2000s, Eddie Brock faced personal challenges, including a battle with cancer, and the Venom symbiote bonded with different hosts, including Spider-Man’s high school nemesis, Flash Thompson. This constant evolution has kept Venom fresh and relevant, allowing him to adapt to changing times while maintaining his core identity.
Venom's cinematic journey has also been a rollercoaster. After a lackluster debut in Spider-Man 3 (2007), where fans were disappointed with the portrayal of Eddie Brock and Venom, it wasn’t until 2018’s Venom that the character finally got his due on the big screen. Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock was praised for capturing the character’s intensity and vulnerability, and the film’s blend of dark humor and action resonated with audiences, leading to two sequels: Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) and Venom: The Last Dance (2024).
Venom in 2026: Eddie Brock Is Back
The next chapter starts this month. Venom #1 (2026) goes on sale October 14, 2026, written by Charles Soule with art by Tommaso Bianchi and a main cover by Davide Paratore, at a $4.99 cover price, according to Marvel's listing. After years apart, Eddie Brock and the symbiote are reunited, and Eddie is set on being the hero he believes he can be.
The new series spins out of this summer's Queen in Black crossover. Mary Jane Watson had been bonded to the Venom symbiote since Venom War (2024); Marvel announced at San Diego Comic-Con that she moves into her own series while Eddie returns as Venom in a new ongoing title.
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Venom Comics and Books in Stock
- Venom #3 (2018), Tyler Kirkham exclusive cover: the first appearance of Knull.
- Spider-Man: Birth of Venom: the black costume saga and Eddie Brock's debut in one paperback.
- Marvel's Venom: The First 40 Years: a hardcover history of the character.
- All-New Venom: Who Is All-New Venom?: the 2024–2025 series that led into this year's relaunch.
Venom FAQ
When does the new Venom #1 come out?
Venom #1 (2026) by Charles Soule and Tommaso Bianchi is scheduled for October 14, 2026, with a $4.99 cover price.
Who is Venom's host in 2026?
Eddie Brock. The new series reunites Eddie with the symbiote after Mary Jane Watson's time as its host.
What is Venom's first appearance?
Venom's first full appearance is The Amazing Spider-Man #300 (1988), following a cameo in #299. The black costume that became the symbiote first appeared in 1984.
What is Venom: Lethal Protector?
It is the 1993 limited series that gave Venom his first solo title and moved him from villain to antihero, relocating Eddie Brock to San Francisco.
Is Venom a hero or a villain?
Both, depending on the era. He began as a Spider-Man villain and has spent most of the years since as an antihero.
Venom’s journey from villain to antihero has been nothing short of fascinating. He represents the dark side of heroism—the part of us that struggles with temptation, anger, and the desire for revenge. Yet, he also shows us that even in the darkest moments, there’s room for redemption. Whether in comics, animated series, or blockbuster films, Venom continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of horror, humor, and heart. As one of the most iconic characters in the Spider-Man universe, Venom's star power shows no signs of fading anytime soon.
