Marvel Unveils Venom’s Latest Target: A Sneak Peek at the Symbiote’s New Host

The identity of the newly revamped Venom is shrouded in mystery, and Marvel’s editorial team has recently revealed a list of intriguing candidates who could embody this notorious anti-hero. This narrative offers a classic twist by exploring the superhero genre from the perspective of a character in the dark about who wears the iconic symbiotic suit. For the time being, readers are left to speculate among four distinct contenders.

Marvel Reveals Possible Hosts for the New Venom

In a recent discussion with AIPT, editor Jordan D. White analyzed four well-known Marvel figures who might be in line to become the new Venom. Each character brings a unique angle to the story:

Luke Cage – The superhero turned New York City Mayor.
Madame Masque – A cunning supervillain with a history of crossovers.
Robbie Robertson – An iconic Daily Bugle reporter.
Rick Jones – A character who has worn multiple hats in the Marvel universe.

Exploring the Potential Hosts

The narrative of All-New Venom, penned by Al Ewing, serves as an accessible entry point for new readers following complex story arcs. Among the suspects, two stand out as Ewing’s favorites. Luke Cage has recently faced constraints on his superhero activities due to his political position:

Luke Cage is a really well known hero and one who was given a really unique place in the Marvel Universe when he became mayor of New York City… but he also is not meant to be out vigilante-ing while in office. Maybe this is a way to get around that?

On the other hand, Rick Jones has a rich history as a sidekick to iconic heroes like the Hulk and Captain America but currently lacks a defined role in ongoing narratives. White suggests:

Rick Jones is a Marvel mainstay from way back when who has been an important part of Hulk, Captain Marvel, Captain America, and Avengers history… but one who doesn’t currently have a home in the books. Why not give him a spider link as well?

The More Unlikely Suspects: A Unique Mix

The remaining two suspects are notable for their unconventional backgrounds. Robbie Robertson, a long-time ally of Spider-Man, has never donned a superhero cape. Meanwhile, Madame Masque, typically a foe of Iron Man, could provide an unexpected twist if she were to don the Venom suit:

Robbie Robertson has been a staple of the Spider-Man supporting cast for decades, and MAY even have sussed out Peter Parker’s secret. Is he sick of just reporting crime instead of doing something about it?

And finally, Madame Masque – she’s a super criminal! She couldn’t be cleaning up crime in the Venom suit, could she? Although… the crime he’s cleaning up DOES seem to be people who betrayed her and landed her in custody.

The Thrill of Uncertainty: A New Experience for Readers

Traditionally, comic book readers enjoy clarity regarding the personas of their beloved heroes, but this new arc incorporates a delightful detective aspect, allowing fans to engage in speculation. This role reversal could prompt some enthusiasts to mimic the skepticism of J. Jonah Jameson, intensely demanding the reveal of Venom’s true identity:

We started the whole process by picking who the actual host is. From there, we needed to fill out the rest of the suspects, and Al worked up a whole spreadsheet to give all of the potential people we threw out as possibilities grades so as to end up with the best possible options.

No matter who emerges as the new Venom, Marvel fans can look forward to an innovative take on this iconic character, ushering in a mystery that turns the conventional notion of superhero identities on its head.

All-New Venom #1 is currently available from Marvel Comics.

Source: David Brooke, AIPT Comics

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