Marvel’s Near Miss: Transforming Spider-Man’s Underrated Villains into Venom Characters

Warning! Spoilers for Marvel’s All-New Venom

The launch of the All-New Venom series marks an intriguing chapter in Marvel Comics, igniting fans’ curiosity about the identity of Venom’s new host. This fresh character embodies a vibrant and outspoken personality, starkly contrasting with previous hosts like Eddie and Dylan Brock. Although the true identity of this new hero remains under wraps, we do have insights into which characters have been ruled out.

While editor Jordan D. White has kept the identity of Venom’s host a secret, he did share which characters are not in the running. Notably, some big names were almost used as decoys, including Sleepwalker and the Chameleon. However, two lesser-known Spider-Man villains were seriously considered for the role of Venom’s new host.

Marvel Almost Chose Rocket Racer or Hypno-Hustler as Venom’s New Host

Rocket Racer and Hypno-Hustler debut comic covers

According to White, writer Al Ewing compiled a list of increasingly obscure Marvel characters as potential red herrings for the identity of the new Venom host. In his remarks, White stated:

I’ve actually grabbed up the document where Al was grading all the candidates so we can see who was NEARLY in the book. These folks weren’t really in the running to be the real host, but they were in the running to be red herrings. Looks like Rick Sheridan and Melvin Potter were the first knocked off the list. Cardiac, Foolkiller, Puma, and Chameleon didn’t get much further. Rocket Racer and Hypno Hustler were in serious contention.

If you’re unfamiliar with these characters, you’re not alone. Robert Farrell (Rocket Racer) and Antoine Delsoin (Hypno-Hustler) are both retro Spider-Man villains originating from the late 1970s. Having fallen out of relevance over the years, their appearances in contemporary comics have been minimal at best.

Though these D-list villains may seem like odd choices initially, they share a unique connection that could hint at the direction of the All-New Venom series.

Six Degrees of the Tinkerer

Tinkerer points a large gun in a Marvel comic

Throughout their narratives, both Rocket Racer and Hypno-Hustler have encountered the Tinkerer. Lacking superpowers, these characters depend on gadgets and tech to facilitate their criminal endeavors. Despite being minor villains, their association with the Tinkerer—another low-level enemy of Spider-Man—adds depth to their stories, showcasing how even the smallest characters can pose a threat through ingenuity.

There is potential for the Tinkerer to serve a pivotal role as a villain in the All-New Venom narrative. Regardless of the new host’s eventual reveal, it’s exciting to learn that the series’ creative team explored such a wide array of characters, even those who may not resonate with modern audiences. This behind-the-scenes glimpse not only highlights their commitment to character development but also leaves fans speculating about the series’ direction.

With All-New Venom #1 currently available, enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of the new host, each candidate presenting a unique opportunity for storytelling.

Source: AITP

All-New Venom #1 is out now from Marvel Comics.

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