Venom Acknowledges the One Heroic Host He Respects More Than Spider-Man

Venom, a character with nearly four decades of history in Marvel Comics, has undergone a remarkable transformation from his origins as a villain to a champion of life and love across the multiverse. Over the years, this enigmatic alien symbiote has bonded with more than thirty different hosts, each contributing to his evolving identity. Among these hosts, one stands out as the individual who profoundly taught Venom what it means to embody heroism.

As the conflict in the Venom War reaches its peak, the stakes have never been higher. Meridius rallies his zombiote army for a final showdown, while Carnage approaches his destiny as
the King in Crimson. Meanwhile, Spider-Man strives to control the unfolding chaos, and Venom desperately works to keep the Brock family united.

In Venom War #4, created by Al Ewing, Iban Coello, and Frank D-Armata, we witness the emergence of Venom’s most inspirational host, Flash Thompson, who has sacrificed his very body and form in service of protecting the multiverse.

Flash Thompson: Venom’s Greatest Hero

Through his dual bond with Eddie and Dylan Brock, Venom has reached a newfound harmony, embracing the love and unity he shares with his family. Together, they act in unison, sharing their thoughts and feelings openly. However, as they grapple with the chaotic remnants of Eddie Brock’s rage, embodied in the form of the temporal symbiote Bedlam, Flash Thompson appears just in time to deliver a decisive blow to Bedlam. Now transformed into the Anti-Venom, Flash glows with radiant energy, symbolizing his significance.

Both Eddie and Dylan sense Venom’s joy, as he reflects on a profound truth: “Flash Thompson, more than any other, is the host who taught [Venom] to be a hero.” In the past, after a tumultuous separation from Eddie Brock and a bond with the Scorpion, Venom had succumbed to his more villainous impulses. However, when Flash, a combat-scarred veteran returning from Iraq, bonded with Venom, they began a journey of genuine heroism that included adventures with
the Guardians of the Galaxy. For Venom, Flash Thompson represents the epitome of heroism far surpassing Eddie, Dylan, or even Peter Parker.

Flash Thompson: Success Over Past Hosts

Spider-Man: Catalyst for Venom’s Turn to Evil

The Klyntar observe Flash Thompson and his healing path for Venom

Flash Thompson embodies redemption, self-sacrifice, and authentic heroism. He has achieved what no other host could: he liberated Venom. During their interstellar journey, Flash, Venom, and the Guardians discovered Venom’s ancestral homeworld, where he was cleansed of genetic corruption, gaining a fresh sense of purpose and awareness. Upon returning to Earth, he was confronted with the pain of his prior bond—one filled with rage, instilled largely by the actions of Spider-Man and Eddie.

In contrast, Flash emerged as a guiding force, instructing Venom on how to be a true savior. Despite his beginnings as a high school antagonist, Flash admired the heroic qualities that Spider-Man represented. When
Venom first bonded with Peter, the experience was marred by Peter’s struggle with anger. Flash Thompson, however, represents a new dawn for Venom, one where redemption, selflessness, and genuine heroism flourish.

Venom War #4 is now available from Marvel Comics, showcasing the culmination of this significant character journey.

Source & Images