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The true identity of Marvel’s new Venom is a huge mystery, but the book’s editor has just laid out the list of suspects who might have taken up the mantle of lethal protector. It’s a classic superhero secret identity story, but told from the point of view of someone who doesn’t know who’s behind the gooey mask. All that readers can do for now is guess between four potential hosts.
In an interview with AIPT, All-New Venom editor Jordan D White has broken down the four classic Marvel characters who could be the new Venom, and why each of them would be interesting as the symbiote’s host.
The new book, written by Al Ewing and drawn by Carlos Gómez, is structured as a mystery, with former Venom host Dylan Brock trying to work out who has ‘his’ symbiote. The four in question are Luke Cage, Madame Masque, Robbie Robertson and Rick Jones. That’s one full-time superhero, one supervillain, one regular human supporting character and one character who’s been all three at different times.
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Marvel Has Broken Down The Four Characters Who Might Be The New Venom
This Is a New Experience for Fans, As a Hero Has a REAL Secret Identity
All-New Venom continues writer Al Ewing’s tenure on Venom as a jumping-on point for new readers after the complicated time travel paradoxes of Ewing’s first salvo. Two Venom suspects are classic Ewing favorites. Luke Cage has been prevented from doing any superheroics while mayor of New York, navigating a status quo where he has to be against vigilante action. White reflects that:
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?
Then there’s Rick Jones. Originally the classic Marvel sidekick for Hulk, Captain America and Captain Marvel, Rick has touched every corner of Marvel and isn’t a stranger to being a superhero or a monster. White comments:
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 other two suspects are even more out there. Robbie Robertson is an erstwhile Daily Bugle reporter and classic Spider-Man supporting character, but he’s never been an actual superhero before. Then there’s Madame Masque. The anonymous supervillain is more used to tussling with Iron Man, but there’s nothing more Marvel than reforming a supervillain. The line-up is wacky all round but has the benefit of covering several different corners of the Marvel Universe. White states:
Robbie Robertson has been a staple of the Spider-Man supporting cast for decades, and MAY even have sussed out Peter Parkers 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.
Readers Aren’t Used To Not Knowing Secret Identities
Is This How J Jonah Jameson Feels?
Readers are used to knowing exactly who their heroes are, but now are being put in the role of detective. Don’t be surprised if some fans come out like classic J Jonah Jameson, demanding answers to who Venom really is. It’s a fun role-reversal for fans, and an opportunity for Ewing, Gómez and co to tease out a new type of superhero story. Interestingly, the suspects were built around the true identity of the new Venom, with White explaining:
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.
Whichever suspect is the new Venom, Marvel fans are getting a totally new take on the symbiote hero, with a mystery story that turns the concept of superhero secret identities on its head.
All-New Venom #1 is on sale now from Marvel Comics
Source: David Brooke, AIPT Comics
Venom
Venom is a symbiotic alien entity bonded with various human hosts, notably Eddie Brock and later Flash Thompson. It grants superhuman strength, agility, and a shape-shifting black costume. Initially a Spider-Man villain due to its origins, Venom evolved into an antihero, battling both villains and his own dark impulses. The character embodies themes of duality and redemption within the Marvel Universe.
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