“The First Hunter of Men”: WAR DEVIL Just Replaced Venom as Marvel’s Scariest Symbiote (& It’s Not Close)

Warning: contains spoilers for The Incredible Hulk #8!

The War Devil has just replaced Venom as Marvel’s scariest symbiote–and it is not even close. For over 35 years, Venom has reigned as the top symbiote in the Marvel Universe, even after the arrival of others such as Carnage and Knull. Now, in The Incredible Hulk #8, a new symbiote-like character has arrived, one that can take the Jade Giant down to the wire.

The Incredible Hulk #8 is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and drawn by Nic Klein. The Hulk has been taken over by a creature called the Jinni Dagaal, or “the War Devil,” who resembles a black goo, just like the symbiotes. Calling himself “the first hunter of men,” Dagaal tells Banner that he is not welcome in its “sacred garden.”

Dagaal tries to take control of the Hulk’s body, but he is able to fight Jinni off, and after teaming up with a Ghost Rider, deals the demon a huge defeat.

Venom and the Symbiotes Have Become Marvel Legends

Venom Has Developed a Rich, Dense Backstory

Symbiotes such as Venom have been a part of the Marvel Universe since the introduction of Spider-Man’s black costume in the first Secret Wars miniseries. Since then, an elaborate mythology has sprung up around the symbiotes. Numerous symbiotes, such as Carnage and Toxin, have been unleashed on the Marvel Universe, as has the Knull, the King in Black. After Eddie Brock defeated Knull, and ascended to the role of King in Black, fans have learned the symbiotes have a deep cosmic connection, able to exist non-linearly and congregating in a mysterious garden outside of time and space.

Many of these qualities are also present in Jinni Dagaal, which implies a connection between the creature and the symbiotes. Dagaal takes the form of a gooey, resin-like substance, similar to symbiotes. He can overwrite his host’s personality, and while the Hulk was easily able to reassert himself, others may not be as strong or lucky. Finally, Dagaal alludes to a “sacred garden.” The issue leaves the garden a mystery for now, but if there is indeed a connection between Digaal and the symbiotes, it is possible the gardens are one and the same.

The War Devil is Marvel’s Scariest New Villain

The War Devil Has Vast Potential Beyond Venom

Regardless of the connection between Dagaal and Venom, the demon has asserted itself as the scariest symbiote. Venom has, over time, become more heroic in his actions, but there is no redeeming value to Dagaal. His corrupt nature, combined with his great, symbiote-derived powers, make Dagaal a serious threat not only to the Hulk, but the Marvel Universe as a whole. A villain who exists outside linear time is a terrifying one, as the War Devil is poised to take Venom’s place as Marvel’s scariest symbiote.

The Incredible Hulk #8 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!