John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.
The following contains major spoilers for Venom #253, on sale January 7 from Marvel Comics.
Spider-Man's most universally loathed frenemy doesn't seem capable of getting his act together, and this time it really isn't his fault.
In a preview of Venom #253 (by Al Ewing, Carlos Gómez, Frank D'Armata, and VC's Clayton Cowles) from Marvel Comics, readers find Mary Jane Watson and Dylan Brock helping Paul Rabin settle into a new apartment of his own after months of heartbreak and superpowered terror. Unfortunately, Paul is only barely able to get his things settled into his new home before it quite literally blows up right in his face.
Venom #253
- Written by AL EWING
- Art by CARLOS GÓMEZ
- Colors by FRANK D'ARMATA
- Letters by VC's CLAYTON COWLES
- Design by CARLOS LAO
- Main cover art by CARLOS GÓMEZ & FRANK MARTIN
- Variant covers by CLAYTON CRAIN; LUCIO PARRILLO & NOGI SAN; and TRIBUTE GAMES & DOTEMU
The official solicit synopsis for Venom #253 from Marvel Comics reads, "UNFRIENDLY COMPETITION? MASQUE MAKES HER MOVE! Madame Masque wants Venom out of her way — one way or the other. And somehow, she’s found out who’s under the goo."
"With all the power of A.I.M. in her golden glove, she’s turning the screws on the world’s strangest roommates... but will the goosome twosome squish under the pressure? Or is Madame Masque waking up the monster within?"
Introduced in the pages of 2022's Amazing Spider-Man #1 by Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr., Paul Rabin is a genius scientist who hails from the reality of Earth-23321. There, he worked with his father, Benjamin Rabin, to unlock the secrets of ancient glyphs and the power they hold. Tragically, Paul didn't realize his father's evil intentions until the ancient god Wayep had already been unleashed upon their world.
When Benjamin Rabin of Earth-616 set his own villainous plans in motion, it paved the way for Peter Parker and Mary Jane to become trapped on Earth-23321, and while the former made his eventual escape, the latter was not so lucky. There, Mary Jane and Paul fell in love, developed her superpowered Jackpot gauntlet, and even started a family with the children they never knew were mere facsimiles.
Despite overcoming everything and making a new life for himself in the reality of Earth-616 alongside Mary Jane, Paul's relationship was always fated for disaster, especially after their adoptive children dissipated into the ether from which they came. Still, the two have managed to maintain a friendly working relationship and have even become unlikely guardians and friends to Dylan Brock in the time since Mary Jane bonded to the Venom symbiote.
Currently, Mary Jane is headed towards what will be her most harrowing adventure yet as a superhero when Marvel Comics' Death Spiral event kicks off next month. The crossover event will bring together Spider-Man, Venom, and Carnage for a sprawling story that is set to introduce the Marvel Universe's next seemingly unstoppable serial killer — Torment.
Venom #253 goes on sale January 7 from Marvel Comics.
Created by Todd McFarlane, David Michelinie
Upcoming Films Venom: The Last Dance
Movie(s) Venom, Venom Let There Be Carnage
Character(s) Spider-Man, Venom, Eddie Brock
Video Game(s) Venom/Spider-Man: Separation Anxiety, Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage
English (US) · 