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 Al Ewing and Paco Medina's opening story from Venom #252, on sale December 3 from Marvel Comics.
The next chapter of Spider-Man's love life is off to a promising start, and it has nothing to do with Peter Parker.
Venom #252 (by Al Ewing, Paco Medina, Frank D'Armata, and VC's Clayton Cowles) drops readers into the middle of a brutal fight between the titular symbiote superhero, currently posing as Spider-Man, and the dreaded Doctor Octopus and his goons. Fortunately, Venom isn't alone, and Flash Thompson, aka Agent Anti-Venom, is the best backup they could ask for. Flash also seems to be just the kind of romantic rebound that Mary Jane has been looking for, which will surely be a problem of its own before long.
Venom #252
- Written by AL EWING
- Art by PACO MEDINA
- Colors by FRANK D'ARMATA
- Letters by VC's CLAYTON COWLES
- Design by CARLOS LAO and JAY BOWEN
- Main cover art by CARLOS GÓMEZ & FRANK MARTIN
- Variant covers by DAVID BALDEÓN & ISRAEL SILVA; CORY SMITH & EDGAR DELGADO; DAVID CURIEL & R.B. SILVA; IVAN SHAVRIN; and JOEY VAZQUEZ
Introduced right alongside the titular himself in Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's "Spider-Man!" from the opening pages of Amazing Fantasy #15 back in 1962, Flash Thompson was once the stereotypical high school bully who loved nothing more than picking on a teenage Peter Parker. In the decades since, however, Flash has gone from one-dimensional antagonist to one of the most storied and endearing symbiote superheroes of all time.
Mary Jane Watson's own career as a symbiote superhero began shortly after the final battle of Marvel's Venom War. In need of a host and some much-needed help alike, Venom and Mary Jane bonded to one another out of sheer desperation, all before setting out to redefine themselves as the All-New Venom. In the process, the pair gave rise to one of Marvel's biggest mysteries of the past few years, which itself brought classic characters like Madame Masque and Rick Jones back into the spotlight.
Now, Mary Jane and Venom are doing the best they can to keep their bond a secret while also filling in as Spider-Man in Peter Parker's absence. As the All-New Venom patrols the streets of New York City, Spider-Man is stuck living out an interstellar adventure (and crossing paths with his own new romantic interest) the likes of which he never expected in the first place, let alone because of his recent defeat to the supernaturally supercharged menace known as Hellgate.
The official solicit synopsis for Venom #252 from Marvel Comics reads, "THE RUMORS ARE TRUE! Venom has a brand-new red-and-blue suit - and a brand new name to go with it! How will the people of New York react when they find out that the city's newest Spider-Man is the SYMBIOTE they love to loathe? Luke Cage and Otto Octavius are ready to debate the matter — with their fists!"
Venom #252 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
Created by Todd McFarlane, David Michelinie
English (US) · 