VENOM 150
Not only is Eddie Brock returning, but VENOM is returning to legacy numbering in May with oversize issue #150! Per IGN:
The issue will be oversized, include backup stories, and see original Venom host Eddie Brock take back the symbiote, meaning that current host Lee Price will part ways with the suit he only just got. But according to Marvel editor Devin Lewis, Lee losing the symbiote and becoming an antagonist for Brock always part of the plan.
“The story featuring Lee Price is only a chapter in the symbiote’s ongoing saga. I love Lee – especially the tactical sensibility Mike has given him, the awareness of where all the pieces are on the board at any given moment. He operates with intelligence, and thinks about things before he does them. That tempered and measured approach is something I love in the character, and it’s the kind of thing that could really turn Lee into a great villain for the larger Marvel Universe.”
The oversized landmark issue will be be done by series writer Mike Costa and guest artist Tradd Moore, who Lewis has wanted to work with ever since being impressed by Moore’s work on All-New Ghost Rider #1 in 2014. Check out this double-page spread by Moore from early on in the issue.
During Brian Michael Bendis’s Guardians of the Galaxy run, Venom joined the team and traveled to the homeworld of the symbiotes where it was revealed that the symbiotes are actually a peaceful race of aliens. The aliens were able to cleanse the Venom symbiote of its negative influences and return it to then-host Flash Thompson, who gained a stronger connection and some new abilities. But Price has recently shown that the symbiote can still be forced to do evil if the host wills it, which is something that will play into the new series.
“[Issue #150 is] going to be the first adventure Eddie and the symbiote go on once they’re reunited and free of Lee and the FBI’s symbiote task force. Eddie Brock and Venom, swinging through the concrete jungle. There’s a lot of ‘Lethal Protector’ in the DNA of Mike’s current run and his approach to Eddie, and, like that story, Mike’s has a lot of heart,” Lewis explained. “But I’ve been adamant about the fact that the symbiote has to be a THREAT. Not necessarily to Eddie or anyone in particular,other than Spider-Man, but certainly to the world around it. It can and should be a destabilizing force. Regardless of its mental state or the fact that it’s been cleansed, Lee has proven that the symbiote can be dangerous in the wrong hands, and we’re going to see the ramifications of that play out in Tradd’s story.”
During Brian Michael Bendis’s Guardians of the Galaxy run, Venom joined the team and traveled to the homeworld of the symbiotes where it was revealed that the symbiotes are actually a peaceful race of aliens. The aliens were able to cleanse the Venom symbiote of its negative influences and return it to then-host Flash Thompson, who gained a stronger connection and some new abilities. But Price has recently shown that the symbiote can still be forced to do evil if the host wills it, which is something that will play into the new series.
“[Issue #150 is] going to be the first adventure Eddie and the symbiote go on once they’re reunited and free of Lee and the FBI’s symbiote task force. Eddie Brock and Venom, swinging through the concrete jungle. There’s a lot of ‘Lethal Protector’ in the DNA of Mike’s current run and his approach to Eddie, and, like that story, Mike’s has a lot of heart,” Lewis explained. “But I’ve been adamant about the fact that the symbiote has to be a THREAT. Not necessarily to Eddie or anyone in particular,other than Spider-Man, but certainly to the world around it. It can and should be a destabilizing force. Regardless of its mental state or the fact that it’s been cleansed, Lee has proven that the symbiote can be dangerous in the wrong hands, and we’re going to see the ramifications of that play out in Tradd’s story.”
Here’s the solicitation information for Venom #150.
MIKE COSTA, ROBBIE THOMPSON & DAVID MICHELINIE (W)
TRADD MOORE, GERARDO SANDOVAL & RON LIM (A)
Cover by GERARDO SANDOVAL
Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Young Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG
Variant Cover by ADAM KUBERT
Variant Cover by JAMES STOKOE
VARIANT COVER BY MARK BAGLEY
SKETCH VARIANT COVER BY MARK BAGLEY
VARIANT COVER BY GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
REUNITED, AND IT FEELS SO GOOD! Or, feels so bad? However it feels, Eddie Brock and the Venom symbiote have been reunited, and they’re web-slinging their way around New York again. Featuring a host (hah!) of Venom creators from the character’s near 30-year history, this monstrous anniversary spectacular welcomes guest artist TRADD MOORE for an oversized and brutal main story AND a lethal story featuring fan-favorite creators David Michelinie and Ron Lim, reunited! With questions still lingering about how the symbiote was separated from Flash Thompson, and what lies in its future now that it’s reunited with Eddie Brock, this is one issue you can’t afford to miss!
Are you ready?!?!?