With his career in tatters, the suicidal Brock was discovered by the Symbiote and the pair become Venom. With powers matching Spider-Man's Venom was a threat who could easily hold his own against the web-slinger. But the Symbiote also shared its memroies with Eddie Brock, meaning the villain learned Spider-Man is really Peter Parker.
The Symbiote has found other hosts over the years and Eddie Brock has gained other identities by merging with other Symbiotes, but he'll always be the one true Venom in most people's minds.
As always, I'd like to thank the guys over at www.chronologyproject.com which I use as a basis and work out my own continuity. Those guys have done all the heavy lifting for me!
MCG Notes:
Untold Tales of Spider-Man #15 (1996)
Young Eddie quizzes J Jonah Jameson at a press conference on behalf of the Daily Globe.
Venom: Seed of Darkness #-1 (1997)
Eddie Brock investigates the appearance of a symbiotic alien creature called Krobaa during FLASHBACK.
Secret Wars #8 (1984)
Spider-Man gains a new costume that responds to his commands during SECRET WARS.
Amazing Spider-Man #258 (1984)
Spider-Man discovers his costume is an alien Symbiote; the costume is removed by Mister Fantastic for tests during THE ALIEN COSTUME SAGA.
Web of Spider-Man #1 (1985)
The Symbiote tries to reclaim Spider-Man; he breaks free of it by standing in a church bell tower, forcing it to slink away during TIL DEATH DO US PART.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #26[2/5] (pp.3-8) (1992)
Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #12[2/5] (1992)
Web of Spider-Man Annual #8[2/5] (1992)
Eddie Brock merges with the Symbiote and decides to have his revenge on Spider-Man, but first he uses his new abilities to take down a gang of violent thieves. The story tries to show a more heroic side to Eddie Brock (and really doesn't succeed) during FIRST KILL.
Code of Honor #4 (1997)
Venom cameo appearance.
Web of Spider-Man #18 (1986)
Someone tries to push Peter Parker in front of a train (and somehow doesn't set off his spider-sense) during MISSING IN ACTION.
Web of Spider-Man #24 (1987)
Someone tries to grab Peter Parker's leg while he's standing on the side of a building (avoiding his spider-sense again).
Amazing Spider-Man #388[2/3] (pp.9-12) (1994)
An untold tale reveals it was Eddie Brock/Venom who pushed Peter Parker in front of the train and tried to grab him on the building, in preparation for their first confrontation.
Amazing Spider-Man #300 (1988) / Venom: Dark Origin #5 (2009)
Without the Venom Symbiote, Eddie Brock continues to function in the Marvel Universe. Brock evolves in unexpected ways, becoming both Anti-Venom and Toxin. This will take us as far as 2015 as I don't plan on covering anything after that.
Amazing Spider-Man #533 (2006)
When Spider-Man publicly reveals unmasks as Peter Parker, Eddie Brock is among those who learn the truth during CIVIL WAR.
Sensational Spider-Man #38-39 (2007)
Cancer-riddled Eddie Brock realises he's in the same hospital as shooting victim May Parker, Peter Parker's aunt. Brock tries to kill May as an act of revenge during BACK IN BLACK.
Amazing Spider-Man #568-573 (2008)
Eddie Brock starts working at the FEAST Centre, comes into contact with Mister Negative. Negative creates a new Symbiote which bonds with Brock to become Anti-Venom. Anti-Venom clashes with the newest Venom host, Mac Gargan, during NEW WAYS TO DIE.
Amazing Spider-Man Extra! #2[1/2] (2009)
Anti-Venom's first solo adventure.
Amazing Spider-Man Presents: Anti-Venom - New Ways to Live #1-3 (2009-2010)
Anti-Venom's pursuit of the Quinta Cartel puts him in the Punisher's crosshairs.
Amazing Spider-Man #663-664 (2011)
Anti-Venom comes gunning for Mister Negative during SPIDER-ISLAND.
New Avengers Annual #1
Avengers Annual #1
(2011-2012)
Anti-Venom joins the anti-Avengers team, the Revengers during REVENGERS.
Amazing Spider-Man #668-670 (2011)
Venom #7 (2011)
Amazing Spider-Man #671-673 (2011-2012)
Anti-Venom helps cure New Yorkers when they start developing spider powers, meeting the new host of the Venom Symbiote, Agent Venom (Flash Thompson), in the process. The Anti-Venom Symbiote dies when it's used as a cure for the Jackal's Spider-Virus, leaving Eddie Brock without an alien 'other' again despite now being perceived as a hero during SPIDER-ISLAND.
Venom #11 (2012)
Homeless and destitute, Eddie Brock prepares to go to war against all Symbiotes.
Venom #15 (2012)
Eddie Brock kills Scream and her Symbiote as well as Hybrid's host, Scott Washington.
Venom #17-21 (2012)
Crime-Master forces Venom to merge him with the deceased Pat Mulligan's Toxin Symbiote. In his new Toxin guise, Brock hunts Agent Venom as part of Crime-Master's Savage Six.
Venom #30-35 (2013)
Toxin tracks down Agent Venom for a rematch, instead siding with him against the alien Symbiote Slayers. Toxin agrees to let Agent Venom live as long as Flash Thompson remains in control of his Symbiote.
A version of this reading order without story descriptions, page-by-page breakdowns or less important appearances - just the primary stories. The issues in brackets don't include Venom, but are worth reading to make sense of the stories:
I'll cover Mac Gargan and Flash Thompson's time as Venom in future reading order entries:
- Issue listings in blue & black: The must-read Venom stories from this time period, along with any key related stories and often-forgotten tales that are worth a read.
- Issue listings in grey: Part of Eddie Brock's chronology, cameo appearances or stories of note that are non-essential or no longer considered 'required reading'.
- Chronology: Every appearance of Venom from this period is included in chronological order, mapping out their timeline rather than just the order the issues were released.
- Spoilers: The issue/story overviews may include spoilers, so be warned!
- WANT TO KEEP IT SIMPLE? Scroll down to THE CORE LIST to see a version of this reading order without story descriptions, page-by-page breakdowns or less important appearances - just a list of the essentials.
Venom: Dark Origin #1 (2008)
Young Eddie Brock shows early signs of a violent sense of justice.
Young Eddie quizzes J Jonah Jameson at a press conference on behalf of the Daily Globe.
Venom: Seed of Darkness #-1 (1997)
Eddie Brock investigates the appearance of a symbiotic alien creature called Krobaa during FLASHBACK.
Secret Wars #8 (1984)
Spider-Man gains a new costume that responds to his commands during SECRET WARS.
Spider-Man discovers his costume is an alien Symbiote; the costume is removed by Mister Fantastic for tests during THE ALIEN COSTUME SAGA.
The Symbiote tries to reclaim Spider-Man; he breaks free of it by standing in a church bell tower, forcing it to slink away during TIL DEATH DO US PART.
Deadpool: Back in Black #1(pp.3) (2016)
The Symbiote abandons Peter Parker and seeks out a new host.
Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #107-110 (1985-1986)
No Venom/Eddie Brock appearance; the Daily Globe exposes the identity of the gun-toting vigilante called the Sin-Eater as Emil Gregg, only for Spider-Man to unmask him later as Stan Carter.
Venom: Dark Origin #2 (2008)
The story of Jean DeWolff's death is told from Eddie Brock's perspective as his career takes a dive as he is the reporter to names the Sin Eater as Emil Gregg.
Deadpool: Back in Black #1(pp.4-20)-5 (2016)
The Symbiote initially latches onto Deadpool.
Venom: Dark Origin #3(pp.1-5) (2008)
Eddie Brock prepares to commit suicide.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #26[2/5](p.1) (1992)
The Symbiote chooses Eddie Brock during FIRST KILL.
The Symbiote chooses Eddie Brock during FIRST KILL.
Venom: Dark Origin #3(pp.6-18) (2008)
Eddick Brock begins to realise the power of the Symbiote.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #26[2/5](p.2-3) (1992)
Eddie Brock returns to his neighbourhood during FIRST KILL.
Eddie Brock returns to his neighbourhood during FIRST KILL.
Venom: Dark Origin #3(pp.6-18) (2008)
Eddick Brock begins to realise the power of the Symbiote.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #26[2/5](p.3) (1992)
Eddie Brock returns to his apartment during FIRST KILL.
Eddie Brock returns to his apartment during FIRST KILL.
Venom: Dark Origin #3(pp.19-22) (2008)
Eddick Brock taps into the Symbiote's knowledge.
Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #12[2/5] (1992)
Web of Spider-Man Annual #8[2/5] (1992)
Eddie Brock merges with the Symbiote and decides to have his revenge on Spider-Man, but first he uses his new abilities to take down a gang of violent thieves. The story tries to show a more heroic side to Eddie Brock (and really doesn't succeed) during FIRST KILL.
Code of Honor #4 (1997)
Venom cameo appearance.
Venom #150[3/3] (2017)
Eddie Brock becomes accustomed to the power that the Symbiote brings him when he attempts to dispense justice his own way in a local mall.
Venom: Dark Origin #4(pp.1-13) (2009) / Amazing Spider-Man #388[2/3] (Pp.1-6) (1994)
The Symbiote teaches Eddie Brock about its species; Brock begins stalking Peter Parker.
Web of Spider-Man #18 (1986)
Someone tries to push Peter Parker in front of a train (and somehow doesn't set off his spider-sense) during MISSING IN ACTION.
Venom: Dark Origin #4(pp.14-15) (2009) / Amazing Spider-Man #388[2/3] (Pp.7-9) (1994)
The Symbiote teaches Eddie Brock about its species; Brock begins stalking Peter Parker.
Web of Spider-Man #24 (1987)
Someone tries to grab Peter Parker's leg while he's standing on the side of a building (avoiding his spider-sense again).
Amazing Spider-Man #388[2/3] (pp.9-12) (1994)
An untold tale reveals it was Eddie Brock/Venom who pushed Peter Parker in front of the train and tried to grab him on the building, in preparation for their first confrontation.
Amazing Spider-Man #298-299 (1988)
First full appearance of Venom; Venom creeps Mary Jane Parker out when he shows up in their new apartment.
First full appearance of Venom; Venom creeps Mary Jane Parker out when he shows up in their new apartment.
Venom: Dark Origin #4(pp.16-22) (2009)
Venom taunts and chases Mary Jane Parker.
The vengeful Eddie Brock reveals how he contemplated suicide after Spider-Man ruined his career, only to end up merging with the web-slinger's rejected alien costume to become Venom. This madman not only knows Peter Parker's secret identity and matches his powers, but he can dodge his spider-sense. Spider-Man narrowly survives their first battle and Venom ends up in the super-criminal prison, the Vault; Mary Jane talks Peter out of ever wearing his black costume again.
Defenders #10 (2001)
Venom is pulled from the timestream by Orrgo and the Headmen to battle the Defenders.
Amazing Spider-Man #315 (1989)
Venom escapes the Vault, killing a guard in the process which impacts him later...
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #25[4/5] (1991)
On his journey back to New York, Venom intervenes when robbers hold up a truck stop.
Amazing Spider-Man #316-317 (1989)
Venom returns to New York to kill Spider-Man, stopping off to beat the Black Cat on the way. This time, the Symbiote costume tries to return to Spider-Man. Defeated with technology loaned to him by the Fantastic Four, Venom returns to the Vault.
Avengers Annual #19[3/5] (1990)
A flashback reveals Venom was among the criminals who escaped the Vault.
Quasar #6 (1989)
Venom is recaptured by Quasar during ACTS OF VENGEANCE.
Avengers - Deathtrap, the Vault (1991)
Venom triggers another break-out at the Vault, requiring the intervention of the Avengers and Freedom Force.
Amazing Spider-Man #330-333 (1990)
Eddie Brock fakes his own suicide to escape the Vault again. He intervenes when Styx and Stone are hired to kill Spider-Man as he wants to be the only one to do it. Styx' necrotic touch seemingly kills the Symbiote. Without the alien costume enhancing him, Eddie Brock is sent to Ryker's Island penitentiary.
Amazing Spider-Man #344-347 (1991)
Eddie Brock shares a cell with Cletus Kasady (appearing here for the first time) until his restored Symbiote breaks him out, leaving a little piece of itself behind. Venom believes he's killed Spider-Man when the wall-crawler fakes his own death and leaves Venom stranded on a Caribbean island.
Darkhawk #13-14 (1992)
Darkhawk clashes with Venom when crash lands on the Caribbean island where Brock is stranded.
Marvel Comics Presents #117[1/4]-122[1/4] (1992-1993)
Things get super-surreal for Venom when he battles Wolverine in Nightmare's realm.
Amazing Spider-Man #362-363 (1992)
Venom escapes the island when Spider-Man and the Human Torch try to apprehend him. They form an uneasy alliance when Venom's spawn joins with Cletus Kasady to become Carnage. Mister Fantastic helps defeat Venom and take him back to the Vault.
Spider-Man Special Edition: The Trial of Venom #1 (1992)
Eddie Brock stands trial for his crimes, blaming the Symbiote for controlling him until he breaks lose in court and trials to kill Spider-Man. Venom is subdued by Spidey and Daredevil.
Web of Spider-Man #94 (1992)
Venom vows to kill Guardsmen murdered by Deathwatch's minions, Hag and Troll, during GOBLIN KNIGHT / SPIRITS OF VENOM.
Ghost Rider & Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance #4 (1992)
Web of Spider-Man #95 (1992)
Ghost Rider & Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance #5 (1992)
Web of Spider-Man #96 (1993)
Ghost Rider & Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance #6 (1993)
Venom's attempts to kill Hag and Troll get him tangled up with Hobgoblin, Demogoblin, Doppelgänger, Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze and Spider-Man. Venom finds himself captured again during SPIRITS OF VENOM.
Amazing Spider-Man #373[2/2], 374-375 (1993)
Venom comes gunning for Spider-Man again in an effort to protect Peter Parker's recently-returned parents from the wall-crawler. Spider-Man locates Eddie Brock's ex-wife, Anne Weying, and ends up saving her life, leading to Venom calling a truce between them during LETHAL PROTECTOR.
Uncanny Origins #7 (1997)
Venom recounts his history, filling in a few gaps along the way.
Venom: Lethal Protector #1-6 (1993)
Relocating to relocates to San Fransisco where Carlton Drake of the Life Foundation extracts more 'seeds' from the Symbiote to make weaponised offspring. Spider-Man helps defeat the new Symbiotes during LETHAL PROTECTOR.
Web of Spider-Man #101 (1993)
Amazing Spider-Man #378 (1993)
Spider-Man #35 (1993)
Spectacular Spider-Man #201 (1993)
Web of Spider-Man #102 (1993)
Amazing Spider-Man #379 (1993)
Spider-Man #36 (1993)
Spectacular Spider-Man #202 (1993)
Web of Spider-Man #103 (1993)
Amazing Spider-Man #380 (1993)
Spider-Man #37 (1993)
Spectacular Spider-Man #203 (1993)
Spider-Man Unlimited #2[1/2] (1993)
Venom returns to New York to help stop Carnage's murderous rampage through the city. When it's all over, Venom allows Spider-Man to believe he's dead during MAXIMUM CARNAGE.
Venom: Funeral Pyre #1-3 (1993)
Venom and the Punisher take down mutated journalist, Pyre.
Daredevil #321-323 (1993)
Venom tries to steal a virus from the Snakeroot (an offshoot of the Hand) during FALL FROM GRACE.
Silver Sable & the Wild Pack #18-19 (1993)
Silver Sable takes on the Lilin with unexpected help from Venom during SIEGE OF DARKNESS.
Darkhawk #35-37 (1994)
A misunderstanding leads to a rematch between Venom and Darkhawk. Venom defeats Darkhawk, this time, and secretly helps him against the Seekers.
Venom: The Madness #1-3 (1993-1994)
Demons from the Madness Realm coerce Venom and the Juggernaut into fighting each other.
Venom: The Enemy Within #1-3 (1994)
Morbius the Living Vampire is drawn into the rematch between Venom and the Demogoblin.
Incredible Hulk vs Venom #1 (1994)
The Hulk and Venom fight, then team-up against Doctor Bad Vibes.
Iron Man #301-302 (1994)
Venom attacks Iron Man because he believes his company, Stark Enterprises, preys on innocents during CRASH & BURN.
Venom: The Mace #1-3 (1994)
Venom and the Mace take on the Sunrise Society during THE MACE.
Nightwatch #5-6 (1994)
Nightwatch and Venom team up against the Silent Shadows together when they investigate Morelle Pharmaceuticals.
Venom: Nights of Vengeance #1-4 (1994)
Venom and Vengeance join forces against the Stalkers before turning against each other.
Silver Sable & the Wild Pack #30 (1994)
Venom makes a cameo appearance.
Spider-Man: The Arachnis Project #2-6 (1994-1995)
Spider-Man and Venom join forces to defeat Orwell Taylor, Roland Treece and Carlton Drake of the Life Foundation.
Web of Spider-Man #118 (1994)
Spider-Man #52 (1994)
Web of Spider-Man #119 (1994)
Spider-Man #53 (1994)
First appearance of Ben Reilly as the Scarlet Spider; Venom sniffs out Peter Parker, only to find his clone, Ben Reilly, who's just become the Scarlet Spider; Scream, one of Venom's offspring, comes looking for 'daddy'. Eddie Brock becomes separated from the Symbiote during THE EXILE RETURNS.
Venom: Separation Anxiety #1-4 (1994-1995)
Scream and the offspring Symbiotes comes looking for revenge on Eddie Brock. Brock is reunited with his alien 'other' during THE EXILE RETURNS.
Secret Defenders #20 (1994)
Venom cameo.
Spider-Man 2099 meets Spider-Man #1 (1995)
Venom clashes with the future Spider-Man of Earth-928.
Venom: Carnage Unleashed #1-4 (1995)
Venom hunts down Carnage when a computer game company profit from his murder spree during PLANET OF THE SYMBIOTES.
Venom: Sinner Takes All #1[1/2]-5[1/2] (1995)
Venom heads out to saving his wife, Anne Weying, from the new Sin-Eater, only to turn her into She-Venom during THE BRIDE OF VENOM.
Amazing Spider-Man Super Special #1[1/3] (1995)
Spider-Man Super Special #1[1/3] (1995)
Venom Super Special #1[1/3] (1995)
Spectacular Spider-Man Super Special #1[1/3] (1995)
Web of Spider-Man Super Special #1[1/3] (1995)
Defenders #10 (2001)
Venom is pulled from the timestream by Orrgo and the Headmen to battle the Defenders.
Amazing Spider-Man #315 (1989)
Venom escapes the Vault, killing a guard in the process which impacts him later...
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #25[4/5] (1991)
On his journey back to New York, Venom intervenes when robbers hold up a truck stop.
Amazing Spider-Man #316-317 (1989)
Venom returns to New York to kill Spider-Man, stopping off to beat the Black Cat on the way. This time, the Symbiote costume tries to return to Spider-Man. Defeated with technology loaned to him by the Fantastic Four, Venom returns to the Vault.
Avengers Annual #19[3/5] (1990)
A flashback reveals Venom was among the criminals who escaped the Vault.
Quasar #6 (1989)
Venom is recaptured by Quasar during ACTS OF VENGEANCE.
Avengers - Deathtrap, the Vault (1991)
Venom triggers another break-out at the Vault, requiring the intervention of the Avengers and Freedom Force.
Eddie Brock fakes his own suicide to escape the Vault again. He intervenes when Styx and Stone are hired to kill Spider-Man as he wants to be the only one to do it. Styx' necrotic touch seemingly kills the Symbiote. Without the alien costume enhancing him, Eddie Brock is sent to Ryker's Island penitentiary.
Amazing Spider-Man #344-347 (1991)
Eddie Brock shares a cell with Cletus Kasady (appearing here for the first time) until his restored Symbiote breaks him out, leaving a little piece of itself behind. Venom believes he's killed Spider-Man when the wall-crawler fakes his own death and leaves Venom stranded on a Caribbean island.
Darkhawk #13-14 (1992)
Darkhawk clashes with Venom when crash lands on the Caribbean island where Brock is stranded.
Things get super-surreal for Venom when he battles Wolverine in Nightmare's realm.
Amazing Spider-Man #362-363 (1992)
Venom escapes the island when Spider-Man and the Human Torch try to apprehend him. They form an uneasy alliance when Venom's spawn joins with Cletus Kasady to become Carnage. Mister Fantastic helps defeat Venom and take him back to the Vault.
Eddie Brock stands trial for his crimes, blaming the Symbiote for controlling him until he breaks lose in court and trials to kill Spider-Man. Venom is subdued by Spidey and Daredevil.
Web of Spider-Man #94 (1992)
Venom vows to kill Guardsmen murdered by Deathwatch's minions, Hag and Troll, during GOBLIN KNIGHT / SPIRITS OF VENOM.
Ghost Rider & Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance #4 (1992)
Web of Spider-Man #95 (1992)
Ghost Rider & Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance #5 (1992)
Web of Spider-Man #96 (1993)
Ghost Rider & Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance #6 (1993)
Venom's attempts to kill Hag and Troll get him tangled up with Hobgoblin, Demogoblin, Doppelgänger, Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze and Spider-Man. Venom finds himself captured again during SPIRITS OF VENOM.
Amazing Spider-Man #373[2/2], 374-375 (1993)
Venom comes gunning for Spider-Man again in an effort to protect Peter Parker's recently-returned parents from the wall-crawler. Spider-Man locates Eddie Brock's ex-wife, Anne Weying, and ends up saving her life, leading to Venom calling a truce between them during LETHAL PROTECTOR.
Uncanny Origins #7 (1997)
Venom recounts his history, filling in a few gaps along the way.
Relocating to relocates to San Fransisco where Carlton Drake of the Life Foundation extracts more 'seeds' from the Symbiote to make weaponised offspring. Spider-Man helps defeat the new Symbiotes during LETHAL PROTECTOR.
Web of Spider-Man #101 (1993)
Amazing Spider-Man #378 (1993)
Spider-Man #35 (1993)
Spectacular Spider-Man #201 (1993)
Web of Spider-Man #102 (1993)
Amazing Spider-Man #379 (1993)
Spider-Man #36 (1993)
Spectacular Spider-Man #202 (1993)
Web of Spider-Man #103 (1993)
Amazing Spider-Man #380 (1993)
Spider-Man #37 (1993)
Spectacular Spider-Man #203 (1993)
Spider-Man Unlimited #2[1/2] (1993)
Venom returns to New York to help stop Carnage's murderous rampage through the city. When it's all over, Venom allows Spider-Man to believe he's dead during MAXIMUM CARNAGE.
Venom: Funeral Pyre #1-3 (1993)
Venom and the Punisher take down mutated journalist, Pyre.
Daredevil #321-323 (1993)
Venom tries to steal a virus from the Snakeroot (an offshoot of the Hand) during FALL FROM GRACE.
Silver Sable & the Wild Pack #18-19 (1993)
Silver Sable takes on the Lilin with unexpected help from Venom during SIEGE OF DARKNESS.
Darkhawk #35-37 (1994)
A misunderstanding leads to a rematch between Venom and Darkhawk. Venom defeats Darkhawk, this time, and secretly helps him against the Seekers.
Venom: The Madness #1-3 (1993-1994)
Demons from the Madness Realm coerce Venom and the Juggernaut into fighting each other.
Morbius the Living Vampire is drawn into the rematch between Venom and the Demogoblin.
Incredible Hulk vs Venom #1 (1994)
The Hulk and Venom fight, then team-up against Doctor Bad Vibes.
Iron Man #301-302 (1994)
Venom attacks Iron Man because he believes his company, Stark Enterprises, preys on innocents during CRASH & BURN.
Venom: The Mace #1-3 (1994)
Venom and the Mace take on the Sunrise Society during THE MACE.
Nightwatch #5-6 (1994)
Nightwatch and Venom team up against the Silent Shadows together when they investigate Morelle Pharmaceuticals.
Venom: Nights of Vengeance #1-4 (1994)
Venom and Vengeance join forces against the Stalkers before turning against each other.
Silver Sable & the Wild Pack #30 (1994)
Venom makes a cameo appearance.
Spider-Man: The Arachnis Project #2-6 (1994-1995)
Spider-Man and Venom join forces to defeat Orwell Taylor, Roland Treece and Carlton Drake of the Life Foundation.
Web of Spider-Man #118 (1994)
Spider-Man #52 (1994)
Web of Spider-Man #119 (1994)
Spider-Man #53 (1994)
First appearance of Ben Reilly as the Scarlet Spider; Venom sniffs out Peter Parker, only to find his clone, Ben Reilly, who's just become the Scarlet Spider; Scream, one of Venom's offspring, comes looking for 'daddy'. Eddie Brock becomes separated from the Symbiote during THE EXILE RETURNS.
Venom: Separation Anxiety #1-4 (1994-1995)
Scream and the offspring Symbiotes comes looking for revenge on Eddie Brock. Brock is reunited with his alien 'other' during THE EXILE RETURNS.
Secret Defenders #20 (1994)
Venom cameo.
Venom clashes with the future Spider-Man of Earth-928.
Venom: Carnage Unleashed #1-4 (1995)
Venom hunts down Carnage when a computer game company profit from his murder spree during PLANET OF THE SYMBIOTES.
Venom: Sinner Takes All #1[1/2]-5[1/2] (1995)
Venom heads out to saving his wife, Anne Weying, from the new Sin-Eater, only to turn her into She-Venom during THE BRIDE OF VENOM.
Amazing Spider-Man Super Special #1[1/3] (1995)
Spider-Man Super Special #1[1/3] (1995)
Venom Super Special #1[1/3] (1995)
Spectacular Spider-Man Super Special #1[1/3] (1995)
Web of Spider-Man Super Special #1[1/3] (1995)
The Symbiote becomes separated from Venom again and summons an army of Symbiotes to Earth; Eddie Brock, Spider-Man and the Scarlet Spider end up on a Symbiote-infested planet and save Earth from a similar infestation, confronting Carnage in the finale during PLANET OF THE SYMBIOTES.
DC Versus Marvel #1, 4 (1995-1996)
When the Marvel Universe merges with the DC Universe, Venom takes on Batman and the Flash in single panels, though the outcome is never revealed during MARVEL VERSUS DC.
Venom: Sinner Talkes All #5[2/2] (1995)
An ex-SHIELD chemical engineer tries to experiment on Venom.
Venom: Along Came a Spider #1[1/2]-4[1/2] (1996)
Ben Reilly is now Spider-Man! And it's time for a rematch with Venom when they both end up chasing down drug-dealer LD 50 during THE BRIDE OF VENOM.
Spider-Man Holiday Special #1[3/5] (1995)
Feeling a hint of Christmas spirit, Venom decides wether or not to kill a criminal on Christmas Day.
Rune vs Venom #1 (1995)
Rune from Earth-93060 shows up on Earth-616 with a Symbiote, framing Venom for murder during THE BRIDE OF VENOM / THE DAMNED.
Venom: The Hunted #1-3 (1996)
The Symbiote-hunting Xenophage tracks Venom down.
Venom: The Hunger #1-4 (1996)
Doctor Paine manipulates Eddie Brock into hunting his own Symbiote when it goes rogue.
Venom: Tooth and Claw! #1-3 (1996-1997)
The mutant Dirtnap jumps into Venom's body, propelling it into Wolverine's path and getting trapped in a strange dimension by Chimera.
DC/Marvel: All Access #1 (1996)
Access steps in when Venom ends up in the DC Universe, clashing with Superman.
Venom on Trial #1-3 (1997)
Venom: License to Kill #1-3 (1997)
Venom: Sign of the Boss #1-2 (1997)
Spider-Man: The Venom Agenda #1 (1997)
Venom: Finale #1-3 (1997-1998)
Venom is hired by the Overreach Committee for black ops mission, clashing with Spider-Man, Daredevil and Ghost Rider. Venom forgets Spider-Man's secret identity and cuts loose from the Overreach Committee. Ultimately, the Symbiote is killed in the final conflict and Eddie Brock goes to jail during LICENSE TO KILL.
Peter Parker, Spider-Man #8-10 (1999)
In an effort to get Venom back to basics, the Symbiote returns and reunites with Eddie Brock. Venom renews his hatred for Spider-Man, but still has no memory of the events that inspired that contempt.
Nova #6-7 (1999)
Venom clashes with Nova (Richard Rider).
Amazing Spider-Man #12 (1999)
Peter Parker, Spider-Man #12 (1999)
Not a great story, but this is the moment when Venom becomes part of a team! Venom joins the Sinister Six and everyone's surprised when he turns against them during ANOTHER RETURN OF THE SINISTER SIX.
Peter Parker, Spider-Man #13 (2000)
Venom cameo during LIVING IN OBLIVION.
Peter Parker, Spider-Man #16-17 (2000)
The Sinister Six come looking for revenge on Venom during DEATH TO THE SINISTER SIX.
Amazing Spider-Man #19 (2000)
Anne Weying commits suicide rather than deal with having Venom in her life, somehow giving Venom new reasons to hate Spider-Man.
Amazing Spider-Man #22-23 (2000)
The alien 'Senator Ward' takes the Symbiote from Eddie Brock during MAXIMUM SECURITY.
Venom #1-10 (2003-2004)
A Symbiote goes on a rampage in Northern Canada, eventually clashing with Wolverine.
Venom #11-18 (2004)
Eddie Brock is reunited as Venom, clashing with the new Mania Symbiote.
Spectacular Spider-Man #1-5 (2003)
The Symbiote runs rampant, feeding on the adrenaline of random hosts and tries to rebond with Peter Parker. Eddie Brock is revealed to have cancer. Spider-Man convinces the Symbiote to rebond with Brock.
Venom/Carnage #1-4 (2004)
Venom clashes with Carnages once again. Carnage produces an offspring Symbiote for the first time who bonds with Officer Pat Mulligan to become Toxin. Spider-Man and the Black Cat get caught up when Venom and Carnage battle Toxin.
Spider-Man Family #2 (2007)
Before Spider-Man revealed his identity on national TV, he clashes with Venom in an untold tale during BACK IN BLACK.
Spider-Man/Red Sonja #2-3, 5 (2007-2008)
Sorcerer Kulan Gath takes the Venom Symbiote, bringing the worlds of Spider-Man and Red Sonja together.
Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #5-8 (2004)
Eddie Brock sells the Venom Symbiote to pay for his cancer treatment, passing the mantle to Angelo Fortunato.
DC Versus Marvel #1, 4 (1995-1996)
When the Marvel Universe merges with the DC Universe, Venom takes on Batman and the Flash in single panels, though the outcome is never revealed during MARVEL VERSUS DC.
Venom: Sinner Talkes All #5[2/2] (1995)
An ex-SHIELD chemical engineer tries to experiment on Venom.
Venom: Along Came a Spider #1[1/2]-4[1/2] (1996)
Ben Reilly is now Spider-Man! And it's time for a rematch with Venom when they both end up chasing down drug-dealer LD 50 during THE BRIDE OF VENOM.
Spider-Man Holiday Special #1[3/5] (1995)
Feeling a hint of Christmas spirit, Venom decides wether or not to kill a criminal on Christmas Day.
Rune vs Venom #1 (1995)
Rune from Earth-93060 shows up on Earth-616 with a Symbiote, framing Venom for murder during THE BRIDE OF VENOM / THE DAMNED.
Venom: The Hunted #1-3 (1996)
The Symbiote-hunting Xenophage tracks Venom down.
Venom: The Hunger #1-4 (1996)
Doctor Paine manipulates Eddie Brock into hunting his own Symbiote when it goes rogue.
Venom: Tooth and Claw! #1-3 (1996-1997)
The mutant Dirtnap jumps into Venom's body, propelling it into Wolverine's path and getting trapped in a strange dimension by Chimera.
DC/Marvel: All Access #1 (1996)
Access steps in when Venom ends up in the DC Universe, clashing with Superman.
Venom on Trial #1-3 (1997)
Venom: License to Kill #1-3 (1997)
Venom: Sign of the Boss #1-2 (1997)
Spider-Man: The Venom Agenda #1 (1997)
Venom: Finale #1-3 (1997-1998)
Venom is hired by the Overreach Committee for black ops mission, clashing with Spider-Man, Daredevil and Ghost Rider. Venom forgets Spider-Man's secret identity and cuts loose from the Overreach Committee. Ultimately, the Symbiote is killed in the final conflict and Eddie Brock goes to jail during LICENSE TO KILL.
Peter Parker, Spider-Man #8-10 (1999)
In an effort to get Venom back to basics, the Symbiote returns and reunites with Eddie Brock. Venom renews his hatred for Spider-Man, but still has no memory of the events that inspired that contempt.
Nova #6-7 (1999)
Venom clashes with Nova (Richard Rider).
Peter Parker, Spider-Man #12 (1999)
Not a great story, but this is the moment when Venom becomes part of a team! Venom joins the Sinister Six and everyone's surprised when he turns against them during ANOTHER RETURN OF THE SINISTER SIX.
Peter Parker, Spider-Man #13 (2000)
Venom cameo during LIVING IN OBLIVION.
Peter Parker, Spider-Man #16-17 (2000)
The Sinister Six come looking for revenge on Venom during DEATH TO THE SINISTER SIX.
Amazing Spider-Man #19 (2000)
Anne Weying commits suicide rather than deal with having Venom in her life, somehow giving Venom new reasons to hate Spider-Man.
Amazing Spider-Man #22-23 (2000)
The alien 'Senator Ward' takes the Symbiote from Eddie Brock during MAXIMUM SECURITY.
Venom #1-10 (2003-2004)
A Symbiote goes on a rampage in Northern Canada, eventually clashing with Wolverine.
Venom #11-18 (2004)
Eddie Brock is reunited as Venom, clashing with the new Mania Symbiote.
Spectacular Spider-Man #1-5 (2003)
The Symbiote runs rampant, feeding on the adrenaline of random hosts and tries to rebond with Peter Parker. Eddie Brock is revealed to have cancer. Spider-Man convinces the Symbiote to rebond with Brock.
Venom clashes with Carnages once again. Carnage produces an offspring Symbiote for the first time who bonds with Officer Pat Mulligan to become Toxin. Spider-Man and the Black Cat get caught up when Venom and Carnage battle Toxin.
Spider-Man Family #2 (2007)
Before Spider-Man revealed his identity on national TV, he clashes with Venom in an untold tale during BACK IN BLACK.
Spider-Man/Red Sonja #2-3, 5 (2007-2008)
Sorcerer Kulan Gath takes the Venom Symbiote, bringing the worlds of Spider-Man and Red Sonja together.
Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #5-8 (2004)
Eddie Brock sells the Venom Symbiote to pay for his cancer treatment, passing the mantle to Angelo Fortunato.
When Spider-Man publicly reveals unmasks as Peter Parker, Eddie Brock is among those who learn the truth during CIVIL WAR.
Sensational Spider-Man #38-39 (2007)
Cancer-riddled Eddie Brock realises he's in the same hospital as shooting victim May Parker, Peter Parker's aunt. Brock tries to kill May as an act of revenge during BACK IN BLACK.
Amazing Spider-Man #568-573 (2008)
Eddie Brock starts working at the FEAST Centre, comes into contact with Mister Negative. Negative creates a new Symbiote which bonds with Brock to become Anti-Venom. Anti-Venom clashes with the newest Venom host, Mac Gargan, during NEW WAYS TO DIE.
Amazing Spider-Man Extra! #2[1/2] (2009)
Anti-Venom's first solo adventure.
Amazing Spider-Man Presents: Anti-Venom - New Ways to Live #1-3 (2009-2010)
Anti-Venom's pursuit of the Quinta Cartel puts him in the Punisher's crosshairs.
Anti-Venom comes gunning for Mister Negative during SPIDER-ISLAND.
New Avengers Annual #1
Avengers Annual #1
(2011-2012)
Anti-Venom joins the anti-Avengers team, the Revengers during REVENGERS.
Amazing Spider-Man #668-670 (2011)
Venom #7 (2011)
Amazing Spider-Man #671-673 (2011-2012)
Anti-Venom helps cure New Yorkers when they start developing spider powers, meeting the new host of the Venom Symbiote, Agent Venom (Flash Thompson), in the process. The Anti-Venom Symbiote dies when it's used as a cure for the Jackal's Spider-Virus, leaving Eddie Brock without an alien 'other' again despite now being perceived as a hero during SPIDER-ISLAND.
Venom #11 (2012)
Homeless and destitute, Eddie Brock prepares to go to war against all Symbiotes.
Venom #15 (2012)
Eddie Brock kills Scream and her Symbiote as well as Hybrid's host, Scott Washington.
Venom #17-21 (2012)
Crime-Master forces Venom to merge him with the deceased Pat Mulligan's Toxin Symbiote. In his new Toxin guise, Brock hunts Agent Venom as part of Crime-Master's Savage Six.
Venom #30-35 (2013)
Toxin tracks down Agent Venom for a rematch, instead siding with him against the alien Symbiote Slayers. Toxin agrees to let Agent Venom live as long as Flash Thompson remains in control of his Symbiote.
- Venom: Dark Origin #1-4
- Amazing Spider-Man #299-300
- Venom: Dark Origin #5
- Amazing Spider-Man #315-317
- Amazing Spider-Man #330-333
- Amazing Spider-Man #344-347
- Amazing Spider-Man #362-363
- Spider-Man SPecial Edition: The Trial of Venom #1
- Amazing Spider-Man #373-375
- Venom: Lethal Protector #1-6
- (Spider-Man Unlimited #1)
- Web of Spider-Man #101
- Amazing Spider-Man #378
- Spider-Man #35
- Spectacular Spider-Man #201
- Web of Spider-Man #102
- Amazing Spider-Man #379
- Spider-Man #36
- Spectacular Spider-Man #202
- Web of Spider-Man #103
- Amazing Spider-Man #380
- Spider-Man #37
- Spectacular Spider-Man #203
- Spider-Man Unlimited #2
- Venom: Funeral Pyre #1-3
- Venom: The Madness #1-3
- Venom: The Enemy Within #1-3
- Incredible Hulk vs Venom #1
- Venom: The Mace #1-3
- Venom: Nights of Vengeance #1-4
- Web of Spider-Man #118
- Spider-Man #52
- Web of Spider-Man #119
- Spider-Man #53
- Venom: Separation Anxiety #1-4
- Venom: Carnage Unleashed #1-4
- Venom: Sinner Takes All #1-5
- Amazing Spider-Man Super Special #1
- Spider-Man Super Special #1
- Venom Super Special #1
- Spectacular Spider-Man Super Special #1
- Web of Spider-Man Super Special #1
- Venom: Along Came a Spider #1-4
- Venom: The Hunted #1-3
- Venom: The Hunger #1-4
- Venom: Tooth and Claw! #1-3
- Venom on Trial #1-3
- Venom: License to Kill #1-3
- Venom: Sign of the Boss #1-2
- Spider-Man: The Venom Agenda #1
- Venom: Finale #1-3
- Peter Parker: Spider-Man #8-10
- Amazing Spider-Man #12
- Peter Parker: Spider-Man #12
- Peter Parker: Spider-Man #16-17
- Amazing Spider-Man #19
- Amazing Spider-man #22-23
- (Venom #1-10)
- Venom #11-18
- Spectacular Spider-Man #1-5
- Venom/Carnage #1-4
- Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #5-8
- 2005-2010: Mac Gargan
- 2011-2015: Flash Thompson
EARTH-566
Spider-Man Adventures #1, 3, 8-10 (1994-1995)
Adventures of Spider-Man #11-12 (1997)
Venom regularly battles Spider-Man in a reality diverging from Earth-92131.
EARTH-1610
Ultimate Spider-Man #33-34, 36-38 (2003)
Ultimate Spider-Man #123-128 (2008-2009)
Eddie Brock Jr of the Ultimate Universe is a younger man who obtains the experimental protoplasmic Suit developed by Richard Parker and Edward Brock Sr; Eddie takes the Suit - the only thing he has left of his father - when he believes Peter Parker is laying claim to it, only for it to transform him into Venom when it feeds off his rage.
EARTH-5631
Spider-Man and Power Pack #2-3 (2007)
The Venom of this universe has a similar disdain for Spider-Man; he's defeated by Spider-Man and the Human Torch.
EARTH-7642
Backlash/Spider-Man #1-2 (1996)
Eddie Brock of Earth-Crossover briefly loses his Venom suit to Pike of the Cabal when he clashes with Spider-Man (Ben Reilly) and Backlash (Colonel Marc Slayton).
EARTH-8311
What The--?! #20[3/4] (1992)
Pork Grind is a foe of Spider-Ham and a parody of Venom, though it's only hsi appearance and not his origins or behaviour that give that away.
EARTH-9411
Spectacular Spider-Man #99 (2004, Marvel UK)
Spectacular Spider-Man #151 (2007, Marvel UK)
Spectacular Spider-Man #172-175, 178-179 (2008-2009, Marvel UK)
Spectacular Spider-Man #199-200 (2010, Marvel UK)
Venom shares a similar with history with his Earth-616 counterpart in these stories with a more kid-friendly feel.
EARTH-11209
What If?: The Amazing Spider-Man - Grim Hunt #1 (2011)
Madame Web employs Anti-Venom to steal Spider-Man's powers when he's transformed into the Hunter.
EARTH-15513
Secret Wars Journal #2 (2015)
MODOK: Assassin #5 (2015)
A-Force #4-5 (2015)
Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #1 (2015)
Spider-Verse #4 (2015)
Giant-Size Little Marvel: AvX #2, 4 (2015)
Hail Hydra #2-4 (2015-2016)
There are multiple versions of Eddie Brock/Venom on Emperor God Doom's Battleworld which is made up of numerous alternate Earths; Venom of Earth-11131 resides in Killville and clashes with MODOK, the Baron of the domain; the zombie Venom of Earth-13264 is among those invading Arcadia; Spider-Man kills the Venom of Earth-18119 to protect his daughter; Venom of Earth-22191 is a pawn of Norman Osborn who finds himself up against spider-powered people of various Earths; a kid Venom of Earth-71912 is a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants; Venom of Earth-85826 is a member of Hydra's own Avengers team during SECRET WARS.
EARTH-20051
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #24 (2007)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #35-35 (2008)
When Peter Parker rejects his sentient costume, it bonds with Eddie Brock to become Venom.
EARTH-50810
Marvel MegaMorphs: Iron Man #1 (2005)
Marvel MegaMorphs: Thing #1 (2005)
Marvel MegaMorphs: Venom #1 (2005)
Venom pilots a giant robot that transforms into a mechanical spider and battles the Thing and Iron Man in their own MegaMorph armour during MARVEL MEGAMORPHS.
EARTH-70237
Spider-Man: Reign #1-4 (2007)
Over 30 years in the future, Eddie Brock - under a new identity as 'Edward Saks' - acts as the aid to New York's Mayor while secretly preparing for Spider-Man's return; an aged Spider-Man fights Venom to the death.
EARTH-91110
What If...? #31 (1991)
Spider-Man retains the Captain Universe powers and takes on the name, passing the his old role to Venom who becomes the new Spider-Man.
EARTH-92184
What If...? #44 (1992)
The Symbiote merges with the Punisher instead of Eddie Brock.
This is VERY good. I only wish there were more Venom comics, as I’ve read all of them. Also, why isn’t sign of the boss and the finale blue?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sinjin!
DeleteI didn't mark Sign of the Boss or Venom: Finale in blue as they're not really essential reading. The thing about making these lists and trying to spotlight 'must read' stories is that I've based it on popular opinion and my personal opinion of these stories. I didn't like Sign of the Boss or Finale and there's not a huge outcrying by the majority of comic fans, so I've listed them as non-essential. However, if someone wants to read them, then they're more than welcome!
I've tried to avoid expressing my opinion on these things as much as possible, but it's hard not to when trying to create essential reading lists. I'm bound to upset someone!