When most people think of Spider-Man, they more than likely picture Peter Parker. Of course, more experienced comic book fans recognize that multiple people have carried the mantle of the webslinging hero, such as Miles Morales or Miguel O’Hara. Well, it looks like Marvel Comics has added yet another name to that list, and it is a subversive choice, to say the least.
Actually, it is really two names assuming the identity of Spider-Man: Mary-Jane Watson and Venom. This is the latest shocking turn of events in the current run of Venom — from writer Al Ewing, artist Paco Medina, colorer Frank D’Armata and letterer Clayton Cowles — which involves the already bizarre circumstance of MJ having bonded with the Symbiote.
Venom #251 sees Mary-Jane and her new close friend, who is now a fugitive, attempting to conceal the symbiotic alien’s identity by posing as other well-known superheroes in the Marvel Comics Universe, such as Iron Man. Of course, Venom’s inability to fly like Tony Stark puts the kibosh on the plan before he and MJ ultimately settle on disguising themselves as someone who possesses similar abilities and whom they describe as the “gooiest guy” both of them know, Spider-Man.
However, the unlikely pair do not merely don the Spider-Man costume in its traditional form and call it a day. They still proudly show off Venom’s signature elongated tongue and boast some intimidatingly long talons and a bulky frame that Peter Parker has never quite achieved himself. While the ensemble is bound to get some heads turning and might not be quite as effective a disguise as they would hope, it’s a look that could very likely go down in history as one of the most striking designs for a “Spider-Man” yet.
The debut of Venom and MJ’s new take on the friendly neighborhood superhero appears at the end of the most recent issue of Venom and the next chapter promises to show more of their eye-opening adventures, as well as a brewing conflict between Luke Cage and Otto Octavius. The solicitation for Venom #252 reads as follows:
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! PLUS: A bonus tale of the origin of an even All-NEWER Venom!
The New Spider-Man Is More Familiar Than One May Assume
Mary-Jane and Venom Symbiote posing as Spider-ManImage via Marvel Comics
Seeing Venom and Mary-Jane Watson follow in Peter Parker’s footsteps seems like an inventive concept, and it certainly is in certain respects. However, this is not even the first time that the Symbiote has assumed Spider-Man’s identity, such as in Dark Avengers #1 by Brian Michael Bendis, who is returning to Marvel, when he bonded with Mac Gargan and took on the appearance of Spidey in his black suit in 2009.
Furthermore, this is not even the first time that Mary-Jane has been a webslinger, having used the Iron Spider armor before and been introduced as Spider-Woman in 2002’s Exiles #20, which is set in Earth-8545. The most unique thing about Venom’s current storyline, more than anything, is seeing Mary-Jane becoming the new Venom, who has most famously been attached to Eddie Brock in the past.
Venom #252 hits shelves on Dec. 2, 2025
Eddie Brock roaring at the sky as Venom in Venom (Vol. 4) #1 by Marvel Comics-1
- Created by
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Todd McFarlane, David Michelinie
- Video Game(s)
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Venom/Spider-Man: Separation Anxiety, Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage
- Movie(s)
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Venom, Venom Let There Be Carnage
- Character(s)
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Spider-Man, Venom, Eddie Brock