⚡ Quick answer

Venom first appeared as an alien symbiote in Amazing Spider-Man #252 (May 1984), where Peter Parker returns from Battleworld with his new black costume — a direct nod to Secret Wars #8 (December 1984), which reveals the costume's alien origin. But the full Venom, the fusion of the symbiote and Eddie Brock, doesn't show up until Amazing Spider-Man #300 (May 1988), by David Michelinie and Todd McFarlane. The first solo mini-series, Venom: Lethal Protector (1993), launches the character as an anti-hero and kicks off more than 30 mini-series across 30 years. Five main hosts have followed in succession: Eddie Brock, Mac Gargan, Flash Thompson, Lee Price, Eddie Brock again, and now Dylan Brock, his son.

From a simple cosmetic costume in 1984 to cult anti-hero of the '90s, then Sony blockbuster with Tom Hardy starting in 2018, Venom is one of Marvel's biggest phenomena over the past forty years. Born almost by accident from a fan contest, the symbiote has eclipsed his creator, spawned his own galaxy of offspring (Carnage, Toxin, Anti-Venom, Scream, Phage, Lasher, Riot, Agony), survived every Marvel editorial crisis, and redefined what a villain could become: a fully fledged protagonist. His popularity exploded a second time with the Venom trilogy (2018), Let There Be Carnage (2021), and The Last Dance (2024), sending Amazing Spider-Man #300 prices soaring on the back issue market.

This guide traces the complete birth of Venom from Secret Wars #8 to Amazing Spider-Man #300, lays out the chronology of solo volumes in order, identifies the key issues you need to know to build a structured collection, and lists the major story arcs that shaped the Venom mythos. We'll walk through the symbiote's four decades, from his first costumed appearance in 1984 to Al Ewing's current run in 2026, distinguishing main volumes, parallel ongoings, and cult mini-series (Lethal Protector, Funeral Pyre, Carnage Unleashed, Dark Origin, Space Knight).

The birth of Venom: from Battleworld to Eddie Brock (1984-1988)

Venom's story begins with an extraordinary fan contest. In 1982, Randy Schueller, a 22-year-old reader from Norridge, Illinois, sent Marvel a proposal for a new black costume for Spider-Man. Jim Shooter, then editor-in-chief, bought the idea from him for 220 dollars. Credit for the black costume — and indirectly for Venom — therefore goes to an amateur fan, a unique fact in modern comics history. Marvel picked up the idea for the Secret Wars event and entrusted its official integration to Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck.

But the public appearance of the costume came before its origin reveal: due to differing publication schedules, Amazing Spider-Man #252 (May 1984) hit newsstands before Secret Wars #8 (December 1984), even though Secret Wars comes first chronologically in the fiction. Readers first discovered Spider-Man in a brand-new black costume before understanding where it came from. That's why ASM #252 and Secret Wars #8 are both considered the symbiote's "first appearance" — one in publication chronology, the other in narrative chronology.

Amazing Spider-Man #252 (May 1984): the mainstream black costume

Written by Roger Stern, Tom DeFalco, and drawn by Ron Frenz, Amazing Spider-Man #252 opens with Peter Parker returning from Battleworld in a mysterious black-and-white costume he describes as "alive." The issue, titled "Homecoming," is the first mainstream appearance of the symbiote in Spider-Man continuity — though the reader doesn't yet know this costume is a living being. The iconic cover has become one of the most collected of the Modern Age. A CGC 9.8 copy currently trades between $1,200 and $2,500 depending on market swings.

Secret Wars #8 (December 1984): the alien origin revealed

A few months after ASM #252, Secret Wars #8 by Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck unveils the costume's true origin. On Battleworld, Spider-Man, his red-and-blue costume torn, finds an alien machine in the ruins. The machine produces a black mass that molds itself around his body. Peter thinks he's activated a "costume generator," but the mass is actually a sentient alien symbiote. This reveal becomes the canonical starting point of the Venom story. Secret Wars #8 is the ultimate collector's piece among Marvel's Bronze/Modern Age key issues.

ASM #258 and the symbiote's escape (November 1984)

In Amazing Spider-Man #258, Reed Richards examines the costume in the Fantastic Four's lab and reveals a terrifying truth to Peter: his costume isn't clothing, but a sentient alien symbiote trying to permanently bond with its host. Horrified at becoming a thing, Peter drives the symbiote off using church bells in Web of Spider-Man #1 (1985). Wounded, the symbiote flees into Manhattan in search of a new host. For years, readers won't know what becomes of it. The turning point arrives in 1988.

Eddie Brock and the arrival of Venom: Amazing Spider-Man #298, #299, #300 (1988)

In March 1988, Amazing Spider-Man #298, the first issue of David Michelinie on writing duties and Todd McFarlane on art, subtly introduces Venom: a very brief cameo of Eddie Brock, a discredited Daily Globe journalist, in the closing pages. It's also the first appearance of Todd McFarlane on the Spider-Man series — a major event that would revolutionize the character's look.

Two months later, Amazing Spider-Man #299 (April 1988) delivers the first full Venom cover, where the symbiote, fused with Eddie Brock, appears on the cover baring his fangs. It's the issue that hypes the big reveal in #300.

Finally, Amazing Spider-Man #300 (May 1988) marks the first complete appearance of Venom. Eddie Brock, a journalist ruined by Spider-Man — who had exposed his fraudulent article on the Sin-Eater — prays in the same church where Peter had abandoned the symbiote. Eddie's rage, combined with the symbiote's hatred for its former host, fuses the two into a single entity: Venom. The issue, the 300th anniversary issue of Amazing Spider-Man, has become one of the most valuable Modern Age comics. A CGC 9.8 copy now sells for between $5,000 and $9,000, with historic peaks above $15,000 when the Venom film (2018) starring Tom Hardy was released.

Historical irony: David Michelinie officially gets credit as Venom's creator, but Todd McFarlane sculpted the visual identity we know: enormous fangs, massive tongue, bulging muscle. Without McFarlane, Venom would never have had this iconic presence. Designer Mike Zeck, who created the original costume in Secret Wars, is also regularly credited as a symbiote co-creator without receiving Venom royalties. Marvel has never formally acknowledged Randy Schueller's part (the 22-year-old fan) in the costume's birth.

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Main Venom volumes in chronological order

From 1993 to 2026, more than six solo Venom ongoing volumes have been published, not counting dozens of mini-series. Here are the main solo series in order of their first issue:

LP

Venom: Lethal Protector

February-July 1993 · 6 issues mini
First solo mini-series

The very first series dedicated to Venom. By David Michelinie and Mark Bagley, this 6-issue mini-series turns Venom from a pure villain into an anti-hero. Eddie Brock heads to San Francisco to protect a homeless community. #1 introduces the hero-Venom concept and is famous for its 5 variant covers (gold, silver, embossed). #4 is a major key issue: first appearance of Scream, Phage, Lasher, Riot, and Agony, the five "Life Foundation" symbiotes that would inspire Riot in the Tom Hardy film (2018).

Importance: Birth of anti-hero Venom + 5 new symbiotes
FP

Venom: Funeral Pyre

August-October 1993 · 3 issues mini
Direct sequel to Lethal Protector

3-chapter mini-series by Carl Potts and Tom Lyle, continuing the Venom anti-hero arc. Co-stars The Punisher. Sold over 200,000 copies, it confirmed the character's commercial success and launched the editorial "Venom-mania" of the '90s.

CU

Venom: Carnage Unleashed

April-July 1995 · 4 issues mini
First face-off with Carnage

Mini-series by Larry Hama pitting Venom against Carnage, his symbiote "son" (Cletus Kasady). The first time Venom has to face his murderous offspring in a solo series. Follow-up to the Maximum Carnage event (1993). A turning point that established the Venom/Carnage duo as a recurring narrative engine for the character.

V1

Venom Vol.1

June 2003 → November 2004 · 18 issues
First solo ongoing series

Venom's first solo ongoing, by Daniel Way and Francisco Herrera. 18 issues that plunge Venom into a horror-cinema tone. The costume becomes more organic, more monstrous. A hybrid Venom temporarily replaces Eddie Brock. A divisive run among fans, but now cult for its body horror angle.

DO

Venom: Dark Origin

September 2008-January 2009 · 5 issues mini
Retconned origins

Mini-series by Zeb Wells and Angel Medina that retcons Eddie Brock's origins: brutal childhood, absent father, early traumas. Essential for understanding Eddie's psychology and setting the stage for the 2011 turn (Flash Thompson becomes Venom).

V2

Venom Vol.2 (Flash Thompson)

March 2011 → April 2013 · 42 issues
Rick Remender run

The most defining run of the 2010s, by Rick Remender and then Cullen Bunn. The symbiote is bonded to Flash Thompson, the former quarterback at Peter Parker's high school, now a war veteran who's lost both legs. He becomes Agent Venom, a military operative for the government. A deeply human run that redefines what a symbiote host can be. Includes Circle of Four, The Savage Six, Spider-Island. 42 issues, an essential run for understanding modern Venom.

SK

Venom: Space Knight

December 2015 → March 2017 · 13 issues
Flash in space

Direct sequel to the Remender run, by Robbie Thompson and Ariel Olivetti. Flash Thompson heads into space on a cosmic mission. The symbiote is purified by the Klyntar (the original symbiote race) and becomes an intergalactic "knight." A sci-fi look, an adventure tone. Lays the groundwork that would inspire Donny Cates in 2018.

V3

Venom Vol.3 (Lee Price)

November 2016 → May 2017 · 6 issues
Brief interlude

Short volume by Mike Costa introducing Lee Price, a former criminal soldier, as the new symbiote host. A volume quickly overshadowed by Eddie Brock's return in 2018. Lee Price remains a secondary character but is identified as the 4th canonical host.

V4

Venom Vol.4 (Cates Run)

May 2018 → July 2021 · 35 issues
Cult run that redefined Venom

The run that changed everything. By Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman, this volume relaunches Eddie Brock as the symbiote's host and introduces the mythology of the Klyntar, the "Symbiote Gods," and above all Knull, the dark god of the symbiotes (fully revealed in #6, September 2018). The run methodically lays the groundwork for Absolute Carnage (2019), then King in Black (2020-2021). Cates also introduces Dylan Brock, Eddie's son. 35 essential issues for understanding modern Venom. Issues are still in high demand on variant covers.

Impact: Reference run 2018-2021, Knull mythology
V5

Venom Vol.5 (Ewing & Ram V)

November 2021 → May 2023 · 30 issues
Co-written by Ewing/Ram V

Volume co-written by Al Ewing and Ram V, with Bryan Hitch on art. The volume picks up after King in Black: Eddie Brock has become the "King in Black" himself, while Dylan Brock takes over as the new Venom on Earth. Parallel construction across past, present, and future. A more experimental, deeply literary run (Ram V brings a Sandman / gothic horror tone).

V6

Venom Vol.6 (Ewing solo)

October 2023 → ongoing · #1 and beyond
Current run 2026

Current volume by Al Ewing alone. Drives the Venom War arc (2024) between Eddie Brock and Dylan Brock, fighting over the "Venom" title. An ongoing run in 2026, with recent issues in high demand. Ewing brings his trademarks: dense continuity, meta-commentary on the symbiotes, springboards for new characters.

All parallel Venom series in chronological order

Alongside the ongoing volumes, Marvel has published dozens of Venom mini-series, one-shots, and tie-ins. Here's the chronology of the main titles for understanding the ecosystem:

Venom key issues in chronological order

Here are the most important issues to know in chronological order of release:

1

Amazing Spider-Man #252

May 1984 · Roger Stern, Tom DeFalco & Ron Frenz
1st mainstream black Spidey costume

First mainstream appearance of the black costume, which would turn out to be the Venom symbiote. Released on newsstands before Secret Wars #8 but later narratively. Iconic cover with Peter Parker in the black costume against a red background. CGC 9.8 trades between $1,200 and $2,500.

2

Marvel Team-Up #141

May 1984 · Louise Simonson
2nd mainstream black-costume appearance

Released the same month as ASM #252, this issue is technically the "second appearance" of the mainstream black costume. Often overlooked by collectors but considerably cheaper than #252.

3

Web of Spider-Man #1

April 1985 · Louise Simonson & Greg LaRocque
1st time the black costume comes off

The issue where Peter Parker rids himself of the symbiote in a church using bell sounds. Launch of the Web of Spider-Man series. An essential issue for understanding the Peter / symbiote split, which would open the door to Venom.

4

Secret Wars #8

December 1984 · Jim Shooter & Mike Zeck
1st alien black-costume appearance

The official fictional origin of the black costume: Spider-Man discovers it on Battleworld by activating it via an alien machine. This is where the symbiote is born in narrative chronology. An absolute key issue, CGC 9.8 trades between $600 and $1,500.

5

Amazing Spider-Man #258

November 1984 · Tom DeFalco & Ron Frenz
Alien symbiote reveal

Reed Richards reveals to Peter Parker that his costume is actually a living alien being. A key issue that turns the costume's mystery into sci-fi horror. A direct prequel to the birth of Venom.

6

Amazing Spider-Man #298

March 1988 · David Michelinie & Todd McFarlane
1st Eddie Brock cameo + 1st McFarlane app

First brief cameo of Eddie Brock in the closing pages, and even more important: first appearance of Todd McFarlane on Amazing Spider-Man. McFarlane would revolutionize the character's look. CGC 9.8 trades between $700 and $1,500 depending on the period.

7

Amazing Spider-Man #299

April 1988 · David Michelinie & Todd McFarlane
1st full Venom cover

Iconic cover of Venom rearing up at Peter Parker's window, fangs out. First full Venom on a cover, setting up the big reveal in #300. CGC 9.8 trades between $1,500 and $3,500.

8

Amazing Spider-Man #300

May 1988 · David Michelinie & Todd McFarlane
1st FULL appearance of Venom · MAJOR

The foundational issue. First full and complete appearance of Eddie Brock / Venom. The most valuable Modern Age issue across all characters combined. Silver 300th-anniversary cover. CGC 9.8 trades between $5,000 and $9,000 (peak at $15,000 when the 2018 film came out). CGC 9.6 between $1,800 and $3,500. One of the most collected comics in the world. See our dedicated guide on valuing ASM #300.

CGC 9.8 value: $5,000 - $9,000 (peak $15,000 in 2018)
9

Amazing Spider-Man #316

June 1989 · David Michelinie & Todd McFarlane
1st full Venom cover by Todd McFarlane

Solo Venom cover by Todd McFarlane, considered one of the most iconic of the entire decade. Endlessly imitated visual. CGC 9.8 trades between $700 and $1,800.

10

Amazing Spider-Man #361

April 1992 · David Michelinie & Mark Bagley
1st FULL Carnage app · MAJOR

First full appearance of Carnage (Cletus Kasady), Venom's symbiote "son" and one of Marvel's most iconic villains. A major Modern Age key issue, propelled by the Let There Be Carnage film (2021). CGC 9.8 trades between $1,200 and $2,800.

11

Venom: Lethal Protector #1

February 1993 · David Michelinie & Mark Bagley
First solo mini-series

First issue of the very first solo Venom series. 5 variant covers (gold, silver, embossed, etc.). Major symbolism: Venom officially becomes a protagonist. CGC 9.8 trades between $200 and $600 depending on variant.

12

Venom: Lethal Protector #4

May 1993 · David Michelinie & Mark Bagley
1st app Scream/Phage/Lasher/Riot/Agony

First appearance of the five Life Foundation symbiotes: Scream, Phage, Lasher, Riot, and Agony. The issue that multiplies the symbiote universe. Riot would be the antagonist in the Venom film (2018), which sent the value of this issue soaring. CGC 9.8 trades between $250 and $700.

13

Venom Vol.1 #1

June 2003 · Daniel Way & Francisco Herrera
1st Venom ongoing

Launch of the first solo Venom ongoing. Body horror tone. CGC 9.8 trades between $80 and $200.

14

Venom Vol.2 #1 (Flash Thompson)

March 2011 · Rick Remender & Tony Moore
1st Flash Thompson Venom

First appearance of Flash Thompson as Agent Venom. The Remender run that redefines the very concept of Venom. CGC 9.8 trades between $100 and $250.

15

Venom: Space Knight #1

December 2015 · Robbie Thompson & Ariel Olivetti
Cosmic era launch

Launch of the Space Knight run, Flash Thompson's cosmic era. Lays the groundwork for the Klyntar mythology.

16

Venom Vol.4 #1 (Cates Run)

May 2018 · Donny Cates & Ryan Stegman
Cult run launch

First issue of the most important run of the 2010s. Cates relaunches Eddie Brock as Venom and rebuilds the mythology. CGC 9.8 trades between $80 and $200 (variant covers significantly more expensive).

17

Venom Vol.4 #6

September 2018 · Donny Cates & Ryan Stegman
1st Knull appearance

First full appearance of Knull, the dark god of the symbiotes. An extremely in-demand modern key issue. A cosmic perspective that would change the entire Marvel universe. CGC 9.8 trades between $120 and $350.

18

Absolute Carnage #1

August 2019 · Donny Cates & Ryan Stegman
Cates 2019 event

First issue of the Absolute Carnage event. Carnage's reconnection to Knull. A transitional issue toward King in Black.

19

King in Black #1

December 2020 · Donny Cates & Ryan Stegman
Major event Knull invasion

First issue of the King in Black event, where Knull invades Earth with an infinite army of symbiotes. One of the most defining Marvel events of the 2020s. CGC 9.8 trades between $60 and $150.

20

Venom Vol.5 #1

November 2021 · Al Ewing, Ram V & Bryan Hitch
Ewing/Ram V run launch

Launch of volume 5 post-King in Black. Eddie Brock becomes king of the symbiotes; Dylan Brock takes on the Venom title on Earth. A literary, experimental run.

21

Venom: Lethal Protector II #1

January 2022 · David Michelinie & Farid Karami
Michelinie returns

30 years after the first Lethal Protector, David Michelinie returns to the character he co-created. An anniversary celebration mini-series.

22

Carnage Vol.4 #1

June 2022 · Ram V & Francesco Manna
New Carnage ongoing

Launch of a new Carnage ongoing. Gothic horror tone typical of Ram V.

23

Venom War #1

August 2024 · Al Ewing & Iban Coello
Major 2024 event

First issue of the Venom War event pitting Eddie Brock against his son Dylan Brock for the Venom title. The most defining Venom event of the mid-2020s.

The major Venom story arcs in order

The Alien Costume Saga (1984-1985)

Peter picks up the black costume on Battleworld, then gets rid of it. Venom prequel.

ASM #252-258 + Web of SM #1

The Birth of Venom (1988)

Eddie Brock fuses with the rejected symbiote. The official birth of Venom.

ASM #298-300

Lethal Protector (1993)

Venom officially becomes an anti-hero and heads to San Francisco to protect homeless people.

Venom: Lethal Protector #1-6

Maximum Carnage (1993)

14-issue crossover across every Spider-Man title. Venom + Spidey vs. Carnage.

14 issues across all titles

Carnage Unleashed (1995)

Larry Hama mini-series, first solo Venom/Carnage face-off.

4-issue mini

Venomized (1996)

Saga where Eddie tries to rid himself of the symbiote. Body horror tone.

Multiple titles 1996

Venom Goes to Hollywood (2003)

Daniel Way run, start of Vol.1. Horror-cinema tone.

Venom Vol.1 #1-18

The Last Stand (2007)

Eddie Brock permanently separates from the symbiote. An Anti-Venom prequel.

Multiple tie-ins

Spider-Island Flash Thompson (2011)

Flash Thompson becomes Agent Venom as part of the Spider-Island event.

Venom Vol.2 #1-9

Circle of Four (2012)

Crossover Venom + Red Hulk + Ghost Rider + X-23 vs. Mephisto.

Venom Vol.2 #10-13

The Savage Six (2012)

Remender arc, a team of symbiote villains against Flash.

Venom Vol.2 #18-22

Venom: Space Knight (2015-2016)

Flash Thompson in space, purified symbiote. Sci-fi look.

Space Knight #1-13

Venom Inc. (2017)

Spider-Man / Venom crossover where Eddie temporarily becomes Venom again.

ASM + Venom #159-160

Cates Run entire (2018-2021)

The absolute reference run. Eddie becomes Venom again, introduction of Knull and Dylan Brock.

Venom Vol.4 #1-35

Absolute Carnage (2019)

Cates 2019 event. Carnage rediscovers his connection to Knull and hunts every former host.

5 issues + tie-ins

King in Black (2020-2021)

Climax of the Cates run. Knull invades Earth. A major Marvel event.

5 issues + tie-ins

Venom War (2024)

Eddie Brock vs. Dylan Brock. Al Ewing 2024 event.

5 issues + tie-ins

Death of the Venomverse (2023)

Sequel to Venomverse 2017. Venom multiverse decimated.

5-issue mini

How to start a Venom collection in 2026

1

Set a clear goal

"I want every Venom comic" is unrealistic (700+ issues across all titles). Start with a precise goal: "The complete Cates Venom Vol.4 run (#1-35)," "The 4 key first appearances (Secret Wars #8, ASM #252, ASM #300, ASM #361)," or "All the Lethal Protector mini-series." That structures your collection and keeps the budget in check.

2

Import the catalog into My Comics Collection

With My Comics Collection, you can one-click import Amazing Spider-Man, Venom Vol.1-6, every mini-series (Lethal Protector, Funeral Pyre, Carnage Unleashed, Dark Origin, Space Knight), and the events (Maximum Carnage, Absolute Carnage, King in Black, Venom War). Every issue and volume is uniquely identified, with real-time valuation.

3

Prioritize the major key issues

The 23 key issues listed represent 80% of Venom's historical value. Start with the 4 must-haves: Secret Wars #8, ASM #252, ASM #300, ASM #361. See our dedicated top picks for Venom key issues for a focus on key issues + updated CGC values.

4

Organize by run rather than by issue number

Venom is best collected by run (Michelinie/McFarlane 1988, Remender 2011, Cates 2018, Ewing 2023) rather than strict chronological numbering. Each run has its own narrative coherence and its own collector audience.

5

Track eBay valuation and the impact of films

Venom comics are particularly sensitive to film announcements. ASM #300 doubled in 6 months when Venom (2018) was announced. My Comics Collection updates values based on real eBay and CGC sales.

Why Venom remains one of the most collected characters in 2026

Alongside Spider-Man and Wolverine, Venom is one of the three Marvel characters most active in monthly back-issue sales in 2026. Several reasons explain this staying power:

Biographie de Eddie Brock (Venom)

Venom est un personnage de Marvel Comics créé par David Michelinie et Todd McFarlane. Sa première apparition se fait dans Amazing Spider-Man #300 (apparition complète) — costume noir Spidey dans Secret Wars #8 (mai 1984), publié en mai 1988 (Venom officiel).

Fiche d'identité de Eddie Brock

Origines du personnage

Le symbiote alien arrive sur Terre lors de la saga Secret Wars (1984) et adhère à Spider-Man comme nouveau costume noir. Après que Peter Parker rejette le symbiote (qui veut fusionner définitivement), celui-ci rencontre Eddie Brock, journaliste discrédité par Spider-Man. Leur haine partagée pour Peter Parker crée une symbiose parfaite : Venom est né. Eddie + symbiote forme un anti-héros redoutable et l'un des ennemis les plus emblématiques de Spider-Man.

Pouvoirs et capacités

Costume et identité visuelle

Symbiote noir entièrement biologique avec araignée blanche stylisée sur le torse (symbole spider). Bouche déformée avec dents acérées et longue langue. Yeux blancs allongés. Inspirera la création de Carnage (rouge) plus tard.

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FAQ, History of Venom

Venom was born in two stages. The alien symbiote first appears in May 1984 in Amazing Spider-Man #252 (mainstream) and chronologically in Secret Wars #8 (December 1984), created by Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck (the costume was originally proposed by Randy Schueller, a 22-year-old fan, bought by Marvel for $220 in 1982). The full Venom — Eddie Brock fused with the symbiote — is born in May 1988 in Amazing Spider-Man #300, created by David Michelinie on writing and Todd McFarlane on art. Mike Zeck is also regularly credited as a symbiote co-creator. It's the combination of four talents (Schueller for the idea, Shooter/Zeck for the costume, Michelinie for Eddie Brock, McFarlane for the iconic visual) that gave birth to the Venom we know.
Three issues, three distinct roles. ASM #252 (May 1984) is the first mainstream appearance of the alien black costume — but Spidey wears it without knowing it's a living symbiote. ASM #298 (March 1988) introduces Eddie Brock in a cameo on the closing pages, and is also the first appearance of Todd McFarlane on Spider-Man — a major event. ASM #299 (April 1988) delivers the first full Venom cover. ASM #300 (May 1988) is the first complete appearance of Eddie Brock fused with the symbiote — that is, the full Venom we know. For collectors, the order of priority (and price) is: ASM #300 > Secret Wars #8 > ASM #361 (1st Carnage) > ASM #299 > ASM #252 > ASM #298.
Amazing Spider-Man #300 (May 1988, McFarlane) remains the most valuable Modern Age issue across all franchises. CGC 9.8 trades between $5,000 and $9,000 in 2026, with a historic peak above $15,000 when the Venom film (2018) came out. CGC 9.6 between $1,800 and $3,500. CGC 9.4 between $1,200 and $2,200. CGC 9.0 between $600 and $1,000. Raw NM-/VF+ around $400-700. Newsstand variant noticeably more expensive (sometimes +30%). For a precise estimate based on your copy and its condition, see our dedicated guide on valuing ASM #300.
Eddie Brock isn't the only one to have worn the symbiote. Five main hosts have followed in succession: Eddie Brock (1988-2007 and since 2018), Mac Gargan (2007-2010, the former Scorpion), Flash Thompson (2011-2017, Peter's high-school buddy turned amputee war veteran), Lee Price (2016-2017, a former soldier), and Dylan Brock (Eddie's son, since 2021). This rotation lets writers refresh the character without killing him off. Eddie Brock remains the iconic mainstream embodiment, especially since the 2018 Tom Hardy film. But Flash Thompson as Agent Venom (Remender run 2011-2013) is considered by critics one of the greatest alternate takes.
Donny Cates's run (Venom Vol.4 #1-35, 2018-2021) is considered the most important of the past thirty years for the character. Three reasons: 1) It restores Eddie Brock as the canonical Venom after ten years of host rotation. 2) It introduces the cosmic mythology of the Klyntar, the symbiote gods, and especially Knull, the symbiote creator, transforming Venom from a simple "Spider-Man villain" into a central character of the Marvel cosmic universe. 3) It introduces Dylan Brock, Eddie's son, who would become the new Venom starting in 2021. The run culminated in two major events: Absolute Carnage (2019) and King in Black (2020-2021). Cates essentially did for Venom what Frank Miller did for Daredevil: founded a reference mythology for the decades to come.
Carnage is Venom's symbiote "son." In 1991-1992, the Venom symbiote gives birth to an offspring (a red symbiote) that bonds with Cletus Kasady, a psychopathic serial killer. First full appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #361 (April 1992). Carnage is more violent, purer in his madness, without the moral conscience Eddie Brock has. Knull, on the other hand, is the dark god of the symbiotes, created by Donny Cates in Venom Vol.4 #6 (September 2018). According to Cates, Knull is the primordial entity that created the symbiotes (the Klyntar) at the dawn of the universe, in order to destroy light and kill all gods. Knull is the antagonist of the King in Black event (2020-2021). He retroactively turns every symbiote (Venom, Carnage, Anti-Venom, Riot…) into potential weapons of a cosmic deity.
Massive impact. The release of Venom (2018) doubled the value of ASM #300 in six months, going from about $3,000 CGC 9.8 to over $7,000. The film also popularized Riot (the antagonist), sending the value of Venom: Lethal Protector #4 (1993, first appearance of Riot and the five Life Foundation symbiotes) soaring. Let There Be Carnage (2021) propelled Amazing Spider-Man #361 (1st Carnage), which went from about $600 CGC 9.8 to over $2,500. The Last Dance (2024) kept the pressure on the key issues. Swings are quick: with every film announcement or trailer, graded copies surge within weeks. To anticipate, watch Sony and Marvel Studios announcements. Our MCU Phase 6 anticipation guide covers these dynamics.
For a beginner, the best entry point is hands down the Donny Cates run (Venom Vol.4 #1-35, 2018-2021). Three reasons: it's modern (released 2018+, so affordable), narratively coherent (35 issues from a single creative team), and it has become the canonical reference post-2018 — every movie fan goes looking for this run. On a tighter budget, starting with Cates Venom omnibus volumes from DC/Marvel works very well. For '90s anti-hero fans, start with Venom: Lethal Protector (1993, 6 issues), then move on to Maximum Carnage. For history purists, start with the key issues (Secret Wars #8 → ASM #252 → ASM #300) and progress chronologically. The Remender run (Venom Vol.2, 2011-2013, Flash Thompson) is also excellent but harder to find as a complete omnibus.

More comics character histories to discover

Our complete "Comics history" article series covers the 20 biggest Marvel and DC franchises. Each article follows the same format: birth, complete chronology of volumes, parallel series, key issues sorted chronologically, major arcs, and collection method.

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Trademark notice: Marvel Comics, Venom, Spider-Man, Carnage, Knull, Eddie Brock, Flash Thompson, Mac Gargan, Lee Price, Dylan Brock, and the character names mentioned are registered trademarks of Marvel Entertainment / The Walt Disney Company. CGC is a registered trademark of Certified Guaranty Company. Sony Pictures and the Venom trilogy (Tom Hardy) are the property of Sony Pictures Entertainment. My Comics Collection is not affiliated with any comics publisher. References are made for informational and descriptive purposes only.