Carnage Key Issues: Complete Collector's Guide

Carnage (Cletus Kasady) is one of the most popular and violent villains in the Marvel universe. Created by David Michelinie and Mark Bagley in 1992, this blood-red symbiote — offspring of the Venom symbiote — has captivated readers with his uncompromising brutality and terrifying design. In 2026, Carnage key issues represent a dynamic market segment, supported by cinematic appearances in Sony's Venom films.

This guide catalogs all key issues related to Carnage, from his gestation in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man to modern events like Absolute Carnage and King in Black. Each issue is analyzed with its current market values, narrative importance, and appreciation potential.

The origins: Carnage's first appearances

Amazing Spider-Man #344 (February 1991) — First Cletus Kasady

Written by David Michelinie with art by Erik Larsen, this issue introduces Cletus Kasady as Eddie Brock's cellmate at Ryker's Island prison. Kasady is presented as a psychopathic serial killer, setting the stage for his transformation into Carnage.

Values: CGC 9.8: $150-250. CGC 9.6: $60-100. Raw NM: $30-50. This issue is often the entry point for Carnage collectors due to its accessible price. The trend has been upward since the announcement of Carnage in the Venom films.

Amazing Spider-Man #359 (February 1992) — Carnage cameo

Carnage's first appearance in shadow/silhouette in the final pages. This is a "proto-appearance" that some collectors consider to be the true first. CGC 9.8: $80-130. Raw NM: $15-25. A secondary but important key issue for purists.

Amazing Spider-Man #360 (March 1992) — Second cameo

Carnage appears briefly but his face is partially visible. CGC 9.8: $60-100. Raw NM: $12-20. Completes the triptych of preliminary appearances.

Amazing Spider-Man #361 (April 1992) — First full appearance

THE quintessential Carnage key issue. Cletus Kasady fully transforms into Carnage and fights Spider-Man in a brutal battle. Mark Bagley's cover with Carnage in full page is one of the most iconic visuals of the 90s.

Values: CGC 9.8: $700-1,100. CGC 9.6: $250-400. CGC 9.4: $150-200. Raw NM: $80-130. Raw VF: $40-60. This issue is extremely liquid — it sells daily on eBay. The high print run of the 90s guarantees a regular supply, but demand is equally strong.

Newsstand variant: The newsstand edition represents approximately 15-20% of the print run. In CGC 9.8, it commands a 30-50% premium over the Direct Market edition.

Amazing Spider-Man #362-363 (May-June 1992)

Continuation and conclusion of the first Carnage arc. #362 (CGC 9.8: $80-120) and #363 (CGC 9.8: $60-90) complete the triptych. Buying all three together in raw NM costs approximately $150-200 — a cohesive and attractive set to display.

Major Carnage events

Maximum Carnage (1993) — Spider-Man Unlimited #1-2

The first major event centered on Carnage. 14 parts across five series. Spider-Man Unlimited #1 (start of the arc): CGC 9.8: $100-180. The complete 14-issue raw set: $150-250. An emblematic 90s event, popularized by the SNES/Genesis video game of the same name.

Web of Spider-Man #101 (June 1993)

Part 2 of Maximum Carnage, but more importantly notable for the first appearance of Shriek, Carnage's partner. CGC 9.8: $50-80. Raw NM: $10-15. Shriek was adapted in the film "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" (2021), boosting demand.

Venom vs Carnage #1-4 (2004)

Mini-series by Peter Milligan and Clayton Crain that introduces Toxin, the offspring of the Carnage symbiote. #1 in CGC 9.8: $100-180. #2 (first appearance of Toxin in costume): CGC 9.8: $80-130. The complete raw set: $40-60. Clayton Crain's art is stunning and these issues are undervalued compared to their importance in symbiote mythology.

Carnage USA (2012) — 5-issue mini-series

By Zeb Wells and Clayton Crain. Carnage takes control of a small American town. #1 in CGC 9.8: $40-60. Complete raw set: $20-35. Excellent arc, visually stunning, at rock-bottom prices.

Modern Carnage key issues

Absolute Carnage #1 (August 2019)

Major event by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman. Carnage returns possessed by the symbiote god Knull, hunting anyone who has ever worn a symbiote. CGC 9.8: $40-70. The 5-issue run is a modern must-have, beautifully drawn and well written.

Absolute Carnage #5 (November 2019)

Conclusion with lasting consequences for the Venom/Carnage universe. CGC 9.8: $25-40. Raw NM: $8-12.

Carnage #1 (March 2022) — Solo series by Ram V

Relaunch with a horrific and atmospheric Carnage. CGC 9.8: $30-50. Ram V's run was praised for its horror approach and art by Roge Antonio. An undervalued modern series that could appreciate over time.

Extreme Carnage #1 (2021)

Event that explores the different symbiotes facing Carnage. CGC 9.8: $20-35. Significance: introduction of new symbiotes that could become film characters.

Carnage collecting strategy

The ideal "Carnage starter pack" for a collector with a $300-500 budget includes: ASM #361 raw VF/NM ($60-100), ASM #344 raw NM ($30-50), ASM #362-363 raw ($30-50 for the set), Spider-Man Unlimited #1 raw ($15-25), and Absolute Carnage #1 raw ($8-12). This set covers the essentials of the Carnage mythology for under $250.

For investors, ASM #361 in CGC 9.8 remains the best pick: high transaction volume, excellent liquidity, and direct correlation with Sony/Marvel film announcements. Every new Venom film featuring Carnage pushes the price to new highs.