In short:The three essential Venom runs are David Michelinie's seminal run in Amazing Spider-Man (1988-1991), Donny Cates' Cosmic Saga (2018-2021), and Rick Remender/Cullen Bunn's Agent Venom run (2011-2013).
Since its first full appearance inAmazing Spider-Man#300 in 1988, Venom went from simple antagonist to major anti-hero of the Marvel Universe. French-speaking collectors are now snapping up keys from his various runs, some of which have seen their prices explode after the film adaptations.
This ranking lists the essential runs for any serious Venom collector, including key numbers, creative teams and current value ranges. Whether you are starting your collection or looking to complete it, here are the bows to target first.
Top 1 — David Michelinie & Todd McFarlane / Erik Larsen (Amazing Spider-Man #298-333, 1988-1990)
Screenwriter:David Michelinie |Designers:Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen
The founding run. Michelinie introduced Eddie Brock as Venom in ASM #300, creating one of the most iconic villains of the '90s. The clashes with Spider-Man defined the character for decades.
Key numbers:ASM #298-299 (first cameo), #300 (first full appearance), #315-317 (Venom's return), #332-333 (final confrontation).
Market value:ASM #300 in CGC 9.8: €2,500-4,000. ASM #298 CGC 9.8: €800-1,200.
Top 2 — Donny Cates & Ryan Stegman (Venom Vol.4 #1-35, 2018-2021)
Screenwriter:Donny Cates |Designer:Ryan Stegman
Cates reinvents the mythology of symbiotes with Knull, the god of darkness. This run culminates in the eventKing in Blackand propels Venom to the rank of a major Marvel title. Epic storytelling, spectacular art.
Key numbers:Venom #1 (new beginning), #3 (first Knull), #7 (Dylan Brock), #25 (giant size), #35 (conclusion).
Market value:Venom Vol.4 #3 CGC 9.8: €150-300. #1 CGC 9.8: €80-150.
Top 3 — Rick Remender & Cullen Bunn (Venom Vol.2 #1-42, 2011-2013)
Screenwriters:Rick Remender (#1-22), Cullen Bunn (#23-42) |Designer:Tony Moore, Lan Medina
Flash Thompson, veteran amputee, becomes Agent Venom for the government. A brilliant concept that mixes military thriller and superheroes, offering unprecedented depth to the symbiote.
Key numbers:#1 (Flash becomes Venom), #13 (Spider-Island crossover), #23 (beginning of Bunn), #42 (final).
Market value:Venom Vol.2 #1 CGC 9.8: €80-120. Full run VF: €150-250.
Top 4 — Lethal Protector (Venom: Lethal Protector #1-6, 1993)
Screenwriter:David Michelinie |Designer:Mark Bagley
Venom's first solo miniseries. Eddie Brock moves to San Francisco and takes on the Life Foundation. Historical series that launches the character as an independent anti-hero.
Key numbers:#1 (red foil cover, first solo), #4 (first Scream symbiotes, Riot, etc.).
Market value:Lethal Protector #1 CGC 9.8: €150-250. Complete NM series: €60-100.
Top 5 — Al Ewing & Ram V (Venom Vol.5 #1-35, 2021-2024)
Screenwriters:Al Ewing, Ram V |Designers:Bryan Hitch, CAFU
Direct continuation of the Cates run, Ewing and Ram V explore Eddie Brock transcended into king of the symbiotes. Ambitious narrative between cosmic and introspection, with Dylan Brock as the new earthly bearer.
Key numbers:#1 (new status quo), #10 (Dylan turning point), #25 (anniversary issue), #35 (conclusion).
Market value:Recent run, #1 CGC 9.8: €40-70. Long-term upside potential.
Top 6 — Daniel Way (Venom Vol.1 #1-18, 2003-2004)
Screenwriter:Daniel Way |Designer:Francisco Herrera
An underrated run that introduces a new carrier and an assumed horror tone. The original symbiote in the Canadian Great North, with a radical graphic style that divides but leaves a lasting impression.
Key numbers:#1 (new volume), #6 (Wolverine crossover), #18 (conclusion).
Market value:Full run: €40-80. Individual VF issues: €5-15.
Top 7 — Mike Costa (Venom Vol.3 #1-6, #150-165, 2017-2018)
Screenwriter:Mike Costa |Designer:Gerardo Sandoval, Mark Bagley
Eddie Brock's return as host after years. Costa sets the stage for the Cates run with an emotional reunion between Eddie and the symbiote. #150 (legacy numbering) is a collectible milestone.
Key numbers:#1 (Lee Price), #6 (Eddie return), #150 (legacy issue), #165 (pre-Cates).
Market value:#150 CGC 9.8: €50-90. Run accessible for beginners.
Honorable mentions
Other runs deserve attention:Venom: The Hunger(1996) for the horrific tone,Venom: Dark Origin(2008) by Zeb Wells for Eddie Brock's reworked origin, and Al Ewing's current run onVenom Warwhich continues to enrich the symbiote mythology.
Also consult our guide toVenom key numbersand thecomplete history of the symbioteto contextualize these runs in your collection.
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