Venomless Eddie Brock

Most longtime Spider-Man fans probably best know Eddie Brock as Venom. The character has a complex past, and that’s putting it mildly, as he’s been both arch-villain and anti-hero.

Venom began his existence as a villain of course, before morphing into a fairly psychotic anti-hero, and finally a more traditional one. The last few years have been a rough time for him though. Venom has headlined massive events and, most recently, Eddie himself was bonded to Carnage.

Speaking of events too, there’s a new mega-event heading to the pages of Marvel comics. Queen in Black will star none other than Hela, who’s taken Knull’s throne and now commands a massive army. Not that the former King is done, as Knull will be going head-to-head with the Asgardian. And guess what’s caught in the middle of all of that? Yep, that’d be Earth.

Since that’s where the aforementioned Eddie Brock resides, you might think that he’ll be at the frontlines of that oncoming fight. However, there’s a problem with that assumption. Eddie is, well, just plain old Eddie. For the first time in a while, he finds himself with no symbiote-suit.

He’s split from Carnage, and Venom has bonded to Mary Jane Watson. So what’s a host to do? Well, whatever it is, he’s got to break out of prison first. And that tale will begin in Queen In Black: Venom Unchained #1.

This week in Venom #256 by Al Ewing and Carlos Gomez, part of the Amazing Spider-Man/Venom “Death Spiral” crossover, Carnage discarded Eddie Brock for a better match—TORMENT! The development marks the end of Eddie’s time as host of the murderous symbiote, but he’s only just started paying the consequences! Before joining Marvel’s heroes to save the world from being torn asunder by the forces of Light and Dark, Eddie must first break out of prison and perhaps find a new symbiote to claim…

EDDIE BROCK: IMPRISONED! 

Eddie Brock is in prison after a failed bond with Carnage, and the Queen In Black is coming!!! Eddie wants to get back to Venom. But without a symbiote, how will he escape?!

On continuing Eddie Brock’s saga, Soule said, “When I agreed to write a new chapter in Eddie Brock’s ongoing story a few years back via Eddie Brock: Carnage, I had no idea it would end up continuing through all these dark little paths. From Carnage to Death Spiral and now to VENOM: UNCHAINED, I’ve found there’s a lot to explore with Mr. Brock and his relationships with various symbiotes. Very glad to spend this time with Eddie – he’s a fascinating guy.”

Marvel press release

Find out what Eddie Brock has planned, as Queen in Black rolls on in Queen In Black: Venom Unchained #1 (Of 3). The issue arrives in stores on July 15th, 2026.

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15.3 inches of Venom

Whoa… Yeah, that was our reaction to the Venom 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure from Hot Toys when we first saw it, and that opinion hasn’t changed. The 15.3″ collector figure is looking flat-out stunning, and even more so now that retailer Sideshow has dug in with a full unboxing.

Pulled from the comics and not the feature films, this bad boy not just gigantic, but also packing 20 points of articulation and a “highly textured body”. If you like your Venom looking extra-slimy, this figure certainly seems like it’d be for you.

Of course, that’s not all he’s got going for him, as Eddie Brock’s alien other also comes complete with appropriate accessories. Those will be particularly cool for you too, if you remember the classic “The Madness” story arc from Venom: Lethal Protector series.

Check out Sideshow’s full unboxing of him below.

One big bad beast of a figure

See what we mean there? Hot Toys rarely disappoints, but Venom’s latest incarnation is looking like a real gem. As we mentioned too, it’s packing those optional symbiote tendrils/faces, as well as a stand. As with quite a few of the company’s latest offerings too, it’s no basic-base.

Read through the full details on all of the above below.

Looming over his foes, at approximately 15.3 inches (39 cm) tall, this impressive and imposing collectible features an ultra-detailed and highly textured body, with over 20 points of articulation and multiple swap-out hands for a wealth of posing and display possibilities. 

The Venom 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure also includes three wired symbiote accessories with tentacles that can be attached to the figure’s back and individually posed to further enhance the dynamic presence of this iconic character. A symbiote-themed diorama display base brings the comic book-inspired scene to life.

Add the Venom 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure by Hot Toys to your collection! Available to pre-order now at Sideshow.com.

Sideshow press release

The Venom 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure from Hot Toys is set to ship some time between now and March of 2026. Priced in at a cool $400 USD, pre-orders are live now via both Sideshow and other online retailers.

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Red and blue is in this fall

Secret Wars is a name that has, and rightfully so, a ton of import attached to it, as goes the comics world. Originally a plain and simple initiative to push a toy line of the same name, Marvel Comics’ original 80s version of Secret Wars became much more than the sum of its parts. And we say “80s version” because there was a followup much more recently, with 2015’s Secret Wars.

That original event still outshines the sequel, as far as we’re concerned, and the actual storyline is just a part of it. As every fan knows, Secret Wars was just the beginning of a saga that would spill out into Spider-Man comics, and is really still rolling today. Yep, we’re talking about Venom. Spider-Man’s black costume was first introduced in Secret Wars, before it was revealed to be a living, alien symbiote in Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz’ now-classic Amazing Spider-Man #252.

Well, strap in true believer, because everything old is new again, and that includes Secret Wars’ Battleworld and alien symbiotes. The former comes into play this fall, with Marvel’s new Battleworld limited series. And as for the latter? Well, get ready for deja vu, as the new Battleworld will be spawning a new symbiote, and this one’s both familiar and pretty darn different.

BATTLEWORLD, a new limited series by Christos Gage and Marcus To, kicks off in September. The series follows the tradition of both the groundbreaking original Secret Wars and the 2015 Secret Wars event by bringing various heroes from the multiverse together on a patchwork planet for an epic conflict! Last week at San Diego Comic-Con, retailers learned that In BATTLEWORLD #3, one of those chosen heroes is revealed to be an all-new alternate Venom donning a Red and Blue Spidey suit! Created by writer Jordan Morris, who made his Marvel Comics debut earlier this year in Web of Spider-Verse: New Blood #1, and Marvel’s Stormbreaker elite artist and superstar Spider-Verse designer Luciano Vecchio, this mysterious new character will headline his own backup story by Morris and Jesús Saíz in VENOM #252, part of Al Ewing and Paco Medina’s current run. VENOM #252 will also reunite DeFalco and Frenz for a story that ties back to their classic Amazing Spider-Man issue.

In addition to Luciano Vecchio’s design sheet for the new costume, check out the main cover for BATTLEWORLD #3 by Leinil Francis Yu and a Venom Variant Cover by Phillip Tan. Plus, see new variant covers for VENOM #252 by R.B. Silva and Cory Smith that homage the original covers of Secret Wars #7 and Amazing Spider-Man #252. Don’t miss the most shocking costume reveal in 40 years by preordering both issues at your local comic shop today!

Marvel Comics press release

From writer Christos Gage and artist Marcus To, Battleworld #3 will launch into stores this November 26th. And the saga of the new alien costume will continue after that, in the pages of Venom #252 on December 3rd.

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Kid-friendly. Mostly

You know the year is getting on when you start talking about Halloween. Yes, it might be June, but Marvel is doing just that, revealing 2025’s slate of Trick-Or-Read comics, heading to comic book shops just in time for the big October holiday.

This year’s set will include mostly kid-friendly titles, though there are a pair that would be great for slightly older readers too. The former include prequel issues that lead into both the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and X-Men ’97 animated series’, as well as Spidey and His Amazing Friends #1. As for the latter, those are stocked with both Godzilla Vs. Fantastic Four #1, which has King Ghidorah as a herald of Galactus, and a reprint of the 90s classic, Venom: Lethal Protector #1.

Participating comics shops should have all of the above out this coming October, ready for the Halloween tie-in. Scroll down for the details on each.

• GODZILLA VS. FANTASTIC FOUR #1 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-READ 2025
  • Written by RYAN NORTH
  • Art by JOHN ROMITA JR.
  • Cover by ADAM KUBERT
  • THE BATTLE OF THE CENTURY BEGINS!
  • An instant classic for Godzilla and Marvel fans alike, written by current FF scribe Ryan North and drawn by industry legend John Romita Jr.!
  • The King of the Monsters battles Marvel heroes across its many different eras, starting with Marvel’s First Family! Witness how Godzilla’s lore mixes with the Mighty Marvel mythos as King Ghidorah descends upon the Earth with the Power Cosmic as Galactus’s newest herald! Can the Fantastic Four stop him from destroying New York along with the rest of the planet? It’s a city smashing spectacular as Godzilla with the help of the Silver Surfer join forces to stop the world from certain annihilation! 
• VENOM: LETHAL PROTECTOR #1 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-READ 2025
  • Written by DAVID MICHELINIE
  • Art and Cover by MARK BAGLEY
  • VENOM’S FIRST SOLO COMIC!
  • Just in time for the milestone Venom #250, experience where Venom’s solo run officially began! Venom’s first starring series was written by Venom co-creator David Michelinie and drawn by superstar artist Mark Bagley. In this defining story, Venom has escaped New York and now resides in San Francisco. Having turned over a new leaf, Venom decides to become a protector of the weak and forgotten. But can Marvel’s lethal protector truly become a hero?
• YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #1 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-READ 2025
  • Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
    Art by ERIC GAPSTUR
  • Cover by LEONARDO ROMERO
  • PREQUEL TO THE HIT ANIMATED SERIES ON DISNEY+!
  • Eariler this year, Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man introduced a Peter Parker that was still finding his footing on his journey to becoming the Spider-Man we all know and love! In this official comic prequel by acclaimed creators Christos Gage and Eric Gapstur, you can take the very first steps along with him as he discovers his powers, decides to become a hero, and even picks out his name and costume! Peter’s gotta survive an entire Freshman year as a newbie crime-fighting vigilante…and if you think you know how this story goes, you are in for a surprise!
• X-MEN ‘97 #1 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-READ 2025
  • Written by STEVE FOXE
  • Art by SALVA ESPIN
  • Cover by TODD NAUCK
  • THE PRELUDE TO THE BLOCKBUSTER DISNEY+ SHOW!
  • The X-Men are back – and the ’90s have never looked better! In this official comic book prelude to last year’s X-Men ’97, created in collaboration with the showrunners, discover what Storm, Jubilee, Wolverine and the rest of the beloved ’90s X-Men cast have been up to in the time before their return! The series from X-writer Steve Foxe and X-artist Salva Espin was packed with startling revelations that led directly into the acclaimed show, making it a must-have companion for viewers!
• SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-READ 2025
  • IT’S SPIDEY TIME!
  • The perfect first comic for young readers! Swing into an all-new collection of adventures with Spidey, Ghost-Spider, and Miles as they face classic villains and more in this spectacular special. Kids will LOVE this easy-to-read comic sampler that also contains some action-packed activity pages!

Marvel Comics press release

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We are Venom

How he was implemented might have been a bit divisive overall, but Venom’s look from the PS5-exclusive Spider-Man sequel is undeniably cool. Harry Osborn’s version of Spidey’s iconic alien foe was absolutely massive and (relatively) visually-accurate too. For a game series that’s played with character’s looks as heavily as it has, that was great to see in and of itself.

If you were on board with it, then you might want to add Hot Toys’ beastly new adaptation of that monster to your own collection. And with its launch right around the corner, retailer Sideshow has unleashed a special unboxing, so fans can check out what they’ll be opening up if they bought in.

Measuring an imposing 20.8 inches (53 cm) tall, the Venom 1/6 Scale Figure by Hot Toys is faithfully crafted and meticulously hand-painted based on the character’s intimidating appearance in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

Featuring 2 newly developed headsculpts (one with an open mouth and the other with a wicked grin) and 3 interchangeable tongues, there are multiple ways to manipulate his menacing countenance. The specially designed body has over 20 points of articulation, and comes with numerous swap-out hands, claws, and symbiotic tendril accessories. 

Add this towering symbiote to your Marvel collection. The Venom 1/6 Scale Figure by Hot Toys is available to pre-order from Sideshow.com.

Sideshow press release

As mentioned above, Venom’s launch is coming up fast, with the figure expected to start shipping some time between now and the end of February. Even so though, the video game version of the towering creature is still up for pre-order via Sideshow, and you can grab one for yourself via the link above. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s Venom is priced in at $460 USD.

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We are awesome

Leave it to collectible company Hot Toys to just plunk down one of the best looking Venom figures of all time from out of nowhere. It’s a bit of a rarity too, since this new offering is styled after the characters Marvel Comics look, not from the movies. And if you loved the company’s Doctor Doom, you might just lose it over Venom.

The villain turned anti-hero has seldom looked better than this. Venom comes complete with optional tendrils/mini-heads, a trio of swappable tongues, two different head sculpts, and a really neat finish that has him looking appropriately slimy. He’s also more than a little imposing, at over 15″ tall.

Venom is a fan-favorite Marvel comic book character. He’s a terrifying alien symbiote that bonds with his host, granting them superhuman strength and agility, along with the ability to shapeshift. Initially a foe of Spider-Man, Venom embodies a complex mix of vengeance and protection, and often blurs the lines between hero and villain.

Venom’s menacing appearance, featuring a toothy grin, elongated tongue, and white spider emblem, makes him one of Marvel’s most recognizable characters.

Hot Toys’ stunning new 1/6 scale collectible figure of Venom has been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of this much-loved character from the pages of Marvel comics. It features two interchangeable hand-painted portraits: a grinning headsculpt and a head with an open mouth, plus three swap-out protruding tongues. 

Looming over his foes, at approximately 39 cm (15.3 in) tall, this impressive and imposing collectible features an ultra-detailed and highly textured body, with over 20 points of articulation and multiple swap-out hands for a wealth of posing and display possibilities. 

The 1/6 Scale Venom Collectible Figure also includes three wired symbiote accessories with tentacles that can be attached to the figure’s back and individually posed to further enhance the dynamic presence of this iconic character. Finally, this new collectible also comes with a symbiote-themed diorama display base that brings the comic book-inspired scene to life.

Add the 1/6 Scale Venom Figure by Hot Toys to your collection! Pre-order now, via Sideshow.com.

Sideshow press release

Venom still has a ways to go to launch, and isn’t expected to start shipping until some time from October 2025 through March of ’26. With as much as this piece has going on too, it’s a fair shake more expensive than usual too, and is tagged at $400 USD.

Pre-orders are, of course, open now and you can grab one via the Sideshow links above.

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Might wanna get that looked at

What is Symbiosis Necrosis? Well, in short, it’s a new crossover event that will play out in the pages of Marvel’s Venom and Carnage books. From the team of writers Torunn Grønbekk and Al Ewing, and with art from Ken Lashley and Pere Pérezhe, the ooze-fueled tale will run four issues, and bring together some pretty interesting story-points.

Those include a showdown between Carnage and the new Dylan Brock version of Venom, plus more of the alt-universe Eddie (Meridius), and some apparent revelations about the link between Carnage and its host, Cletus Kasady.

The Venom father/son pair are currently on interwoven journeys across space and time in the pages of Venom but their paths will collide dramatically when Dylan faces off against Cletus for the first time. The crossover will be packed with explosive developments including a new look for Carnage, a power up for Dylan, a shocking twist to Cletus and Carnage’s bond, and an epic showdown with the only symbiote Carnage truly fears—Anti-Venom!

Marvel Comics press release

As you can see there, in addition to the new details about Symbiosis Necrosis, we also have a look at this cover illustration from series artist Lashley. And then there’s also a little bit more about the story itself, as told by writer Grønbekk to This Week in Marvel.

“If Dylan sees the full extent of what Venom has done in this world, it might not be great. And Carnage being as sadist as he is, he doesn’t just want to kill Dylan, he wants Dylan to be aware of everything that Venom has done. And it turns into a sort of spectacular thing. And then it sort of it takes a turn. And I’m not going to say what kind of turn, but it doesn’t go the way you think it will.”

Torunn Grønbekk, as seen on This Week in Marvel with Angélique Roché

Venom #31 ushers in the Symbiosis Necrosis arc on March 6th, which then rolls into Carnage #5 on the 13th. From there, fans can look for part 3 to play out in the pages of April 3rd’s Venom #32, before the whole thing comes to a close in April 10th’s Carnage #6.

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Spider-Men… and some kinda Venom

So who exactly is Venom in next week’s Marvel’s Spider-Man 2? Developer Insomniac has been shockingly mum on the game’s biggest mystery, and it sure does look like the latest trailer for the open-world actioner is a huge misdirection.

While the video is loaded with cool stuff, including a monstrous Sandman who just looks flat-out incredible, but the Venom stuff is the highlight yet again. Not only is this a purely villainous version of the character, which hasn’t been seen in a while, but wow does he look phenomenal. Also, from the direction of this new video, he’s apparently Peter Parker.

So does Pete get fully absorbed into the symbiote in the game? Or, and we certainly think this is more likely, is this just a big twist, and the real Venom host is still under wraps. But assuming that’s true, who is it? Could it be the just awakened Harry Osborn? Or, on a related note, maybe it’s a pre-Goblin Norman Osborn (which could actually lead into Green Goblin in a part 3).

Or, and stay with us here, maybe it’s the creature alone, at a point where Pete’s rid himself of it. Wandering around NYC with no host, jilted from its chosen bond, the symbiote might be lashing out in a big way. And maybe, just maybe, that could lead it to a certain chapel and a desperate man at the end of his rope…

Then again, it could be none of that. We have no idea, and are just as in the dark as anybody else. The only way to find out, is to dive into the game itself on October 20th, exclusively on the PS5.

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We’re going to heal the world

As mentioned, the latest trailer for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 debuted at SDCC this past week. The new look was surprisingly deep, and introduced a number of new additions to the Sony/Marvel-gameverse. Those include a reawakened Harry Osborn, who’s got some big ambitions, another look at a bear-skin clad Kraven, and the surprise return of Mister Negative. It looks like there’s going to be quite a sub-plot there specifically, with Miles out for revenge against Li.

But what you’re probably wondering, above any and all of that, is just what the story is with Venom. We haven’t heard any mention of Eddie Brock in any of this, and he hasn’t been set up in any way as a character (that we know of). Also, despite it certainly seeming to be Harry in the slime-suit, there’s been no mention of that either, although the trailer does lay out a pretty clear hint. Almost too clear…

The only thing we really do know is that this isn’t the Lethal Protector. The Tony Todd-voiced Venom very much seems to be a very bad guy in Insomniac’s superhero universe.

We’re going to heal the world. The Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, enter new chapters in their lives as they balance their responsibilities as protectors of Marvel’s New York. As Harry Osborn, Peter’s best friend, returns into his life, and Miles looks to build his future beyond high school, the relationship between our heroes is tested and strained as the Symbiote appears to threaten them, the city, and the ones they love.

PlayStation YouTube page

So… who do you think Venom is? Harry? Eddie? …Peter? Or do you think he’s someone else entirely, and Insomniac is giving fans a massive swerve?

It isn’t too long before we find out for sure, since Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 lands exclusively on the PS5 this October the 20th.

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We are pinball

Is pinball a forgotten part of the arcade experience? Not really, actually, because the biggest name in the art form is very much still making tables, and with some massive licenses to boot. It’s just that these tables are aimed more at home collectors, than the few arcades that still operate. Stern Pinball is debuting its latest too, that’d be the Venom machine, at Comic Con this week.

Adorned with splashes of classic Venom-related art, and with a play-field that should keep players very busy indeed, Venom looks like it would be an awesome addition to any comics fan’s game room. But before we get into the meat of this news, the Venom table is the real thing. This isn’t a digital, save for a few highlighted elements.

Here’s a look:

Now that you’ve had a peek, let’s talk about that SDCC presence. Entitled “Into the Pinverse”, and moderated by GameSpot’s Tamoor Hussain, the panel presentation will Stern Pinball’s Seth Davis (CEO), Brian Eddy (Lead Game Designer) and Zach Sharpe (Head of Marketing).

The trio will be talking about Venom for sure, but also looking into the overall Stern strategy, and how the company is “changing the landscape of the gaming industry as a whole.” Look for the show to kick off this Thursday, July 20th, at 2:30pm in room 29CD (in the convention center)

Take it for a spin

While the panel should be fun, especially for those who are really into the hobby, who can say ‘no’ to some actual play time? And as mentioned, you’ll be able to do exactly that, at the Stern Pinball Pop-Up Arcade at the Marriott Marquis. That’s right, this is outside of the convention center and not on the show floor itself. It also won’t stock solely Venom.

Fans will be able to find “other beloved Stern Pinball machines” set up as well, so it should be a darned good time. The arcade will be open all show long, except for preview night (tonight), and will run from 10am to 7pm (pacific time) through this Saturday. On Sunday, the last day of the show, it’ll still open at 10am, but will close early as the Con wraps up. So you’ll only have til 2pm to get your games in. Just something to keep in mind.

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