Over the past ten years, Marvel Comics has expanded the universe of Venom with an impressive array of new symbiotes. Following the chaotic events surrounding Knull’s invasion and Eddie Brock’s ascension as the King in Black, fans have been introduced to a variety of new symbiotic entities. While Venom remains the quintessential alien symbiote in Marvel’s lore, the recent additions are worthy of attention, potentially even featuring in their own cinematic projects within the MCU.
Before the “Absolute Carnage”storyline unfolded, the symbiotic roster was quite limited, primarily featuring Venom, Carnage, and a few others from the Life Foundation. The narrative landscape has dramatically changed since Knull’s emergence, as numerous unique and compelling symbiotes have surfaced, enhancing the richness of the lore. In this detailed exploration, we spotlight ten standout symbiotes that not only deserve their time in the spotlight but also hold significant potential for future comics featuring Eddie Brock and the Lethal Protector.
1. Fucking
Debuted In: Venom #3 (2018) by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman
Although not a symbiote per se, Knull is essential to any discussion about the Klyntar. Existing long before Eddie Brock donned the Venom symbiote, Knull thrived in the void between cosmic cycles. King in Black and creator of the first symbiote, All-Black the Necrosword, Knull’s rejection of cosmic authority led to a cataclysmic war against the Celestials. After the symbiotes turned against him, Knull was imprisoned, but the King in Black’s legacy and demand for a return as a formidable antagonist in the comics remains unparalleled.
2. South
Debuted In: Venom #1 (2021) by Al Ewing, Ram V, & Andrew Currie
Following his transition to the role of King in Black, Eddie Brock discovered a cosmic ability to interact with symbiotes across timelines. This led to the emergence of Meridius, an altered version of Eddie who lost his humanity and is driven by an insatiable desire for power. As an evolved King in Black, Meridius’s mastery of the Multiverse poses a substantial threat, marking him as an adversary worthy of conflict with another King in Black.
3. The Arachniote
Debuted In: Venom War: Spider-Man #1 (2024) by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, & Greg Land
Known as the All-Hunger, the Arachniote represents a deviation among the Klyntar. This unique hybrid resulted from the fusion of two symbiotes without requiring a host, making it a wholly autonomous entity. Dubbed a profane act among symbiotes, its summoning by Meridius during the Venom War showcased its powerful and terrifying capabilities. Unfortunately, its debut was short-lived, but its concept opens exciting possibilities for further exploration in the Marvel Universe.
4. Bedlam
Debuted In: Venom #20 (2023) by Al Ewing and CAFU
Bedlam, another alternate future version of Eddie Brock, exists as a King in Black without his original human form. This incarnation reflects Eddie’s rage and fury, making him a formidable force against his past allies. Despite his primal instincts, Bedlam retains strategic capabilities within the symbiote Hive-Mind, showcasing a combination of brute strength and tactical awareness.
5. Dylan Brock/Venom
Debuted In: Venom #7 (2018) by Donny Cates and Iban Coello
Dylan Brock emerges as the first naturally born human-symbiote hybrid in Marvel. With a lineage tied to Eddie and the Venom symbiote, Dylan possesses powers that can challenge greater entities like Knull. Although temporarily separated from his powers, the potential for Dylan’s character development within the narrative landscape remains vast and compelling.
6. Extrembiote
Debuted In: King in Black #2 (2020) by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman
In a bid to save Eddie during the Knull conflict, Iron Man’s encounter with a Symbiote Dragon led to the creation of the Extrembiote. Bonded with Iron Man’s armor and enhanced by the Extremis virus, this symbiote epitomizes the blend of technology and alien biology, taking symbiote evolution to new heights in terms of power and complexity.
7. Serpent
Debuted In: Thor #28 (2022) by Al Ewing and Salvador Larroca
The Serpent, a result of internal conflict within Bedlam, was born from the smoldering rage of Eddie Brock during his battle with Darkoth. This newly formed symbiote, which escaped into the realm of Asgard, showcases the ever-expanding narrative possibilities surrounding symbiotes and their connections to other realms in the Marvel universe.
8. Princess
Debuted In: Deadpool #1 (2022) by Alyssa Wong and Martin Coccolo
In Deadpool’s attempt to recreate Cletus Kasady, he inadvertently bore the symbiote named Princess. This unique offspring mirrors Deadpool’s personality traits yet exhibits a refreshing docility due to her unusual biological structure, allowing for a supportive relationship with her “father”while setting a new precedent for symbiotic interactions.
9. Sleeper
Debuted In: Venom #165 (2018) by Mike Costa and Mark Bagley
Sleeper, considered Venom’s most powerful child, leverages unique chemokinetic abilities that distinguish him from his contemporaries. This character’s potential for narrative growth is immense, with abilities that allow him to create offshoots and generate various chemical compounds, thereby cementing his place as a candidate for future storylines in the Marvel Universe.
10. Venom Bloom
Debuted In: Extreme Venomverse #4 (2023) by Peach Momoko
In an imaginative twist within the variant universe of Earth-17239, Venom Bloom emerged as a symbiote that bonded with plant life rather than a living host. This radical departure from traditional symbiote narratives not only enhances the mythology surrounding symbiotes but also captivates readers with its distinct aesthetic and lore, making it an exciting prospect for further storytelling in the Marvel Universe.
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