Marvel’s Surprising Announcement: Venom Recognized as an Official Avenger!

It may come as a surprise to many that in the expansive realm of Marvel, the Venom symbiote is officially recognized as a member of the Avengers. This is not about any specific host, but rather the iconic symbiote itself. Over the years, Marvel has introduced numerous Avengers teams, boasting a roster that exceeds 100 individuals. However, the title of “Avengers”does not guarantee the legitimacy of every group using it. Nonetheless, Marvel has confirmed Venom’s status as an official alumnus of these esteemed ranks.

According to an official Marvel Comics article, which chronicles the various villains who have allied with the Avengers, it was during the War of the Realms event that Venom was granted a formal spot on the team.

Venom and the War Avengers stand in a field of destruction.

While the Venom symbiote has periodically battled alongside the Avengers, this event marked a unique instance of its independent recognition. At that point, Venom had parted ways with Eddie Brock, allowing the symbiote to emerge as a solitary entity. The relatively low frequency of interaction with other characters made this rare acknowledgment stand out, especially during such an extraordinary event.

Venom’s Time As An Avenger Demonstrated That Marvel’s Most Notable Symbiote Can Shine Independently

Leading up to the War of the Realms, Venom and Eddie Brock were embroiled in a relentless pursuit to defeat Carnage, who was invoking chaos and fear with the imminent arrival of Knull. This tumultuous period strained Eddie and Venom’s bond, leading to a forced separation orchestrated by the Maker. In a bid to protect both Eddie and his son, Dylan Brock, Venom ventured out on its own and unexpectedly retained a humanoid form.

Once independent, Venom’s vibrant and audacious personality thrived as it joined forces with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Even before this separation, Venom often embodied a villainous persona, but during this era, it was a protagonist on a mission to uphold justice.

While still unhosted, Venom found itself alone when Malekith’s forces invaded what it deemed home. It was at this juncture that Captain Marvel extended an invitation to join her ‘War Avengers.’ Even though Venom’s stint was brief, it’s both surprising and amusing to note that this experience marked the third occasion the Venom symbiote participated in an Avengers lineup.

Venom’s Inaugural Appearance as an Avenger Occurred During a Period of Villainy

The Symbiote Proves to Be an Indispensable Asset

Mac Gargan version of Venom, with a Scorpion tail.

It’s important to clarify that not all Avengers teams are considered “official”by Marvel standards. The War Avengers represent the first instance where Venom was acknowledged as a team member operating autonomously. However, it’s insightful to reflect on prior occasions when Venom joined unrecognized Avengers squads with two distinct hosts. Each storyline played a crucial role in shaping Venom’s character.

Before earning a rightful place as a hero, Venom spiraled into chaos after being spurned by Peter Parker. It subsequently gravitated towards the criminal Mac Gargan, also known as Scorpion. Scorpion became part of Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers as the group’s Spider-Man. While the Dark Avengers are not considered an official team today, they were deemed legitimate at that time, with Venom recognized as a critical asset despite its villainous alignment.

This highlights Venom’s significance beyond newer cosmic narratives. Regardless of its affiliation, be it evil or heroic, Venom showcases a relentless spirit, rarely backing down from a confrontation. In the context of the Dark Avengers, the identity of its host held little relevance; what mattered was Venom itself. Mac Gargan merely acted as a vessel, while Venom’s unique attributes elevated its value, allowing it to adapt and fill various roles within the team should another member be incapacitated.

Collaborating with an Avengers Team Enabled the Venom Symbiote to Adopt a Heroic Mindset

Guiding Venom’s Instincts Towards Heroism

Venom’s later participation in the Avengers alongside Flash Thompson was not a conscious decision initially, as it was still grappling with the darker inclinations of its previous hosts. Flash Thompson’s introduction as a military asset marked a significant turning point for Venom. It provided the symbiote with an opportunity to witness the valor of true heroes in real-time.

Over time, Venom grew to regard Thompson as its most virtuous host, fundamentally reshaping its monstrous nature. In a compelling full-circle moment, Venom’s opportunity to truly embrace heroism arose during its time with the Avengers.

Since its initial appearance with the Avengers, Venom has made remarkable strides. Outside Spider-Man’s universe, the symbiote was seldom recognized as a standalone character. I was previously unaware that a significant portion of Venom’s growth into a heroic persona initiated through the Avengers. Until the King in Black storyline, I had viewed the character as somewhat isolated from Marvel’s larger superhero dynamics. With Venom donning a fresh host and an exciting new look, there is hope for a triumphant return on an Avengers team in the near future.

Source: Marvel Comics

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