Though often set as an antagonist in the Spider-Man series, Venom’s role is a little more complicated than a typical hero or villain. If you are a fan of the Marvel Universe, chances are you have heard the term anti-hero being thrown around, but what exactly is an anti-hero? Anti-heroes are generally classified as characters with characteristics that go against the norms of a traditional hero. While the anti-hero’s goal may be deemed heroic, his/ her intentions and methods to achieve that goal may not be so heroic. Due to Venom’s complex role in the Marvel Universe, he often fits the role of an anti-hero.
Venom – A character born and manipulated by the Klyntar symbiote – Often crosses between categories of hero villain and anti-hero. Between the power brought forth by the symbiote and his built up aggression against Spider-Man, Venom is most commonly known for being an enemy of Spider-Man. When he is not in conflict with Spider-Man, Venom is often seen tracking down other harmful symbiotes and defending the innocent. One of the most well-known instances of Venom acting as a hero was when he was forced to team up with his rival Spider-Man to defeat the serial killer Kletus Kasady, host to the Carnage Symbiote.
Kletus Kasady was an extremely violent and twisted serial killer serving eleven consecutive sentences in on Ryker’s Island for a slew of murders, when the opportunity for escape presented itself in the form of his cellmate, Eddie Brock. Brock at the time was the host for the symbiote and predicted that it would return to him allowing him to escape prison. As Brock predicted, the Symbiote returned to him and allowed him to break out of prison. During the commotion, the Venom Symbiote gave birth to the Carnage Symbiote which latched onto Cletus Kasady.
Team up to Fight Carnage
Carnage proved to be stronger than Venom and his bloodlust sent him on a killing spree throughout the city. Being a threat to both Spider-Man and Venom, the two called a truce and worked together to take down Carnage. The truce proved to be short-lived after Carnage was apprehended as Spider-Man sought to contain Eddie Brock.
As you may have heard, we recently revealed that our shirt shipping at the end of September is Venom themed. This shirt is perfect for any fan of the symbiote anti-hero and will surely be a great addition to any Arctifan’s collection. Make sure to follow us on social and let us know if you like Venom better as a hero or as a villain and keep an eye out at the end of the month for your tee!