Marvel’s Symbiotes Are Redefining Heroism in Venom #251—But Can New York Ever Forgive Them?
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CBR senior staff writer Brian Cronin, a seasoned comic book expert with over fifteen years of experience, dives into the latest installment of Venom #251. Known for his insightful columns like “Comics Should Be Good” and Comic Book Legends Revealed, Cronin has authored multiple books exploring the quirky and profound corners of comic lore, including Was Superman a Spy? and Why Does Batman Carry Shark Repellent? His work has graced platforms like ESPN.com, the Los Angeles Times, and Gizmodo. For more of his pop culture insights, visit Legends Revealed (https://www.legendsrevealed.com/entertainment) or follow him on Twitter at @BrianCronin (https://www.twitter.com/BrianCronin/). Got a comic book story idea? Email him at brianc@cbr.com!
Here’s the bold truth: Venom is no longer the series you remember. The All-New Venom series, now rebranded with legacy numbering (a move Cronin admittedly questions, given Venom’s sporadic miniseries history), is charting a wildly different course. And Venom #251? It’s a hilarious, heartwarming, and utterly chaotic ride that proves symbiotes can be heroes—even if New York City isn’t ready to accept them.
But here’s where it gets controversial... After the devastating Venom War, where Eddie Brock and his son Dylan clashed over the symbiote, New Yorkers now view these alien entities as public enemies. But writer Al Ewing, alongside fill-in artist Paco Medina, colorist Frank D’Armata, and letterer Clayton Cowles, flips the script. This issue isn’t just about redemption—it’s about reinvention. Mary Jane Watson, now bonded with the Venom symbiote against her will (to save her life, no less), is trying to reclaim her acting career while juggling her new, unpredictable role as a hero. And this is the part most people miss: Ewing uses Mary Jane’s struggles to explore the absurdity of being a symbiote-powered hero in a city that hates you.
Take, for instance, Venom’s attempt to disguise itself as Iron Man—roller skates and all (a clever nod to Iron Man’s quirky past). But when Mary Jane’s shorter stature leads to Venom’s “head” getting blown off by the obscure villain Blue Streak, the hilarity reaches new heights. To the world, it looks like Tony Stark just met a gruesome end. Meanwhile, Toxin, now bonded with Rick Jones (formerly Bucky, Captain America’s sidekick), tries to pass as “Captain Spider,” with the symbiote struggling to tone down its violent tendencies. The result? A comedy of errors that’s as endearing as it is chaotic.
Here’s the real question: Can symbiotes ever truly fit into a world that fears them? Ewing doesn’t shy away from this debate, weaving it into the story with humor and heart. Mary Jane’s acting gigs, like a Sherlock Holmes-themed infomercial, highlight her determination to rebuild her life, while her symbiote bond complicates every step. It’s a classic superhero tale, but with a symbiote twist—and it’s undeniably fun.
Paco Medina’s artwork shines, capturing everything from Luke Cage’s shock at Doctor Octopus’s pardon (yes, he’s now leading the anti-symbiote squad) to Venom’s absurd decision to disguise itself as another Spider-Man. Frank D’Armata’s colors and Clayton Cowles’ lettering elevate the chaos, making every panel pop.
But here’s the kicker: Ewing isn’t just telling a funny story. He’s challenging us to rethink what it means to be a hero. Symbiotes, once villains, are now trying to protect a city that despises them. Is New York ready to forgive? Or will prejudice win out? Let us know in the comments—do you think symbiotes deserve a second chance? Or is their past too dark to overcome?
Source: Marvel
