Summary
Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Spider-Man: Black Suit & Blood #1!Marvel’sVenomhas finally gotten the horror story he’s always deserved. When Venom officially appeared in 1988, he became an instant fan-favorite. His creepy design mixed with his more violent methods of crimefighting made him a perfect villain-turned-antihero. However, despite his success, there haven’t been many stories showingthe horrific side of Spider-Man’s greatest enemy– until now.
Spider-Man: Black Suit and Blood#1 features the story “Inside the House” – written by Alyssa Wong, with art by Fran Galán – which flips the script of Peter Parker’s days with the alien costume by focusing on Mary Jane. Sensing something is lurking in the shadows while Peter isn’t home, she goes to investigate, only to discover the symbiote, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce.
This simple tale is an incredibly effective horror story,made even better by the incredible artwork thatmakes Venom far scarier than he’s ever been.
Mary Jane Watson Is Marvel’s New Venom In Shocking Transformation
Mary Jane and Spider-Man have one of the greatest relationships in comics, but this relationship is coming under strain as Mary Jane becomes Venom.
The Innate Horror Of The Venom Symbiote Is Highlighted In This Stand-Out Story
“Inside The House” – Written By Wong; Art By Fran Galán
Alyssa Wong’s writing and Fran Galán’s artwork make “Inside the House” so filled with dread that it works as a stellar horror story.
While Venom has undoubtedly made it big as one of Marvel’s most well-known heroes, the concept of an alien parasite attaching itself to someone and using them like a puppet while it feeds on their organs is absolutely terrifying, especially when it’s searching for its next host. Writer Alyssa Wongbrilliantly showcases just how horrific this situation is with gorgeous writing that blends Mary Jane strengthening herself through rehearsing lines with her clear fear that something is very wrongin the Parker household.
Their writing is brought to the next level by Galán’s artwork that emphasizes the horror of MJ’s situation. Throughout the story, the symbiote’s tendrils can be seen skittering across the apartment as Mary Jane tries to find the source of the noise. It’s always present without ever being seen, similar toa Facehugger from theAlienfranchise, until the climactic moment when MJ realizes the symbiote may have found her. The look on her face says it all as she realizes she can’t turn around, knowing she’d be doomed if she does. Alyssa Wong’s writing and Fran Galán’s artwork make “Inside the House” so filled with dread that it works as a stellar horror story.
Mary Jane’s Encounter With The Symbiote Is The Perfect Reminder Of Venom’s Horror Potential
“Inside The House” Perfectly Reimagines The Symbiote
“Inside the House” stands out as the best story inSpider-Man: Black Suit & Bloodfor its creative approach to a familiar character. It gives Venom the horror story he’s always deserved.
The best part about “Inside the House” is how much it redefines Mary Jane’s character whenPeter donned the black suit. In this story, she begins to suspect thatPeter has something to hide, and it’s something darker than she could ever imagine. However, once she finds what she’s looking for, she refuses to look. It’s an impactful message that shows that Mary Jane always knew that something was going on whenPeter was being used by the symbiote. However, to preserve her memory of him, she refuses to look, electing to bear the weight of Venom’s terror rather than ruin how she views Peter forever.
The underlying themes make for a fantastic payoff for such a simple story, as it gives fans new insight on Mary Jane’s character. However, due to its tremendous writing and haunting artwork, “Inside the House” stands out as the best story inSpider-Man: Black Suit & Bloodfor its creative approach to a familiar character. It givesVenomthe horror story he’s always deserved, and after a successful first attempt, it’s sure tomake fans hopeful that Marvel will continue this direction for the symbiote going forward.
Venom
Venom is a symbiotic alien entity bonded with various human hosts, notably Eddie Brock and later Flash Thompson. It grants superhuman strength, agility, and a shape-shifting black costume. Initially a Spider-Man villain due to its origins, Venom evolved into an antihero, battling both villains and his own dark impulses. The character embodies themes of duality and redemption within the Marvel Universe.
