Who Is the All-New Venom Host? Marvel Teases the Four Main Suspects

All-New Venom Suspect #1: The Journalist (Robbie Robertson)

Before he held the position as editor-in-chief at The Daily Bugle, a young Joe “Robbie” Robertson attempted to uncover the illicit activities of his former high school companion, Lonnie Lincoln, who later transformed into the mobster known as Tombstone and ascended to the throne as the Crime King.

In the latest Gang War incident unfolding in the Marvel Comics series Amazing Spider-Man, Robbie’s activist son, Randy, narrowly survived an assassination attempt when Hammerhead’s henchmen targeted Randy’s then-fiancée, Janice Lincoln, also known as Tombstone’s daughter. Prior to this violent encounter, Randy was collaborating with Mayor Luke Cage on a campaign to overturn the law enacted by former Mayor Wilson Fisk that outlaws superheroes.

In an interview with Polygon, Ewing stated that Robbie Robertson was also affected by the Gang War and Spidey. Unlike others, he has never been attracted to power or superpowers. However, after his son got entangled in New York’s criminal underworld and began a relationship with the Beetle, there might be a change. Could it be that Robbie is seeking a solution to regain control, something he cannot do as a newspaper man? Is this another secret identity story, similar to Clark Kent, where a newspaper editor (or in Robbie’s case, a newspaper man) learns about trouble and then steps up to handle it?

All-New Venom Suspect #2: The Terrorist (Madame Masque)

In the heat of a relentless turf war, it was none other than Madame Masque and the Beetle who found themselves squarely in the eye of the storm. As the daughter of Count Nefaria, Whitney Frost, masterfully orchestrated the events of Gang War, transforming Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I.M.) into her own battalion. However, her reign of chaos came to an abrupt end when Spider-Man, alongside street-level champions like Luke Cage, Danny Rand, She-Hulk, Daredevil (Elektra), and Miles Morales, stepped up to bring her down.

Ewing hinted that Madame Masque could be another person of interest. She’s arriving fresh from the Gang War, where her last appearance related to Spiderman. It seems she has some strategies up her sleeve. Could they include taking control of a symbiote? Could they involve seeking retribution on rival gangs while hiding behind an identity nobody would ever guess? Perhaps Madame Masque is planning to wear the ultimate disguise – I couldn’t say for sure…

All-New Venom Suspect #3: The Sidekick (Rick Jones)

Since his debut in issue #1 of Incredible Hulk in 1962, Rick Jones has been a cornerstone of the Marvel Universe. Initially serving as a sidekick to both the Hulk and Captain America, he eventually forged his own heroic path. When he donned the Nega-Bands, Rick inherited the powers of Captain Mar-Vell. Later, he merged with Genis-Vell, the son of the Kree warrior, assuming the identity of Captain Marvel. For a brief period, a gamma-altered Rick became A-Bomb, a monstrous blue-skinned character who engaged in combat with the Red Hulk.

Ewing pondered, “Has the supporting character stepped up to become the central figure? This is the dilemma at hand.” The team must collaborate effectively, interacting even when they don’t physically meet. Each member should offer an intriguing possibility, a group where readers can’t easily identify a clear standout, saying, “Ah, that’s the one.” We aim to create such a group dynamic in our work.

Ewing went on to explain, “Writing a character like Rick who has been through a lot and emerged on the other side results in a more relaxed, joke-cracking, witty Rick compared to what I usually write. He may still be dealing with challenges… or perhaps he’s facing something new. Only time will tell…

All-New Venom Suspect #4: The Mayor (Luke Cage)

If Luke Cage, once Power Man, swapped places with crime boss Wilson Fisk as New York City mayor, he reluctantly enforced Fisk’s anti-vigilante legislation amidst a city-wide gang war. However, when Alistair Smythe, Spider-Man’s nemesis, launched an attack on the city using Spider-Slayers, Mayor Cage put on a covert suit and even his own Hulkbuster armor, the Cagebuster, to dismantle Smythe’s operation, despite breaking the Powers Act. What a twist of fate!

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve been proud to serve as both a member and leader in the ranks of the New Avengers and the Thunderbolts. But now, it seems my days as the steel-skinned Harlem hero may be coming to an end, with rumors swirling that I might take on an all-new identity – becoming the Venom host instead. Exciting times ahead!

In simpler terms, Ewing proposed an idea that if Luke Cage were to acquire a symbiote, it would allow him to continue his vigilante activities without being tied down by the responsibilities of being the mayor. This way, he could maintain his tough persona while avoiding direct questions related to his mayoral duties and community work. However, this is just one of many possibilities.

All-New Venom #1 goes on sale Dec. 4 from Marvel Comics.