Marvel Comics

Venom #2 (2016)

Comic Books Library
by Comic Books Library August 05, 2025
Venom #2 (2016)


Venom #2 (2016) – Comic Book Review & Breakdown

🧬 Genre

Superhero, Science Fiction, Horror, Action

🧑‍🚀 Main Characters

  • Venom (Symbiote) – An alien organism capable of bonding with hosts to amplify their physical abilities while feeding off their emotions.

  • Lee Price – A former Army Ranger and dishonorably discharged soldier who becomes the newest host of the symbiote, using it for selfish and violent goals.

  • Mac Gargan (Scorpion) – Former Venom host and current criminal, now in conflict with the symbiote’s new path.

  • Black Cat – A powerful figure in New York’s criminal underworld who becomes entangled in the chaos surrounding the new Venom.

✍️ Writer

Mike Costa – Known for his work on The Resistance and G.I. Joe, Costa delves into the moral ambiguity of characters, bringing gritty realism to the narrative.

🎹 Artist

Gerardo Sandoval – With a dynamic and exaggerated art style, Sandoval captures the raw intensity and monstrous power of the Venom symbiote.

📝 Editor Details

Editor: Devin Lewis
Assistant Editor: Allison Stock
Their editorial direction ensures the comic remains faithful to Venom’s darker legacy while injecting fresh energy into a familiar narrative.

🏱 Publisher and Brand

Marvel Comics
Branding: Marvel NOW! (2016 initiative revamping classic characters with new creative teams and storylines)

📅 Release Year

2016

đŸ•·️ Brief Plot Summary

After a stint among the stars as a hero, the Venom symbiote crash-lands back on Earth. Now, in the gritty shadows of New York, it finds itself bonded with Lee Price, a man driven by greed and personal gain. Unlike heroic hosts before him, Price doesn’t seek redemption—he sees the symbiote as a weapon to climb the criminal ladder. As former allies and enemies alike realize Venom is back, they discover he’s no longer a protector—he’s a predator once more.

đŸ”„ Notable Arcs or Storylines

  • The Rebirth of a Monster: This issue marks a significant turning point as the Venom identity is re-established as a villainous force rather than an anti-hero.

  • Rise of Lee Price: A fresh yet chilling take on the symbiote dynamic, showing how a truly unworthy host can twist Venom’s power into something far more dangerous.

🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations

  • Split Personality Conflict: Some fans speculate that the symbiote itself is resisting Lee Price’s influence, suggesting a possible inner conflict and foreshadowing a future rebellion from within.

  • Return to Lethal Protector Roots: There’s growing theory among fans that the darker tone is Marvel’s nod to Venom’s original portrayal as a brutal enforcer before his anti-hero evolution.

🌟 Review Summary

Venom #2 is a visual and narrative return to form for longtime fans of the toothy alien terror. Gerardo Sandoval’s art is explosive, with jagged lines and twisted panels perfectly capturing the chaos Venom brings. Mike Costa’s writing digs deep into the psychology of a host who isn’t interested in doing the right thing—only in survival and domination. The result is a morally complex, brutal, and captivating issue that marks a sinister new chapter in Venom’s legacy.

đŸ’„ Verdict: A gripping dive into villainy with striking visuals and psychological depth.

🕾️ Venom is back—and he’s hungry.


Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)

Venom #2 (2016)
Language : English