The newVenomis completely different from any version of the character readers might be familiar with, and that includes stealing an important moral lesson from the symbiote’s old foe,Spider-Man. This is a Venom who values human life, and there’s nothing that makes them more like Spidey than that.
InAll-New Venom#5, written by Al Ewing with art by Carlos Gómez,Venom says “nobody dies today,” a phrase that often appears inSpider-Manlore, and the slogan gets even better once the reader learns that the person behind the fearsome symbiote’s face is actually Mary-Jane Watson.
Variations of this phrase have been seenthroughoutSpider-Manhistory, so it is a fitting rallying cry for MJ to take up. It is also fitting that it is said to the symbiote Sleeper, since it is something one can imagine Peter saying to Venom.
All-New Venom#5; Written By Al Ewing; Art By Carlos Gómez; Color By Frank D’Armata; Lettering By Clayton Cowles
Mary Jane’s secret identity as Venomhas been arguably the series' biggest plot point so far, and it was only revealed inAll-New Venom#5. However, as Robbie Roberson points out in this issue, the mystery Venom was clearly someone used to being a superhero. In MJ’s case,she’s been the superhero Jackpot, and before that, spent more than enough time with Peter Parker to understand the ins and outs of heroism. Heroic sentiments like this are actually what gave her away to the one person paying attention enough to connect the dots.
Mary Jane and Peter always brought out some of the best in one another, and part of that is because they’re so similar, at least when it comes down to the fundamentals of being good people.
MJ didn’t need Peter’s influence to be a great hero, or even a good person, butit is still great to see her echoing his superhero ethos, even if she might not even explicitly realize it.Mary Jane and Peter always brought out some of the best in one another, and part of that is because they’re so similar, at least when it comes down to the fundamentals of being good people. Both of them desperately care about the people they love, the other included, and both of them understand how sacred every individual life is.
“Nobody Dies Today” Points To The Grim Truth That Superheroes Can’t Save Everybody
But They Have To Try
In context, “nobody dies today’” is a heroic sentiment, but it speaks to the bleaker truth that all heroes must accept at some point in their career. To be asuperhero in the Marvel Universe, one has to realize that sometimes they won’t save everyone, and people will die, despite their best efforts. It is this tension though that makes the adventures where superheroes can save everyone so rewarding.Venommight not be the first hero that people think of when they think of saving lives,but with Mary-Jane Watson behind the wheel andSpider-Manas inspiration, theAll-New Venomis a not-so-lethal protector.
All-New Venom#5is available now from Marvel Comics.
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.
