Few characters in Marvel’s history have made an impact quite like Venom. The first appearance of Venom introduced a darker, more brutal counterpart to Spider-Man, captivating fans with his menacing design and complex morality. From his early cameos to his full debut, Venom’s origin is deeply tied to the symbiote saga, making his first full appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #300 one of the most iconic moments in comic book history.

What is the First Appearance of Venom?

While the symbiote appeared in early Spider-Man issues of ASM #252, Marvel Team-Up #141 and Secret Wars #8, Eddie Brock did not become the anti hero known as Venom until Amazing Spider-Man #300.  Venom had two cameos in issues of Amazing Spider-Man #298 and #299.  

His first full appearance is universally acknowledged as Amazing Spider-Man #300!

The Origin of the Symbiote

The back story of the Symbiote is explained in Secret Wars #8 but it goes far deeper than just that single issue.  Symbiotes are also known as a race called The Klyntar.  They were created by Knull an ancient malevolent god. Knull went to war with the Celestials and was able to kill and cut off the head of a celestial.  

The Celestials were able to banish Knull and his captured head deeper into space.  Knull used the captured head to create more symbiotes. During the war Knull crashed on a desolate planet and his original symbiote All Black left him and went to Gorr the god killer, Gorr using All Black (necrosword) was able to defeat Knull for a time.

After Knull reawakened, he began creating symbiotes including the one known as Venom. He used the Klyntar to conquer worlds and create an empire. 

Eddie Brock and the Birth of Venom

Eddie Brock was originally a journalist who developed a hatred for Spider-Man after he believed ruined his reputation and career.  After Peter rejects the alien symbiote suit, it finds a willing host in Eddie Brock. 

Together the two become known as Venom.  An anti-hero who hates Spider-Man and wants revenge but also thinks of themselves as a hero.  Saving innocent people from harm. While Venom has their own moral code and is far more violent than Spider-Man he has become a fan favorite. 

Venom’s Early Appearances

Amazing Spider-Man #298

ASM #298 is the first issue with cover art by famed artist and writer Todd McFarlane.  This also includes the first cameo of Venom. There is a panel showing the symbiote enveloping Eddie’s hand.  It is also the first team appearance of the Life Foundation and Carlton Drake.

Amazing Spider-Man #299

ASM #299 is the second issue with art by Todd McFarlane. While it does have some controversy, it is widely considered a second cameo of Venom.  McFarlane himself said in an interview that he considers issue #299 the first appearance of Venom. The comic book community overruled the creator and made Venom’s first appearance Amazing Spider-Man #300.

• Related: Amazing Spider-Man Key Issues

Venom’s First Full Appearance

Amazing Spider-Man #300

Widely considered by the comic community as the first full appearance of Venom, Amazing Spider-Man three hundred has one of the most iconic covers ever created by a comic book artist. It has been paid homage to countless times by other artists and books.

Released in 1988 it has since had over fifteen different reprints and facsimiles over the years.  Special comic con editions, exclusive retailer editions and promotional giveaways. 

The Impact of Venom’s Introduction 

Fan Reception and Popularity

Since Venom’s introduction in Amazing Spider-Man he has gone on to be one of the most popular Marvel characters in Marvel history.  The character has appeared in multiple movies including his own trilogy which had box office success despite the middling reviews. 

While comic book fans love a superhero with a solid moral compass, they love an anti hero who doesn’t always follow the rules even more. Venom taps into that part of us that has a need for vengeance when wronged, to take justice into our own hands. 

Evolution in Marvel Comics

Over the years Venom has been hosted by a number of different characters and not just Eddie Brock.  Notable former hosts include Flash Thompson, Lee Price and Tel-Kar.

As Venom became more popular over the years, one of the original creators wanted to kill off Venom. Due to his popularity Marvel refused. Since then Venom has been a part of multiple events and solo series expanding his character and lore. 

Collecting Venom’s First Appearance

Market Value and Editions

The current market value for the direct edition in raw form is $450 for an estimated grade of 9.0.  The newsstand edition goes for slightly lower of $400. This is a strange occurrence as typically newsstands are more sought after in higher grades due to the nature of how they were displayed and sold.

The average of graded 9.8 direct editions was less than $3000.  This can still be affordable for collectors.  If you want less than a 9.8 they can be even more affordable for a slightly less grade dropping dramatically in price. A 9.6 can be purchased for under $1000.

Amazing Spider-Man issue three hundred has become an iconic issue not just for its first appearance of Venom but also its recognizable cover by Todd McFarlane.

Reprinted multiple times over the years in special editions, foil variants, comic con variants. There have been homages to this cover across other series and publishers. 

Most of the reprints and comic con editions are quite affordable.  The most expensive being a Spanish International reprint that averages a couple hundred dollars. 

Tips for Collectors

Given that ASM #300 sold so well and had a large print run as well as the numerous reprints and collectors editions it shouldn’t be too hard to find a copy for reading enjoyment let alone for display purposes. 

If you are looking for a copy of the first print they are also for sale quite regularly on many comic sites. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Amazing Spider-Man #252 to Venom?

This is technically the first appearance Venom’s black suit on a cover as two weeks later Marvel Team-Up was released two weeks later which also included the black suit on the cover.  ASM #252 cover is a tribute to Amazing Fantasy #15.

How did the symbiote influence Spider-Man before leaving for Eddie Brock?

In the 616 Marvel Universe the symbiote wasn’t a negative influence on Peter though it was controlling his body after he went to sleep.  After Peter fell asleep the symbiote would use his body to go out and fight crime unbeknownst to Peter who would wake up exhausted and didn’t know why.

Are there other notable hosts of the Venom symbiote?

As previously stated there are a number of other notable hosts of the symbiote including Flash Thompson.

Venom’s First Appearance and Lasting Legacy

In the Marvel Universe Venom along with The Punisher are the most popular anti-heroes in comic book fandom.  Venom has gone on to have his own multiple solo series with a rich expanding story and a plethora of new characters. 

Venom will always be a representation of the thing we most want but can’t have when it comes to vengeance when we have been wronged.  Despite the onscreen representation not being up to par in terms of quality. It has not diminished the popularity of the character one bit.