Warning: SPOILERS for Venom: Lethal Protector II #5Fans likely don't expect there to be much history between the Fantastic Four's nemesis Venom symbiote, but as the two launch into a historic clash, the truth is revealed - with a timeline-shaking rematch to follow in only a few issues.
Venom: Lethal Protector II #5 by David Michelinie, Farid Karami, Arif Prianto and Travis Lanham finds the ruler of Latveria in possession of the titular alien symbiote during a flashback story set in Venom's past. Having stolen Venom away from Brock, Doom quickly demonstrates a total mastery of the alien's abilities, including sophisticated camouflage and the ability to wield multiple weapons like a whirlwind of steel. However, possessing the symbiote also awakens a bloodthirsty frenzy in Doom, to the extent that he starts slaughtering his own people for no reason.
Doctor Doom Becomes a Monster as Venom
Doctor Doom bonding with the Venom symbiote may have been a surprise, but the level of skill he displays while using it is anything but. Doctor Doom is one of the most devious minds on the planet, and he’s very rarely encountered a weapon he isn’t able to master. Though it’s sentient, the Venom symbiote - like other of the Klyntar race - is a near-perfect living weapon that adapts to its host, and adapting to Doctor Doom means a major level-up from Eddie Brock. However, as soon as Doom begins wearing the symbiote, he's overcome with a murderous rage that neither he nor Eddie Brock can understand. Doom its that the Venom symbiote warped his mind... so why would he want a rematch?
Venom vs Doctor Doom Just Became a Surprise Rematch
While the events of this issue are a flashback tale, Doom and Venom’s paths will soon be crossing again as solicits for Venom #25 by Al Ewing, Sergio Dávila, Cafu, and more tease the two Marvel icons going head-to-head over access to Doom’s infamous time platform. Doom has been working behind the scenes to undermine Venom for some time, even sending the WWII-era symbiote Flexo after him. Thanks to Venom: Lethal Protector II, fans now know that Doom's time wearing the symbiote left him puzzled by its influence over his actions. This new information finally hints why the villain is once again meddling in Eddie's life. Has he found a way to turn his prior transformation to his advantage?
Doctor Doom with a Venom symbiote sounds like every fan’s daydream, and Victor's deadly new form certainly doesn't disappoint. However, the two now have a violent past that's sure to be relevant to their battle across time - one in which Doctor Doom will learn exactly how much Venom has changed and evolved in the years since he claimed Eddie's symbiote.
Venom: Lethal Protector II #5 is available now from Marvel Comics, while Venom #25 is out September 6.
