The rivalry between the Carnage symbiote and its child, Toxin, is one of Marvel’s fiercest, and this rivalry has now been perfectly captured in a stunning cosplay. With parent and child battling it out in the rain, there’s never been a better version of this classic matchup.
Hitman R. (@hitman_cosplay) has created a spectacular cosplay tableau, with Carnage and Toxin facing off to see who’s truly the superior red symbiote. Battling in the rain, both are terrifying, with the costumes capturing the spindly inhumanity of the Symbiotes perfectly. Toxin’s original costume is reminiscent of Spider-Man, while Carnage’s couldn’t be mistaken for anything human with its rows of razor-sharp teeth. Both costumes are created by Hitman, while Mr.Highnoob (@mchighnoob) and Ingwar Wrysmile (@ingar.wrysmile) have been recruited to play Carnage and Toxin respectively. Hitman also credits @miphetis for the photography, and @unlimited_spider_man_ for their help and on the project.
Carnage Battles His Symbiote Son
The Carnage symbiote is one of Marvel’s most dangerous entities. Carnage is the ‘child’ of the original Venom symbiote, first appearing in David Michelinie and Chris Marrinan’s Amazing Spider-Man vol 1 #360. After the Venom symbiote asexually reproduces and abandons its child, the symbiote bonds to serial killer Cletus Kasady, aiding him in becoming a more remorseless killer. In direct contrast however is Carnage’s son, Toxin. First appearing in Peter Milligan and Clayton Crain’s Venom vs Carnage #2, Toxin is a heroic symbiote, who was first bonded to police officer Patrick Mulligan. Toxin has gone on to have several hosts, staying the most consistently heroic of the symbiotes.
There's a Clear Winner Between Carnage & Toxin
While Hitman’s fight shows everything still to play for, Toxin will always win against Carnage. As noted with Carnage’s own first appearance, symbiotes’ children are, in a vacuum, always more powerful than their parents. Milligan and Crane’s Venom vs Carnage is the first time this is demonstrated with Toxin besting Carnage, but it isn’t the last. Despite being inexperienced, Toxin’s newest host, teenager Bren Waters, was able to beat the Carnage symbiote again in Steve Orlando and Gerardo Sandoval’s Extreme Carnage: Toxin. He might be young, but Bren is clearly carrying on the heroic legacy of Toxin alongside other heroic symbiotes like Flash Thompson’s Agent Anti-Venom.
Toxin Will Return for Symbiote War
Carnage meanwhile has become even more of a stark opposite to the heroic symbiotes. Cletus Kasidy is dead, but that hasn’t stopped him. With his personality and memories stored in the ‘Symbiote Codex’ that acts as part of the species' hivemind, Cletus’ essence is able to use power he retained from being connected to former Symbiote God Knull to reconstitute himself, escaping the Codex but finding himself at odds with his Carnage Symbiote. Now, as the symbiote attempts to become a God in the most recent arc of Carnage vol. 3 by Alex Paknadel and sco Manna, Cletus may be forced to face off against his other self. Fans can also be assured of seeing Toxin's adventures continue soon, as recent Venom comics have teased a final face-off between every major symbiote.
Source: @hitman_cosplay
