Warning: Spoilers for issues #4 and #5 of “Extreme Venomverse” from Marvel Comics are included in the following article.
Marvel Comics is introducing a fresh character to its growing list of symbiotes in the Venomverse. A new manga and anime-inspired symbiote is set to make an appearance in a new story by writer Alyssa Wong (“Star Wars: Doctor Aphra”) and artist Ken Niimura (“I Kill Giants”). The latest symbiote is depicted as a pink-haired “superstar” wearing a pink bowtie and flashing a killer smile. The cover art for “Extreme Venomverse” #3 by Leinil Francis Yu offers a glimpse of the new character, who has a resemblance to the famous heroes from “Sailor Moon.” Niimura, renowned for his work in manga and titles such as the digital comic “Umami,” brings his unique style to the character.
Along with the introduction of the new symbiote, the artwork also features a new version of Venom called Venom Noir by D.J. Bryant. The deadly symbiote will take on the role of Spider-Man Noir in the Spider-Verse. The latest additions are part of the “Summer of Symbiotes” series and have piqued fans’ interest, who are eager to see the new characters in action.
Marvel’s Previous Ventures into the World of Manga
In the past, Marvel Comics explored the realm of manga. During the early 2000s, the comic book publisher launched the “Marvel Mangaverse,” featuring manga-inspired renditions of its beloved heroes and villains.
Marvel Comics has recently collaborated with Viz Media to produce a variety of manga, including the highly acclaimed “Deadpool: Samurai,” written by Sanshiro Kasama and illustrated by Hikaru Uesugi. The series’ first two volumes feature the popular anti-hero traveling to Tokyo and teaming up with the Avengers Samurai Squad. The series has garnered considerable attention and was translated into English in 2022. Viz Media has also published “Marvel Meow,” a collection of digital comics by Nao Fuji that follows Captain Marvel’s cat, Chewie, as she embarks on comical and heartwarming adventures with various Marvel Universe heroes and villains. Additionally, Viz Media plans to release a deluxe edition of Tsutomu Nihei’s 2003 comic “Wolverine: Snikt!,” which portrays Wolverine battling a robot uprising in an alternate reality.
Marvel’s Penni Parker from Earth-14512 made her big-screen debut in the Oscar-nominated animated film, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” The character, whose comic book counterpart was inspired by various mech series, took on a more distinct manga and anime-inspired design and personality in the movie.
New symbiotes set to debut in Extreme Venomverse
The upcoming “Extreme Venomverse” issues will feature a range of new symbiotes in addition to the manga and anime-inspired superstar symbiote and Venom: Noir. Issue 4 will see Peach Momoko introducing a new symbiote plant. In contrast, issue 5 will have Jeff the Landshark from “West Coast Avengers” and “Deadpool” receiving his own symbiote in a story by Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru. The issues will also include a story by Jordan Blum featuring a bat-wielding symbiote and a Godzilla-esque symbiote wreaking havoc on the Marvel Universe in a story by Cody Ziglar. The covers of the issues showcase these new characters in action and are sure to excite fans of the Venomverse.
Symbiotes have significantly impacted the Marvel Universe since Spider-Man came back to Earth with his alien black suit after the “Marvel Super Hero Secret Wars.” The history of symbiotes has been continuously evolving, with the latest “Venom” series rewriting the original story of Venom and Eddie Brock. “Extreme Venomverse” takes readers to the bizarre symbiote corners of the Multiverse, which includes the emergence of a new threat – an anime and manga-inspired hero with a frightening appearance.
On July 5, comic book stores will welcome the release of “Extreme Venomverse” #4 from Marvel Comics. The fifth issue, “Extreme Venomverse” #5, will follow on July 19.
