Venom, also known as the “Lethal Protector,” is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer David Michelinie and artist Todd McFarlane, Venom first appeared in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #300 in 1988.
Venom is a symbiotic alien organism that requires a host to survive. The most well-known host is Eddie Brock, a disgraced journalist who bonds with the symbiote after being rejected by Spider-Man. Together, they form a formidable and complex anti-hero. Venom possesses immense strength, agility, and the ability to create weapons and protective armor from its own substance. It also grants its host the power of a sinister, elongated tongue and a menacing appearance.
Initially introduced as a villain seeking revenge on Spider-Man, Venom has evolved over the years to become a conflicted character, often walking the line between hero and anti-hero. With a dark and twisted nature, Venom has captivated readers and fans alike, carving out a unique and enduring place in the Marvel universe.
Fans have speculated about Venom’s sexuality, specifically interpreting the character as gay, based on the close bond between Eddie Brock and the symbiote. The complex relationship and deep emotional connection shared between them have led some fans to interpret their dynamic as representative of queer themes. So, is Venom gay? Let us find out.
VOTE: What is Venom’s Sexuality?
Venom’s Sexuality and His Relationship with Eddie Brock Explained
Fans have long shipped Venom and Eddie Brock, especially among comic fans. In the comics, they even raise one of Venom’s offspring, Dylan Brock, together. Dylan was created when Anne bonded with the Venom symbiote, with the symbiotes intending for him to destroy their god, Knull, and free themselves from the hive-mind.
Although Venom’s symbiote has already made it clear numerous times that the planet Klyntar is essentially devoid of emotions, it has somehow become evident over time that the symbiote develops genuine love for Eddie. Venom gets closer to Eddie and he starts to feel things like guilt, jealousy, and sadness.
In a different universe, specifically in the “The Nativity” arc, which was written by Mike Costa and Mark Bagley, Venom actually gets Eddie pregnant. This is after an alien symbiote becomes “pregnant” with Eddie as his host. Eddie later gives birth to the Sleeper symbiote.
Also, the 2021 film “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” centers around the relationship between Eddie Brock and the symbiote, which some fans interpret as a queer love story. They view it as a significant moment for Venom, akin to a groundbreaking “coming out party.”
The film director, Andy Serkis, even talked about that one scene in the movie where Venom attends a rave without his human host, Eddie Brock, both portrayed by Tom Hardy. In this particular scene, Venom expresses his feelings about missing Eddie after they have an argument. And Serkis, indeed, confirmed that they made an LGBTQIA reference there.
It was originally going to be a carnival of the damned and it ended up being Tom had got to know Little Simz, who’s a brilliant rapper and also stars in the movie.”
Serkis told Uproxx
Well, Tom and [co-writer] Kelly [Marcel] were always about Venom coming out and going to a party that was a very sort of an LGBTQIA kind of festival, really, I’d call it, and so this is his coming out party basically. This is Venom’s coming-out party.”
Serkis further explained
In the same interview, he also mentioned that there is a parallel between this story and the real-life experiences of queer individuals.
Well, what is interesting is that it’s just like, here he is kind of, he says in the movie, ‘We must stop this cruel treatment of aliens. He said, ‘You know, we all live on this ball of rock,’ you know?”
Serkis shared
And so he inadvertently becomes a kind of… he’s speaking for the other. He’s speaking for freedom of the other.”
he added
Towards the end of the interview, Serkis clarified that Eddie Brock and the symbiote share a profound love for each other, emphasizing that their love is actually the “center of the movie.”
Absolutely they do love each other and that’s the kind of the centre of the movie is that love affair, that central love affair.”
Serkis clarified
It is however worth noting that rather than a traditional romantic love story, the movie is about the “extraordinary relationship between symbiote and host”.
The film is a love story – but not the love story you might think. It’s very much about the extraordinary relationship between symbiote and host.”
Serkis revealed in the production notes as reported by Comic Book
He also mentioned that since “any love affair has its pitfalls,” Venom and Eddie’s relationship also has its own struggles. Despite their “near-hatred for each other,” they actually have reached a point where they “can’t live without each other.”
That’s companionship – love – the things that relationships are really about.”
Serkis said
Is Venom Gay?
Venom’s gender is not explicitly disclosed in the story, so it remains unknown whether the alien is male or female. This adds to the confusion surrounding Venom’s sexuality because it’s difficult to assume someone’s sexual orientation without knowing their gender for sure.
Although some people claim that Venom is a polyamorous creature, thus suggesting that it’s natural for the character to have bisexual tendencies and the ability to change its gender at will.
However, Andy Serkis, the director of the film “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” unveiled that the movie includes LGBTQIA references. He stated that it revolves around Venom and Eddie’s “love affair,” and even referred to a specific scene in the film as Venom’s “coming out party.”
So, is Venom gay? You be the judge.