To fully explain who the character 'Venom' is, the term 'Venom' requires a short lesson in history and semantics. The 'Venom Symbiote' is an alien, gooey, sticky, black substance/being that must bond with a host being for continued survival. The symbiote originally bonded with Peter Parker, giving him the iconic appearance of his black costume. At that time, the new and much-enhanced costume for Spider-Man was not yet revealed to be an alien symbiote, but rather some kind of supernatural substance obtained during Marvel's first SECRET WARS event. As it became apparent to Peter Parker that the costume was an alien symbiote and that it was affecting him and his life in a negative way, Peter forced a separation. The scorned symbiote next bonded with Eddie Brock, another character whose life had been recently ruined by Peter Parker. Together, the symbiote and Eddie Brock called themselves 'Venom' and made it their mission in life to destroy Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Exibiting his characteristic maw of dagger-like teeth and long tongue, Venom has been one of Spider-Man's toughest and most popular rogues. The symbiote is vulnerable to fire and sonic waves, but grants enhanced powers and abilities to its host. Venom is extemely strong and has limited shape-shifting abilities, including the ability to form spikes, assume other's forms or even a camoflage-like invisibility. Having bonded with the super-human, Spider-Man, Venom retains spider-man-like abilities and does not trigger Spider-Man's spider-sense, a huge disadvange for Spider-Man when battling Venom. Originally introduced as a super-villain, Venom has taken alternate turns as villain and anti-hero throughout his long publishing history, graduating from supporting character to a headline Marvel character. The symbiote has bonded with several other human hosts under the name Venom as well. Flash Thompson is one of the more significant hosts. But the symbiote has history with Eddie Brock, and they somehow always seem to come back together for adventure and mayhem.
