Marvel Comics is expanding its symbiote offerings with a new monthly series, The Amazing Venom, which puts a spotlight on a less conventional villain transformed by a symbiotic bond. The series launches amid the ongoing "Queen in Black" crossover, a major event involving the Asgardian death goddess Hela and the symbiote god Knull, which is set to reshape the Venom and Carnage landscape.
The titular Amazing Venom is revealed to be Fred Myers, formerly known as the C-list supervillain Boomerang. Myers, who had a minor appearance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, has undergone a significant transformation. In 2026, he is now bonded to a symbiote named Passenger and sports a costume inspired by Spider-Man. This new status quo elevates a character whose primary ambition was simply to throw boomerangs and steal money.
Writer Jordan Morris, in an interview with IGN, highlighted the appeal of Fred Myers' character, stating that his "simple ambitions" and relatable flaws make him an engaging protagonist. Morris noted that Myers' tendency to get caught up in "world-ending sci-fi madness" despite his low-level criminal aspirations provides a humorous contrast. He also touched upon Myers' internal conflict, suggesting the character "wants to be better but self-doubt keeps him repeating destructive patterns," a trait Morris finds relatable and plans to explore.
Myers is presented as being of "two minds" about his new powers and responsibilities. While he longs for his familiar, less chaotic life of street crime, he also appreciates the elevated power level that places him alongside more formidable characters. This internal struggle forces Fred to decide whether to return to his comfort zone or embrace a "bigger, better and more ambitious" path.
Morris draws inspiration from the 1993 "Lethal Protector" series for Venom, emphasizing its role in cementing Venom as an anti-hero with a unique morality and its embrace of absurd comedy. He intends to replicate the dynamic where the symbiote and host have different agendas, describing it as a "sci-fi body horror buddy comedy." In The Amazing Venom, Passenger, the symbiote, frequently pulls Fred towards adventure against his will, serving as a metaphor for conflicting impulses.
The Amazing Venom is also expected to resonate with fans of Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber's "The Superior Foes of Spider-Man." Morris, a vocal admirer of that series, confirmed that anyone who enjoyed its irreverent humor and focus on D-list villains will find similar elements in The Amazing Venom. As a specific callback, Morris requested that any character swearing in the new series be bleeped with skulls and crossbones, mirroring a stylistic choice from "Superior Foes."
While launching concurrently with a new Eddie Brock-focused Venom series, The Amazing Venom is described as charting a different course. Morris anticipates that while the new Venom title will likely focus on street-level adventures, his series will venture into space, suggesting minimal crossover between the two books. He sees this as an opportunity for Marvel to offer "different flavors of their favorite dish" to symbiote fans.
Artist Luke Ross, known for his work on "Star Wars: Legacy of Vader," is handling the art for The Amazing Venom. Morris cited Ross's expertise in drawing "exotic sci-fi locales, creatures and vehicles" as a key factor in the decision to take the story into space. Ross's ability to capture both the grand cosmic settings and the comedic nuances of Fred Myers' suburban life was also highlighted, with Morris praising his skill in conveying clear, expressive character acting that enhances the humor.
The Amazing Venom #1 is scheduled for release on September 30.