10 Marvel Superheroes You Had No Idea Bonded With Symbiotes: Symbiotes, the captivating, alien species that often blur the line between hero and villain, are known for their quintessential bonds with Marvel characters like Spider-Man and Venom. However, these sentient beings have connected with a wider range of superheroes than you might imagine. Their unique parasitic nature opens up an interesting narrative device, transforming beloved characters into formidable, sometimes terrifying, entities.
10 Marvel Superheroes You Had No Idea Bonded With Symbiotes
Captain Marvel
Although the symbiote narrative is usually associated with Spider-Man, its reach in the Marvel universe is broader than most realize. Captain Marvel, also known as Carol Danvers, is one such surprising character to bond with a symbiote. This unexpected union occurred in the “Venomverse” storyline where numerous Marvel heroes got merged with symbiotes. Captain Marvel’s symbiote bond significantly enhanced her already formidable powers. With the added symbiote abilities, she could generate tendrils, shapeshift, and adapt to new threats even more efficiently. It’s a unique twist for a character typically known for her independent strength, revealing an even more powerful and visually arresting version of Captain Marvel.
Wolverine
Even the ferocious Wolverine isn’t immune to symbiotes’ influence. In “What If? Venom/Logan” (2018), an alternate reality sees Wolverine bonding with the Venom symbiote after it’s discarded by Spider-Man. The symbiote amplifies Wolverine’s already formidable abilities, transforming him into a monstrous creature of nightmares. This melding of Wolverine’s regenerative power and raw aggression with the symbiote’s shape-shifting and enhanced strength creates a truly terrifying entity. It’s an unexpected twist that showcases how even the most hardened Marvel superheroes can become entangled in the sinister world of symbiotes.
Deadpool
Deadpool, Marvel’s ‘Merc with a Mouth,’ had his surprising encounter with a symbiote in “Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars” (2015). In this storyline, Deadpool bonds with the Venom symbiote before it meets Spider-Man, making him the original host. This bond results in an unconventional fusion of Deadpool’s unpredictability and Venom’s alien abilities, creating a character with unparalleled chaos potential. Deadpool’s offbeat humor also tempers the symbiote’s sinister nature, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship. This rare combination challenges the usual symbiote narrative and further illustrates the vast scope of interactions within the Marvel Universe.
Black Widow
The master spy and a key member of the Avengers, has also encountered a symbiote. In the series “Web of Venom: Ve’Nam” (2018), a black-ops version of the Venom symbiote is used to create a super-soldier serum. Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow, is one of the unsuspecting recipients. The symbiote enhances her already formidable abilities, giving her increased strength, speed, and resilience, along with shape-shifting capabilities. This unprecedented combination showcases Black Widow in a new light, demonstrating the shocking results when Marvel’s superheroes cross paths with symbiotes.
Rocket Raccoon
The sharp-shooting, quick-witted member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, had an unusual symbiotic encounter in “Venom: Space Knight” (2015-2016). After a skirmish, the Venom symbiote briefly bonds with Rocket, resulting in a surprisingly formidable combination. The symbiote amplifies Rocket’s physical prowess while maintaining his expert marksmanship and tactical abilities. The sight of Rocket enveloped in the symbiote’s black tendrils, his usual fur replaced with a glossy, alien exterior, is an unforgettable image. This unexpected encounter further underscores the intriguing diversity of symbiote-host relationships within the expansive Marvel Universe.
Hercules
In the “Venomized #1” comic book, penned by Cullen Bunn and featuring art by Iban Coello, Matt Yackey, and Joe Caramagna, the Greek god Hercules found himself entangled with a symbiote. Trapped by Poison versions of Taskmaster and Hawkeye, Hercules didn’t resist but instead embraced his new symbiote-empowered persona. Although the bond was short-lived and Alchemax eventually separated them, Hercules effectively harnessed the symbiote’s abilities along with his own super strength. This intriguing storyline underscored not only the enhanced capabilities of a god bonded with a symbiote, but also the immense power that these parasitic creatures possess, enabling them to merge even with divine entities.
Thor
The idea of Galactus threatening a desolate Earth evokes a sense of desperation, pushing King Thor to unusual measures. He retrieves the notorious All-Black symbiote from the depths of space, letting it fuse with him and taint his pure nature. The image of a powered-up Old King Thor, already a formidable force, battling against the World-Eater itself, Galactus, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. With the addition of the symbiote, this confrontation reaches new levels of intensity. This epic showdown takes center stage in the closing arc of Thor: God of Thunder, becoming a standout moment in Jason Aaron’s celebrated tenure on the series.
Hulk
In the comic book realm, even the mighty Hulk hasn’t escaped symbiote influence. In the “Venomized” storyline (2018), Hulk becomes bonded with a Venom-like symbiote. The result is a beastly figure combining the Hulk’s raw strength with the symbiote’s adaptable abilities. This fusion creates a Hulk with shape-shifting power, amplified strength, and a chilling aesthetic, enhancing the fear factor of the already terrifying superhero. Hulk’s symbiote bond not only highlights the extent of the symbiotes’ reach but also showcases what can happen when Marvel’s strongest entities collide in unexpected ways.
The Human Torch
In the non-canon ‘Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four in… Brain Drain!’ (2006), Johnny is taken over by a symbiote. The fiery hero’s powers make for a surreal symbiote display, combining his trademark flames with the characteristic black and white symbiote aesthetic. This gives him a terrifying yet captivating appearance. It’s a fusion that provides an intriguing spin on the traditional Symbiote narrative, underscoring the Marvel Universe’s boundless potential for extraordinary and unforeseen hero-villain crossovers.
The Punisher
The Punisher, known for his brutal vigilante justice, found himself imbued with even darker powers in the “Venomized” series by Cullen Bunn. Forced to bond with a symbiote by the Poison versions of Moon Knight and Daredevil, Frank Castle didn’t hold back from using these new abilities to amplify his already ruthless methods. With the symbiote, he could shapeshift, gain superhuman strength, and heal faster. Despite the temporary nature of this union, it offered a thrilling glimpse into an even more terrifying version of The Punisher. This instance again demonstrated the symbiotes’ power, as they seamlessly bonded with one of Marvel’s deadliest antiheroes.
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