Sony/Columbia Pictures’ VENOM, one of the most successful blockbusters of 2018, has arrived to home-video formats.

Directed by Ruben Fleischer, it stars Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate, and Riz Ahmed.

Three decades ago, the character appeared for the first time in Marvel comics’ The Amazing Spider-Man, written by David Michelinie and illustrated by Todd McFarlane.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with McFarlane about this new cinematic incarnation of the the alien Symbiote and its human counterpart, Eddie Brock.

What did you think of the movie?

I liked it a lot! This is what I like the most: this Venom looks way, way, way closer to what I drew thirty years ago, compared to the version in “Spider-Man 3.” This was a big character that had weight, and felt like a monster, like a creature that was crazy. The only thing that you have to do to make me happy, is to show me something that looks big and impressive on the screen.

Especially that scene where he takes on the S.W.A.T. team. Right?

There are many moments where I can point and say “That’s the big guy. Right there!”

Todd Macfarlane at the Venom Party Block (via mcfarlane.com)

Can you talk about this balance between his menacing appearance and sometimes heroic actions?

Well, to be fair, when I created the character, David Michelinie was the person tasked to come up with stories that would work in the comics. As you may know, Venom was created by accident. I just didn’t want to draw that black costume on Peter Parker. I had to create a new character so I could draw Spider-Man in his classic outfit. But it became a sensation pretty quickly, and we kept bringing him back.
Venom started as a villain, and years later was transformed by other writers into an anti-hero. But artistically, he remains that big guy in a black costume that looks badass. I think that the visuals play a big part in the success of Venom.

VENOM

What would you like to see in a potential sequel?

If Sony moves forward, and I hope they do, I would to see more of his mythology,and the characters that matter to the fans. Adding Carnage would be a heck of a start, and that would be enough for me to get in line and buy a movie ticket.
The cool thing is that in a potential sequel, they don’t have to worry about an origin story for Venom, they can get into the character. From minute 1, he is going to be Venom in the next movie.

I have to ask you about Stan Lee and his legacy. What was the most important lesson that you learned from him?

He taught me to challenge the stories that challenge our heroes. Comics work like movies, in the sense that you need to affect your heroes and bring them to the point of collapse, before they can overcome the obstacles and be victorious. The better the villain, the better the hero.

VENOM is now available on Digital, 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD. Get more details below.

Bonus Materials Include:

Venom Mode: When selecting this mode the film will engage informative pop-ups throughout the film to provide insight on the movie’s relationship to the comics, and to reveal hidden references that even a seasoned Venom-fan may have missed!

Deleted & Extended Scenes: These deleted and extended scenes will give fans even more of the Venom action they loved in theaters!

Ride to Hospital – Eddie and Venom take a ride to the hospital.

Car Alarm – Let’s just say that Venom is not fond of car alarms.

San Quentin – Extended post-credits scene at San Quentin.

From Symbiote to Screen: A mini documentary about the history of Venom in comics and his journey to the big screen. Interviews with Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Ruben Fleischer, Oliver Scholl, and Director and Comic Fanboy Kevin Smith.

The Lethal Protector in Action: Go behind the scenes with the production crew and learn the secrets behind the awesome Motorcycle stunts, wire stunts, and drones.

Venom Vision: A look at how Ruben Fleischer came to the project, gathered his team, and made Venom a reality. Utilizes interviews from cast, crew, and producers as well as Fleischer himself.

Designing Venom: Designing and creating Venom meant a huge challenge for VFX artists; follow the amazing journey.

Symbiote Secrets: Blink and you may have missed it! Enjoy the hidden references throughout the film.

8 Select Scenes Pre-Vis sequences: See the progression of the visual effects, storyboards and fight choreography compared to the finished film.

“Venom” by Eminem – Music Video

“Sunflower” by Post Malone, Swae Lee (From Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Sneak Peek: Meanwhile in another universe…

4K Ultra HD™ Includes:

Feature film presented with Dolby Vision high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos sound

Also includes the film and special features on the included high-def Blu-ray

 

When Eddie Brock acquires the powers of a symbiote, he will have to release his alter-ego “Venom” to save his life. One of Marvel’s most enigmatic, complex and badass characters comes to the big screen, starring Academy Award® nominated actor Tom Hardy as the lethal protector Venom.