10 Comic Book Heroes Who Were Secretly Replaced

If you don't remember Flash Thompson, he was the long-time schoolyard bully who tormented Peter Parker. The irony is that once Parker started swinging from high-rises, Thompson became the web-slinger's biggest fan. He later put aside his childish behavior, and he and Peter became good friends. Flash even served in the military, becoming a decorated war hero.

In the real world, Marvel decided they wanted to capitalize on the popularity of Spider-Man's foe, Venom. They thought the best way to do this was to shift the character into an antihero role. The only problem was that Eddie Brock had committed some heinous acts during his time with the symbiote, such as trying to kill Peter Parker by pushing him in front of a train. So, writers dusted off old Flash Thompson.

In the comic timeline, the Venom symbiote is captured by the US government and housed at the Department of Homeland Security. DHS realizes they can use the suit to create a new super soldier. So, they bond Venom with Flash and order him to complete twenty deadly missions. Flash controls the symbiote through a combination of sedatives and sheer force of will.

Unlike Eddie Brock, who lusted for power and revenge, Flash's only goal is to survive his twenty missions so he never has contact with the Venom symbiote again. He would eventually join the Guardians of the Galaxy, which is pretty cool.