10 Insane Facts You Didn't Know About Venom

1. A Fan Created Him And Sold The Idea For $220

You won't see him credited, but Randy Schueller, a comic book fan from Illinois was the one who came up with the idea for Venom. Specifically, it was the idea for a Spider-Man with a black costume made up of unstable molecules that enhanced his power. Hearing of this pitch, Jim Shooter, the editor-in-chief at the time, sent him a letter of interest and promptly bought the pitch for $220.

From there, multiple creators helped perfect the character we now know and love. Mike Zeck modified the idea of the unstable costume into that of a symbiote, while writer David Michelinie would write his backstory. Even John Byrne had an impact, suggesting that Venom€™s costume ought to itself be alive.

Over the years there€™s also been controversy over artist Todd McFarlane€™s involvement in his creation. Though McFarlane was undeniably responsible for Venom€™s popularity, the true credit evidently belongs to a humble Spider-Man fan from Illinois.

Are there any other crazy facts about Venom that you know? Share them in the comments.