10 Insane Facts You Didn't Know About Venom

by Connor Briggs-Morris

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.

Contributor

Connor loves movies, comics, and TV, and is trying to write for people who feel the same way. When he's not sitting on the couch with his laptop, you might find him lying in his bed with his laptop.