Warning: Contains major spoilers for Final Spider-Man #12!
Like Marvel Final Universe continues to flesh out Spider-Man's supporting cast and rogues gallery, the new version of Poison finally took the first step in the scariest way possible. There were a few moments suggesting Ultimate Spider-ManVenom's very different approach for a while, and officially made his presence known as a seriously sinister threat to Peter Parker and his happy family life.
Final Spider-Man #12 – written by Jonathan Hickman, with art by Marco Checchetto – offers a “slice of life” story about Peter Parker and his family during a holiday celebration. The tension over the complex family dynamics eases throughout the issue, but a surprising and chilling ending adds disturbing context to the preceding scenes.
The festivities take a shocking turn when it is revealed that Peter is truly missing, and his symbiote-like pico-tech suit has been acting like him this whole time. With the ability to perfectly replicate Peter and deceive his loved ones, this Venom stand-in is not only scary, but also a huge threat.
The definitive new version of Venom gives Spider-Man's cozy Christmas a spine-chilling twist
Ultimate Spider-Man #12 – Written by Jonathan Hickman; Art by Marco Checchetto; Colors by Matthew Wilson; Lyrics by Cory Petit from VC
While there have been many other sinister versions of Venom in its Marvel history, Ultimate Spider-Man's take on the symbiote is terrifying because of how close it can get to the Parker family without them realizing. While there have been clues pointing to the powerful potential of picotechnology in previous issues, the big reveal that the process can become a duplicate of Peter Parker is a jaw-dropping twist. As Spider-Man's sentient Stark tech suit infiltrates the Parkers' Christmas, with his wife, children, and relatives in attendance, it's quite frightening how long it takes MJ to finally discover the truth.
MJ is overwhelmed and preoccupied with organizing a busy family gathering for the holiday, and only her somewhat distant sister, Gayle, realizes that Peter is different. The short suspenseful scene where MJ discovers the suit's secret is seriously creepy, especially when the lifeless-eyed fake Peter menacingly wishes her a “Merry Christmas”. The moment becomes even more shocking when the epilogue reveals Peter's true whereabouts as Kraven's prisoner. It's worth wondering whether Peter knows that the suit took control of him at Christmas while he was imprisoned, or whether the symbiotic AI made that choice for itself.
Our Take: Why Ultimate Spider-Man's Exclusive Version of Venom Is Scarier Than the Rest
Spidey's sentient suit is getting too attached
As the Ultimate Universe's Peter Parker gets used to life as a superhero, his mysterious costume becomes a little too comfortable to express himself as a “perfect replica” of his psyche, which calls itself in an alarming scene of Ultimate Spider-Man #8. The adaptive pico shell can not only create a physical copy of Peter, but appears to be developing a frightening bond with his family.; Although the technology improves Spider-Man's crime-fighting prowess, Howard Stark's supposed invention could have a more sinister backstory than Peter or anyone else realizes.
The Ultimate Universe's new twist on Venom is a frightening development for Peter Parker and seriously threatens the safety of his loved ones.
At the beginning Ultimate Spider-Man #12, Peter's son even name-checks Mr. and Mrs. Brock, meaning more of this alternate universe's take on Venom lore should come in the future. However, the latest tech-based version of the symbiote appears to be more focused on the Parker family for now, which could lead down a dark path. With the power to impersonate Spider-Man and enter your Christmas, the Ultimate Universe new twist Poison It's a frightening development for Peter Parker and seriously threatens the safety of his loved ones.
Ultimate Spider-Man #12 is now available from Marvel Comics.