MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY: Venom #252 (2025) – Review

I had to review this issue this week for two major reasons.
First — I’ve been completely hooked on the new Marvel Cosmic Invasion game, and my absolute favorite character to play is Venom. Something about the power, the mobility, the chaos — it just scratches that perfect Marvel itch.

Second — the number 252 is legendary.
Amazing Spider-Man #252 was the issue where Peter Parker first debuted the black suit… and here we are in Venom #252, watching Venom go red and blue, stepping into a whole new Spider-Man–inspired role.

Come on. How could I not read this?
How could I not review this?
Venom in a Spider-Man costume, swinging through the city and throwing down? That’s an instant MUST for me.

PROS

• ACTION. ACTION. ACTION.

I wanted action — and this issue delivered a truckload of it.
The first story is practically a nonstop brawl:

• Doc Ock vs. Venom in the new red-and-blue costume
• Mayor Luke Cage jumping into the fight
• Explosions, punches, tentacles, webs — all chaos, all fun

The writing is quick, snappy, funny, and the art makes every punch feel massive. This is big, bold, comic-book energy at its finest.

• A rare sight: New Yorkers who actually love Spider-Man

This was honestly refreshing.
We’re so used to crowds doubting him, booing him, throwing tomatoes, calling him a menace…
Not this time.

This time?
The civilians are ALL IN on cheering for “Spider-Man.”
They love him.
They hype him up.
And it drives Doc Ock absolutely insane.
Chef’s kiss. Hilarious and satisfying.

• The portrayal of Doc Ock — vulnerable, chaotic, and spiraling

This is a really interesting take on Otto.
He’s clearly trying to present himself as a heroic savior — someone strong, respected, feared.
But his own brain keeps betraying him.

He’s chaotic.
He’s turbulent.
He melts down emotionally, over and over.
And even his own henchmen start doubting him because he can’t keep it together.

Luke Cage finally stepping in as Mayor to stop him was a great payoff — and highlights how far Ock has fallen from his old “Master Planner” glory days.

• Extra-sized issue means MORE STORY and MORE VALUE

This is NOT just a single tale. It’s three full experiences packed into one comic:

1. The main Venom vs. Doc Ock story

Pure entertainment, high energy, bright and loud, nonstop brawling.

2. The full origin story of the NEW Venom

And it’s a good one — a solid setup that lays the groundwork for where this new version of the symbiote mythology is going. It feels important.

3. A bonus new story by the actual creative team from Amazing Spider-Man #252

This is the cherry on top:
A brand-new story set during Peter Parker’s original black-costume era.
A missing tale from the ASM #252 era.
A perfect anniversary tribute.

This alone makes the issue worth buying — it’s nostalgia mixed with fresh storytelling.

• This comic gives you absolute bang for your buck

Three stories.
Big fights.
Major lore.
Anniversary homage.
A new suit.
A new Venom.

It’s everything you want from a milestone issue.

CONS

• The first story leans too far into comedy

While fun, it sometimes plays the whole thing as too much of a joke — which clashes with the usual Venom tone of dark, edgy, mysterious.
A little too goofy for a character whose vibe is usually the opposite.

Still, the rest of the comic more than makes up for it.

FINAL GRADE: A

Conclusion

Venom #252 is an energetic, jam-packed celebration of everything fans love about symbiotes, Spider-Man history, and over-the-top Marvel brawling. Whether it’s Venom rocking a Spidey suit, Luke Cage throwing down, Doc Ock melting down, or the nostalgia punch of an all-new ASM #252–era story, this comic delivers at every corner. With multiple stories, strong art, and a ton of action, this is easily one of the most fun issues of the series — and absolutely worth picking up.

P.S. If you can, you guys have really got to try Marvel Cosmic Invasion. It’s out on pretty much all gaming platforms, so I hope I get to squad up with some of you in the very near future! It has been such a delight to play, and I am eagerly looking forward to DLCs in the coming months.