The symbiotes, also known as the Klyntar (), are a fictional species of extraterrestrial symbiotic life forms appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with Spider-Man. The symbiotes form symbiotic bonds with their hosts, through which a single entity is created. They are able to alter their hosts' personalities and memories, often influencing their darkest desires; amplify their physical and emotional traits and personality; and grant them super-human abilities. The symbiotes are also weakened when in range of extreme sounds or sonic frequencies. There are more than 40 known symbiotes in the Marvel Universe. The first and most well-known symbiote is Venom, who originally attaches itself to Spider-Man during the 1984 Secret Wars miniseries. After Spider-Man rejects it, the symbiote bonds with his rival, Eddie Brock, with whom it first becomes Venom, though it still possesses the powers of Spider-Man. The character has since endured as one of Spider-Man's archenemies, though he has also been occasionally depicted as an antihero. Other characters have later merged with the Venom symbiote, including the villain Mac Gargan, and Flash Thompson, who became the superhero Agent Venom. Other well-known symbiotes are Carnage, an offspring of Venom who, when merged with its most infamous host, Cletus Kasady, has served as an enemy of both Spider-Man and Venom; and Anti-Venom, which originates when the Venom symbiote re-merged with Brock after being separated from him, gaining a new white appearance and additional powers. Since their conception, the symbiotes have appeared in various media adaptations, including films, television series, and video games. Venom is the symbiote with the most appearances, appearing in the 2007 film Spider-Man 3, and as the titular protagonist of the 2018 film Venom. Carnage also made its cinematic debut in the film Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021). Additional symbiotes were debuted in the 2024 film Venom: The Last Dance.
Publication history The first appearance of a symbiote occurs in The Amazing Spider-Man #252, The Spectacular Spider-Man #90, and Marvel Team-Up #141 (released concurrently in May 1984), in which Spider-Man brings one home to Earth after the Secret Wars (Secret Wars #8, which was months later, details his first encounter with it). The concept was created by a Marvel Comics reader; the publisher purchased the idea for $220. The original design was then modified by Mike Zeck, at which point it became the Venom symbiote. The concept has since been explored and used throughout multiple storylines, spin-off comics, and derivative projects.
Depiction
Fictional history
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