Warning! Spoilers ahead for Venom #251!
Venom just took on a drastic new form in Marvel Comics, inspired by, or more accurately stolen from, Iron Man. Taking a cue from Tony Stark, Venom just debuted a black-and-gold “Iron Venom” suit of armor. When Marvel promised a new look for the symbiote hero, few fans expected it to be a riff on a classic Avenger’s look.
AIPT shared an exclusive preview for Venom #251, written by Al Ewing, with art by Paco Media. The preview showcases “Iron Venom,” the protagonist’s take on Tony Stark’s iconic suit.
While the suit doesn’t have all of Iron Man’s abilities, it does come with a laugh-out-loud callback to one of Iron Man’s most surprising armor perks: roller skates.
Venom Goes Undercover As “Iron Venom,” Totally Ripping Off Tony Stark’s Iron Man Design
Venom #251, Written By Al Ewing, Art By Paco Media
Venom #251 is the continuation of Marvel’s All-New Venom series, which has been reverted to just “Venom,” and switched over to the publisher’s “legacy numbering” system. Still, the Venom within is still “all-new,” as Mary Jane Watson continues to acclimate to life as the symbiote’s host. So far, she has proved to be a moderating influence on the alien lifeform.
Their pairing has resulted in a much more lighthearted tone than most of Marvel’s other Venom books. The preview for Venom #251 exudes madcap comedic energy. “Iron Venom” is the result of Venom and MJ needing a disguise, because they’re currently on the run from the authorities. Rather than an actual Iron suit, it is a disguise formulated by the symbiote.
That said, Paco Medina’s art for the issue makes Venom’s imitation a flawless one. “Iron Venom” looks exactly like Iron Man, in Venom’s updated black-and-gold colors. It is only a teaser of the potential of such a Marvel character mash-up, though the accompanying roller skates seem to be very real.
“Iron Venom” Might Be Short-Lived, But It Shows Venom And Mary Jane Are A Duo Meant To Last
Venom #251 Variant Cover By Skan Srisuwan
With the Venom/Mary Jane pairing, Venom has become a buddy comedy, for all intents and purposes. “Iron Venom” is part of a “wacky disguise” subplot. So, it is likely that it won’t be a long-term new look for the character. It is, however, a concept that feels like it had to inevitably find its way into Marvel lore.
The wonder of the Marvel Multiverse is that the “Iron Venom” concept is now out there for a future creator to find the right context to bring about the full version of the character. Venom isn’t the first Marvel hero to steal Iron Man’s look, but this new amalgamation of the character certainly vaults up the ranking of the coolest.
Venom #251 will be available November 15, 2025 from Marvel Comics.
- First Appearance
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The Amazing Spider-Man
- Alias
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Eddie Brock
- RELATIONSHIPS
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Eddie Brock (primary host and ally), Peter Parker/Spider-Man (initial enemy, later uneasy ally), Anne Weying (former wife of Eddie Brock and occasional host), Cletus Kasady/Carnage (offspring of the Venom symbiote and a deadly enemy)
- Alliance
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Vigilante