The Zesty Venom Collection

Set Description
A collection of first appearances, keys and rare comics focused on VENOM.

Includes;
Amazing Spider-Man #299, CGC 9.8, 1st Cameo of Venom
Amazing Spider-Man #300, CGC 9.6, 1st Appearance of Venom, Signed by Todd McFarlane
Amazing Spider-Man #316, CGC 9.8, 1st Full cover Appearance of Venom, Signed by Todd McFarlane
Amazing Spider-Man #361, CGC 9,6, 1st Appearance of the "Spawn of Venom" - Carnage!
Venom Lethal Protector #1,CGC 9.8, 1st Venom in his own title
Venom #6, ComicXposure Edition A, 9.8, Eddie Brock Returns as Venom

This zesty collection also includes several one-of-a-kind Venom sketches and signatures from super-star artists, Bill Sienkiewicz, Martin Simmonds, and Ken Lashley.

King in Black #1, CGC 9.8. Blank Black Sketch Cover, Signed & Sketch by Mr. Ken Lashley
- Ken is an artist who knows his way around Venom. Tapped for countless Venom and symbol covers after he first strutted his stuff, Ken continues to be asked for his signature-style take on Venom and symbiotes. Aside from being one of the world's nicest and most genuine people who will sketch for his Ledkilla fans until his fingers fall off, Ken took this blank black cover, and used only white, gold and silver paint pens to sketch out a haunting Venom as the King in Black, his golden crown slightly askew. Achieving a 9.8 on a sketch cover, (which is "tough-to-keep-9.8" black on both front and back), is a difficult ask. Ken obviously knows how to draw gently!

Venom #33, CGC 9.8. Stegman Variant Cover, signed and sketch by Mr. Bill Sienkiewicz
- Already a gorgeous variant cover of Venom from the incredibly-skilled Ryan Stegman, there's just something about the number "33" and Bill Sienkiewicz and Todd McFarlane, and Venom, I felt Bill needed to be a part of this comic. I suggested Bill use it as a canvas, and just let loose on this sketch, allowing his open thoughts to meander through Stegmans lines, and add some of the chaos and movement that defines both Venom as a character, and Bills controlled/uncontrolled, anarchistic but beautiful art style.

Venom #6, CGC 9.8. Simmonds Variant Cover, Signed & Sketch by Mr. Martin Simmonds
What can I say about this that isn't evident from looking at it? An absolute perfection in a painting of Venom by Martin, complimented with a 9.8 grade, Martin's signature and a glorious sketch. The beauty in this peice is also in the 4th wall-breaking nature of his remarque, juxtaposing Venom with Martin's groundbreaking and award-winning work on the Department of Truth, it somehow makes Venom look even more diabolical, like he's wrapped in a conspiracy and the government would love to "redact" him. Truly a time where a collector (me!!) had a pretty cool concept/idea for the sketch, and after presenting that idea to Martin (who loves to collaborative ideas) he took off and ran with it, and did amazing things. Having met Martin and interacted with him several times, it's not a stretch to say he's right up there with Sienkiewicz on my list of favourite talent - and with Lashley in terms of niceness! And his career is just getting started. He enjoys being challenged with a brief for his sketches or remarques, it's more fun for him than saying "oh... can I have a Venom?", or "can I have a Lady in Red?". Absolutely a favourite of my collection.

Venom #33, CGC 9.8 Gleason "Virgin" Edition, 2x Signed by Mssr's Pat Gleason and David Michelinie
Venom #33, CGC 9.8 Gleason Gleason Variant Cover Edition Trade Dress (blue label)
- As I was saying about the number 33.... Additionally, like everyone else, I was blown away by the Gleason Webhead of Spidey when it came out. I instantly thought to myself, "man it would be awesome if he was facing off against Venom", and lo and behold, the Venom #33 variant was created - I had to have it! More than that, I had to have two of them, in case I ever sold one - I loved it that much!

Amazing Spider-Man #55, CGC 9.8 (blue label)
Amazing Spider-Man #55, CGC 9.8 (blue label)
- Though not a "Venom" key by itself, it is included here, because I feel it belongs beside my Venom #33's. The two foes, eyes locked in eternal disagreement, staring each other down. So similar, yet so different. Venom by himself can be defines as one thing, but when he is staring into the eyes of Spider-Man in this context, he's also defined by what he's not. The juxtaposition of Spidey vs. Venom in this regard, to me, is fascinating and changes the whole feeling of the Venom comic, were it to be displayed alone. Of course, two copies of ASM #55 are required to face off against my two copies of Venom!

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The Venom "3" and "33" conspiracy!

On the conspiracy theory side... ;)
Also fascinating to me, is how prime numbers of "3" and "33" always appear as key moments for Venom.

1, 3 (3x1), 6 (3+3), 9 (3x3), 13 (1 and 3), 33 (Two 3's, and 33x11), all seem to be key numbers!

ASM 299 (99 is 33x3)
ASM 300 (3 x 100)
ASM 316 (3, 1, and 6 (3+3)
ASM 361 (3, 6, and 1)
Venom 6 2017 (3+3)
Venom 6 2022 (3+3)
Venom 33 (two 3's, 3x11)

Set Goals
Collecting Goals:

For Venom, one day, I hope for that elusive 9.8 ASM #300, and also that 9.8 of ASM #361... But I know those are two very hard comics to come by! Perhaps too, a McF signature on my #299, but it would take a brave moment for me to crack my 9.8!

Aside from that, I am keen to keep sourcing more key moments in Venom's history, and I foresee no shortage of up and coming artists who I know will blow my mind with their interpretations of Venom. Until then, I have my eye on a couple other favourite artists, who I'd like to get Venom blank comic sketches from... Perhaps the next one up is Carnage, filling out his keys... and then on to other symbiotes!