Venom #256

Venom #256 is part of the 2018 run of the Venom series written by Donny Cates and illustrated primarily by Ryan Stegman. This specific issue is a mid-run installment that continues the exploration of the Knull mythos, a foundational element of Cates’s tenure on the character which expanded the symbiote's origins into cosmic horror territory. The series was designed to redefine Venom’s history, moving away from street-level vigilantism toward a more epic, ancient narrative that introduced the God of the Symbiotes.

The art style of this series, spearheaded by Ryan Stegman, was lauded for its kinetic energy and gritty aesthetic, which helped solidify this era as a definitive chapter in modern Marvel lore. Fans and critics generally received this run positively, noting that the combination of Cates’s high-concept plotting and Stegman’s expressive character work successfully elevated Venom from a supporting anti-hero to a central figure in the broader Marvel cosmic hierarchy.