This fall, the Marvel NOW! initiative will give plenty of the comic publisher's characters a fresh start with new #1 issues and status quos. One character getting a makeover is Venom, who will leave his "Space Knight" adventures behind for a brand new "Venom" #1 starring a mystery character wearing the iconic symbiote. To celebrate the release of "Venom" #1, Marvel has lined up a special variant cover that pays tribute to the character's first full appearance way back in 1988.

The new variant for "Venom" #1 features a remastered image from superstar artist Todd McFarlane, pulled from the final page of 1988's "Amazing Spider-Man" #299. The image, Venom's first full appearance, has also been recolored by colorist Richard Isanove and transformed into a variant cover.

venom-1-mcfarlane

The original image as it appeared in "Amazing Spider-Man" #299 can be seen below.

asm299_02

The new "Venom" ongoing series comes from writer Mike Costa and artist Gerardo Sandoval. The series follows the "Venom: Space Knight" series, which will conclude with issue #13. The all-new "Venom" series will feature a new character as Venom, although their identity remains a mystery. "Venom" #1 arrives in stores on November 23.

Official Press Release

VENOM #1 Top Secret Artist Variant Revealed!

Todd McFarlane’s First Full Venom Appearance – Remastered and Recolored!

New York, NY—September 27th, 2016 — This November, Venom is back and he’s badder than ever! As creators Mike Costa and Gerardo Sandoval bring the sinister symbiote into Marvel NOW!, celebrate this exciting launch with a variant cover by legendary artist Todd McFarlane (AUG168725)! Continuing our eye-popping tradition of remastered and recolored marvelous moments comes an iconic instant classic! Relive Eddie Brock’s first full appearance as Venom – masterfully recolored by superstar colorist Richard Isanove. As the Venom symbiote returns to the Big Apple, it’s time for a new Venom. No more Flash Thompson, no more “Agent of the Cosmos”. But who’s the one wearing the costume this time? More importantly – who’s in control? One thing is certain – Venom is back, and it’s good to be bad….

Uncover the mystery in the explosive first issue, VENOM #1 – coming to comic shops and digital devices this November!

VENOM #1 (SEP160951)

TOP SECRET ARTIST VARIANT (AUG168725)

Written by MIKE COSTA

Art & Cover by GERARDO SANDOVAL

FOC – 10/31/16, On-Sale – 11/23/16