WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Demon Days: X-Men #1 by Peach Momoko, Zack Davisson & VC's Ariana Maher, on sale now
Demon Days imagines a version of the Marvel Universe that is steeped in ancient Japanese mythology and folklore. So far, the Psylocke of this reality -- known as Sai -- has proven to be an impressive warrior in her own right, even bringing down the Juggernaut of this world with relative ease alongside her loyal dog companion, Logan.
But her newest battle -- against a massive and monstrous version of Venom that appears in the shape and form of a snake -- forces the pair to work alongside this world's incarnation of the Hulk, here reimagined as an Oni.
While exploring the Japan of their reality, including passing the Kirisaki Mountain, Sai and Logan end up helping others across the realm. The Kirisaki Mountian turns out to be the home to a small village that still contends with the massive and monstrous appearing Hulkmaru, an Oni (mythological giant) that lives in the nearby mountains and has grown angry with how the people of the village have encroached on his lands. It's been moving through the village to steal food, causing conflict with the townsfolk. But it turns out they need the assistance of the Hulkmaru to contend with the return of the dangerous demonic snake being known as an Orochi -- with this specific one coming to be known to the villagers as Venom.
After speaking to a local mystic, Sai is sent to venture into the mountains to recruit the Hulkmaru. After a brief battle, she's able to convince him to help fight against Venom in exchange for the village vowing to respect his lands going forward. Despite their abilities, their impressive fighting prowess, and even working alongside the villagers against Venom, Sai, Logan, and Hulkmaru don't have an easy time of it. Logan even ends up wounded, losing one of his eyes to the conflict but refusing to back away from the fight. Hulkmaru is eventually a powerful enough force to keep the Venom symbiote at bay long enough for Sai to slice through the creature and for the local mystics to contain the demonic force. In the end, this mystical version of Venom is dispelled and disappears in a puff of smoke.
It's a big win for the villagers and for Hulkmaru as well, with the villagers vowing to respect the giant and his lands going forward. Myths from this reality grow about the battle, suggesting this did become a major factor of life for the villagers in that area. It's a fun three-pronged team-up for this world's versions of the heroes, as they find a way to overcome a Venom who comes from the same kind of magical history as the Hulkmaru. There are hints that at least of them is still alive in the present day, with a dog appearing to be Logan resting in nearby forests.
Across the Marvel multiverse, versions of these heroes were powerful enough to bring down a genuinely monstrous version of Venom. And while there are still mysteries within this reality -- such as the true role of the Black Widow -- it's reassuring to know that heroes like Sai, Logan, and Hulkmaru can still protect it from the darker corners of the world.