The following contains spoilers for Extreme Venomverse #2, on sale now from Marvel Comics.
With Marvel putting the Venomverse in the spotlight, a whole new generation of hosts has been given a chance to shine alongside the symbiotes. In fact, one of them has just proven herself to be the perfect fit for Venom. And, Black Cat's connection to Marvel's original symbiote reveals Spider-Man's most personal shortcoming.
The story "The Sinister Secret of Black Cat's New Costume!" (by Al Ewing, Vincenzo Carratù, Federico Blee, and VC's Joe Sabino) from Extreme Venomverse #2, takes readers back to the events that originally unraveled in 1984. While the Fantastic Four separate Spider-Man from his symbiote suit, Black Cat (Felicia Hardy) uses the opportunity to bond with what she sees as a kindred spirit. And, Venom quickly realizes that it's now with someone who understands it.
Black Cat is the Perfect Host for Venom
At the time that this story takes place, Peter Parker was in the midst of multiple destructive relationships, with his bond with Venom only being the most memorable of them years later. In between the living costumes and paper bags, however, Peter was caught in the middle of a painful love triangle between himself, Mary Jane and Felicia. Eventually, it was Peter's lack of commitment that drove a wedge between him and Black Cat. As this alternate story has proven, it was also what caused the Venom symbiote to latch on to Peter, in the first place.
When it comes to Felicia, on the other hand, this simply isn't a problem. Not only was she willing to look past Venom's oozing facade, but she was also willing to open up to it in a genuinely trusting way. This makes her a great fit for the symbiote during that specific time period. Things certainly would have been different if the two met later on, as Venom would eventually be influenced by Eddie Brock. Thankfully, meeting when they did give these versions of Venom and Felicia the opportunity to become a perfect team.
Spider-Man Should Never Bond With Venom
Of course, like these variants of Black Cat and Venom, the Spider-Man seen in this story is far from the man he would go on to become in the primary Marvel Universe. Or rather, he is far enough from it that he can be forgiven for not having it in him to fully commit to any relationship whether it be romantic, platonic, or superpowered. His primary counterpart, on the other hand, is only just beginning to redeem himself in that very same area.
With the past year having seen the primary Peter Parker's life fall apart completely, so too has his relationship with Mary Jane. That is something Peter is only beginning to come to terms with, which while an indicator of growth, still stands as a sign that he continues to struggle with the idea of commitment. As such, it is hard to imagine any version of Peter who could possibly manage to form a bond with any Venom and maintain it in a healthy, sustainable way. Nearly every instance of the two bonding in the multiverse has ended poorly, so the best solution may very well be as simple as the two avoiding each other completely.