What If...? Dark: Venom # 1 2023 NM-

What If...? Dark: Venom # 1 (2023) is a one-shot comic from Marvel Comics released on August 2, 2023. Part of the "What If...? Dark" series, it explores a grim alternate reality where a classic story takes a tragic turn: "What if Ben Grimm became Venom?". 

Creative Team

• Writer: Stephanie Phillips
• Artist: Jethro Morales
• Colorist: Israel Silva
• Letterer: Joe Sabino 

Story & Plot Details

The issue merges two key post-Secret Wars moments: the Thing's return from Battleworld and the symbiote's captivity at the Baxter Building. 

• The Transformation: After returning to Earth, Ben Grimm discovers the symbiote trapped in Reed Richards' lab. The alien preys on Ben’s long-standing insecurities about his appearance and his hidden resentment toward Reed for his transformation into the Thing.
• The Lizard's Role: The Lizard (Curt Connors) appears as a secondary antagonist. Feeling similar anger at being a "monster," he manipulates Ben into giving him the symbiote.
• A Dark Turn: The situation turns brutal when the Venomized Lizard attacks the Fantastic Four, resulting in the deaths of Reed Richards and Sue Storm.
• The Outcome: Ben eventually reclaims the symbiote and kills the Lizard, ultimately embracing his new identity as a monstrous version of Venom.