Why Tom Hardy’s Venom Takes on the Appearance of Spider-Man's Costume

When discussing the film adaptation of the Spider-Man and Spider-Man universe, one curious point often comes up: why does Tom Hardy's Venom wear an appearance so similar to Spider-Man's iconic black costume, despite having no prior knowledge of Spider-Man? This question has fascinated both fans and creators alike. Let's break down the origins and reasoning behind this design choice.

The Original Venom's Origins

Before the complex narrative changes made by Marvel in the early 1990s, Venom was initially an amorphous suit created on a machine by a person on the Beyonder's Battle World. In the comic Amazing Spider-Man issue 252 (December 1984), Peter Parker's suit was destroyed, and he created a new one using a fabricator. The resulting suit had a striking black color with a white spider design, similar to that of Spider-Woman II, who was also present on the battle world. This appearance was a response to the then-upcoming issues and the need for a recognizable outfit.

Realistic vs. Comic Appearance

Marvel ultimately decided to rebrand Venom as a parasitic substance that bonded with Eddie Brock to become the character we know. However, the costume's design remained a significant factor. The key question is why, given all the changes, Venom still retains the black and white spider design.

It's worth noting that comic book appearances have a significant influence on film and television, and it wouldn't be feasible to deviate too far from the established design. The costume needs to be recognizable as Venom and maintain a degree of continuity with the comic book universe. Moreover, modern audiences are accustomed to detailed and distinctive character designs.

Intimidation and Relevance

The creative team for Venom (2018) specifically sought to create a more intimidating visual representation of the character. The 2007 film Spider-Man 3 often focused on Eddie Brock's face rather than the alien symbiote. This choice diminished the overall intimidation factor of the concept, with Venom appearing more as a mere mask than an invasive, monstrous entity.

By emphasizing Venom's animalistic and predator-like features, such as its numerous rows of teeth, the design aims to create a more primal and terrifying threat. The white lines on the shoulders and chest, resembling the eye shape of the spider, serve to maintain a recognizable link to the comic book version while still varying significantly from the 2007 film's design.

Conclusion

In essence, the similarity between Tom Hardy’s Venom and Spider-Man's costume can be attributed to several factors: the established comic book design, the need for a recognizable and intimidating appearance, and the desire to maintain continuity with the broader Spider-Man universe.

While the costume does resemble Spider-Man's, there are distinct differences emphasized by the character's role as a living, symbiotic entity. Fans and creators alike will continue to debate the merits of each interpretation, but the core concept remains: Venom is a terrifying and unique presence in the Spider-Man world, and his appearance helps convey that message effectively.

This article aims to provide insight into the design decisions behind Tom Hardy's Venom, and while opinions may vary, the design serves its intended purpose in the film. We hope this nuanced exploration sheds light on why Venom appears the way he does in these films.