(Image Source: Marvel Comics / Cafu)
In 1992, the introduction of Carnage into the Marvel Universe was a revelation. The psychotic symbiote forced an unlikely alliance between mortal enemies Spider-Man and Venom. Now, a new Marvel Comics event, Death Spiral, will lead to the introduction of a new super-powered serial killer. One whose very existence will force a team-up between Peter Parker and the current Venom and Carnage.
The new villain, dubbed Torment, will make their first appearance in February’s Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral #1. The story will continue through the monthly Amazing Spider-Man and Venom comics in March and April. The origin of Torment will finally be revealed in a one-shot special scheduled to be released on May 13, 2026.
(Image Source: Marvel Comics / Ed McGuinness)
“When Carnage hit the comic page it made you think Venom wasn’t that bad,” says Spider-Editor Nick Lowe. “Torment does that to Carnage here. He’s not a symbiote… he’s something much, much worse. And when you read what Charles Soule and Kev Walker serve up here with his origin… you may want to get a nightlight.”
New Spider-Man villain Torment explained
Little has been revealed about Torment in the advance buzz of the upcoming Spider-Man event. They have been teased as “the deadliest serial killer since Cletus Kasady,” who was the original host of Carnage. However, Torment is not a symbiote, and is armed with a razor-lined whip. They are also said to have some connection to Peter Parker’s past.
The one thing that is certain beyond that is that any team-up between Spider-Man, Venom and Carnage is bound to be awkward. At the present time, Peter Parker’s ex Mary Jane Watson is the host of the Venom Symbiote. Classic Venom host Eddie Brock, meanwhile, has formed an unlikely partnership with the Carnage symbiote, hunting other serial killers.
Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral #1 arrives in comic shops on February 25, 2026.
