Warning: Contains potential spoilers for All-New Venom #6!Now that Marvel Comics has made the shocking reveal that Mary Jane Watson had become the new host of Venom, the publisher can finally explain how their newfound connection works. MJ has already shown off some incredible new abilities as Venom, but it seems that her latest symbiote transformation comes with a disturbing side effect that could have terrifying consequences for both the hero and her new other half.

Marvel’s preview for All-New Venom #6, written by Al Ewing with art by Carlos Gómez, explores the fallout after last issue’s cliffhanger ending, which unveiled MJ as Venom. Explaining to Paul and Robbie Robertson how the Venom War crossover event plays into their current situation, MJ and Venom reveal that they must stay in constant for their survival.

Though MJ’s new stint as Venom host seems to come out of left field, and like it may be swept under the rug sooner than later, the next issue finally delves into the circumstances that keep MJ and the symbiote together.

Marvel Confirms That Mary Jane And Venom’s Bond Is A Matter Of Survival For Both Of Them

All-New Venom #6; Written By Al Ewing; Art By Carlos Gómez; Color By Frank D’Armata; Lettering By VC’s Clayton Cowles

Details are still scarce on how their new connection works until the issue is officially released, but All-New Venom #6 confirms that MJ won’t be leaving the symbiote behind anytime soon. Both Mary Jane and the Venom symbiote are iconic Marvel characters, and with the threat that they could be killed if they ever separate, they’ll be keeping their odd couple dynamic going until they figure out how to safely sever their connection. However, despite the horrific consequences looming over them, MJ and Venom’s unexpected bond could break new ground for the characters and help them both reach new heights.

The events of the Venom War, and specifically, the four-issue Venom War: Spider-Man title contained huge consequences for Peter Parker, Mary Jane, and the symbiote that are still in the process of being revealed. Back in Venom War: Spider-Man #2, written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, with art by Greg Land, Spidey and Jackpot fought an ancient symbiote threat, and Mary Jane made the decision to briefly bond with Venom to gain the upper hand in their battle. Though the Arachniote was later dealt with, and MJ seemingly un-bonded from Venom, the unlikely duo’s heroic new connection was officially formed.

While MJ Must Grow Closer to Venom, Is Marvel Finally Getting Rid Of Her Boyfriend Paul?

He’s Already A Third Wheel

It seems that MJ’s superhero identity before becoming the new Venom host is actually part of the reason for the bond being so volatile for both parties. When the symbiote bonded with her, it also infected her Jackpot device, which temporarily gave her a randomized power to fight with. Now that she’s the All-New Venom, MJ has honed her powers alongside the symbiote and become a unique and powerful version of the hero, suring her Jackpot abilities; however, All-New Venom #6 will explain how mixing Paul’s Jackpot tech with the symbiote actually put both MJ and Venom in grave danger.

While Mary Jane probably won’t be killed in All-New Venom as a result of her symbiote bond, her relationship with Paul certainly could be. He’s already visibly uncomfortable with the fact that MJ and Venom have to maintain physical , and gets offended when they both agree that his Jackpot tech wasn’t useful enough in battle. The Venom situation has put a strain on the MJ and Paul relationship that’s been maligned by many readers, especially since Venom’s son also hates Paul, so it seems that Paul’s place in Marvel Comics may be most at risk with this new arrangement.

MJ and Venom’s Deadly Deal Could Bring Exciting Developments For Both Characters

Unable To Separate, They Flourish Together

While the Jackpot tech may be part of the problem that makes MJ and Venom’s bond also tied to their survival, it’s also been responsible for giving the All-New Venom a great golden redesign and some really cool new abilities in battle. Despite MJ and Venom having an extremely complicated history together in overall Spider-Man lore, their involuntary coupling could seriously reinvigorate MJ’s superhero status and redefine Venom’s place in Marvel Comics. The bond being deadly forces the duo to work together when they may want to quit, and will help both of them become a stronger hero in tandem.

The Venom symbiote is finding new life with a more positive and optimistic host, and MJ could be hanging up the Jackpot costume for good.

While it’s certainly horrifying that MJ and Venom can no longer separate without them apparently dying, it’s a strong plot device which ensures that their adventures together won’t end prematurely. Though Eddie Brock made a deadly deal with Carnage, the Venom symbiote is finding new life with a more positive and optimistic host, and MJ could be hanging up the Jackpot costume for good. It’s unlikely that Mary Jane and the Venom symbiote will be killed as a result of this dangerous predicament, but as a result, both characters could still be experiencing a total rebirth in the Marvel Universe.

All-New Venom #6 will be available May 7, 2025, from Marvel Comics!