Everything You Need to Know About "Maximum Carnage" and Shriek Ahead of 'Venom 2'

Everything you need to know about the massive "Maximum Carnage" Marvel Comics storyline and what it could mean for Sony's upcoming film 'Venom 2'.

Carnage and Venom
Marvel

Image via Marvel

Carnage and Venom

It was exciting enough to learn that Carnage, one of the most evil, sadistic villains in the Marvel Universe, would be the main villain of Venom 2; according to a recent report, the movie will open with him imprisoned in the Ravencroft Institute, awaiting his execution. But in November, sources reported that Shriek would be a secondary villain in the upcoming film, due out on October 2, 2020. Naomie Harris is currently rumored to be in talks for the role.

We've gotten more clues to the film's narrative in the months since. Hardy posted (and then deleted) a set photo showing the remains of the St. Estes Orphans Home for Unwanted Children. In the comics, Cletus Kasady (the human alter ego of Carnage) spent an abusive childhood living at this orphanage.

HN Entertainment reported some additional leaked plot details: working in his capacity as an investigative journalist, Eddie Brock / Venom will discover that Kasady started a massive fire at St. Estes, which caused the deaths of 12 people. Perhaps this is the inciting incident that drives both characters' hatred for one another?

For comic book fans, these are all very exciting development, because it means that finally, we might get to see the "Maximum Carnage" storyline on-screen. A massive crossover arc that featured many of Marvel's signature heroes and villains, "Maximum Carnage" still invokes fond, nostalgic memories of the '90s.

Here's everything you need to know about Symbiotes, the "Maximum Carnage" storyline, and how the Shriek announcement factors into all of this.

What is a Symbiote?

Venom

What are the benefits of having a Symbiote?

Venom

What are the drawbacks of having a Symbiote?

Carnage

Is Venom the only Symbiote?

Carnage, Venom

Well that sounds terrible. Did this new Symbiote bond with a good host?

Cletus Kasady

What was particularly notable or memorable about the "Maximum Carnage" arc?

Maximum Carnage

What supervillains were fighting on Carnage's side?

Maximum Carnage

How did Marvel stretch this massive fight to 14 issues?

Maximum Carnage

How did "Maximum Carnage" end?

Maximum Carnage

But he didn't, did he?

Maximum Carnage

How does this series hold up today?

Maximum Carnage

I feel like I've heard about this story arc, even though I've never read the comics.

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It's possible that you remember playing the tie-in video game as a child. Called Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage, this side-scrolling beat-'em-up was available on both the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo, and it came in a blood-red cartridge. It gave you the option of playing as either Spidey or Venom, which led you on two distinct paths. And if you got too overwhelmed, you could call in another hero, like Cloak or Iron Fist, to give you an assist.

What makes "Maximum Carnage" relevant today?

Venom

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