Marvel shocked fans when they announced Mary Jane Watson would take on the Venom mantle. Yet, it seems the publisher isn’t done delivering symbiote host twists. Their latest reveal teases which retro character is set to become the newest host of the Toxin symbiote, adding another unexpected layer to Marvel’s ever-evolving symbiote mythology.
Al Ewing, Carlos Gómez, and Frank D’Armata return with the newest chapter of their hit All-New Venom series as issue #10 releases on September 3, 2025. While that date is still a few days away, Marvel has provided an early preview, giving fans a sneak peek at what to expect from the highly anticipated upcoming issue.
Although the series has mainly centered on Mary Jane Watson, it has also followed Rick Jones and Flash Thompson as they aided the Toxin and Sleeper symbiotes in escaping captivity from S.C.A.R., an anti-symbiote agency. Now, however, it seems their mission isn’t over. With Toxin in critical condition, his surprising next host may turn out to be Rick Jones himself.
The Symbiote Toxin Is Dying, and Only Rick Jones Can Save Him
Main Cover by Adam Kubert & Laura Martin for All-New Venom #10 (2025)
All-New Venom #10 finds Rick, Flash, Sleeper, and Toxin in serious trouble when Toxin, using Flash as his host, is forced to vacate his body. The Anti-Venom in Flash’s system is poisonous to other symbiotes, leaving Toxin without a host and in critical condition. With no way to survive long on his own, the symbiote’s life quickly begins slipping away.
Toxin writhes on the floor in agony, leaving Rick panicked. When he asks if the symbiote will be okay, Sleeper explains that Toxin won’t be without intervention. While Flash’s body briefly stabilized him, the Anti-Venom prevented the host from producing the chemicals Toxin needs. Without a new host, the symbiote will starve to death within minutes.
In desperation, Flash scrambles for solutions, suggesting a quick trip to buy chocolate since it contains the chemical Toxin requires. Sleeper quickly dismisses the idea, explaining that only fresh phenethylamine can keep the symbiote alive. With time running out and no other options left, the realization dawns on the group: Rick may have to become Toxin’s new host.
Marvel All But Guarantees Rick Jones Will Be Toxin’s New Host
Ejikure Venom Variant for All-New Venom #10 (2025)
After Sleeper dismisses the chocolate idea, Rick insists there must be another way to save the symbiote. Sleeper replies that there is, but reminds him he has already refused the option, something she respects. She is clearly referring to Rick’s reluctance to host a symbiote again. The preview concludes with this exchange, leaving readers in suspense.
Although the preview doesn’t confirm Rick’s decision, it seems more likely than not that he will accept becoming Toxin’s host. It’s difficult to imagine Rick allowing the symbiote to die, knowing he could save it. As a result, it feels almost guaranteed that Rick will soon join Venom’s ever-growing symbiote crew as the new host of Toxin.
All-New Venom #10 is available September 3, 2025, from Marvel Comics!