Warning: contains spoilers for Symbiote Spider-Man 2099 #4!

Spider-Man 2099’s lore has changed forever with one shocking death. The flagship character of Marvel’s 2099 imprint, this incarnation of Spider-Man is enjoying a renaissance, 32 years after his first appearance, thanks in part to Sony’s Spider-Verse films. Now, at the peak of this resurgence, the character suffers a huge loss in Symbiote Spider-Man 2099 #4, one that might prove to be Miguel O’Hara’s undoing.

Symbiote Spider-Man 2099 #4 is written by Peter David and drawn by Roge Antonio. The 2099 incarnation of Venom is goading Spider-Man, causing him to slowly lose his humanity. To help stop the threat, Doctor Doom (the president of America in 2099) enlists the help of Spider-Man’s brother Gabriel. Doom, reasoning that if anyone can get through to Spider-Man, it is Gabriel, sends him to meet with Miguel.

As the two talk, Miguel comes to realize he has been wrong–but it comes too soon as Venom seemingly kills Gabriel.

This enrages Spider-Man, setting the stage for the next issue’s climactic showdown.

Spider-Man 2099’s Family Was Very Important to Him–Just Like Peter Parker

Spider-Man 2099 Has Lost One of the Anchors to His Humanity

Over 30 years ago, Marvel first took fans to the dystopian future world of the year 2099. Decades after the collapse of the previous Age of Heroes, new ones began to emerge. Spider-Man was the first of this new wave, and remains the line’s most popular character. Much like Peter Parker, family is important to Spider-Man 2099. Miguel O’Hara’s family was often front and center in his stories, particularly his brother Gabriel. Throughout Spider-Man 2099’s first run, Gabriel acted as a rock for Miguel, helping center his brother in the hellscape of 2099.

Now, Venom has yanked this anchor away from Spider-Man 2099. Venom has spent the majority of Symbiote Spider-Man 2099 egging Miguel on, trying to force the hero to submit to his baser instincts. Part of Symbiote Spider-Man 2099’s story has been Miguel’s struggles to keep his humanity intact in light of Venom’s provocations. His appearance has altered, becoming more grotesque and brutish, as Venom slowly gets under his skin. Doom was correct that Gabriel was able to reason with his brother–but Venom saw an opportunity to finish the job of corrupting Spider-Man.

If Spider-Man 2099 Loses Control, Bad Things Could Happen

Venom 2099 May Have Pushed Him Over the Edge

Now that Venom has finally seemed to have pushed Spider-Man 2099 over the edge, the consequences for him, and the other heroes of 2099, are grave indeed. Miguel O’Hara was one of 2099’s most powerful heroes, arguably on par with his present day predecessor. If Spider-Man 2099 lost control, and gave fully to his bestial side, the damage he could cause, and the lives he would take, are great. Spider-Man 2099’s brother was one of the most important people in his life, and it has been taken from him–altering him and his lore forever.

Symbiote Spider-Man 2099 #4 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!