Venom is often known as an anti-hero and one of Spider-man’s most prominent rogues. He has been on both sides of the battle of good and bad and on his way he has made allies in the hero community but also enemies with his questionable methods.
As a character with questionable morals, its no wonder he gets on the wrong side of Marvel’s heroes, but with his power, he has also made allies. Here are 5 heroes that respect Venom and 5 that can’t stand him.
Respects: Flash Thompson/Agent Venom
![Venom: 5 Marvel Heroes Who Respect Him (& 5 Who Despise Him)](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Flash-Thompson-as-Agent-Venom.jpg)
Flash Thompson is mostly known for being Peter Parker’s childhood bully who ironically admired Spider-man. But we know now that he is much more than that. Flash eventually became a close friend to Peter before losing his memory and his legs. In an attempt to regain his life, Thompson took on the symbiotic and became Agent Venom.
With powers similar to Spider-man, Agent Venom is a powerful ally and one who shares a very strong connection with the Symbiote. In fact, it’s Flash who has a very similar connection to Eddie Brock according to Venom.
Can’t Stand: Spiderman
![Absolute Carnage Venom and Spiderman](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Absolute-Carnage-Venom-and-Spiderman.jpg)
This one may be obvious to some but to others, it can be a head-scratcher considering they have worked together on several occasions, including taking down the vicious Carnage.
Nowadays Venom is more of an anti-hero but he still finds a way to get under Spidey’s skin and challenge him in his integrity and heroics.
Whenever Venom does some questionable things it’s always Spidey that gets in the way and prevents him from killing or causing destruction.
Respects: Captain America
![Captain America - Free Comic Book Day - Cropped](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Captain-America-Free-Comic-Book-Day-Cropped.jpg)
Cap is a pretty likable guy, it’s safe to say that a good majority of Marvel’s heroes respect and admire him for his heroics and optimism. As one of the Avenger’s leaders, he has worked with a majority of the heroes in the Marvel universe.
So it’s no surprise that even a questionable hero like Venom can’t help but respect Steve Rogers, even showing remorse for stealing from him.
Can’t Stand: Mr. Fantastic
![Reed Richards Mr Fantastic](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Reed-Richards.jpg)
When a hero discovers a new way to take you down, it’s usually not a good sign for you. This is what Reed Richards did upon studying and attempting to take the symbiotic out.
Using sonic frequencies, he was able to effectively weaken Venom and was able to separate Eddie Brock from the symbiotic which could be deadly for the symbiotic. It was something we even saw hurt Venom in the Sam Raimi Spider-man.
Reed Richards has always been a questionable leader so it’s no wonder he’s on the list.
Respects: Guardians of The Galaxy
![Guardians of the Galaxy Team launches into battle in Marvel Comics.](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy-Team-Comic.jpg)
During his time as Agent Venom, the symbiote was assigned by Tony Stark to be a part of the Guardians and he learned to gain respect for the heroes from space. He learned a lot about being a hero from the Guardians and accomplished a lot in his time there.
He even took on a new form and discovered a new path to heroics with the help of the Klyntar symbiotes, the planet where the symbiote is originally from.
An appearance from Venom in the MCU rendition of the Guardians of the Galaxy would surely be a welcomed one.
Can’t Stand: Ben Reilly
![Ben Reilly aka the Scarlet Spider](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Ben-Reilly-aka-the-Scarlet-Spider-570x285.jpg)
Like Spidey, Scarlet Spider has no love for Venom, even if they’ve worked together before. Their relationship is full of manipulation, lies, and brawls, with Ben, often hating Venom more after every encounter.
No matter what Venom does, Ben will always hate him and never be able to trust him no matter what. Even if that includes saving the world from other symbiotes.
Respects: Luke Cage
![Luke Cage roaring in rage](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Luke-Cage-Marvel-Comics.jpg)
Like Cap, Luke Cage is very well-known for his humble beginnings and optimism. He believes in reforming villains and helping them find a way instead of killing and this is why he works with and even defends Venom. To Luke no hero is too far gone to come back, he wants to give others the opportunity he got because he wasn’t always a stand-up citizen.
There is a lot Venom can learn from someone like Luke Cage, including the ability to hold back and see the good in people, two struggles that Venom constantly deals with.
Can’t Stand: Black Cat
![Black Cat in Marvel Comics](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Black-Cat-in-Marvel-Comics.jpg)
In a comic panel that is still gruesome even today, Venom beats down Felicia Hardy and severely injures her. And that’s not even the worst part. The whole fight starts when Venom goes looking for Spider-man when he runs into Felicia, who is doing the same thing, after the fight, Felicia find out that her love, was married.
It was one of Venom’s first appearances in the comics so he is at his worst, taking on heroes and destroying them with brute force. Unfortunately for Felicia, this is something she has to learn the hard way.
So Venom sealed the ultimate combo to Felicia, breaking her body, her confidence, and her heart. It’s brutal, even for Venom.
Respects: Deadpool
![Deadpool in Krakoa Vines Comic Art](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Deadpool-in-Krakoa-Vines-Comic-Art.jpg)
Many believe that the symbiote’s first victim was Spider-man and although that is true, what many don’t know is that the reason Venom is so insane is because of Deadpool.
This would explain the similarities between the two and the reason the two are considered unpredictable and dangerous. Deadpool is quite literally one of the creators of the Venom we all know and love today.
Deadpool had no idea he did this so we can’t blame it on him completely but maybe warning Peter of the dangers before letting him take on the symbiotic would’ve helped.
Can’t Stand: The Punisher
![](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Medieval-Punisher-by-isikol.jpg)
The Punisher has very questionable morals and like Venom is considered an anti-hero. The Punisher is also known for taking matters into his own hands and dishing out his own type of justice to those he feels deserve it.
In this case, it was Venom he felt deserved it when he finds Venom in a crime scene and attempts to take him down even though Venom was technically innocent.
It’s a surprise these two don’t get along considering they both operate from the grey area of justice.