Warning: Contains Potential Spoilers forSpider-Verse vs. Venomverse #2!
Marvel has officially introduced aVenomized Queen of Wakanda, as a staple of theBlack Pantherfranchise just took the lead in the Hive Mind’s war against the heroes of the Spider-Verse. As the Venomverse collects its champions to fight for the survival of all symbiotes, Eddie Brock has just been demoted, and his replacement is a major shock.
Marvel’s preview forSpider-Verse vs. Venomverse#2, written by Ryan Higgins and Matt Groom, with art by Luciano Vecchio, features theSpider-heroes and symbiotes regroup after their initial battle, and the Venomverse’s champions aren’t happy with the version of Eddie Brock they’ve been saddled with. Instead, a far more formidable hero steps up to usurp his leadership role.
Earth-1978’s Queen Okoye, a symbiote-powered Black Panther called Wrath, decides that she will be the Venomverse’s new leader; with an incredible design and interesting backstory, Okoye proves that she’s a worthy queen of both the nation of Wakanda and the multiverse’s symbiotes.
Black Panther’s Queen Okoye Becomes Marvel’s Leading Symbiote Hero
Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse#2; Written By Ryan Higgins And Matt Groom; Art By Luciano Vecchio; Color By Rachelle Rosenberg; Lettering By VC’s Travis Lanham
Wrath is set to prove her dominance asthe best version of Venom yet, and though she doesn’t have much established lore just yet in Marvel Comics,Okoye is a fierce and powerful warrior who just might officially be the Venomverse’s best symbiote-bonded hero. Wrath had only really appeared in one previous issue ofVenomverse Reborn, but the unexpected twist on the quintessential Dora Milaje leader and somewhat underrated MCU icon made headlines for the stunning redesign and upgrade it gave a fan-favorite character. Not only is she her universe’s symbiote hero, she’s also Queen of Wakanda and Black Panther.
Created by Justina Ireland and Ken Lashley for theQueens of Wakandastory inVenomverse Reborn #4, this alternate universe’sOkoye bonded with Wakanda’s symbiote, chosen for the role because she fought for the nation as their greatest Dora Milaje warrior. In her universe, Vibranium and the symbiote found their way to Wakanda together, fusing the alien species' history with Black Panther lore. Wrath isn’t only an immensely powerful symbiote hero, she’s also one of the multiverse’s strongest versions of Black Panther, and her status as a great warrior and queen certainly makes her fit to be the Venomverse’s leader.
As “Wrath,” Okoye Just Became Marvel’s Most Thrilling New Symbioteverse Character
How The Character Has Already Made An Impact
The Venomverse has introduced some wild symbiotes and hosts over the years, withsome reaching over-powered or even godly heights, but it does seem likely that Okoye’s Wrath would have the best leadership skills of the bunch. Though her chosen name of Wrath might seem to indicate a violent or villainous streak, the queen’s origin story inVenomverse Reborn#4 proved thatOkoye only wanted the symbiote’s power to defend Wakanda, and that fiercely protective quality is just what the Venomverse needs now. However, in-fighting between the symbiotes inSpider-Verse vs. Venomversealready means they’re off to a rocky start.
The series that’spitting the Multiverse’s Spider-heroes against symbiotesstated that champions from the Spider-Verse and the Venomverse must engage in battle to save the rest of their kind, but characters like Peter Parker’s Spider-Man and Eddie Brock’s Venom are trying to find a way out of the situation without killing anybody. However, with Eddie Brock not taking direct enough action for this reason, Spider-Verse’s Weapon VIII killed the Viking Venom inSpider-Verse vs. Venomverse#1. Living up to her name of Wrath, Okoye seems to be taking vengeful action on behalf of the Venomverse in the series’ next issue.
Okoye’s Powerful Venom Transformation Proves She’s A Top-Tier Marvel Hero
Wrath Is Marvel’s Most Exciting New Take On Venom
Okoye debuted in 1998, but has become more prominent since her MCU debut in 2018’sBlack Panther, following an incredible performance from Danai Gurira. Versions of the Dora Milaje warrior from around the Multiverse have also become Queen of Wakanda after marrying T’Challa, proven to be afierce Yautja hunter in aPredatorfranchise crossover, and more.As Okoye’s version of a symbiote-powered Black Panther takes charge, her A-list status should be solidified in the Venomverseand Marvel Comics overall. It will be exciting to see how Okoye’s story as Wrath might be able to evolve beyond this Spider-Verse crossover adventure.
As Venom becomes irrevocably fused with the Black Panther franchise and its lore, Okoye’s Wrath is stepping up as the ultimate symbiote warrior in Marvel Comics.
Though the battle between the Web-Heart and the Hive Mind seems like it has to end in a draw, for the sake of the story and its characters in their franchises beyond the series, Wrath taking a leadership position here should have consequences for the Marvel Universe. This version of the Venom story is clearly one of the best ones that the Venomverse has to offer, and Marvel should make the most of it. AsVenombecomes irrevocably fused with theBlack Pantherfranchise and its lore, Okoye’s Wrath is stepping up as the ultimate symbiote warrior in Marvel Comics.
Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse#2will be available July 24, 2025, from Marvel Comics!
