Carnage Proves Symbiotes Are More Powerful Without A Human Host

 Without his human host, Carnage is almost ready to ascend to godhood, proving that symbiotes don't necessarily need a human host. Since his first appearance 30 years ago, Carnage has been linked to the human Cletus Kasady, but they recently parted ways - and without his host, Carnage is more dangerous than ever, capable of challenging and even defeating the Asgardian gods. In Carnage #6, on sale now, the terrifying villain is closer than ever to godhood—a move that will spell certain doom for the Marvel Universe.

Carnage is a descendant of Venom; while in prison, Eddie Brock was an inmate with Kasady, a notorious serial killer. During his imprisonment, part of the Venom symbiote infected Kasady, creating a new violent symbiote named Carnage. He would embark on a reign of terror the likes of which the Marvel Universe had never seen, using his symbiote-based powers to kill without mercy. Recently Kasady rejected the symbiote and Carnage struck out on his own. Taking his powers from the other heroes, Carnage set his sights on the big prize: the dark elf Malekith. Traveling to Svartalfheim, Malekith's domain, Carnage immediately possessed one of the elven sacred dogs, giving him the power he needed to attack Malekith and the other gods of Asgard. Hela watches the chaos from afar and makes an interesting observation about Carnage.

Symbiote Carnage is now partnered (but not related) with serial killer Kenneth Neely. The two fight their way through Svartalfheim, killing anyone and anything in their path, including a giant Rosvelgo-like bird that Carnage murders in a gruesome fashion. Unbeknownst to Carnage and Neely, they are being watched by Hela, the goddess of the underworld. One of Hela's henchmen watches the scene, and when Hela learns what he saw, she is surprised. Hela tells how the gods love, fight, and hate—but their conflicts are ultimately petty. Carnage, on the other hand, is not a god, and Hela notes that he is moving "toward a higher, more existential purpose." Hela sees an opportunity in Carnage, an opportunity to finally defeat the gods of Asgard. The issue was written by Ram V, drawn by Rogê Antonio, colored by Erick Arciniega, and written by Joe Sabino.

Carnage Is on a Quest for Godhood

The issue ends with Malekith’s strength returning, promising an epic showdown with Carnage, but Hela’s observation - that Carnage could be on his way to godhood - shows he no longer needs Cletus Kasady. The Carnage symbiote is pure evil, even without Kasady, and the ruthless method he used to dispatch Rosvelg - essentially overfeeding it on sin until it burst - is terrifying. Roswell, while not immortal, is quite powerful, existing on a plane of existence reserved for gods, and Carnage defeated it like it was nothing. As the symbiote’s power continues to grow, it will be able to not only challenge Malekith, but Odin, Thor, and the rest of Asgard as well - and maybe even win. Watching the battle unfold, Hela believes she can use Carnage for her own schemes, but she may be biting off more than she can chew.

Carnage's latest feats are incredibly impressive, but more importantly, they're far in excess of what any symbiote has proved capable of with a human host. While Kasady's evil has no doubt infected the symbiote aspect of Carnage, it's only without him that godhood beckons, suggesting a new era of symbiote supremacy is coming - one that makes their dependency on humans, and the limits that came with it, a thing of the past.

Carnage #6 is available now from Marvel Comics.