A brand-new Venom image has been released, giving fans a clearer look at the symbiotic antihero. The film stars Tom Hardy as reporter Eddie Brock, who finds himself infected with an alien parasite while investigating the sinister Life Foundation. Riz Ahmed co-stars as Carlton Drake, the head of the organization and the villain Brock and his symbiote will have to join forces to stop.

Directed by Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland), the film is set to be the first of Sony's planned Spider-Villain Universe, which is set to include Morbius, Kraven the Hunter, and 900 other potentials. Venom will reportedly shepherd the way similar to how Tom Holland's Spider-Man will in Phase 4 of the MCU. With Sony operating differently from Marvel Studios, though, it remains to be seen whether they and their mutual nemesis will ever cross paths. Either way, the studio has high hopes for the character. The fans have been waiting for an accurate representation of the character since even before Topher Grace was miscast in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 3.

Related: Todd McFarlane Reflects on How (& Why) He Created Venom

Courtesy of EW, fans can now get their most detailed look yet. The scene is one people will have already seen, wherein Venom presumably foils an armed robbery in a convenience store. Rather than the dual close-ups of the threatening antihero and the criminal's predictably horrified reaction, the photo offers a full body shot. Even more than that, it's in a clearer light than the nighttime glimpses seen previously in the trailer. Traditionally, nothing would compare to seeing the character in full head-biting action, but the image is a striking and effective one. Check it out below:

The VFX team has seemingly pulled out all the stops, crafting a CGI character that seems to blend seamlessly with the real-world environment. Co-creator Todd McFarlane may have some proposed edits, but the image is sure to please fans. Everything is arguably perfect, even before mentioning the white veins which flash like lightning strikes across the suitably slimy, crude-oil black. The character feels alive and otherworldly, with a fluidity to its flesh even when rendered still. All of which is made conceivably better by the lack of cheesy, nonsensical dialogue that permeated the trailer, though that remains up for debate.

Hardy also offered some thoughts on the film: “They’re a bit lost in this world, and finding each other and negotiating an ethical framework is perhaps a gift and a burden for the two of them,” he said. “They bring out the very best and the very worst in each other.” It's the photo, however, that will no doubt leave the biggest impression. Of course, the film itself will be the true test of how good the effects are and how well the character is represented, be it PG-13 or R-Rated. Though it will lack the trademark white spider on the chest, the character, so far, seems every bit the one fans have come to adore over the decades.

MORE: Sony Aiming To Recruit Female Directors For Multiple Marvel Projects

Source: EW

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