DC Comics’ Harley Quinn and Marvel’s Venom couldn’t be more different, with their incredible popularity with fans and their villain-turned-hero character arcs being two of the few things they have in common. Never officially crossing paths on the page, a twisted new cosplay has righted that wrong, with Harley Quinn getting a unique Venomized redesign that brings out her more terrifying nature as an unhinged member of Batman’s — and now Spider-Man’s — long list of supervillains.
A cosplay shared on Instagram by the Harley x Venom cosplayer, Harley Hernandez (@asylumharley), as well as the photographer of these pictures, Mark (@nycosplayer), these two creative talents have produced something truly special with this collaboration doing both comic characters justice.
Previously cosplaying as Margot Robbie’s live-action iteration of Harley Quinn, Harley Hernandez has also dressed as the villain Stain from My Hero Academia, Wednesday from Addams Family fame, and even a deep cut of Alice from the cult classic Alice: Madness Returns video game, giving each new design the attention it deserves to impress on all levels.
Harley Quinn Gets Venomized in Incredible New DC X Marvel Cosplay Images
Cosplay Design by Harley Hernandez (@asylumharley) with Photography by Mark (@nycosplayer)
Currently doing her best to walk the line between outright hero and low-key weekend criminal, Harley Quinn has never lost her edge as a slightly unbalanced person who would just as likely hug you as bash your head in with a baseball bat. Similarly, Venom has a mean streak that their various hosts must constantly keep in check, something other symbiote-possessed individuals can’t always say the same about. Now thanks to Harley Hernandez, the most evil aspects of Harley Quinn and Venom have finally prevailed, resulting in a terrifying hybrid character that fans need to see.
Grinning wide with a half-Venomized face, slicked back hair, and clown face paint that’s as disturbing as it is on-brand for Harley Quinn, Harley Hernandez is shown splayed out on the ground leaning on a large scythe-like weapon that replaces Harley’s usual bat/mallet, with her combat boots, ripped punk-esque clothing, and Batman Who Laughs belt accessory nailing a unique look that combines elements from multiple versions of Harley. Looking even more deranged in the next post, Harley Hernandez’ symbiote arm accessory completes this design, proving Venomized Harley Quinn deserves a real spot in official Marvel/DC canon.
Harley Quinn Is More Dangerous Than Ever as Venom’s Newest Host
Unless Marvel and DC find a way to come together to revive the long-dormant Amalgam Universe — a place where crossover characters, like a Batman x Wolverine mash-up called Dark Claw and a Spider-Man x Superboy hero known as Spider-Boy, live and thrive — the cosplay community will remain the exclusive place to see unique redesigns like this disturbing yet badass Harley Quinn x Venom fusion. There are endless iterations of Harley Quinn and multiple different symbiotes, Venom or otherwise, for Harley Hernandez (@asylumharley) to explore next, so here’s hoping fans get another new take on these iconic characters sometime soon!
Harley Quinn
- First Appearance
- Batman: The Animated Series
- Alias
- Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel
- Alliance
- Suicide Squad, Gotham City Sirens, Quinntets, Gang of Harleys, Secret Six, Justice League of Anarchy, Batman family
Venom
Venom is a symbiotic alien entity bonded with various human hosts, notably Eddie Brock and later Flash Thompson. It grants superhuman strength, agility, and a shape-shifting black costume. Initially a Spider-Man villain due to its origins, Venom evolved into an antihero, battling both villains and his own dark impulses. The character embodies themes of duality and redemption within the Marvel Universe.
- First Appearance
- The Amazing Spider-Man
- Alias
- Eddie Brock
- RELATIONSHIPS
- Eddie Brock (primary host and ally), Peter Parker/Spider-Man (initial enemy, later uneasy ally), Anne Weying (former wife of Eddie Brock and occasional host), Cletus Kasady/Carnage (offspring of the Venom symbiote and a deadly enemy)
- Alliance
- Vigilante
- Race
- Klyntar (Symbiote species)
- Video Games
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2 , Spider-Man: The Video Game , Ultimate Spider-Man , Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
- POWERS
- Superhuman strength, speed, agility, and endurance, Ability to cling to surfaces, Shape-shifting abilities (forming weapons, shields), Regeneration and healing factor, Immunity to Spider-Man’s spider-sense, Enhanced senses, Able to produce webbing, Bonding with a host to share or amplify powers, Immunity to all Earthly diseases
- HISTORY
- The Venom symbiote is an alien organism that first bonded with Peter Parker (Spider-Man) during the “Secret Wars” storyline. After Parker rejected the symbiote, it found a new host in Eddie Brock, a disgraced journalist. The symbiote and Brock bonded over their mutual hatred for Spider-Man, becoming the anti-hero known as Venom. Over time, Venom has evolved from a villain to an anti-hero, often fighting alongside other heroes to protect innocents, though his methods remain brutal.
- NAME
- Venom (Symbiote), Eddie Brock (most prominent host)
- Age
- Ancient
- Height
- Around 6’3″ (190 cm) when bonded with Eddie Brock
- Comic Books
- Venom #1 , Marvel’s Venom: Lethal Protector #1 , Venom: Lethal Protector II #1 , Venom: Space Knight #13 , Venomized #1 , King in Black #1
Summary
When a sentient alien symbiote merges with Eddie Brock, the result is the supervillain Venom, a classic and fan-favorite addition to Spider-Man’s rogues gallery. Though Brock is not the only human that the Venom symbiote has bonded with, he is the most well-known and popular, in part due to his appearances in the Spider-Man as well as standalone films. Since his introduction, Venom has gone from villain to antihero, facing down the serial killer Cletus Kasady and his symbiote, Carnage.
