Is DC’s Version of Venom Here to Stay? It Really, Really Should

April 7, 2025

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WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN #1!DC has officially jumped aboard Marvel’s Venom Hype Train, introducing its own take on the fan-favorite symbiote, but with a Green Lantern twist. This Venom-inspired development unfolds in DC’s Absolute Universe, where a newly debuted parasitic creature bonds with Hal Jordan as its host. But is this Venom-esque evolution here to stay?

Al Ewing, Jahnoy Lindsay, and Lucas Gattoni’s Absolute Green Lantern #1 has officially arrived, continuing DC’s Absolute line with a bold and wild take on fan-favorite characters. The issue opens by introducing Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and Sojourner Mullein, none of whom have yet claimed a Green Lantern Power Ring.

However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when their meal is interrupted by the arrival of a massive Green Lantern, crashing down and partially destroying their town. The details surrounding this event remain largely a mystery, as a significant time skip later reveals Hal as the host of what appears to be a parasitic alien, eerily similar to Marvel’s symbiotes.

It’s Completely Possible Ewing Is Gearing Up to Kill Hal Jordan Off

Comic Page Comes From Al Ewing’s Absolute Green Lantern #1 (2025), Art by Jahnoy Lindsay

Hal’s bond with the entity becomes undeniable when he finally reveals his hand, previously hidden in his pocket, now ink-black, much like Venom. The comparison gains even more weight when the void-like creature lashes out, killing anyone who threatens Hal while also displaying remarkable healing abilities to keep him alive. This marks a drastic shift in Hal’s origin, as DC appears to be foregoing his traditional Green Lantern mantle in favor of making him the host of a parasitic alien. But the lingering question remains: will this transformation last, and if so, what will it evolve into?

The issue ends with Sojourner Mullein, now a Green Lantern, approaching the infected Hal Jordan, setting the stage for an inevitable confrontation. Given that Hal has no control over the entity inside him, this encounter could prove fatal, potentially leading to Hal’s death. Some might argue that DC wouldn’t kill off such a major character so quickly. However, with Mullein already confirmed as the series’ main character, Hal’s place in the Absolute Universe is far from secure. Moreover, DC has already demonstrated its willingness to eliminate major names, as seen in Absolute Flash with the death of Barry Allen.

Even If Hal Jordan Dies, DC’s Version of Venom Could Live On

Cover B Juliet Nneka Variant by Absolute Green Lantern #2 (2025)

Absolute Green Lantern Cover Hal with Black Hand DC

Hal’s longevity in the Absolute Universe is uncertain, but his survival doesn’t necessarily determine the fate of the alien entity infecting him. Even if he were to die, the symbiote-like creature could simply seek out a new host. However, the entity seems personally invested in keeping Hal alive, as seen when he is shot and instantly healed, leading him to remark, “You’re not going to let me die, are you?” If his assumption is correct, then Absolute Green Lantern’s Venom-like entity, and its current host, may be sticking around for the foreseeable future, something sure to excite many.