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Originally based on Hourman's Miraclo formula, the drug known as " Venom " was an extremely potent steroidal compound that usually was injected into the base of the neck and would instantly transform someone into a hulking mass of unbridled physical strength for 12 hours. However, a constant

Venom is a highly addictive super-steroid.

History

Originally based on Hourman's Miraclo formula, the drug known as " Venom " was an extremely potent steroidal compound that usually was injected into the base of the neck and would instantly transform someone into a hulking mass of unbridled physical strength for 12 hours. However, a constant infusion is needed to sustain the effect after the 12-hour time limit. Bane's apparatus even included a special "boost" button to give him a jolt of Venom when needed.

However, as the drug wore off or when the user was cut off from its constant supply, their body would rapidly return to its original state or sometimes even weaker, at which point the user would suffer from massive, debilitating withdrawal, usually accompanied by terrifying hallucinations.

Batman became addicted to the drug while searching for a way to cope with his physical limitations and imperfections, forcing him to eventually lock himself in the Batcave to "detox" himself when he realized how dependent on it he had become.

Bane's Variation

Some time later, a new strain of Venom was developed in Santa Prisca. The scientist who developed this new version experimented among the prisoners of Peña Duro, without success until Bane was the first prisoner to endure the procedure. This Venom enhanced the strength, stamina, speed and other abilities of the subject, transforming him into an almost super-human being.[1] Bane used Venom to escape Peña Duro and traveled to Gotham City, with ambitions of defeating Batman.[2]

Once in Gotham, Bane tested his Venom-enhanced strength against Killer Croc, and won handily.[3] Shortly after, Bane used a diluted strain of Venom to temporarily strengthen the Riddler as a preemptive challenge for Batman; by then already severely fatigued, Batman was unable to outfight the Riddler, who only fell when Trogg, Zombie, and Bird shot him from behind, so Bane could reserve Batman's defeat for himself.[4]

These hopes were quickly realized, as the Venom allowed Bane to crush Batman in one-on-one combat, even breaking Batman's back over his knee.[5] Bane's victory would be short-lived, however, as a new Batman soon emerged with better equipment and a much more savage fighting style. In response, Bane dosed himself with more Venom than ever before, only for the new Batman to destroy the Venom's delivery hose; deprived of his main weapon, Bane quickly fell.[6]

Later Variations

Following Bane's defeat, various strains of Venom continued to circulate throughout the criminal underworld. One strain, developed by the same scientist who had originally experimented on Bane, became popular among professional athletes.[7]

Later on, Bane created a new version of the drug that he used on his former henchman Bird as well as Azrael and his companion Nomoz. Bane's goal was to sell his Venom variation to the military forces of Santa Prisca so that they could create super soldiers. However, Bane's plan was foiled by Azrael, who not only resisted the effects of Venom, but defeated Bane in hand to hand combat without assistance from the drug.[8]

Some years later, Scarecrow developed a version of Venom derived from Bane's version, and used it to transform a boy named Colin Wilkes into a giant brute to fight Batman.[9]

Notes



Trivia


See Also

Links and References

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