Hulk's Best Friend Showcases His Major New Superpowers: "I'm the Sleeper Agent"

For years, Hulk’s most loyal sidekick has been a pivotal, yet often overlooked figure in the Marvel Universe—but that’s about to change. In the latest issue of All-New Venom, Rick Jones reveals a shocking new role for himself in the Marvel Universe. This marks a major evolution in his character, and what this mean for Rick's future has become the center of fan speculation surrounding the new release.

In All-New Venom #4 – written by Al Ewing, with art by Carlos Gómez – Rick Jones proves he’s not just any average hero. After some mystery surrounding the identity of the new Venom host, it is revealed that Rick has bonded with Sleeper, creating a new hero known as the Sleeper Agent.

Rick and Sleeper are a unique combination. Sleeper’s abilities focus more on manipulation, with powers like chemokinesis, allowing Rick to generate various chemicals. These include tranquilizers, emotional manipulation agents, and corrosive substances, which add a new layer of strategy to Rick’s arsenal.

Rick Jones Is Officially "The Sleeper Agent," Marvel's Latest Symbiote Hero

All-New Venom #4 – Written By Al Ewing; Art By Carlos Gómez; Available Now From Marvel Comics

The All-New Venom series has kept fans on edge with the mystery surrounding the identity of the new Venom host. While many speculated it could be Rick Jones, the truth is far more surprising; All-New Venom #4 revealed that Rick hadn’t bonded with Venom, but another symbiote named Sleeper, the seventh spawn of the symbiote. The twist in Rick’s bond with Sleeper changes the course of the series in unexpected ways. While fans anticipated that Rick would inherit Venom’s symbiote, this new development steers the Hulk's long-ignored sidekick in a different direction.

Related Marvel's New Venom Just Exposed the Most Tragic Symbiote Power on Record Most symbiote powers are enviable, but a new downside has been revealed that paints Venom and his fellow symbiotes in a much more heartbreaking light.

This shift in Rick’s powers brings a fresh and exciting dynamic to the fusion with Sleeper. Both characters bring unique aspects to their new union, and their talents combined should offer Sleeper Agent plenty of options in a fight. This versatility adds a layer of strategy and nuance to Rick’s symbiotic fusion, offering them far more than brute force, and opening new possibilities for his role in the Venom franchise, and the Marvel Universe in general. While Rick has had superpowers before, this is an entirely new era for the long-time sidekick.

Ricks New Powers As "The Sleeper Agent" Have Fans Excited To See Him In Action More

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The abilities of the Sleeper's fusion set Rick apart as one of the most unique symbiotes yet. Beyond the standard physical enhancements, Sleeper grants Rick the ability to synthesize chemicals—both offensive and defensive in nature. Among the most fascinating is chemokinesis, which can generate various chemicals that can induce emotional changes, tranquilize foes, or even secrete corrosive substances. Additionally, Sleeper’s power to cloak and blend with its surroundings makes Jones nearly invisible in combat. Rick is more dangerous than ever with these new abilities, and his future within the symbiote world looks incredibly promising.

All-New Venom #4 is available now.