 The 2012 six-part story "Circle of Four" saw Thompson end his long-term relationship with Betty Brant for her safety; Venom joined the Red Hulk, Ghost Rider and X-23 to defeat Blackheart and the forces of hell (which are encroaching on earth).His performance results in Captain America recruiting him for the Secret Avengers in "Secret Avengers" #23 (April 2012) (also written by Remender).In "Venom" #15 (June 2012), Thompson had bonded with the symbiote to the point of lying for greater access to it.