I’ve never been the biggest Venom fan. The character works as a Spider-Man villain, but — and mind you, I have decades of comics proving me wrong here — never really worked for me as anti-hero, or main character. Perhaps it’s the goop, or the increasing complexity of the Venomverse. Or maybe Eddie Brock just wasn’t that interesting as a beefed out former reporter. So color me surprised when I say that Marvel’s All-New Venom #1 is an absolute delight.
Written by Al Ewing with art by Carlos Gómez, the issue picks up after the events of Venom War, which pretty much wiped the symbiote slate clean. The issue also pivots off the Gang War event, and even takes time to riff off the fact that New York City faces a world-ending disaster every three to four months. But thanks to Ewing’s fun, light touch here, he’s able to mercilessly make fun of deep continuity, while playing into it.
And that’s on display with the four “suspects” who might be the new Venom. They are: Madame Masque, Robbie Robertson, Luke Cage, or Rick Jones. While some might seem more likely to don a Venom suit than others, the issue playfully throws them all in the air as potential suit-wearers, without tipping its hand in any particular direction. Luke Cage seems like he doesn’t need a Venom suit, but the colors of the uniform — blue and gold — are reminiscent of the ones he wears as Power Man. Robbie Robertson seems least likely, as an old newsman… But perhaps that makes him the likeliest suspect. Madame Masque doesn’t make sense as an anti-hero, but the conflict in the first issue finds a new AIM leader attacking her in the courtroom, and when Venom shows up to fight back it seems very personal. And Rick Jones, who prances in wearing a Marvel Comics shirt and breaking down his weird, wild history, has already been a Hulk, Captain Marvel, Bucky, and so many more… Why not Venom, too?
Add into the mix that Dylan Brock, Eddie’s son is also hot on his tail and making merciless fun of everyone’s favorite online punching bag, Mary Jane’s significant other Paul, and you’ve got a lot of characters to juggle. But the mystery is intriguing. The cast is set. And even Venom seems like he’s back to “his” Lethal Protector days, instead of the cosmic muck the character has been stuck in for years.
Artist Gómez draws all of this with aplomb, though it seems like he’s having the most fun with this new, smiling Venom, and with Rick Jones. And that gets to the heart of why this works. It’s… Fun? It’s enjoyable to read and doesn’t feel like I need to remember who thirty different colored symbiotes are just to get to the emotional meat of the book? And Ewing, as a smart writer, knows that the main characters should be aware there’s a mystery man/woman in the costume, as well. While it’s unclear how they can sustain this past a first arc, it should be a delight to read as the identity of the Venom host unfolds. And once they are revealed, it definitively changes a character we already know and love, at least for the foreseeable future.
Overall, this is the most fun I’ve had reading a Venom comic in ages, and is a perfect jumping on point for new readers. You don’t need to know any lore, or even like Venom. You just need an appreciation for the Marvel universe, and fun mysteries. Which, if you’re reading this review? You’re probably already there.
All-New Venom #1 Rating:
All-New Venom #1 Official Synopsis:
WHO IS THE ALL-NEW VENOM? The smiling, swashbuckling spider-hero New York loves to hate to love is back – and more fun-loving than ever! That’s right, it’s… Wait, it’s VENOM?! An all-new host is taking the symbiote in a whole new direction – but who? It could be the Journalist…the Terrorist…the Sidekick… or even the Mayor… We’re giving you all the clues, good believers – but you won’t know until the mask comes off! Writer Al Ewing (VENOM, IMMORTAL THOR) takes Venom in a completely new direction with artist Carlos Gómez (FANTASTIC FOUR, THE AMAZING MARY JANE) bringing the story to gorgeous life!
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