Venom #257 (Marvel Comics)
Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 257th issue of Venom from Marvel Comics!
This is the 8th part out of 9 in the Death Spiral storyline involving Spider-Man, Venom & Carnage! They’ve become the target of the new villain Torment! It has been a tumultuous ride to say the least for everyone, and it hasn’t slowed down! Now Torment has none other than Anna Watson AND May Parker in their crosshair. Will they be saved? Or is it too late? Let’s jump into it!
Credit: Marvel Comics // Venom #257 by Charles Soule (Writer), Javier Pina (Artist), Matt Hollingsworth (Color Artist), VC’s Clayton Cowles (Letterer), Giuseppe Camuncoli & Frank Martin (Cover Artist)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The Story
To say this issue was highly anticipated after the events in last weeks issue of Amazing Spider-Man #26 feels like a bit of an understatement. Just to review quickly Torment is hunting down members of Peter, Mary Jane & Eddie Brock’s family and killing them. Torment has bonded with Carnage in a horrifying partnership that’s the stuff of nightmares. Oh and did I mention Flash Thompson might be the only one they can depend on to save the day.
Charles Soule took the story in a direction I never expected and it worked brilliantly! The issue kicks off right where things left off, and it kicks into high gear right from the start. The writing and the way Torment is being presented really make him an interesting villain and one I would like to see in future stories down the road when it makes sense.
I’m also extremely surprised we've not reached some sort of sense that the finale is almost here. This is part 8 of 9 after all, and you would expect some sort of revelation to be made about Torment’s past, who they are or perhaps something that could lead to their defeat but that isn’t the case here. Torment has largely been in control of the entire situation here with just one exception. It’s been some brilliant writing that makes this storyline one of the most exciting one’s I’ve read in some time.
It’s an action packed issue that primarily focuses on Torment & Carnage’s attack on F.E.A.S.T all the meanwhile Peter & Mary Jane are not there. It was really interesting to see this develop because it really felt like this issue was going to be an Empire Strikes Back ending kind of moment but that didn’t happen…yet. I really like how the creative team has been keeping the reader guessing what’s going to happen next, as it really builds the anticipation for the next part of the story so effectively.
There’s also the matter regarding the ending, because oh boy this can’t be good. I won’t spoil what it is, but it probably isn’t a good thing for anyone once you read how this plays out. It’s sure to make for an explosive 9th & final part in this storyline. Where it’ll lead to after this is anyone’s guess, but it’s sure to be game changing. Also my theory from ASM #26 is still on the table, I just want to point that out.
The Artwork
Javier Pina & Matt Hollingsworth are in charge of the artwork for the issue and it’s just simply spectacular. The artwork was so explosive and really jumped off the page with each panel. I really liked how there was a creepiness and a sense of dread hanging over the storyline that the artwork was so helpful in conveying. After all. two of the most important family members in the Marvel universe were at risk and you definitely got that sense with the artwork.
FINAL POINT: Charles Soule brings another masterpiece with a story that sets up for what’s sure to be an explosive finale to the Death Spiral storyline. This issue should be at the top of your reading list this week, because you are not going to want to miss the finale of the storyline when it drops NEXT WEEK!
Overall Grade: 9/10
