Venom #261 (Marvel Comics)
Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 261st issue of Venom from Marvel Comics!
The Queen In Black story is in full swing! And in the middle of a battle, sometimes the best strategy is to look towards the past for answers. So just what does Reed Richards have to do with this? Let’s jump into it!
Credit: Marvel Comics // Venom #261 by Al Ewing (Writer), Carlos Gomez (Artist), Frank D’Armata (Color Artist), VC’s Clayton Cowles (Letterer), Carlos Gomez & Frank D’Armata (Cover Artist)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The Story
Al Ewing really surprised me with this issue and the direction he decided to take it in. I don’t mean that as a bad thing or a criticism, but rather I was simply surprised. You’d figure with an event like Queen In Black going on that it would forward and progressing the story but seeing a story that really focused on Venom’s past was not what I would expect.
To be clear, the issue does still deal with events going on in the present time, however they’re taking a pause in the action in an attempt to use some science to figure out how to stop the ongoing symbiote threat. Obviously if you need some science that needs figuring out, one of the first people you’re going to turn to is none other than Reed Richards.
It’s a really compelling story that blends together the present and past in a really compelling way. I don’t want to spoil that much of it, but just know it’s a really compelling direction to take the story. Of course it all does lead to some interesting places by the end of the issue and it does throw a giant wrench into things that could prove disastrous for the heroes, but as always…time will tell.
The Artwork
Carlos Gomez & Frank D’Armata are back on the artwork for this issue and it’s as good as you should expect. It continues to be one of the sharpest drawn comics on the stands each week. I really liked the use of color for this issue that really helped it stand out from the last few issues. The change in color tone really worked well for the issue and really helped change the overall feeling of the issue.
Overall Grade: 8/10
Al Ewing tells one of the more compelling stories in this runs history. A real page turner that will leave you wanting more, together wtih artwork that is just fantastic make this an issue you don’t want to pass up on.
