Venom: Let There Be Carnage

In the bonus scene at the end of the first Venom movie, fans were teased with the special appearance of Cletus Kasady; a deranged serial killer who would one day fuse with the spawn of the symbiote dwelling in Eddie Brock. The fusion would result in the deadly Carnage, whose red body is 10 times more powerful than that of the black alien being, Venom.

In this sequel from 2021, Venom and Eddie Brock are on the outs. Eddie is tired of being bonded to an alien creature that craves human brains. It hasn't been all bad, as Venom has helped Eddie regain some of the prestige he lost when his life spiraled out of control resulting in losing his investigative reporting job and girlfriend at the same time. Venom is growing bored with a diet of chocolate and raw chicken. But above all else, Venom wants to be appreciated for the ways he's changed Eddie's life for the better, despite a very schizophrenic living arrangement that puts Brock just a bit on edge. It all comes to a head when Venom takes off in search of a new host.

Eddie thinks that his life is finally getting back to normal. Maybe he'll even reconcile with his ex, Anne. However, it seems that Eddie and Venom are destined for each other once again when Kasady escapes from death row, bonded to Venom's DNA as the rampaging Carnage, and threatening to kill Anne unless Venom and Eddie sacrifice themselves to him!

Cletus Kasady/Carnage were the big draws for fans to hit the theaters. I admit, I was thrilled about the prospect when Woody Harrelson popped up on screen in the first film. But really what made this such an entertaining movie was the dialogue between Eddie Brock and Venom. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I learned that Venom was voiced not by Jai Michael White or Khary Payton but Eddie Brock himself, Tom Hardy! When a single actor plays 2 roles on screen at the same time, there's always a time lag that ruins the illusion. Yet, here, they've managed to make it work so seamlessly. And the two characters are written so well. I'd subscribe to a podcast of just Brock and Venom going back and forth at it. They're so hysterical together.

Another plus for the sequel is the director. CGI and blue screen icon Andy Serkis. I for one applaud his efforts. Finally, they're was a comic book movie that didn't use slo-mo during the action scenes. Plus, Serkis really seemed to understand the whole dual nature of both Venom and Carnage with their subsequent hosts. Which makes sense considering the troubled nature of Serkis' most iconic starring roll: Gollum/Smeagol!

Take out the credits, and Venom: Let There Be Carnage is 90 minutes of fun. It's also got a heavy true crime vibe to it as Brock tries to uncover where Cletus Kasady hid the bodies of all his victims during his murder spree. Really, it we could have just had Eddie and Venom kicking the crap out of each other and the crime angle, I would have been just fine with it as the movie. Harrelson's character actually was lessened when he fuses into Carnage. 

That's right: I could have done without the Carnage. I'd be a bigger fan of this movie without Kasady becoming Carnage. Though I doubt very many audiences would have shown up for Venom: Let There Be Cletus. 

There remains 1 more Venom film. I honestly can't believe that Let There Be Carnage came out in 2021. I could have sworn this film was from 2023. I didn't go to a lot of comic book films during the height of COVID and in a way I'm glad. So many haven't been all that great. With ticket prices being so freaking expensive, I'd rather wait a while and see it later on for free. I think I would have hated this movie if I paid $12 to see it in the theater. Besides, I obviously didn't wait that long to see it, since I thought it only came out about 18 months ago.

Worth Consuming!

Rating 8 out of 10 stars.

What If? Dark Avengers

I really think What If?, the alternate reality series from Marvel Comics, works better the more you're familiar with the subject content. There are 6 issues reprinted in this collection. Of those 6, the stories I liked the most was a switcheroo in which Tony Stark becomes the roommate of the dreaded Victor Von Doom instead of Reed Richards and a bloody romp in which Deadpool becomes the host of the symbiote Venom. Stories involving Spider-Man succumbing to some weird spider curse and Norman Osborn's reign of terror that comes about with the leader of SWORD conquering Asgard were my least favorite stories because I haven't read Grim Hunt or Reign. (Okay- who am I kidding, the Spider-Man: Grim Hunt one-shot was hot garbage.)

The remaining 2 stories were fair reads. Mostly because I am quite familiar with the characters and have a passing knowledge of the original stories. Wolverine: Father explores what would happen if Logan raised his illegitimate son Daken. This wasn't a story based on an established story. Instead, this truly was a What If? story that explores the conflict of nature vs. nurture. Tale #6 has Hawkeye succeeding in killing Norman Osborn preventing the madman from taking over the super-spy agency SHIELD and preventing the Dark Reign of super heroes from happening. This story was a thrilling manhunt as the superheroing world has to undo the damage Clint Barton caused and that means having to take down one of their own!

I want to own all of the What If? stories. But cost is something that is keeping me from owning some of those stories as individual first run issues. Thank goodness for collections such as these. That Deadpool/Venom issue is not cheap. I think the most affordable copies I have seen are being listed for $200 each. I got this traced paperback used for less than $10. I'll take affordability over authenticity any day!

This volume reprints what is considered the 200th overall What If issue printed over the Marvel properties vast print runs since it first debuted in 1977. That anniversary issue has a bunch of cool extras like a story that ponders what if the Watcher killed Galactus?, a reprint of a Daredevil story from the first series and overview of all 200 issues published from 1977-2011 (when this collection was first print). That database was actually a big help with some missing gaps in my collection.

I would assume that the quality of 5 of the 6 stories was really good. I just wasn't familiar with everything in order to get the most enjoyment of this read. That's okay. I saved a ton of cash on that Deadpool story. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #122

By far one of the most uninteresting issues of the whole series.

The Wolverine and Venom story ends not with a bang but a whimper. 

There's a new Speedball story. But without the legendary Steve Ditko behind this, it lacks that umph. 

The Marvel UK super team Knights of Pendragon make their American debut. This is one British Invasion that should have been repelled. 

The only thing that is decent about this issue is the finale of the Ghost Rider/Cloak & Dagger story. Dagger has been groomed to become the bride of an evil dragon character. The countdown to rescuing Dagger reminded me of those classic endings to The Princess Bride or Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. And the ending. So tragic and unforgettable. 

1 out of 4 stories was worth reading. Very disappointing.

Not Worth Consuming!

Rating: 2 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #121

It's the penultimate chapter of the Wolverine/Venom story. It's been 5 chapters so far and really not much has happened except for a lot of mutant and symbiote backbiting. 

Yet, we get this 8-pager starring a minor Atlantean character called Andromeda and more happens in that story that 40 pages of Wolverine and Venom plus another 24 pages of a really weird adventure seeing Ghost Rider assisting Cloak & Dagger!

In the Andromeda story, the warlord Attuma has once again captured Atlantis and is about to lead an assault on the surface world. With Namor nowhere in sight, Andromeda and a bunch of bourgeois Atlanteans get together and overthrow one of Attuma's warlords by unleashing the Kraken! Literally!

In the other 8-pager, the Native American member of the New Mutants Moonstar. Recently, Moonstar discovered that she's got some Asgardian gifts and abilities after a recent adventure in Valhalla. Wanting to make sure Moonstar doesn't forget her heritage, a pair of Native American deities seek to test the young mutant by guilting her into forsaking the world of the white man.

Why is it that the one shot stories seem to get more done than the supposedly way better flip-cover stories starring Wolverine and Ghost Rider? I'm glad I didn't pay full price for these books back in the 90s. I think I would have been so peeved by the crappiness of the main lead stories that I never would have finished the complete run. Thus, resulting in missing out on a lot of really good short stories starring characters that I never would have known even existed.

Here's to Marvel doing an amazing job on its lesser known properties with a lot of up-and-coming talent. I just wish this extended over to the heavy hitter stuff.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #120

Why, Marvel, Why? 

During the early 90s, why didn't you make a series out of the anti-hero character of Constrictor? 

The 2nd half of the Constrictor story was brilliant. It's got a morally ambivalent character fighting his own personal demons while getting his revenge by taking it out on a completely moral-less character. It's got payback. It's got a heartwarming ending. And it's got Nick Fury of SHIELD!

What If's... Paula Foye wrote a great short story that I was in love with. And Marvel Comics was a fool to let her slip through their fingers. According to my count, Foye worked on no more than 2 dozen books for the House of Ideas. To be fair, I think the entire comics industry was a fool because I can't find evidence that she did anything further. But based on those 16 pages I've read, I became a fan!

As for the other 3 segments in this issue, there are highs and lows. The Wolverine/Venom story adds a mysterious girl to the story. A minor inclusion. But it ups the interest factor as the previous 3 chapters have been duller than butter knives. However, the flip cover was horrible. It's got Venom playing Weekend at Bernies with Wolverine's body against an animal skulled creature with a fat hairy butt!

With the Ghost Rider/Cloak & Dagger story, Cloak and Ghost Rider must join forces to save Dagger who has been kidnapped by a grouchy purple dragon creature. The dialogue seems like something from a soap opera. The plot is all over the place. But the flip cover of the dragon dude taking on the 3 heroes is bad-assed!

As for the Spider-Man one and done story, I literally have zero recollection of this. So obviously, it made zero impact on me unlike that Constrictor story.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #119

Two new multi-parters debut in this issue. First up has Ghost Rider teaming with the duo of Cloak & Dagger. Dagger has been kidnapped by an inter-dimensional being called Grimbat. He's like an uglier, meaner version of Kitty Pryde's dragon Lockheed and he's decided to make Dagger his new bride!

In the second, the villain turned mercenary Constrictor is hired for a job that involves an abusive father and his son. The crime boss pop has kidnapped his kid from the mom who's got legal custody. Only this job is bringing up memories of his abusive childhood and it's severely affecting Constrictor's ability to do the job he was paid for as well as his conscience to do the right thing.

The one and done story has Simon Williams, Wonder Man, taking an acting job with that wicked media mogul, Mojo! Mojo's staff have tricked Wonder Man into an unbreakable contract. But with the help of Simon's agent, Neal Saroyan, who might just have a few tricks of his own to get Wonder Man out from under Mojo's thumb.

As for the Wolverine/Venom story, it's really not going anywhere. 3 parts have progressed now and Nightmare hasn't even officially shown up yet. It's really just a battle between mutant and symbiote. For early 90s comics fans, this was a dream come true. But for me, it's just boring.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #118

Both the Ghost Rider/ Iron Fist and the Bill Foster Giant-Man stories end in this issue. Both were very good stories. I was more of a fan of the Bill Foster tale if only because it was a more energetic and fun story. 

The Wolverine story is a team-up with Venom. In typical Marvel fashion, the two characters think the other is responsible for their current predicament and instead of talking things out, they beat each other's brains in.

The one-and-done story was another Marvel 2099 introduction. This time it's Doom 2099. Could it be that the tyrannic leader of Lavteria has returned after nearly a century of being long thought dead? 

Upon reviewing the last issue, I discussed how despite the character of Ravage being touted as making his Marvel debut in the pages of MCP, the Marvel [Database] wiki claims that Ravage 2099 was that guy's debut comic. Well, Marvel's editing staff claim that Doom 2099 is making his debut in this book and I wanted to know what that other resource thought. They concur that issue #118 is the first appearance. Hmmm... I wonder why the wiki agrees on the first showing of Doom 2099 but not Ravage? I guess it's just one of those eternal questions that wie'll never have an answer to.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #117

I had mentioned somewhat in my review of issue #100 that I didn't think that Nightmare was done with Wolverine. This issue proves me right. Wolverine is being plagued once more by troubling sleep and is seeking Professor X's assistance once again. This time, the leader of the X-Men empowers Wolverine with tools to fight the dream lord. But when Logan enters the realm of Nightmare, he comes face to face with Venom!

And then BAM! To Be Continued...

We'll need to wait until the next issue to find out if Venom is being used as a tool of Nightmare or is the symbiote anti-hero at the mercy of the Doctor Strange villain as well?

Both the Ghost Rider/Iron Fist and the Bill Foster Giant-Man stories reach their penultimate chapters inside the flip cover. For the single issue story entry, readers get a glimpse as the Marvel 2099 universe. This issue claims that this is the first appearance of the character Ravage. However, the Marvel [Datebase] claims that the character's first appearance was in the pages of Ravage 2099 #1. 

For myself, this kind of oversight isn't an issue. I also own a copy of that issue. Plus neither this issue that I am reviewing nor Ravage 2099 #1 are valued at more than $5 each. Both books have a cover date of December, 1992. So, I guess it's not really a big deal. But should the character appear in a movie or Disney+ series, I'd expect the value of the Ravage premier issue to rise. But I want to put in a case now that this issue should also jump up in price. 

Not that I'm planning on selling this issue. Just putting it out there.

By the way- that Wolverine/Venom cover was killer!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Venom

The live action Venom movie finally dropped in theaters this weekend. I refused to read any reviews in depth. But I came across a lot of posts on social media bashing the crap out of the film. While I didn't allow any critics to dissuade me, I did not go into Venom with high expectations.

The biggest hurdle with doing a Venom movie is the absence of Spider-Man. The wall crawler is at the very beginning of Venom’s 30 plus years of existence in the Marvel Universe. This film being the introduction (reboot) of the Symbiote makes this a ‘superhero’ origin film.

Can a Venom movie without Spider-man be done? Answer: yes. Can it be done well? Answer: Yes! That doesn't mean that this Sony picture was without it's problems. The film is roughly two hours long. The first 45 minutes is filled with rather slow back story.

Venom starts with disgraced reporter Eddie Brock hitting rock bottom when one of his stories gets him fired. Eddie went after a brilliant scientist for unethical practices on the homeless in a series of clinical trials. Doing so made some powerful enemies and caused him to lose not only his job but his fiance.  But Brock's luck is about to change when one of the researchers gets him an inside look at the laboratory.

It's here that Brock becomes fused with an alien Symbiote recovered from a recent venture in space. After a narrow escape from security, Eddie awakes in his apartment to a terrifying voice in his head and a number of heightened senses and abilities. Eddie and Venom are now one. And it's here where the pace of the movie changes for the better.

Up until this point, Venom was turning out into a John Carpenter's The Thing meets Michael Crichton’s Coma. A bunch of scary piles of goo were being unleash on hapless homeless guinea pigs. However once Brock fuses with the Symbiote, the movie now becomes an sci-fi version of the Lethal Weapon flicks!

Tom Hardy's Brock is Danny Glover's Murtaugh. He's too old and tired for this crap. Tom Hardy is also the voice of the alien parasite Venom, probably thanks to a lot of auto tune. Regardless, Venom is the Mel Gibson character of Riggs. He's abrasive, bullying and what's going to keep Brick alive when the villains strike in order to retrieve their missing science project.

Of everything to expect out of the Venom film, a buddy cop comedy wasn't anywhere near my list of expectations. Nor was the main female role of Brock's love interest Anne, played by Michelle Williams. Anne is a pretty strong character that manages to escape the film never once being a damsel in distress. Williams character is a lot like Judy Greer's character in the Ant-Man films in that she knows that Brock is merged with Venom and pretty fierce. But Greer's character was nowhere near as badass as Anne!

Venom has a great ending with two secret end credit scenes. One was expected, involving a possibility of a sequel ( if the box office take is good.) But that second one blew away the remaining audience. So be sure to stick around for it.

I'm about done with my review and you might notice that I have not spent much time talking about the movie's villain. For one thing, Riz Ahmed’s character of Carlton Drake didn't feel like baddie. He's got a plan to save the Earth in regards to the experiments his company is doing with the Symbiotes. And while he racks up a body count, Drake does at least have his patients sign waivers prior to experimentation.

Also Drake's hired goon, played by Scott Haze, isn't slimy enough to hate. He's a formidable foe to Brock/Venom. But he's not a character I cared enough to see killed like I felt about Andy Serkis’ Klaw in the Black Panther movie.

A slow start with a hilarious turn as a buddy cop comedy-drama. A stronger than normal female lead. Plenty of not evil enough foes. This made for an unexpected and uneven result. In the end, Spider-Man wasn't missed but I hope he'll pop up in Venom's neck of the woods one day.

I give this film a solid 8.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Marvel Firsts: The 1990s, Volume 2

The 1990s was a touch and go time for Marvel. Believe it or not, the House of Ideas almost went belly up. It filed for bankruptcy and actually needed DC's help to bail it out. So for all of you who hate DC, just remember if not for the owners of Superman and Batman, who knows if Marvel would still be in existence???

Anyways, there was just as many terrible ideas and stories coming out of Marvel as there were successes. For every Venom or Web of Spider-Man there was The Nightstalkers or Beowulf. X-Men titles dominated but there were so many different X-series, the market was really over-saturated. Yet Cable, Gambit and Generation X managed to overcome the glut of mutant related titles to give the Uncanny X-Men a run for their money. 

There were a few glimmers of hope during the 90s. Iron Man got a chance to be a legitimate team leader with Force Works. Blade got his own solo title right before Wesley Snipes made him a household name. And though not as funny or self-deprecating as he was now, Deadpool was given an early chance to shine thanks to Fabian Nicieza, Wade Wilson's lesser known co-creator. 

Some of these stories were first appearances. Some were first issues of already established characters. And a few were of either completely or partially brand-new teams of heroes or even villains. It was a wild time for Marvel and this edition captures a large chunk of some of the more bizarre works from the Bullpen.

This isn't exactly my favorite time period of not just Marvel but comics in general. Yet, I want the other volume in the series. And for historical (and money saving) purposes, I plan on keeping this volume even if it's wasn't the greatest read of all-time.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Uncanny Origins #7

  The complicated relationship between Eddie Brock and the alien symbiote that turns him into Venom is explored in this issue. From Peter Parker first coming across the parasitic creature in the pages of Secret Wars to later bonding with disgraced reporter Brock after Parker rejects his alien 'suit' to the pair becoming a vigilante type anti-hero who seeks to destroy Spider-Man, all of Venom's history is explored right up to 1997. 

   So here's what confuses me- the cover states that this issue is 'the deadly debut of Spider-Man's Nastiest Nemesis.' Was that a typo? Poor editing? 

   At the point of this issue of Uncanny Origins being published, the Symbiote has been around for over a decade as well as the character of Eddie Brock. Their fusion into Venom occurred about 2 years afterwards. So, again, I ask, how is this the debut of Venom? 

   Oddly enough, I think this is why the issue was so gosh darn hard for me to find. It was the last issue I needed to complete my collection of this series and it cost me almost $10 (compared to spending only about a buck a pop for the rest.) Yes, Venom is a popular character but I think some fans mistakenly think this is the debut of the Spider-Man villain thanks to the cover blurb. 

   Well, folks, I am here to tell you that it's not.

   A good issue with more fantastic art by Dave Hoover. It's definitely worth reading and was worth the search, but it's not a key issue in regards to the character. So, make sure if you seek out this issue that you don't pay an arm and a leg.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man, Volume 5

 

 It's been a year since Miles Morales' epic fight with Venom and the conflict still haunts him as it left one parent dead and the other crippled. Vowing to never again put friends or family into harms way, Miles has destroyed his suit and tried to go about life as a normal kid. But the life of a crime fighter isn't so easy to give up as friends, SHIELD agents, and superheroes are constantly trying to get Miles back in the game.

    It looks like the Ultimate universe will have to do without a Spider-Man. So when Miles witnesses an attack by the mysterious duo the media is calling Cloak & Dagger, his curiosity isn't peaked. That is until he learns that the ruthless Roxxon Corporation, that was behind Miles getting his spider powers, is now working behind the scenes attempting to recreate a new Spidey out of runaways and kidnap victims. Now it's full on war but will Miles fight alone or can he gain the trust of SHIELD and these new heroes in order to bring down the global giant?

    I'm not sure if Marvel had the entire Ultimate universe undergo a 'One Year Later' scenario or if it's just this title that jumps ahead 12 months. I've not been able to readily get my hands on other Ultimate Comics titles at my library. So, I'm not very familiar with anything else new under the Ultimates imprint. But, I liked the idea of having Miles' story jump ahead some.

   I've long felt that Miles was just too young and too frail looking to be Spider-Man. He has the attitude and the athletics but let's face it, he's a bean pole. With this transition, Miles has gained some much needed bulk and height. I'm not so afraid that if a strong guy like Juggernaut got a hold of him that he wouldn't break the kid in half anymore.

   Bendis continues to do a fantastic job with this new Spider-Man and the level of heart, angst, humor, passion, and action is top notch. Sadly, this volume is the last of Bendis' run on the Ultimate Comics Spider-Man title. Marvel has this hair-brained idea to now only run a series about 12 months to 2 years in order to produce better quality stories and, of course, make more money.

    (I mean, hey, if the cover says issue #1, it must be going to be worth a million days one day, right?)

But worry not true believers as Bendis, Miles,  and company will be back in the pages of Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Spider-Man Family, Vol. 1: Back in Black

Though reprinted in digest form, Spider-Man Family was published in glossy magazine style, similar in size and shape to MAD or Sports Illustrated. These issues originally came out during the hype for Spider-Man 3 in which Venom and Spidey’s black costume were integral plot points. It also coincided with ASM’s Back in Black storyline in which Peter Parker must don the black and white again minus the alien symbiote.

The first issue features a flash black story in which we see how Spidey’s alien infested black costume had a mind of its own. Each issue continues to tell a lost tale about Spider-man in a manner geared for kids but fun for all ages. These issues featured a back-up story starring members of the Spider-Man family, such as Venom, Scorpion, Black Cat, and more.

Really enjoyable. But, I think the Marvel Adventures Spider-Man series was better. They seemed to cater to fans both young and established. This series is somewhere in the middle and it lacks the charm and nostalgia of MASM. Still, it’s very kid friendly, so parents should approve and it’s not dumbed down, so serious readers will delight as well.
WORTH CONSUMING!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

"Spiderman Holiday Special 1995"

For a holiday special, the stories are actually quite good. The art is very 1990s, but enjoyable. (I really think that comic art in the 90’s had way too many thin lines that made everybody look ridiculous) And there are some great cameos and it is fun to read.

Praises aside, this issue is a prime example why Marvel sucked in the 90s. Spidey a clone, no he’s not, yes he is? Venom a good guy? Johnny Torch marries Alicia and she’s really a Skrull? Aunt May Dead? (wait, that’s actually a good thing.) Anyhoo, what was Marvel Thinking?

This is worth consuming, but its real close, like 52-48 in favor of consumption.