Venom has been expertly balanced by Ram V and Al Ewing, writing two different stories that have entwined in different ways. Powered by Bryan Hitch’s art, Ram V has focused on Dylan Brock, while Ewing has focused on Eddie. Venom #14 is heavily tied into the Dark Web thanks to Eddie being used as a weapon for the villains of that event, but in Venom #15, the focus switches to Dylan, who has his own problems. Namely, a version of his father is trying to kill him in the form of Bedlam!
Venom #15 is an interesting issue as it certainly features action, although it loosely ties into Dark Web thanks to the events taking place in New York. Missing are the inanimate-objects-turned-demons, but aside from a specific character popping up in the end, this book serves more to establish some key characters in the future. One notable character is Red Goblin, who Alex Paknadel will take over in his own series next month.
Due to the focus on Dylan and Normie, the events of this issue feel like the payoff for years-long story arcs. That includes the Zac Thompson-written Web of Venom: The Good Son, originally printed in 2020. Normie and Dylan are the children of Spider-Man archenemies, and while there have been hints that both could turn pure evil like their dads, Ram V suggests with this issue, maybe they don’t have to. Dylan has the benefit of being aged up a bit and acts like a natural-born leader here, further developing the character in interesting ways.
Fight, fight, fight!
Credit: Marvel
There’s also the hint that his powers have some major ramifications for other Symbiotes, which could mean further developments with Symbiotes at Marvel in the near future.
As mentioned above, this issue isn’t much of a tie-in for the Dark Web event. It’s cool to imagine Dylan and Normie fighting their own battle while New York City is under attack, but it would have been helpful to see a few demons running about or where this fight takes place with other heroes fighting in the city. It seems like a missed opportunity. While this next gripe is more on the reader, this issue isn’t very new-reader friendly. Where Dylan is emotionally and physically, let alone his abilities, will be lost on you if you haven’t been reading.
Hitch gets to bring the big blockbuster fight scenes that put him on the map. Multiple splash pages go larger than life with the muscles on these characters and the 3D look and feel. Backed up by inkers Andrew Currie and Scott Hanna, the character design really pops. Normie’s Symbiote has an interesting look you’ve never seen before, and Dylan’s new look — which also graces the cover — looks great. Also, props to Hitch for making it clear Bedlam is huge compared to Venom. Colors by Alex Sinclair use a lot of warm yellows of the street lights to make the characters pop.
Fans of Dylan Brock should pick up Venom #15 to see how he’s turning from a reluctant kid to a heroic leader. You’ll need to pick this up to understand how Normie goes from an afraid kid to his eventual turn as Red Goblin.
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