Venom has been through a hell of a gauntlet in the last few issues. He’s been embroiled in Dark Web, tried to navigate the Garden of Time, and can’t protect his son. On the contrary, he tried to kill him. Now cast out after being used during Dark Web, Al Ewing returns to the series with new artist Cafu to help him find his way.
Venom #17 is a beautiful comic artistically, but also narratively. Ewing explores some Marvel history while forcing Eddie Brock to two paths seeking victory. Along the way are some weird techno enemies and a villain that gets a gap filled thanks to Ewing’s impeccable understanding of Marvel history.
Midway through this issue, we see Eddie face an enemy in his Bedlam form in two ways. Cleverly, the action is split by the blade wielded by his enemy. On the top, we can see him lose badly and, on the bottom, gain an advantage. This builds towards what we learn is an inevitable path for him. Considering how Eddie is stuck in a time loop the villain Meridian claims he can’t escape, it’s a clever way to kick off this new story arc.
Cafu’s art, paired with colors by Frank D’Armata, is excellent here. The two worked wonders on Iron Man, making his suit look slick and shiny, with a similar effect on Bedlam’s flesh here. The techno creatures are scary, shiny, and really stand out. The details in their flesh are quite cool, and musculature and details in explosions and such are great.
These enemies are rad!
Credit: Marvel
Once all is revealed, things might make more sense, but the mysterious narrator speaking throughout the issue is a head-scratcher. The cliffhanger doesn’t offer much in the way of answers, save for it likely being Eddie from another time or place, but it’s hard to gather context in the weight of their words, not knowing their true identity. Speaking of the cliffhanger, I can’t say I understand what it is Eddie finds here. I’d rather feel excited, but it left me confused.
Things get stranger for Eddie Brock in Venom #17 in an exciting start to another chapter in his journey of discovery. He’s the King in Black, yet stuck in what seems like a prison of time. This issue feels like the start of some real answers and growth for Venom in an era where Venom growing and evolving has become the exciting norm.
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