It’s safe to say All-New Venom is a ton of fun with a lot of potential. Art by Carlos Gomez is exciting, leaning into the action, while the reveal of Mary Jane as Venom has so much story potential. Now that we know how she is fused with Venom, it’s time to see what the implications are of being Venom in a world that hates symbiotes.
All-New Venom #7 opens at a S.C.A.R. facility, which stands for Symbiote Containment and Rendition. Their job is to get symbiotes off Earth, but we soon learn it’s not about relocating, but “reprocessing.” It’s not looking good for symbiotes, especially with Doc Ock now on the S.C.A.R. payroll.
From there, Mary Jane and Flash Thompson have a hangout, which is a bit more low-key than what the cliffhanger in the last issue promised. Writer Al Ewing is exploring the complicated relationship between these two, made more complicated by their shared ability to harness a symbiote. Somewhat fascinating in this scene is seeing Venom take over Mary Jane and speaking as itself. It’s quite clear Mary Jane isn’t in control, which is not cool and a bit scary for MJ.
Really not cool of the symbiote to take over her mind.
Credit: Marvel
This issue also juggles a Dylan and Paul outing, further cementing Dylan’s annoyance with Paul. It seems Paul really is trying to be a parental figure, though, and it’s somewhat cute to see him try. Meanwhile, Robbie Robertson and Rick Jones meet up, further exploring the complication of Rick being used by Sleeper. It seems symbiotes are messing with people left and right!
All three plots come together nicely later in the issue with an action-packed scene featuring Anti-Venom fighting Venom. As is customary at this point, Gomez and Ewing keep coming up with strange new things the Venom symbiote can do now, like turn its leg into a long fist. Although the fight does end in a way you know isn’t honest, there’s no way Flash is dead, the action is exciting and filled with gooey symbiote fun.
Closing out the issue is a strong Sleeper scene, further cementing how cool the symbiote looks and how it can be used in an espionage way. The cliffhanger leaves you guessing as to the fate of Sleeper, and maybe for once, the symbiote needs Rick more than Rick needs it!
All-New Venom #7 is a high-energy issue that juggles multiple characters and storylines with style, offering intriguing developments for Mary Jane and Sleeper while keeping the symbiote action creative and intense. It’s not without a few pacing stumbles, but the series continues to be one of Marvel’s most entertaining and emotionally layered titles.
You must be logged in to post a comment.