With Death Spiral around the corner, the events in Venom are more crucial than ever. Out this week is Venom #253, and Madame Masque is ready to take out MJ at all costs. That includes changing the management of A.I.M. and sprucing herself up for a symbiote showdown. This issue leans into Paul, Dylan, and MJ being a team, and certainly not a family.
Each of the first four pages of Venom #253 is set in a different location. Those locations feature key A.I.M. leaders, each of whom learn the hard way how easy it is to lose their job. It’s a quick and well-paced way to get the ball rolling on Madam Masque’s plan while also giving this issue a bit of a world espionage vibe.
After the slick opening, with ever impressive art by Carlos Gómez, the story shifts to Dylan, MJ, and Paul looking for a new apartment for Paul. Writer Al Ewing keeps their dialogue fun and quippy, like Paul razzing Dylan for knowing his universe’s show Buddies, aka our Friends. However much you might hate Paul, Ewing makes this weird “family” dynamic work, especially with MJ totally over Paul, and Paul consistently taking lumps.
Their dynamic works, however goofy and different it is.
Credit: Marvel
After a brief and slightly comical get-together between Flash and MJ, the story shifts to Paul, Dylan, and MJ working together. Given Paul’s tech-savvy background, the three end up working to thwart Madam Masque, who has been listening in on MJ. Ewing has successfully taken an evil org like A.I.M. messing with MJ, who is mostly a civilian in her abilities, and made it work. She may be Venom, but she’s also not accustomed to battling high-tech-equipped international evil organizations!
Gómez stuns with his art throughout, especially in the last few pages when Venom comes out to play. Paired with a good gag, seeing Venom burst through a brick wall is exciting, and Gómez doesn’t let you forget Venom’s speed and force with every punch and lunge. There’s also good attention to detail when it comes to street clothes, which MJ, Dylan, and Paul are in for much of the issue.
Meanwhile, color artist Frank D’Armata continues to show why he’s the best at glossy, pleasing art. From Venom’s gold-plated looking chest to Madam Masque’s slick suit, it’s like there’s shined chrome in every page.
Venom #253 is a smart, stylish setup issue that balances espionage intrigue with character-driven humor before unleashing Venom in full force. It reinforces MJ, Dylan, and Paul as a plausible functional unit, sharpens Madame Masque as a credible villain, and keeps the momentum charging straight toward your next favorite showdown.
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