With Death Spiral only days away, Venom #254 wraps up plots while giving readers what they’ve wanted since All-New Venom #1: Madame Masque vs. Venom! It’s a forward-facing fight comic first (say that ten times fast), as MJ/Venom makes it clear to Madame Masque there’s no playing around with the new and maybe even more powerful Venom.
As with previous issues, Al Ewing and Carlos Gomez’s Venom series isn’t only about action, but showing how the symbiote’s abilities are always evolving. In the case of Venom #254, we get to see Venom bulk up to gain more strength at one point, or in another scene, reverse its body when pinned down to get an edge. There’s also a goo canon (which presumably is Venom’s poo?) used to stop a dangerous fall. Stuffing each issue with creative new abilities makes Venom less of a bruiser version of Spider-Man, but more alien and weird. That weirdness suits the series, especially with MJ still getting the handle on using the symbiote.
Along the way, Ewing’s dialogue is fun and breezy, with good banter from MJ. The character work is subtle yet evident, as MJ realizes that being Venom is making her more violent and capable of murder. Maybe having so much power changes anyone.
Watch out!
Credit: Marvel
Outside of the extended fight sequence are two scenes, one that feels like a nod to Joshua Williamson’s new Iron Man series, and the other is a teaser for Death Spiral. Outside of seeing MJ wrestling with being Venom, the plot progression is light, but with an event about to start, can you really blame the creators?
Most of this issue is one long fight scene, as Madame Masque powers an A.I.M. mech suit that has very few weaknesses. Gomez’s highly detailed pencil work is great, with Frank D’Armata’s expert shininess to metal and Venom’s chest. The action is dramatic, highly entertaining, and easy to follow. At one point, flame effects surrounding Madame Masque are at once gorgeous and highly dramatic. Gomez is also good at adding a tendril here or at least reminding us that Venom is more liquid than solid.
Venom #254 succeeds as a spectacle-driven installment that leans into inventive action and character tension. Ewing uses the fight with Madame Masque to highlight the unpredictable nature of the symbiote while continuing to push MJ into morally uncertain territory. Gomez’s dynamic artwork enhances the issue with fluid movement and striking visual effects that reinforce the alien nature of Venom. While the narrative largely serves as a bridge into the upcoming event, the creative combat sequences and character hints make this a satisfying and entertaining chapter in the series.
You must be logged in to post a comment.