Eddie Brock’s son Dylan has taken the central focus in Marvel’s new Venom series, but now it’s Eddie’s time to shine. Al Ewing takes over on writing after Ram V’s run and it’s time for the series to get weird. It’s the start of a story that’s trippy and bizarre, and more excitingly, it evolves Venom in new ways.
Venom #8 opens with Venom in the far future trying to connect with something to help his son. He knows Dylan is in danger, but after losing his body and not quite knowing how he’s alive, his options are limited. Ewing does an expert job connecting Eddie’s consciousness to this new form complete with a nod to the day he became Venom. It serves as a good opening for casual readers while keeping the reader asking questions.
Soon, the story whisks off to another time and place. Bryan Hitch continues to do an excellent job further proving he’s very good at the super weird stuff. The dripping upside-down Venom to open the book is quite cool and there are nice touches of flora behind him. Much of the book is packed with details with new and familiar character designs. There’s also a new badass-looking Venom symbiote design to take in as well.
The far future is kinda zen.
Credit: Marvel
Andrew Currie and Andy Owens ink the issue with color artists Alex Sinclair and Pete Pantazis. Considering how many artists are backing up Hitch it’s quite something the book is on time and as detailed as it is since more artists usually mean tighter deadlines. There are a lot of subtle effects captured well in the issue, like hologram tech and a fabulous reflection of spaceships as Kang looks out. Standout moments can be seen throughout that are splashy and in your face. Fans of Marvel Studios’ Loki should also get a kick out of a familiar-looking location.
Plus, this issue has space swords! If you ever needed proof Venom is a space knight, this is the start of a story going in that direction.
Beside the action and big ideas, there’s some character work that is compelling. The big new villain known as Meridius may not be the heavy hitter in this issue, but he is felt. Outside of the great design that makes him godly on a whole other level, this issue further shows he’s a great manipulator. Questions surround this character, like why he needs Eddie at all seeing as he has great power in a strange far future.
It’s impressive how far Venom has come in the last few years. Once a villain mostly known for looking cool, he’s now bumping into Marvel’s most powerful characters and able to hold his own. In Venom #8, we’re witnessing even more stretching of Venom’s abilities and what we think we know about Symbiotes. It’s an incredible thing to watch Venom impress in all-new ways.
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