The penultimate chapter of Death Spiral arrives today in Venom #257, and Aunt May and Anna Watson are the next targets for death! Carnage and Torment have teamed up, and with Eddie Brock down for the count, it’s up to Venom and Spider-Man to stop him. The spiral nears its center, but Torment, being new to Carnage, is certainly an advantage for Venom and Spidey.
For a Venom issue, the story is a little light on Eddie Brock and Venom/MJ, but as an event comic, it moves the story along nicely. Not only does writer Charles Soule develop Torment’s relationship to Carnage, but some serious fighting takes place, and a serious cliffhanger leaves readers on the edge of their seats.
Venom #257 opens at the F.E.A.S.T. center, where Aunt May and Anna Watson are ladling out food. Little do they know, Torment is in line, being camouflaged by Carnage. Through captions, writer Charles Soule gives us the play-by-play from Carnage and Torment, who are speaking in their minds. Carnage is particularly excited, maybe because he’s finally free of Eddie, but it’s interesting to see the nuance of Torment and how annoyed he gets with the symbiote.
Once ready to strike, artist Javier Pina does well with the new Torment/Carnage look, complete with big jagged spikes (or are those teeth) framing his head. Bendy tendrils are a big part of this issue, from the battle the villain has with a surprise hero, to Carnage going solo as one long tendril off Torment, midway through the issue. Backgrounds might be mostly atmospheric, but whenever Torment and Carnage are on the page, it’s electric. That includes a gross-looking insect for Carnage, at one point.
Toothy!
Credit: Marvel
Eddie fans do get a two-page scene, but mostly this is to remind us Eddie is a hero in his bones, and setting up his next move. As for Spider-Man and Carnage, Soule delivers on big action and some ticky-tacky moments where the villain gets the upper hand. If you read solicitations, you can probably guess at how the book ends, but it’s still a cool full-page splash to end the book. Considering how Spider-Man never gives up, nor is he amped up on rage, it’ll be interesting to see how his transformation works next issue, but it’s still a big moment for Spider-Man.
If this sounds like a fight comic, that’s because it largely is. Torment’s particular way of killing is lifted up even more this issue, though it’s a carryover from last issue, so no big surprises there. It is made abundantly clear that Torment’s way of killing is the opposite of Carnage’s, though, and that’s an interesting wrinkle.
Venom #257 does exactly what a penultimate issue should do: it builds tension, raises the stakes, and sets the stage for a big finish. Charles Soule leans into the Carnage and Torment pairing, giving their relationship just enough edge to keep things interesting while delivering the kind of brutal action fans expect from this event. Javier Pina matches that energy with sharp, aggressive visuals that make every encounter feel dangerous. It may not give Eddie Brock much to do, but it keeps the story moving and leaves things in a place that makes the finale feel essential.
You must be logged in to post a comment.