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Creative Team – Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing(writers). Greg Land(penciler). Jay Leisten(inker). Frank D’Armata(color artist). VC’s Joe Caramagna(letterer). Greg Land & Frank D’Armata(cover artists). Mark Bagley & Frank D’Armata(variant cover artists).
Published by Marvel Entertainment
Catch up with Venom War: Spider-Man #1 here!
We’re back right where we left off with Spider-Man donning Venom fighting side by side with MJ, AKA Jackpot, against the Arachniote. The Arachniote is an ancient symbiotic monster that was awakened by the Venom War that Spider-Man finds himself right in the middle of. Unfortunately, Venom is certain that there’s no fighting the Arachniote. In Venom’s language, they refer to the Arachniote as the “all-hunger”, as it’s never gets full, so it continues to go on these rampages and never stops eating whomever is in its path.
MJ has a plan to take down the Arachniote, and requires Paul’s, her boyfriend’s, help to see it through. Paul being her guy in the chair does what he can to get her the powers she needs to take down the ancient monster. While MJ is seeing out her plan, Peter lets Venom bond to him, telling him “don’t make me regret this”. Time will tell if he actually does regret it or not.
The Art
The artwork in Venom War: Spider-Man #2 really took it up a notch in this installment. The backgrounds are made up of different ombres of colors that juxtapose perfectly with the blacks of the symbiotes. The blues and purples of the backgrounds play off nicely with every character in the comic like Jackpot, the Hobgoblins, and Spidey. Another thing I have to mention is how incredible MJ looks as Jackpot throughout the comic. Every time she used her Power Slot device, you’re guaranteed to see a gorgeous display of a larger than life pattern that looked like a work of art.
The Writing
I really enjoyed seeing Peter and MJ work side by side while Venom was the one taking it to heart. It’s interesting to see Venom say the things Peter wouldn’t say out loud, acting as his verbal conscious. I think the dynamic for Peter and MJ was written perfectly with Peter still being in awe of MJ and everything she does. There’s also that big cliffhanger that we were left on that already has me on the edge of my seat. Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing did a really great job making this such an entertaining run.
Final Thoughts
All in all, I think this was a lot of fun. Any time Venom and Spidey get together, it’s usually a good time, but this felt different with a different dynamic between the two. Spider-Man with his never-ending positivity and Venom in his vulnerable state of mind makes for a very different kind of bond. Venom War: Spider-Man #2 is a great continuation of its predecessor, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I give this a 9 out of 10.
This review was written by Megan from Vigilante Vibes: A Marvel Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Venom War: Spider-Man #2, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
