SPIDER-VERSE VS. VENOMVERSE #3 – A FIGHT OF MASSIVE PROPORTIONS

If you’re dealing with the multiverses of Spider-Man and Venom, one reviewer isn’t enough. “Off The Cuff” Tom is handling the Venom side of things. The G.E.O., unfortunately, couldn’t make it for this round and called in a favor. Jumping into the Spider-verse is someone very familiar with reviewing a “massive universe”.

The EIC himself (Ken – ODPH Podcast) is jumping on board for this review!

The stakes are high! Cosmic entities known as the Web-Heart & Hive-Mind have pitted champions against each other. Spiders and Symbiotes battle for survival. With all these personalities involved, it was only a matter of time before something went wrong.

Last readers watched, Spider-Ham took Weapon VIII off the board. Who’s next to fall in the dangerous game?

SPIDER-VERSE vs. VENOMVERSE #3 by Mat Groom and Kyle Higgins, Jim Towe Rachelle Rosenberg and Travis Lanham looks to keep the excitement level rising with its latest chapter.

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

LET’S TALK STORY:

SPIDER-VERSE: Higgins and Groom come out the gate swinging with Team Spidey’s rescue attempt of Miles. The one-liners come fast as Spidey is navigating through the combat. His banter offsets the uneasy tension building. Readers watch as the good times quickly disappear to the nature of the game.

Recluse and Miles (Spider-Prowler) both carry big scars on their sleeves. The writing showcases a more aggressive edge in their bouts. It does contrast the morals of Spider-Man himself. Luckily, he gets a more calm team member added. Having Takuya Yamashiro join the squad is a perfect addition. Readers see there’s at least someone he can trust. Most of the other members have other plans in motion. This all gives way to a strong ending. The close builds up a hell of a main event for readers to pull up for next go around.

VENOMVERSE: WE are dismayed at the actions of the one Eddie Brock. WE are superior to the spiders, and yet Eddie Brock has such a bond with THEIR symbiote that THEY choose to strike THEIR own path. WRATH is a prime example of OUR intent to conquer.

WE are pleased that the peculiar Venom-Bloom has been chosen to represent THE HIVE. But more so that the odd “trenchcoat” has finally shown THEIR true black and white colors.

The oddity of Agent Venom’s Symbiote has US perplexed as well… The Recluse could have stopped US, but chose mercy even when WE had unbonded from Anne, offering US as a “SELF”-sacrifice. This worries US as there are now “four” bleeding hearts on OUR team with Eddie and Anne.

HOW ABOUT ART AND LETTERING?

SPIDER-VERSE: Towe and Rosenberg drop in a nice two page splash of the Miles rescue to set pace. Panels move fast as the action heats up. The symbiotes give a few different looks to team Spidey’s attack. One of which tries playing off emotions. Readers can sense the trouble brooding behind the scenes. it’s only a matter of time before it implodes.

The Team Spider swinging panel is eye catching. Seeing all the different spiders on page is a nice treat for readers. This quickly takes a back seat to Takuya Yamashiro’s debut. The mid page shot is subtle but slips in enough story. It is a huge difference in comparison to Spidey interrogating another member. All events push towards the closing pages form here. The art delivers on setting the stage for something larger at hand. Considering what we find on the final page, readers will have to prepare for the wild action forthcoming.

VENOMVERSE: This story has escalated in such a way that the majority of the two-page spreads are the only way to do it justice! With the glorious amount of Symbiotes, WE can not be contained on puny panels like Parker. With the final battle upon US, the artwork must match our might! Things are growing to massive proportions, and WE are ready to devour each panel!

The newest members are interestingly portrayed. While Venom-Bloom has a unique, distorted beauty. “Trenchcoats” symbiote design makes perfect sense! It doesn’t lean toku far one way or another, but a brilliant balance that’s not a “SHOCKER”

OVERALL GRADE: 9.4

SPIDER-VERSE: 9.2. The latest installment shows desperate times call forth extreme measures. Groom and Higgins present the mounting tension with an excellent script. Towe and Rosenberg construct a high pace conflict with many moving parts. This series has been a blast to read and shows no signs of slowing down now. CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

VENOMVERSE: 9.6 Finally getting clarity on who “Trenchcoat” is will add a whole new dynamic to a certain multiverse! As far as the here and now, WE are now on even footing, ready for the final battle. From the past “verse” stories and even the “King in Black,” this story has the biggest potential to affect all of Marvel and hopefully influence more Symbiote stories to come to light! of course, that’s when WE WIN!!

You can also check out Tom every Monday Night on Play-4-Keeps THE SHOW: HERE OR on Turn-A-Page every Tuesday Night: HERE

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Thanks for reading!

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