Venom #1 -Different Rules Down Here

Eddie Brock is back, and so is Venom. In the aftermath of Queen In Black, Eddie finds himself partnering with the Venom symbiote again. This time, though, they want things to be different. This time they’re gonna do things the right way and help people.

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Creative Team

Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Tommaso Bianchi
Color Artist: Yen Nitro
Letterer: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Davide Paratore

Writing

I really like the way Charles Soule is starting off this Venom story. While there’s always a little nagging voice in the back of your head when you hear the idea of Venom turning over a new leaf, Soule writes the story in such a way that it actually becomes easier to believe. That doesn’t mean we are dealing with a new Spider-Man here. Soule makes it clear that while Venom is going to change how he operates, he’s not going to change who he is at his core. This version of Venom and Eddie Brock is one that is done waiting to be allowed to do something a certain way.

The result is a Venom from Soule that feels independent and free. Eddie and Venom are trying to do something new and different. Will it stick? We don’t know, but Soule tells the story in a way that allows you to genuinely hope that maybe it will. Soule manages to work in plenty of cameos, also taking the time to remind fans who may not have seen him in a while that Luke Cage is still Mayor. The last page of the comic was a nice surprise that left me even more interested to see where this series goes from here.

Art

Tommaso Bianchi, Yen Nitro, and Cory Petit really did an outstanding job on this first issue. Bianchi crafts a version of Venom that is familiar yet distinctly his. The line work and little variations in the costume remind you that while you’re seeing a new version of Venom, the parts you love about the character are still there. As it an almost ironclad requirement for Spider-Man office stories, Bianchi does a beautiful job crafting cityscapes.

Yen Nitro absolutely brings the fire with colors. The last page in particular is just beautiful. Nitro perfectly captures the hue of the city lights at night and the diverse hustle and bustle of the city during the day. Cory Petit knocks the lettering out of the park. He chooses the right moments to emphasize words to ensure that you feel the emotion Eddie feels as he’s trying to craft this new version of Venom with everyone holding who he used to be against him.

Final Thoughts

This was an enjoyable first issue of the new series. I’m excited to see where the series goes. It feels like there’s a real sense of partnership with this creative team.

Overall Grade: 9.5 / 10

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