Venomized #1

Venomized #1
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Iban Coello
Colorist: Matt Yackey
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel

Review by Michael Farris, Jr.

The Marvel Universe is getting Venomized after the events of last fall’s Venomverse weren’t enough to satiate our symbiote-fueled adventures. The conclusion to the Venomverse saga starts out with a surprise attack on the Xavier Institute when what looks like the X-Force ends up being a gang of Poisons blasting everyone in sight with symbiote-loaded guns.

The coordinated attack spreads throughout New York City claiming just about everyone with super powers. However, the masterminds behind the attack don’t seem to just be interested in covering our Marvel heroes with Venom suits. Meanwhile, Venom and the X-Men are hurrying back to earth to warn everyone before it’s too late.

Let’s be honest: This is the series that nobody really asked for, but also the series no one knew they needed. We’ve reached the point where the question is no longer, “Who will be venomized?” but “Who won’t?” I hope symbiote powers are in the cards for Aunt May. Imagine if everyone is captured and helpless and venomized Aunt May busts through the wall and single-handedly destroys the Hive.

Ok, enough with that distraction. Venomized #1 is a fun little book that gives you a good Venom fix while also managing to have enough story to keep you going. The questions that are left open, like what are Jean Grey and Carnage’s importance to this whole ordeal, make this series that much more exciting because honestly they couldn’t have picked two more bad-ass characters to hinge the hopes of the Hive on. And the artwork does a fine job of re-imaging a whole gaggle of venomized Marvel heroes…I was particularly a fan of the way the Punisher’s uniform utilizes the skull’s teeth.

Verdict: Buy it.

If you’re looking for some deep, philosophic truths, then maybe you should keep moving. But Venomized #1 is a Venom-driven blast that doesn’t disappoint. And it will be that much more fun when Venom Aunt May inevitably saves everyone.