Written by Rick Remender
Art by Tony Moore & Tom Fowler
Published by Marvel Comics
Rick Remender’s Venom series stands as one of the most fascinating concepts for a superhero story. That is to say, if reading a book about a definitive 90’s Spider-Man villain dressed to look like a pre-order exclusive for the next Call of Duty sounds like a complete waste of time, good news because this book would agree. What makes Venom such a bizarre series is that while everything from its story to artwork tries to emulate a grim and gritty dark age feel, its central character and themes are in direct contradiction to that entire era of comics.
The story follows Agent Venom, a highly classified spec ops commando working for the United States military as part of a, once again, revived attempt at Project Rebirth, who runs afoul of the ruthless arms dealer Crime-Master and his psychotic right hand man, Jack O’Lantern. Of course that’s not enough, as Agent Venom has to dodge a particular nasty brand of super villains, he also has to deal with antagonism from other heroes, his failing relationships, his issues with addiction, the symbiote trying to take him over, and his supervisors all too willing to press the kill switch on him if the suit does. On paper, that concept sounds like the worst angst filled and overly dark story this side of the 1990’s but the major catch that makes the series work is who’s wearing the suit, Flash Thompson.
Eugenie “Flash” Thompson, for those not in the know, is a long term supporting character in the Spider-Man mythos. Most newcomers will recognize him as the regular schoolyard bully of Peter Parker who just so happens to be a massive Spider-Man fan. However, like a lot of secondary members of the Spider-Man cast, Flash grew up and his character is much more fleshed out than one would expect. His father was an abusive and all around disgusting human being who pushed his son to take up the typical high school alpha jock persona. Flash’s admiration for Spider-Man was and still is, a genuine admiration towards superheroes for doing the right thing. This is what transforms Remender’s Venom series from a cringeworthy 90’s styled anti-hero book into something poignant.
Flash is a wide-eyed comic book fanboy forced into a literal dark age suit. He’s not the grim and gritty macho type that generally fit the bill for characters like Venom. The only reason Thompson would even wear something as clearly evil as a symbiote is because he wants to be like his superpowered idols. This makes some of the series’ best drama as, in place of angst, Agent Venom must contend with more or less “hero addiction” alongside addiction to the suit and the obvious parallels it draws to his history with alcoholism. The story isn’t terribly nice to Flash Thompson either. His first outing makes Peter Parker’s weekly routine look like a joy ride. Within the first few issues Agent Venom’s identity is blown, he loses control over the symbiote, is almost killed by his superiors for losing said control, is forced to commit acts of treason, and nearly murders his own lifelong hero. That’s all on top of his constantly failing relationship with Betty Brant, problems being wheelchair bound, issues with alcohol, and even worse issues with his abusive father. Despite having to juggle all of these narratives, Remender masterfully crafts them so each is equally threatening. It’s Flash’s handling of these constantly worsening scenarios that makes him almost impossible to not sympathize with.
Though Flash is an amazing example of subversion of expectations, the real show stealer is his arch nemesis: Jack O’Lantern. While Jack’s mostly a run of the mill, chaotic villain, his design is a work of genius. The flaming pumpkin head, tattered cape, and all put on a souped up high-tech jet powered broomstick makes him one of the best looking villains out there. Not to forget all his awesome Halloween styled gear like acidic candy and deadly chibi devil robots. It’s a perfect concept of technology aping folklore that has him eat up entire pages. It’s a crime that no one cosplays as this guy.
Most of the art is handled by Tony Moore, best known for The Walking Dead. While Moore seems mostly home in the high action set pieces and fight scenes, he also manages many of the book’s quieter moments was a great deal of nuance and subtlety. However, for some reason, he’s not able to really keep up with the book and requires artist Tom Folwer to fill in for him. Folwer certainly proves himself capable and in fact works the more solemn moments better than Moore does. The colors, while dull for the most part, match much of Flash Thompson’s rather depressing life well. The inks are also laid down a bit thicker than they have any reason to.
Over all, Venom remains one of the most fascinating, subversive, and emotional titles of the last few years. It’s smart with its premise, has one of the best looking villains out there, and does a wonderful character piece on probably the most unsuspecting hero in the Marvel Universe, check it out.
