Venom #2-4

REX pts II-IV

Written by Donny Cates

Penciled by Ryan Stegman
Covers by Ryan Stegman
Published June 13, June 27, and July 25, 2018

   As you flip through this book, it kind of brings to mind one question... Why hasn't Donny Cates written for Venom all along?

Cates knows gore.

   While this series of books is pretty slow and plodding, each one seems to deliver in it's own way. Obviously Venom is a darker book. Previous writer Mike Costa did what he could do with it, and somehow Cates has upped the ante all while lowering the contrast even more.

Stegman really had to use the shit out of those black markers.

   Venom hasn't been feeling well lately. As issue #1 showed, the reason for that is that there's some kind of demon coming. That demon just so happens to be the god of the Klyntar - the ancient race of symbiotes.

Oh, well aren't you terrifying?

   While you thought you knew about the monster's origins, I'm pretty sure nobody saw this Dracula looking ghoul ripping and dripping all over the galaxy coming. Eddie thought the Klyntar were a peacful race, but it turns out they're just in a cage for the Allgod, Knull.

Knull.. Like "Null" or "KUH-Null?"

   Another awesome turn was introducing the rudderless Miles Morales into the Venom universe. It's been a little while since Spider-Man's alternate-uni version has been seen thanks to Brian Michael Bendis bailing on Marvel for DC, but it's clear Cates has an interesting vision for one of our favorite webslingers.

BMB gonna be mad y'all beating up his guy like that.

   I really like this series. Like I mentioned before, this creative team isn't in a hurry to get anywhere fast and that's perfectly ok. Whether Venom is supposed to be good or bad at the moment, this book is supposed to be kind of a perfect nightmare. And what a perfect nightmare it is. I give these books a 9/10.

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