Judge not, lest ye be judged #11 March 8, 2021 – Posted in: Books – Tags: comics

Of Spyros Andrianou

One of their latest releases of OXY publications it's also one of her best titles Marvel (along with Immortal Hulk of course) that one can read lately. Of course we are talking about it Venom of Donny Cates which literally redefines the character and creates an entire micro-universe for him.

The volume includes the First 6 issues of the series released in 2018. And we can safely say that it really is the best that has been written about the character since the time of the first Limited Series that came out in the 90s Lethal Protector (written by David Michelinie and drawn by Mark Bagley/Ron Lim). At a time of course when the character was at his best, very popular, his absolute arch-nemesis Spidey for the new decade, the anti-hero taken from the stories of Michelinie, McFarlane, Larsen, Bagley... Since then, of course, a lot of water has flowed down the drain, the (anti)hero has seen many changes, certainly not for the better, different people became the " hosts' of the alien symbiote (MacCargan/Scorpion, Flash Thomson), himself Eddie Brock turned into anti-Venom, and many other changes that more "tired" the character but much more the readers, than renewed his legend. And here comes one Cates to tell us a story-love letter to the anti-hero, which not only renews radically in the eyes of his old readers, but also attracts many young people who might not have caught up with the old comics, or even seen them (not knowing the character) the movie starring him Tom Hardy.

The case of the first issues (which act as a prelude to what will follow later to get to the mega event King in Black which we may see in the future) is quite simple but highly addictive!! When his symbiote Eddie Brock begins to behave strangely, Eddie will agree to help an ex-soldier and former agent of Shield, to find out what happened to his former comrades who had been experimented with..symbiotics!! At the same time, in these first issues we also learn about his origin Knull, the god of void/chaos and creator of all symbiotics. When he had been imprisoned by them Celestials, his children now free from his influence, threshed to the ends of the universe. One arrives on Earth and bonds with a dragon. This dragon is supposed to be Grendel from Beowulf. During the Middle Ages, he attacks Hrothgar's hall only to be defeated by his eternal lightning Thor... From that symbiote the experiments had been done on the soldiers as well... But now Knull gets in touch with his 'children and comes with wild moods to Earth... Can the Eddie Brock (with a little help from Miles Morales) to stop him?? And how will his own symbiote react to the return of his…father??

As I mentioned before, Cates lays the groundwork in these first issues for the creation of a new universe for him Eddie Brock and the Venom. It delivers a story full of riveting action, adventure, twists, impressive battle scenes and one of the most menacing villains of the entire Marvel universe that we have seen in recent years (he has already appeared in Silver Surfer Black which was again written by Cates). Also for the first time a backstory on the origin of the symbiotics and their true origins.

Finally the Eddie Brock he can be a true hero, and his symbiote more human than ever. One complements the other, cares for the other, as inseparable companions in the struggle and battle not only for survival but for the salvation of all humanity. And this time (at least until his return Knull in the King in Black) we will not have the supergroups of Avengers or of X-MEN to deal with a threat. But a man with nothing to lose except perhaps his dignity if he doesn't fight against this threat... It's time for Eddie to prove he's no killer, no anti-hero. But a true hero… on his own terms though. If he has to fight dirty he will if it is to save lives. His wonderful design Ryan Stegman really enjoyable, reminiscent of McFarlane-Larsen-Bagley's best moments but darker, rougher and feels like it came out of the movie joint Alien (especially Cameron's) with the the Thing by Carpenter. It delivers the required horror that suits the comic but is full of power and energy where it is needed (fight scenes). Once again the OXY publications they make a very good choice of series to publish and the result will satisfy even the most demanding reader. Great paper quality, perfect printing, in a stylish volume, with a strong spine that you are not afraid of, no matter how much you open it, the pages will not crumple or tear. Perfect combination of story quality and edition and at a very good price (only 17 euros) and excellent translation by Savva Argyrou, makes this edition also a gem in your library. I hope there will be a continuation of this very good series. You will find it in comic shops, at Public and to brainfood.gr