Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Battlefield 6 Classes - Support trailer image

    Battlefield 6 Really Wants You To Play Support (But Knows You Won’t)

    07/31/2025
    Battlefield 6 Multiplayer Reveal promotional image

    Battlefield 6 Classes, Maps, And More: Everything You Need To Know

    07/31/2025
    A glimpse at all the upcoming Star Wars stories coming to the galaxy

    Star Wars Stories: What We Learned At SDCC 2025

    07/25/2025
    Blindspot episode still

    It’s been 5 years since ‘Blindspot’ ended. Why haven’t you watched it yet?

    07/24/2025
    Strange Scaffold

    Strange Scaffold Summer Showcase Delivers Bizarre And Brilliant Games

    07/22/2025
  • Fantasia Festival
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Switch 2 Games
But Why Tho?
Home » Marvel Comics » REVIEW: ‘King in Black: Gwenom vs Carnage,’ Issue #2

REVIEW: ‘King in Black: Gwenom vs Carnage,’ Issue #2

Charles HartfordBy Charles Hartford02/03/20214 Mins ReadUpdated:04/30/2021
King in Black: Gwenom vs Carnage #2 - But Why Tho?
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

King in Black: Gwenom vs Carnage #2 - But Why Tho?

King in Black: Gwenom vs Carnage #2 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Seanan McGuire, with art by Flaviano and Ig Guara, colors by Rico Renzi, and letters by Ariana Maher. After an unlikely accident causes the MJ from Gwen Stacy’s Earth to get pulled into her battle with the symbiotes, Knull takes control of MJ, wrapping her in a symbiote of her own and creating a new Carnage to oppose Gwen. Now, not only does Gwen have to find a way to survive the current crisis, but she has to also free MJ from her current imprisonment. And it doesn’t look like MJ is going to make it easy for her.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

With great power, there must also come great responsibility. That’s the line. The inescapable quote that drives the spider-centric comer of the Marvel Universe. But unfortunately, no matter how responsible those who possess power try to be, inevitably, somebody gets hurt. Whether by action, or inaction, pain comes along. And sometimes, the ones that we hurt are the ones we love the most.

Gwenom vs Carnage #2 picks up right where the last issue leaves off, with Gwen about to face down a newly christened Carnage in the form of her oldest friend MJ. As their fight commences, Carnage brutally lashes out at our hero in more ways than one. While unleashing a physical assault with all the enthusiasm we’d expect from a symbiote bearing the name Carnage, Gwen is also beset by some hard truths about the nature of her friend’s feelings about her. And while I have no doubt the conclusion of this story will reveal that much of what is said is being amplified by the symbiote, within every lie, there is a cornel of truth.

The possibility that Gwen could’ve done so much harm to her friend, without ever realizing it no less, rocks Gwen as hard as any of Carnage’s attacks. McGuire shows a great appreciation for the depth of Gwen’s character and her concern for others here.

Beyond the emotional confrontation, Gwen is also forced to confront the King in Black himself. Knull’s presence side by side with Gwen’s is an interesting contrast. This is especially true thanks to McGuire’s great character writing.  While Knull brings the all-encompassing confidence of an ancient deity to the panels, Gwen’s much more down to earth attitude shines all the brighter because of his presence. Especially as her stubbornness pushes her through the confrontation, giving Knull an example of how hard it is to intimidate someone who has made a lifestyle out of being in over her head.

The artistic presentation in Gwenom vs Carnage #2 delivers on both its action, as well as the emotional conflict it contains, though the action is truly the scene-stealer of this issue. While Gwen’s acrobatics continue to look dazzling in this issue, the menace and raw savagery of Carnage comes through just a well. The two feel equally matched, despite how drastically different their approach to combat is.

The differences in these combatants are further shown through the book’s colors. While Gwen is draped in the mostly black design of her Gwenom costume, Carnage is an ever-changing collection of colors and hues. Lending a further sense of instability to the character’s appearance.

The lettering in Gwenom vs Carnage #2 accentuates the book’s visual style nicely. Great font choices and lots of extra expression with the letter design helps the lettering feel at home with the over the top energy of the book’s visuals.

Wrapping it all up, King in Black: Gwenom vs Carnage #2 continues to deliver an evolving and interesting story. With a great balance of kinetic action and emotional stakes, I look forward to seeing where this series goes next as the King in Black event continues.

Gwenom vs Carnage #2 is available February 3rd wherever comics are sold.

King in Black: Gwenom vs Carnage #2
4

TL;DR

Gwenom vs Carnage #2 continues to deliver an evolving and interesting story. With a great balance of kinetic action and emotional stakes, I look forward to seeing where this series goes next as the King in Black event continues.

  • Buy now via our ComiXology affiliate link

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘The Legend of Shang-Chi,’ Issue #1
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Strange Academy,’ Issue #8
Charles Hartford
  • X (Twitter)

Lifelong geek who enjoys comics, video games, movies, reading and board games . Over the past year I’ve taken a more active interest in artistic pursuits including digital painting, and now writing. I look forward to growing as a writer and bettering my craft in my time here!

Related Posts

Cover art for Ultimates Issue 14

REVIEW: ‘Ultimates’ Issue 14

07/30/2025
Cover art for Uncanny X-Men Issue 18

REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 18

07/23/2025
Cover of Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1

REVIEW: ‘Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe’ Issue 1

07/16/2025
Cover of Imperial Issue 2

REVIEW: ‘Imperial’ Issue 2

07/16/2025
Fantastic Four Issue 1 (2025) cover

REVIEW: ‘Fantastic Four’ Issue 1

07/09/2025
Ultimate Spider-Man Incursion Issue 2 cover

REVIEW: ‘Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion’ Issue 2

07/09/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Wildgate promotional key art
9.0
PC

REVIEW: ‘Wildgate’ Is Co-Op Space Mayhem Done Right

By Adrian Ruiz07/25/2025Updated:07/30/2025

Built for friends and tuned for competition, Wildgate is messy in the best way: smart, surprising, and bursting with room to grow.

Glass Heart
7.0
TV

REVIEW: ‘Glass Heart’ Offers Messy, Musical Catharsis

By Allyson Johnson07/22/2025

The musical drama series ‘Glass Heart’ soars when it focuses on the epic performances of it’s fictional band, TENBLANK.

Simon in An Honest Life But Why Tho
3.5
Film

REVIEW: ‘An Honest Life’ Is Terribly Dishonest About Its Own Politics

By Jason Flatt08/02/2025

An Honest Life is an overly severe misfire about a law student who falls in with anarchist burglars that can’t decide who it resents more.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here