REVIEW: ‘Venom: Lethal Protector,’ Issue #2

Venom: Lethal Protector #2 is published by Marvel Comic, written by David Michelinie, with art by Ivan Fiorelli, colors by Bryan Valenza, and letters by Travis Lanham. After Humbug humiliates and nearly kills Eddie Brock’s Venom Symbiote, Brock goes out hunting for those that are trying to destroy him.

The plot of this issue is one of growth. Brock starts at a really low point as his Symbiote is unresponsive. His wounds aren’t healing, and he is truly on his own. But from there, things start to improve. From a brief fight with a classic Spider-Man villain to an encounter with a member from Eddie’s past, Venom appears revitalized by the end of the issue. The fight scenes have a very ’90s feel to them, which the rest of the issue also brings, but that is due to the humor of it. It is often a case of Venom or the other characters using incredibly convenient objects near to them to defeat their enemies, leading to some ridiculous yet comical moments. The final fight actually mirrors the one that opened the first issue, especially considering the people involved and how it finishes. The conclusion of it is a brutal and sudden shock.

The character of Eddie Brock is fascinating in Venom: Lethal Protector #2. The actual point in time at which this story is set is not clarified, but the relationship between him and his Symbiote is close enough to suggest they have been together for a while. They are close and eager to work together. Eddie is deeply concerned about the welfare of the parasite, mourning it when it looks lifeless at the start of the issue. As the book progresses, their confidence returns, and they can go into the final battle with cockiness and a feeling of supremacy over their enemies. The main villain of these first two issues is Humbug. Whilst his costume and his demeanour can be construed as ridiculous, there is a sad tinge to his personality. He had one weapon that made him dangerous against Venom. But is that enough to keep him safe?

The art is very fun and entertaining. The enormous size of Brock is again reminiscent of his look in the ’90s, incredibly muscular. There is quite a tragic opening to the issue as Eddie carries the tiny, lifeless segment of the Symbiote around. The first villain encounter Venom faces are exciting, and the villain looks fantastic. All of the battles are relatively self-contained. They are stationary, not jumping between locations. This allows us to understand the surroundings and what can then be used as a weapon. Fiorelli superbly designs Humbug’s costume as it perfectly matches his personality. At a glance, you can tell he is ambitious with it. But it is too big on him and sags, as deflated as he is at times. In a way, it doesn’t match with other outfits that the characters were in that book, but that is a conscious decision.

The colors are wonderful. Like with the design, the color choices for Humbug’s costume have clearly been a powerful decision. The hades of it look dull, and the red and yellow have become almost brown and bronze, indicative of his unease and low self-esteem. Elsewhere, the coloring of Venom’s skin is beautiful and helps illustrate musculature. It isn’t as opaque, and the black isn’t as sleek as other renditions, reflecting the tones around it. The lettering is very easy to read, even Venom’s word balloon with the black background.

Venom: Lethal Protector #2 has settled as a story. The classic spin of the dialogue is not as abrasive as it was in the first issue, and the plot has got a real drive to it now. Venom’s return to full confidence is enjoyable, and there are some magnificent fight scenes filled with humor. The villains the Brock faces are query but their sub-plots have been interesting to learn. The art is also stunning and tells the story with small details. As it explores this flashback tale, it is so fascinating to see the budding relationship between two that are now so entwined.

Venom: Lethal Protector #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.