REVIEW: ‘Venom,’ Issue #14

Venom #14 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Al Ewing, pencils by Bryan Hitch, inks by Andrew Currie, colors by Alex Sinclair, and letters by Clayton Cowles. This is a tie-in to the Dark Web crossover. Eddie Brock has been manipulated and controlled by Chasm and Madelyne Pryor, joining forces with them in their assault on Spider-Man and the X-Men. The Goblin Queen uses Venom for an assault on the Treehouse.

The tie-in starts slightly before the beginning of Dark Web #1, providing more context to Venom’s involvement. Much of the conversation is repeated, but this is helpful for readers following Venom. The current Venom story arc isn’t forgotten for the purposes of this tie-in. After the set-up, Venom is literally propelled into the Treehouse, leading to a battle against a powerful and unexpected member of the X-Men. There’s another side to this infiltration of the Treehouse, with Ben Reilly’s girlfriend, Hallow’s Eve, also getting involved. The Goblin Queen is bound not to attack the Treehouse, but that doesn’t mean others can’t for her. This assault on two levels is exhilarating and something different from the threads of Dark Web unfolding in the X-Men or Spider-Man comics. The battle between Venom and the Mutant has a lot of surprises, especially at the end. 

The personalities in this comic are interesting as Eddie, the lead for much of the book is so conflicted. He is being led along by outside forces, and his characteristics have reverted to the past. His dialogue replicates classic Venom, and it is entertaining to see it return. The comic’s dialogue excels as Ewing writes the conflict between Venom and the protector of the Treehouse. Hallows Eve is still very new but terrific, with a lot of potential in the future. She’s menacing but energetic, with colossal potential going forwards as a villain. As for the X-Man Venom faces, a calmness and confidence highlight an understated power within him. 

The art is fantastic. Hitch and Currie superbly bring the old Venom back to life, resurrecting the huge tongue and extreme muscles from his classic appearances. The size is epic and makes Brock constantly imposing. The fight between him and the mutant is superb, starkly contrasting physicality and powers. The goblins and Hallow’s Eve brings a Halloween design to the book, especially before the attack on the Treehouse. Chasm and Goblin Queen look ominous and creepy, with the added abilities for Ben Reilly making him so much more insidious. The design for Hallow’s eve is also cool, possessing multiple different aspects and variations within her costume.

The colors are very influential in making the comic uneasy and creepy. The opening, which is a flashback, has a sickly filter covering the pages. That is paired with the eerie tones of Chasm’s suit and powers. In the Treehouse, the colors are phenomenal, flicking through colors due to the character that Venom encounters. The lettering is brilliant and always easy to read.

Venom #14 is a fun addition to Dark Web, with so much to enjoy. This a plot with a lot going on, combining hidden agenda and manipulation with an awesome battle between two characters who are rarely in the same circle. Dark Web brings figures together with loose connections and makes them work brilliantly. But at the same time, the progress of the Venom mythos is still growing. Even though Eddie has regressed into his old self, it’s a terrific statement on how far the symbiote and the host have come over the years.

Venom #14 is available now wherever comics are sold.