Cult of Carnage: Misery #1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Sabir Pirzada, art by Francesco Mortarino, colors by Java Tartaglia, and letters by Joe Sabino. Liz Allen faces pressure as a CEO and a mother, dealing with not only her ex-husband’s past and hostile takeovers, but the Symbiotes she has in her possession.
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This is a combination of multiple sagas and storylines and runs in conjunction with the Carnage Reigns crossover that begins simultaneously. For that reason, it isn’t easy to jump into but the first half of the issue does a great job of catching people up to the backstory of Alchemax and Liz Allen. The plot is slow for a while due to so many pieces being put in place. There are figurative and literal grenades to set up. Because of this, the last part of the issue feels easy to predict, but the way it gets there is executed superbly, with a fascinating concept for the villain.
The main character of Cult of Carnage: Misery #1 is one that has deserved a book of their own for a long time. Liz Allen has been an essential part of the Spider-Man corner of the Marvel Universe practically since he was created but has since been even more crucial. As the leader of an insidious corporation, she can’t be considered a force for good. But when the focus is put on how much of a struggle it is to balance the different aspects of her life, it is difficult not to feel for her. Her children are mouthy little gobshites, always with something needy to say, and she has always had to reap the consequences of Harry Osborn’s lifestyle. But Liz has always been part of the supporting cast. This comic has her right in the center. There are flashbacks throughout the issue of the couple in happier times, and the dialogue is really thoughtful.
The art is really good. Just the normal humans look amazing before any of the superhero elements are introduced. Mortarino plays with hair brilliantly, understanding how it falls and how it looks at a variety of lengths. Presenting Liz as a regular woman is significant for what happens later. The Guardian armor is shown to foreshadow the villain of the comic. All of the technology and the gadgets look phenomenal. Just a Green Goblin mask instills fear. Then come the Symbiotes. The swirling mass is always epic, but there are some sublime new designs and ideas being brought to the table.
The colors are stunning. There is a mixture of natural tones and exotic shades depending on the situation. When in a board meeting or at home, the book is happy to stay muted. But when the heavy sci-fi kicks in, the rich colors come too. The lettering is great, although the font for the location captions can be difficult to read sometimes.
Cult of Carnage: Misery #1 finally gives Liz Allen a comic of her own. Since her father-in-law and even her son have been given titles, it is only fair that she gets the spotlight shone on her too. She is powerful in her own right and Pirzada captures the chaos and the spectrum of disasters happening to her, before ramping it up even further.
Cult of Carnage: Misery #1 is available where comics are sold.
Cult of Carnage: Misery #1
TL;DR
Cult of Carnage: Misery #1 finally gives Liz Allen a comic of her own. Since her father-in-law and even her son have been given titles, it is only fair that she gets the spotlight shone on her too. She is powerful in her own right and Pirzada captures the chaos and the spectrum of disasters happening to her, before ramping it up even further.
