REVIEW: ‘Venom’ Issue 261

Venom Issue 261 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Al Ewing, art by Carlos Gómez, colors by Frank D’Armata and Letters by Clayton Cowles.

Venom Issue 261 is part of the Queen in Black Event. In this issue, Venom is inside the Baxter Building, and that brings back memories for the Symbiote. In a very frenetic and chaotic event, Venom Issue 261 serves as something of a reprieve. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t full of story.

It’s a terrific journey through history for Venom, who gets to interact with Reed Richards, a man who has spent a lot of time testing and experimenting on the Symbiote when it first arrived. That is the resounding memory Venom has of Reed, and that shows within the energy of the issue. It’s unsettled and confrontational.

The theme of Venom Issue 261 quickly becomes trauma, as Venom relives what has happened to it within this building. The pacing is methodical, but there are these sudden explosions of rage as Venom lashes out. There are still experiments within this issue to help with the fight against Hela and Knull, but the Symbiote never seems to want to cooperate. There is a beautiful connection from some very early days to right this very moment. It’s like the entire history of Symbiotes summed up within a single comic.

Venom Issue 261 brings something fascinating: singular conversations specifically with Venom and other people. Not Venom as a conjoined being, but the singular Symbiote. This creates a mesmerizing set of discussions, especially with Reed Richards. Venom really doesn’t like Reed because, to it, he has always poked, prodded, and burned it. And Reed does the same thing in this issue, almost proving its point. But there are many times when Reed tries to converse and understand.

At several points in Venom Issue 261, Venom is intimidating, scary and insidious, especially towards Reed. But when talking to Spider-Man, a softer side emerges that explores how broken and sad the Symbiote is. It wasn’t understood for a long time. It’s beautiful to see the relationships it has built and those that it cares about. Almost every page shows the pain the Symbiote has been in, which makes for a harrowing story.

The art is fantastic, with a very claustrophobic feel for Venom. The entire issue is set inside the Baxter Building, in labs and rooms that seem oppressive to the alien creature. Even now, it is still treated like a test subject. Gomez superbly shifts Venom’s form to indicate who is in control. When Mary Jane is in the driver’s seat, she is smaller and more feminine in stature.

Then Venom emerges as the massive shape that is more famous. It fills the space further and creates a more imposing presence, there is a very classic feel to this comic, created by flashbacks and memories of one of the most iconic buildings in comics.

Outfit changes highlight trips to the past, but the surroundings barely change to emphasize why Venom sees so many haunting images. The lack of windows that allow for a view of the outside world (even if the planet is under attack) heightens the pressure and discomfort throughout Venom Issue 261, reaching an intense conclusion.

The colors are exceptional at assisting the increase in intensity. Within Reed’s lab, the red light creates an oppressive and unfriendly atmosphere. Even the blue outside of Venom’s tank is unnatural. That feeling spreads around the building, where the natural lighting just doesn’t break through at any point.

The lettering is crucial because two voices speak through the same person. When Venom speaks for itself, the lettering is much more jagged, creating a gravelly impression. In contrast, Mary Jane’s text still has the same black background, but is much smoother.

Venom Issue 261 is a troubling trip down memory lane. It’s amazing how much development Ewing gives the Symbiote’s personality as its trauma and heartbreak bubble to the surface. Venom has been through so much and changed incredibly, jumping from host to host. But it also always remembers what was done to it and the people that have mistreated it.

The relationship with Reed Richard, providing a different viewpoint on a character that is usually so heroic, is exceptional. Venom Issue 261 is a comic that is much sadder and more emotive than expected, leaving a lasting impression by stepping aside from the noise. The Venom tie-ins to Queen in Black have focused beautifully on Venom instead of sprawling into other symbiotes.

Venom Issue 261 is available where comics are sold.