Avenging Spider-Man 21, Venom 35, Morbius the Living Vampire 5

Avenging Spider-Man 21
Yost (w) and Checchetto (a) and Rosenberg (c)

The two-parter Chameleon story continues as the Saints wreak havoc on the Helicarrier in an attempt to get to Chameleon. They send Hulk out of the Helicarrier and are prepared to put Spidey down before a suspicious Nick Fury appears to save him. Meanwhile the Helicarrier is getting torn apart, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Coulson are fighting back a horde of Russian henchmen the Saints brought with them, and Chameleon is loose somewhere, wearing the face of his doctor. Literally wearing his face, not like Chameleon'd into it. It's creepy and weird and no one appreciates it. Spider-Man eventually tracks him down at the same time as one of the Saints and, after another battle between them, Spider-Man puts him down and spies a teleport device on him. With Chameleon and the Saint incapacitated, Spider-Man teleports them away and into his lab (the one in which he's collecting the other Sinister Six members). Fury sees the teleport as it's happening and Spider-Man tells him that the Saint got Chameleon before he could but oh, look at that, they've teleported to that pesky ship nearby! The Helicarrier blows up the ship and everyone feels pretty good about what happened, particularly Spider-Man, who has triumphed again.

The Sinister Six collection storyline continues as Chameleon ends up in Doc Ock's lab for reasons still yet unknown. Will this resolve itself before the title switches over to Superior Spider-Man Team-Up? Will this be the inciting incident that causes the switch? Will the reunion of the Sinister Six be the kickoff for Superior Spider-Man Team-Up? I can't know any of these things. I do like the way this issue treats SHIELD, though, as a sort of fun-loving bunch. That's probably inaccurate. However, my mind is on The Venture Brothers this week as the long awaited fifth season kicks off Sunday night, so I can't help drawing comparisons to this version of SHIELD feeling like the OSI or SPHINX at their tamest. Yost continues to characterize the Doc Ock Spidey with aplomb and makes the story and characters worth reading. Fun book.

Venom 35
Bunn (w) and Shalvey (a) and Loughridge (c)

Hot off his fight with Toxin and the Figure, Flash heads into school with a black eye and a worry about how things in Philly are working out so far. Those worries are amplified when he sees Eddie Brock enter the school and approach him. The two talk out their problems and decide where they want to fight (Brock doesn't want any children harmed either, but that's part of why he's so mad at Flash, who has brought his symbiote into a school) before a crowd of Figures appear, set on destroying the two symbiotes. Flash rushes the kids into safety while Brock approaches the Figures. Flash toys with the idea of letting Toxin and the Figures finish each other off, leaving him to just cleanup after and taking out some of his own enemies at the same time, but eventually jumps into the fight to protect Toxin. They eventually fight back the Figures and turn back to face one another. Toxin is still set on killing Venom, convinced that Flash won't be able to control it forever and it's silly to keep it if it's just going to go crazy on him. However, Flash convinces Toxin that he's keeping it in control because he's fighting for something worth controlling it. He argues that Brock never had anything to live for before the symbiote so he let the symbiote take control of him. Flash, on the other hand, has a family and friends and is trying to make a new life for himself so he's going to work to keep Venom under control. Toxin reluctantly agrees to allow him to try to make his life, but warns that he'll kill him once the symbiote takes charge.

Watching symbiotes fight is always going to be entertaining in comics and it's good to see that Eddie Brock's transformation from Antitoxin to Toxin hasn't changed his feeling on symbiotes as a whole. I've really liked Shalvey's art throughout his whole run here. I don't know if there's anything else to add to that or any reason it sticks out particularly here, just occurred to me that I hadn't really said it and I don't have a ton to analyze about this book for some reason. But yeah, Shalvey's art has been pretty great all the way through. I've commented on his covers but his art is really holding this book together in some ways. Not that I don't think the story is fine or the characters are good, but it's been moving a little slowly as of late. I think he made it to Philadelphia in, I want to say, issue 27 or something like that and it feels like he hasn't been there for eight issues. That's a weird thing to feel at this point. Still, pretty good book, really good art, interesting enough, which is sometimes all you need.

Morbius the Living Vampire 5
Keatinge (w) and Elson with C. Rodriguez (a) and Fabela (c)

I'm still not sold on this series. Granted, today I have something of a headache so my reviews have been a bit off and my reading skills may be down a peg or two, but by and large this series feels like it's trying to be something but it's not sure what it's trying to be. There are hints of Batman in here, with a sole-protector vibe mixed with an I'm-no-hero vibe. There are bits of crime books, trying to weave a complex tale of drug running and gang warfare and "who's playing who" about all of Brownsville. The art style is weirdly reminiscent of The Walking Dead in some places, though I'd say far less detailed and often less realistic. Morbius is so over the top anti-hero that it makes it kind of difficult to read at times (though that might also be the headache). All the while, it seems like the book wants to toe the line between cheeky and quirky and sinister and dark, which is an odd line to toe and is not typically done particularly well. It's a tricky book in general because it's really still hard to figure out who this book is for. Is Morbius this popular of a character? What age group is enjoying this book?

Anyway, Morbius cleans up some of the gangs in the city following the death of Noah St. Germain and receives the blessing of the normal neighborhood people, who wish to take back the town. However, he's quickly pulled away by the Rose, who explains that he's been the one positioning Morbius for all of this, from his arrival in Brownsville to his fight with Noah to this defeat of the gangs. He also warns Morbius that he has Morbius' mother captive so Morbius should probably do what he says. What he says is that he's going to continue to allow Morbius to do whatever work he wants to do but, in eight weeks, everything's going to go belly-up and Morbius will take the fall for it and the Rose will profit, because that's what the Rose does. Who is pulling the Rose's strings, though? At the end of the issue, we find out that this goes one level even deeper and he's being funded by Morbius' own father, who, had you asked me, I would have guessed was dead, based on absolutely no evidence. I don't know, something about the book comes off as trying too hard and not giving enough of a reward. I guess we'll see as this series moves into its next arc.

Superior Spider-Man 8, Venom 34

Superior Spider-Man 8
Slott (w) and Ramos and Olazaba (a) and Delgado (c)

The Avengers run their tests on Spider-Man after successfully restraining him. Unfortunately for Peter, the tests don't show anything major that would prove Spider-Man as being anyone besides Peter Parker. However, there is an anomaly in the brain patterns that only Doc Ock notices (lucky that Iron Man and Giant Man aren't around for these tests) and he determines that he needs a more conclusive test. That means tracking down the neurolitic scanner Cardiac took from impound last issue. Spider-Man crashes the underground emergency room and begins to fight Cardiac again before the shocking revelation that the little girl who needs the scanner became sick as a result of Ock's attempt to take over the world last summer. Doc stops fighting Cardiac and instead offers to assist with the scanner and the surgery the girl requires. He does so successfully and he and Cardiac part as allies. Cardiac allows him to use the scanner, which proves to Doc what he was beginning to suspect: Peter's memories have taken a life of their own and are fighting their way back. The issue ends as Doc sets to work removing Peter.
Another interesting development which seemed like it was going to be more extended. I feel that the norm would be to bring Peter back this way, with Doc realizing too late that Peter's attempting to return. Instead, Doc has found Peter out sooner than expected and next issue will see him trying to remove Peter. That could leave this book in all sorts of different places. Also snuck into this issue is a scene with Carlie Cooper talking to a mysterious character on a phone about a theory she has that sounds ludicrous but that she needs to prove. Carlie throughout this series has been suspicious of Spidey and it looked all along like she might be the one to piece things together in the end. Exactly how she'll determine it and how much good it will do still remains to be seen and putting us on this new path of Doc removing Peter (or trying to) leaves Slott with plenty of directions to go. Meanwhile, Doc Ock saving the little girl in this issue rewarded him with new feelings of accomplishment, positive ones instead of the ones that often come with his nefarious successes. Could that make him pull back a bit on his quickly growing aggression? Will it enhance that aggression, citing all the people he needs to protect? Will it have no bearing on his aggression but affect his overall demeanor? No one can say just yet, but these are all things to consider as Doc Ock grows into the role of Spider-Man.

Venom 34
Bunn (w) and Shalvey (a) and Loughridge (c)

The fight that's been coming for a few issues now is at the forefront of this issue. Toxin is stronger and faster than Venom and it shows as Flash takes a severe beating from the ever-gloating Toxin. He tries to catch Brock off-guard a few times, pointing out to him that his bond with Toxin goes against everything he's been doing for the last few years, his hatred of symbiotes and his attempt to destroy them (particularly as Anti-Venom). Brock says that he still hates symbiotes and he hates Toxin, but Toxin hates Venom too so they're going to have to work together for now and choose to kill each other later. Flash has some trouble believing that, feeling that Brock is already too far gone and too attached to the symbiote. It seems to have little bearing at the moment, though, as Venom is still getting killed by the team-up. Flash uses a last ditch plan and brings out a syringe with the serum that dulls the symbiote. He injects Brock with it and it pushes the symbiote out for a bit. Flash is too weak to attack the now helpless Brock, who escapes, but he survived the fight. He crawls his way back to his apartment, stopping only to yell at a student of his who tries to help him. Flash can't let anyone close to him because Toxin will tear through them. Meanwhile, the cliffhanger sets up the idea of "symbiote slayers" who look a little like the Figure done correctly and perhaps not as cannibals.
The cover for the next issue (the covers right now are pretty amazing, by the way. They're the handiwork of Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire) and the term "symbiote slayers" seems to point to the idea that Venom and Toxin will have to put their differences aside for the moment and team up against the new foes. It seems that Flash can't catch a break, having left New York to protect the ones he loves and to get away from things for a while and get his head clear, he lands in Philadelphia only to find that he can't get close to anyone lest he bring them into danger and that he has dragged a villain along with him. Things are happening for Flash and Venom but we're these things are going to leave us is anyone's guess. We haven't heard about the demon vs. the symbiote in a while and it's worth considering whether that will effect the next couple issues and the fights he's going to have to have. Flash acknowledges that he's not as strong nor as fast as Toxin but the demon-possessed Venom would have a few tricks uniquely of its own up its sleeve, so we'll see where we go from here. Get ready for lots more action in this book.

Superior Spider-Man 7, Venom 33

Superior Spider-Man 7
Slott (w) and Ramos and Olazaba (a) and Delgado (c)

Okay, one of these days I'm going to be right about when the Avengers come after Spider-Man. I have to imagine that NEXT TIME, definitely, the Avengers will get to the bottom of this Spider-Man business.
Doc Spidey finds himself pitted against Cardiac, a vigilante in a powerful suit, but one who does what he does to help people. In this particular issue, Cardiac has set up a medical facility where Mr. Negative once had his homeless shelter. There, he and his staff perform important medical research and help people who wouldn't get help otherwise. One of his doctors tells him that they need a certain piece of machinery to save a girl with brain trauma, so Cardiac sets off to track it down. It's in the Boneyard, a warehouse that contains tons and tons of confiscated supervillain tech. While he searches through it all, yelling about how terrible the organization in the place is and how wasteful it is to keep all this amazing technology locked away, Doc Spidey shows up and, comfortable with the way things are going as Spider-Man, quickly starts using excessive force. His anger with the vigilante (who he doesn't understand) is amplified when he discovers that the tech Cardiac was trying to steal was former Doc Ock tech, some of his greatest work. He attempts to land a brutal blow on Cardiac but Peter, locked away in his own mind but who has started to learn that he can gain little bits of control, pushes the fist out of the way. Cardiac escapes narrowly and Doc Spidey is ashamed, angry, and very suspicious of why his hand moved on its own. He's finally called to the Avengers, where they insist on running all sorts of tests to confirm who Spider-Man is. Doc refuses and begins to walk out, but they don't let him. The issue ends as they prep to fight.
So okay, we're moving along now. I think there are a lot of things happening in this story (mostly good/interesting) but boy it feels like they've been building to this Avengers thing for a while, even putting the Avengers on the cover of this issue only to have them end the issue. Still, there are a lot of things to like here. Peter's starting to vie for control of his own body but Doc is on to him. Doc's willingness to use extreme force is getting less and less tempered, as he fights Cardiac without even so much as glancing into Peter's memories about the little known vigilante. Now he's about to go up against the Avengers in battle which could end a number of different ways. That fight, too, should be interesting as Peter struggles for control of his body. For the record, I do still find it irritating how often Peter talks. I think, after fifty years, we kind of all know what Peter thinks about this whole situation and pretty much every situation. We don't necessarily need to hear him constantly reiterate how much he wants Doc Ock to stop. Otherwise though, another solid issue.

Venom 33
Bunn (w) and Shalvey (a) and Loughridge (c)

Geez, that's an intense cover.
Just as I feel like we've been waiting ages for the Avengers to figure out and put pressure on Spider-Man, I feel like we've been waiting ages for Toxin to come face to face with Venom. Of course, part of the problem is that this is a monthly (or bimonthly, in Spider-Man's case) medium, so we can get prepared for a plot event four months ahead of time and it'll be two days in their universe. Tricky business, trying to keep fans from getting bored with a plot before it even happens while also reminding fans that a plot is coming and that it'll be worth the wait. So Toxin is in Philadelphia and fighting the Figure (that's allegedly the name of the horrible flesh eating monster that has something to do with the U-Foes' recent appearance in the series) while looking for Venom. The Figure is a somewhat sympathetic character (particularly for Flash) because he's a victim in this, someone who was bonded to another force against his will and it's that force that's driving his hunger right now. We understand Venom's connection to the creature and we would understand if Eddie Brock had a sympathetic connection too, but Eddie's been rather overrun by Toxin so he's not exactly much for feeling sympathetic these days.
Flash, meanwhile, is settling into his new life, attending AA meetings that highlight the parallel between his past drinking addiction and his reliance on the symbiote. He also video chats Beast to talk to him about the U-Foes and the Figure, who Beast figures he might be able to help if he can see him. The tie between Venom and the Secret Avengers was a good move on Remender's part as it's opened up a whole world of supporting cast that Flash can turn to and who can solve problems with the best of them. Flash tracks down the Figure and webs him up, hoping to transport him to Beast, but Toxin descends on the pair immediately, setting up the big fight for the next issue.
The series is running well with the promise of a symbiote fight coming immediately and the continued hints at the demons living inside Flash making their presence known again. Shalvey's art and Loughridge's colors are perfectly dark and scary for the book's current tone, which focuses around the horrors of the Figure and the efficient brutality of the symbiotes. There's a lot to like here. I think pacing MIGHT still be an issue, though I wrote it off a little bit above. If the book can overcome some of those things, it's a solid and enjoyable read issue to issue. Good book.

Superior Spider-Man 5, Venom 32

Superior Spider-Man 5
Slott (w) and Camuncoli and Dell (a) and Fabella and Delgado (c)

Boy, this comic is going to some dark places, huh? We have the a lot of Batman motifs cropping up here, but going the step Batman decidedly doesn't go. It's also interesting because Spider-Man is typically different than Batman in his motives. Spider-Man has always believed in the responsibility behind using his powers where Batman is more out for vengeance. However, as the Superior Spider-Man gets more and more comfortable in the skin of Peter Parker, he is becoming more merciless and, as a result, seemingly more efficient. There are a number of times in this issue (and in the four before it) where the spectator Peter Parker has been shocked by how right Doc Ock is in his methods. There are, of course, plenty of times he totally disagrees with those same methods, but small actions like calling the cops for back-up and setting up surveillance to assist in the town and finding Massacre's back-up plan before he can fall back on it were all, Peter admits, good choices. There is also a feeling from Dock Ock, when Peter occasionally does force his way through and affects a scenario, that Peter's impulsive actions in the way he heroes about ruin Doc Ock's meticulous plan. It all comes back to the question Slott wants us to ask: is Peter Parker the best Spider-Man?

It's a really interesting question. The heart's answer is, as it should be, yes, of course. Spidey has been doing this for fifty years now and he's so unambiguously heroic. He does things because he wants to help. There's seemingly not a bad bone in his body (typically) and he catches bad guys and takes the weight of the world on his shoulders and quips. Of course he's the best. But then we get a glimpse of the cold and calculating Doc Ock as he uses Spider-Man's powers for good and it's hard not to question. Should Spider-Man have killed Massacre, the emotionless serial killer who has already broken out once and slaughtered tens of people? Common superhero etiquette would say no, of course not. That's not his decision to make. But then there's always that question that's associated with so many heroes and that often comes back at Batman: is Batman irresponsible in not killing Joker, who has no chance of turning his life around and who will just do more and more destruction and will always find a way out? It's tough. And it's the line that Spider-Man is going to walk right now. And this question doesn't even get into the morality of the face-recognizing spider-bots patrolling the city nor the morality of Spider-Man threatening a woman to reveal her secrets to the police lest she deal with him. Lot of interesting things coming out of this book and it'll be exciting to see where we end up.

Venom 32
Bunn (w) and Shalvey (a) and Loughridge (c)

Venom is officially moved into his new Philadelphia home, complete with a job as an assistant gym teacher/coach at West Philly High, where he meets a small supporting cast, including a goth neighbor and a jock (practically nicknamed little Flash). Meanwhile, Eddie Brock has also made his way to Philadelphia and, with the Toxin symbiote now bonded to him, is tracking Venom as best he can. This is aided when a horrible mutated mess of a man flees Venom after a fight and runs right into the arms of Brock. It seems like we're building to their meeting presumably next issue, now that they're in the same city and associated with the same pseudo-villain.

If I'm not saying much, it's because not much seemed to happen. I guess in my pre-game picks, I was a little too eager about what was to come in this issue. This issue deals largely in flashes from the past (GET IT, FLASHes. LIKE FLASH) that describe how the symbiotes have been bonded to their various hosts and how Flash really needs to get his under control. It seems like he'll have an encounter with Toxin before he's able to inject himself with the drugs he needs to keep the symbiote contained and obeying him. So I guess NEXT issue is the big one. We'll see how well this series is doing after that one, I suppose. I think I went into this one a little too eagerly, only to be a little disappointed by the lack of forward motion. Oh well. It happens.