I’ve never been overly fond of Venom or the mythology that developed around Marvel Comics‘ symbiotes. Call me old-fashioned, but lethal protectors made heroic only in comparison to total maniacs isn’t interesting. Given that, my expectations for Eddie Brock: Carnage #1 were low. However, I found myself pleasantly surprised by this book.
The story picks up shortly after the conclusion of the recent Venom War event. As both former Venom host Eddie Brock and the Carnage symbiote were mortally wounded during the final battle, the two long-time enemies reluctantly bond to ensure their mutual survival.
The result is a Faustian bargain that neither is happy with. The symbiote reluctantly agrees to honor Eddie’s wish to only kill bad people. In exchange, Eddie agrees to provide Carnage with a steady supply of victims.
To that end, Eddie starts hunting serial killers while partnering with journalist Bailey Bushkin on their stories. Unfortunately, Carnage is impatient and has no issue with collateral damage. This proves problematic when Eddie’s first target is cornered on an airplane, leaving Eddie struggling to contain his other half while trying to find the killer.
Eddie Brock: Carnage emphasizes body horror element
Symbiotes have always inspired some degree of body horror. However, I don’t think any comic has truly pushed this imagery quite so well as Eddie Brock: Carnage #1. Along with his arguments with Carnage, the confined airplane setting serves to emphasize Eddie’s feelings of being trapped in his own skin
Charles Soule explored this idea in earlier Venom comics, but the switch in symbiotes truly drives home what a wretched existence Brock suffers. This also makes him more heroic, fighting a monster and his own dark impulses to save his soul. The irony that he does this while invading the minds of others is not lost on him, nor is the fact that he starts losing time as Carnage takes over.
The artwork helps to subtly drive home the themes of alienation and isolation. There is a true sense of depth to Jesús Saíz‘s art, both in terms of space and emotion. What truly sells the art, however, is the muted palette utilized by colorist Matt Hollingsworth. This contrasts with the brighter colors utilized when Carnage cuts loose and considerable vivid bloodshed ensues.
Eddie Brock: Carnage #1 is far deeper than one might expect, given the erratic history of the symbiotes. The script and art both zero in on the body horror elements of the title characters and the theme of noble demons. This results in an engaging comic that is more thriller than a superhero space-alien saga.
Grade: 8/10
Eddie Brock: Carnage #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on February 12, 2025.
