Venom #16 does a fantastic job of bridging the gap between the recently ended event “War of the Realms” and upcoming “Absolute Carnage.”

Writer Donny Cates uses the issue to focus on the recent revelation that Eddie Brock is a father. Cates has done an amazing job at adding depth to the character. This issue is a prime example of that.

Eddie doesn’t have access to his symbiote anymore and he has to take care of his newly discovered son. But, that involves money, something Eddie doesn’t have. And, with his son getting sick, Eddie also needs medicine, or at last soup. While he used to have the means to solve those issues, he now has to take another route. That means trying to get a job.

The story is such a simple concept that shows Eddie as a proctor. It also has us questioning who was the bad guy, him or the symbiote. Did one corrupt the other? It also makes his actions as a hero more believable as we get to see him care for his kid.

Cates focuses on that while also teasing the upcoming storyline “Absolute Carnage.” He delivers a creepy storyline that’s brutal in scary in so many ways. We see Eddie do what he has to provide and protect the innocents, even without Venom to help. It creates a character that is multifaceted and more well-rounded.

The art by Juan Gedeon and colorist Jesus Aburtov for Venom #16 is on the nose. It brings a grittiness to the story that fits the tone perfectly. There’s a caring innocence that slowly devolves as Eddie falls deeper into his mission and goal. The detail Gedeon makes sure to add of the bumps and bruises helps you feel that more sorry for Eddie and what he has to do.

Venom continues to be one of Marvel’s best series out there. It has added depth to a character who up to this point lacked any. Venom, and Eddie Brock, has finally gone from a Spider-Man who eats people, to a character you can empathize with. Cates has made me care about the character for the first time and put together an amazing focus on character, action, and big picture storytelling.

Story: Donny Cates Art: Juan Gedeon
Color: Jesus Aburtov Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.35 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review