The smiling, swashbuckling spider-hero New York loves to hate to love is back – and more fun-loving than ever! That’s right, it’s… Wait, it’s VENOM?! An all-new host is taking the symbiote in a whole new direction – but who? It could be the Journalist…the Terrorist…the Sidekick… or even the Mayor… We’re giving you all the clues, good believers – but you won’t know until the mask comes off! All-New Venom #1 treads a familiar path but still delivers a debut that’s a pretty fun start.

Playing the guessing game as to the identity of a killer or a superhero isn’t a new concept. It’s been done over and over and how it plays out is key. The length of the guessing game. The way the key suspects are introduced. All are important in determining if that sort of story works. Writer Al Ewing dives into Venom with an “all-new” take on the character and a new individual donning the symbiote.

All-New Venom #1 is a focused and almost claustrophobic in its debut. Taking place almost entirely in a court room, we’re introduced to four individuals who might be the new Venom and by the end of the comic, left guessing. And in that way, the comic is very much a success.

Ewing delivers a tone that’s fun and playful with a take on Venom that’s a cross between the brain eating monster of old and a wise-cracking Spider-Man. But who is underneath? We’re possibly given some hints and the suspects are introduced but the comic will leave you guessing. Ewing uses a witness in the trial to help set things up and muddy the waters as to who might be the new anti-hero. The characters themselves deliver a wink and nod to the concept when three come back together after the action realizing any of them could be the new Venom and each declaring their alibi is pretty flimsy. It’s a comic that’s very self-aware with its concept and plays into it when it can.

The art by Carlos Gómez is solid. With Frank D’Armata on color and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic visually looks good. The action is entertaining to watch and even court scenes between lawyers is visually interesting, especially in its use of panels. The visuals play off of Ewings winks and nods teasing who might be the new Venom with moments that’ll leave the reader pausing on panels and contemplating who it might be.

All-New Venom #1 is a familiar concept but it’s done well and seems to know its a familiar concept and runs with it. The writing delivers some action and some laughs and most importantly will keep readers guessing and want to come back for more to find out the answer. A good debut for the next chapter of the character.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Carlos Gómez
Color: Frank D’Armata Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.95 Art: 7.95 Overall: 7.95 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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