Writer: Donny Cates
Artist: Juanan Ramirez
Color Artist: Felipe Sobreiro
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cates has another winner on his hands with this great Venom spin-off. Readers get more backstory on Rex and the symbiotes.
Ve’nam overall maintains the quality from the mainline Venom as a well paced, well made side story. New readers seeing the #1 will be pretty lost, but those keeping up with the symbiote will be pleased. Cates presents a good balance of action and dialogue, and even hints at some deeper themes dealing with ethics. The ending can feel a little unresolved as it leaves a lot up to the reader to fill in, but should create enough interest for following issues in the Web of Venom series.
Like the writing, the artwork is also of great quality. The textured, gritty style gives it a flashback feel. Body language of the characters really pushes the action and the animalistic nature of the symbiotes. Color shifts help change scenes and set the overall mood. Splash panels are used well and panel layouts help to frame the action. Some lettering clashes a bit but is overall quite serviceable.
This is a good one to pick up for people following the Venom series.
