Absolute Carnage #5
Recap
VENOM AND CARNAGE - TO THE DEATH!
The ultimate battle between Venom and Carnage ends here. Current and former symbiote hosts race against the clock to defeat Carnage and prevent him from summoning Knull.
Review
This final issue left me unsure how I feel about this event. While the art and writing for this series have both been outstanding from start to finish, certain events in this “conclusion” made it feel as if this entire event was just set up for another series.
This issue was still an extremely enjoyable read in it’s own right; with heart-pounding action and deep emotions, it definitely delivered an outstanding conclusion to this epic battle between Carnage and everyone unfortunate enough to possess a codex. The problem with this issue is that it makes it feel as though the previous 4 issues (as well as the numerous tie-ins) were all to create hype for something else.
I will take this last chance to say yet again that the art in this series was truly spectacular. Stegman did an outstanding job capturing the horrors unfolding for our heroes while still keeping a hint of superhero action and fantasy alive in the panels. The pencils were only enhanced by the great team of inkers and colorist Frank Martin. Their work combined to make a beautiful horror aesthetic that managed to stay well grounded in a world filled with superhero antics.
Despite an ending that made the series feel like an extended promotion for something that is currently unannounced, I would definitely suggest this series. This series has been a fun ride that you should check out if you’re a fan of Marvel’s symbiotes, horror comics, or just well written, darker themed stories in general.
Final Thoughts
This is a beautifully illustrated and well written conclusion that makes the entire series feel more like a prologue.
Absolute Carnage #5 – The End is Only the Beginning
- Writing - 9.5/109.5/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 9.5/109.5/10