All-New Venom #1: Meet the New Guy

Followers of Venom War didn’t have to wait long to witness its consequences, as a mere week after the event’s conclusion comes All-New Venom #1 to usher in the character’s next status quo shift. The lethal protector’s host is no longer Eddie Brock, but a newcomer yet to be unveiled. This isn’t a unique development, as Marvel has doubled down on the introduction of legacy characters inheriting classic mantles in recent years, always met with a mixed bag of enthusiasm from fans. But writer Al Ewing is at the reins this time, and anyone familiar with his work knows to expect the unexpected. In a surprisingly innovative choice, Ewing decides to make the mystery behind this new Venom’s identity more than just a marketing tactic; it forms the backbone of an intriguing whodunnit? tale.

The story begins with an incarcerated Madame Masque on trial for her involvement in 2023’s Gang War. Luke Cage, mayor of NYC, sits in attendance alongside classic Hulk sidekick Rick Jones and timeless Spider-Man supporting character Robbie Robertson, high-ranking editor of the Daily Bugle. When all hell breaks loose in the courtroom after an A.I.M. surprise attack, the three men jump into action while Masque uses the confusion to sneak away. Despite all their efforts, it is a gold-accented Venom who saves the day and has fun doing it.

Carlos Gomez, one of Marvel’s most consistently brilliant artists, shines as the debut issue’s penciler. There is a wonderful cleanliness to Gomez’s linework and his human figures are drawn with an expert balance on sharp angles and smooth curves. Abundant personality is infused into the way Venom fights these A.I.M. goons, and the mechanized suits they wear have appealingly blocky designs.

The end of the issue leaves all four aforementioned characters as prime suspects and, as with any good mystery, it is hard to differentiate clues from misleads. This new Venom’s quick-witted and gloating personality doesn’t match stone-faced killer Madame Masque, nor the two older, more mature gentlemen. It’s so in-line with Rick Jones’ established character that he surely must be a red herring. And this is just the beginning of the unfurling investigation which will undoubtedly have readers invested despite whatever reservations about the comic they may have.