All-New Venom #2: A Meeting Of Suspects

The mystery behind Venom’s new host grows deeper with issue #2 as all potential suspects continue their nasty habit of being conveniently absent; never in the same place or time as the action.

Writer Al Ewing, always one to fish dusty action figures from the bottom of the toy chest, kicks things off with a surprise appearance by The Death-Throws, a kooky cavalcade of juggling-themed villains introduced in the pages of 80s Captain America. Rather than modernize or reinvent these has-beens, Ewing embraces the villainous camp to deliver an 8-on-1 scuffle chock full of cheesy banter and personality.

Penciler Carlos Gomez adds 3 new recruits to the Death-Throws, drawn and designed with a genuine love for oddball gimmicks that makes them feel as if they’ve been part of the gang for decades. Gomez’s contributions as character designer don’t stop there, as Venom’s battle with the dastardly jugglers is cut short by S.C.A.R. Squad One, a trio of government-sponsored hunters whose anti-symbiote armor is striking yet simplistic in its silhouette. Their slim bodies contrasted with large dome helmets and clunky arm-cannons are evocative of Megaman and Samus Aran. Given how small the squad’s presence is, it’s impressive how big of an impression their sleek designs leave behind.

Yes, it’s a truly non-stop approach to action as Venom flees the scene to jump headfirst into another showdown against A.I.M., but the issue’s slower moments are where the real substance lies for readers invested in the mystery. Robbie Robertson, Luke Cage, and Rick Jones put aside their mutual suspicion to investigate the missing fugitive Madame Masque, hoping to cross one name off the list with certainty. Meanwhile, young Dylan Brock does some sleuthing off his own while providing cathartic fanservice for any readers sick of Paul Rabin, Mary Jane Watson’s current boyfriend. And while both parties rush to follow a common lead, it soon becomes clear that they are several layers away from peeling back the truth.