Symbiote Spider-Man #4: An Experiment Gone Right

****some spoilers ahead****

An interesting issue, I’m really enjoying the way this story is playing out following the turn of events towards the end of the book. (Ok…down past the spoiler tag enough noooow)

What the what? Venomized Mysterio? Ok, that is by far the most interesting thing this mini could have done if there’s anyone that would positively THRIVE under the use of a symbiote, it’s Quentin Beck. His feelings of inadequacy are perfect for the symbiote to exploit, and the alien’s shapeshifting and camouflage abilities provide Beck with a perfect way to augment his skill set. It is a bit odd that the symbiote is already plotting against Peter seemingly unless the sliver Felicia cut off would be considered an offspring a la Carnage, but I believe there is supposed to be a gestation period and randomly snipping a chunk off maybe shouldn’t create a brand new offspring?

Otherwise, the plot is a bit on the thin side with the main symbiote suit (Maybe with Spidey inside? It’s never explained.) coming to kick butt at Fisk tower then leaving without really doing much of anything besides knocking pre-symbiote Mysterio out. It has a pretty macguffin feel to it, one can see the strings if one tries…

Otherwise there isn’t much to this issue as we head into the finale next issue a final confrontation between Mysterio and Spidey is set up nicely. A big complaint I have with this issue and good chunks of this miniseries is a relative lack of Spider-Man. It’s a bit strange I thought we’d more be dealing with Spidey and the suit but the entire mini has been given over to what feels like side stories.

The artwork by Greg Land is solid but pretty frequently throughout the issue you’ll notice panel layouts and art that looks familiar I wanna say I spotted 3 panels where i could pretty readily identify them within reason. I don’t know that it’s his much reviled lightbox technique or if he is trying to homage memes and such, to me some of these are too blatant to think he was trying to sneak under the radar. I dunno, it’s fine haha.

Batman slapping robin?

Wanna say ASM 33 when he’s fighting the Master Planner’s goons?

Pretty much every Jim Lee punch ever.