This puts the narrative strictly in an identity crisis sort of place thanks to Eddie and the Symbiote being so closely bonded. Fantastic from the Ultimate universe is the main antagonist, but really it’s the Symbiote that Eddie is wrestling with. It makes the character feel more well rounded and thus more interesting. All this when he was basically godly last volume.Ĭharacter writing is very good and Cates continues to explore them via character traits tied to real life experiences. Let’s just say Eddie needs to figure out two very big mysteries as well as, in a sense, get his mojo back. I don’t want to spoil anything, which is hard with a comic like this since it’s all about big reveals. Cates clearly loves this character and proves as much with his plotting and ideas in this series. The suit is cool, he drools green ooze and not much else. For the longest time, I’ve viewed Venom as a simplistic hero that’s more style than substance. You get that here due to new details emerging as far as the Symbiote goes and also with Eddie’s personal life. With Cates’ work, however, you leave a comic feeling as it mattered. Often with superhero comics, you get your standard fight, a twist or two, and plenty of good art, but ultimately not much changes in the grand scheme of things. Both contain big twists, big reveals, and story elements other writers would drag out over 30 issues, by Cates gets it done in twelve. Will Eddie’s return to his old stomping grounds reveal secrets better kept buried? Collecting VENOM (2018) #7-12.Donny Cates is a very generous writer and this collection along with the first one prove it.

Plus: San Francisco offers anything but a happy homecoming thanks to Eddie’s estranged father - and the little brother he never knew he had. This time Eddie’s going through an emotional meat grinder the likes of which has never been seen in the Marvel Universe! As Eddie finds himself truly alone for the first time in a long time, the silence is deafening. Venom no more?! Just when you thought the blockbuster story of Venom couldn’t get any more intense, Donny Cates turns the world of Eddie Brock on its head - again! But this time it won’t be dragons and god-hosts and breakneck action.

Venom, Vol. 2 by Donny Cates