Venom’s battle with the Savage Six comes to a close in this issue, and it’s nothing short of action-packed. With the identity of the Crime Master revealed, it’s just a matter of seeing how Flash Thompson will deal with this foe, especially given his relation to Betty Brant. 

Read on for my review!

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Despite the fact that this arc was only four issues long (technically five due to a prologue issue), I have to say it could have been shorter and would have benefited from being more streamlined and focused. Instead, we got four issues that ranged from good to decent, but never quite got to the same level of quality that the series had been before this arc. I hate to point fingers, but I’m going to have to blame it on Cullen Bunn coming on as a co-writer. That said, it’s not making me want to continue buying the series after Remender leaves and Bunn takes over full time (which happens after #22). 

Coming right off last issue’s reveal that the Crime Master’s identity is that of Betty Brant’s long thought deceased brother Bennett (who, according to an editor’s note from this issue, was killed back in Amazing Spider-Man #11), this issue showcases a quick bout between Venom and both Megatek and Toxin, who is now possessing Eddie Brock, the original Venom. 

The best part of the issue has to be the fight between Venom and Toxin. Not only due to the fact that it’s a symbiote/symbiote battle, but because you can see Remenders knack for character-work shining through in both his characterization of Eddie Brock and how he closes off his battle in this issue. It’s something I expect to see expanded upon in the future that could bring forth further issues for Venom as he goes forth.

The finale of the issue seems pretty rushed here, and there isn’t really much of a fight between the Crime Master and Venom himself, but the ending we get is pretty effective on an emotional level between Flash and Betty. 

With one issue left in his run, I have to hope that Remender is able to tie things together effectively and give us the ending his run deserves. Apparently the issue will feature a battle between Venom and Jack O’ Lantern, which should be good given that he’s been the most intriguing villain for Flash to go up against throughout this title. Luckily we have Remender continuing to use the character to his full potential over in Secret Avengers, and we know his run on that title isn’t set to end any time soon. 

GO Rating: 3/5

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