"Venom #30" Comic Review

Eddie Brock and his son Dylan have found themselves on Earth-1051, an alternate world where Dylan rules over humanity as the villain Codex. Everyone is bonded to a symbiote and he's in full control. Is this the future Dylan from Earth-616 is destined for? Or will he go down a different path? None of that will matter if he and his father can't find a way back to their world in time to stop Knull's imminent arrival.

“Venom Beyond” has presented an interesting take on what could happen if everything goes horribly wrong. This world is one where Eddie killed himself and his wife / Dylan's mom, Anne became Venom and kept fighting. Although they're from different worlds, Eddie and Anne can't help but feel that bond again. It's mixed with heartbreak, as they've lost the other versions of their loves, so could they find that again with each other?

The family dynamic also stands out in Venom #30, especially with Anne and Dylan. Again, they're not really related, although the similarities are such that it's easy to forget that sometimes. Anne sees in this boy what she lost when her own Dylan left and became Codex and Dylan has never really known his own mother. Knowing that there are untold terrors awaiting all of these characters, it's sweet to have these quiet moments while we can. I've read Redneck though, so I know how writer Donny Cates operates with those sweet family scenes. They're always followed by tons of bloodshed.

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The action heats up as Venom and his team take the fight to Codex. Artist Luke Ross delivers some powerhouse sequences as the symbiote-clad Avengers try to put down this threat. There's an edge to them as they leap into battle, and not just because they have a cool looking spider on their chests. They still look heroic though.

It's funny because they're supposed to be the bad guys. Meanwhile, you've got Venom bursting into the scene with a wide grin full of razor sharp teeth, looking like he's ready to bite everyone's head off. The one thing that feels a little off is when we see Eddie and Annie in their Venom mode, but with their human head showing. The symbiote makes their bodies bigger, so their heads appear really small. It just looks weird and took me out of the story a couple times. I know why it's done though.

The fight culminates not with fists and guns (although there are plenty of those), but with a clever and heartfelt move. All of this comes to a head with some great work from letterer Clayton Cowles. The caption boxes are scattered across the page like buckshot, conveying the flurry of activity that's happening all at once. It's a nice move.

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There's a shift in tone by the end of Venom #30, controlled by colorist Jesus Aburtov. Earth-1051 is dreary. There is a permanent dark cloud hanging over this place. It clears up by the end as people look to start putting their lives back together. That's destroyed by an epic yet simple final page that perfectly sets the stage for King in Black, debuting in December.

With King in Black coming so soon, I was put off by “Venom Beyond” at first. It is a distraction when we know that Eddie should be preparing for this epic encounter. All in all, it is worth the ride for the great character moments and a glimpse into the possibilities that could await Dylan. Now the path is clear for Knull and his forces and I cannot wait to see where we go next and who is left standing.