Venomverse #5

Though the action sequences and artwork excels, the narrative of VENOMVERSE #5 ultimately falls flat as it segues into generic territory. Read Full Review

Venomverse #5 is an abrupt end to an otherwise satisfying event. Although Cullen Bunn, Iban Coello, and Matt Yackey form a strong team, their successes aren't enough to save this muddled final issue. Read Full Review

Venomverse had picked up steam following an underwhelming debut last month. Sadly, the crossover falls back into old habits in its final issue. This closing issue downplays the more interesting character dynamics in favor of a generic battle between the two sides. Iban Coello's art helps to make that battle clean and easy on the eyes, but that can't change the hollow, anticlimactic nature of the story. This issue seems more interested in setting up a sequel than properly tying up loose ends, and that's never a good thing. Read Full Review

A killer epilogue and solid art can't save this ship. Read Full Review

CrazyforRAMU

Apr 20, 2018

Doc Venom is saved, Poison HQ is blown up, good guys win, event over. Cullen Bunn's script is fundamentally unsatisfying. This finale clarifies the bigger failures of the series as a whole. Casting AU Venoms as the heroes in a kindergarten-level "goodies vs. baddies" fight was a gigantic mistake. Don't turn one of Marvel's most morally-complex characters into a bland paragon of justice! (And don't water him down with a bunch of poorly-differentiated AU versions at the same time!) Both the plot and the characters are hopelessly under-developed, and that makes the final revelation that this is just the first battle in an ongoing war highly unwelcome. Iban Coello works mightily to make the visuals look polished, but all the cool character desi gns in the world can't make up for the shallow portrayals delivered by the script. more