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Venom (2018)
Venom, Vol. 4: Venom Island
Donny Cates' VENOM epic continues in grand fashion after ABSOLUTE CARNAGE, joined by industry legend and celebrated VENOM artist Mark Bagley. That's all you're getting out of us for this one, True Believers! After all, ABSOLUTE CARNAGE isn't quite over yet... COLLECTING: VENOM (2018) 21-25
136 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
August 4, 2022
This picks up after Absolute Carnage and deals with the aftermath.
Eddie gets an invite to the Avengers (yay!), but close on the heels of that he gets the sense that there's someone other than just his friendly neighborhood symbiote in his head.
While Eddie and his Other head to an island to try and deal with this new danger, his son is starting to come into his own powers.
And as much as Eddie wants to keep Dylan safe and out of all the madness, it may come down to Dylan and his ability to learn to control his budding abilities to see that Venom makes it off of that island alive.
I'd forgotten how much I liked Cates' Venom.
This is good stuff. Can't wait to grab the next volume!
Eddie gets an invite to the Avengers (yay!), but close on the heels of that he gets the sense that there's someone other than just his friendly neighborhood symbiote in his head.
While Eddie and his Other head to an island to try and deal with this new danger, his son is starting to come into his own powers.
And as much as Eddie wants to keep Dylan safe and out of all the madness, it may come down to Dylan and his ability to learn to control his budding abilities to see that Venom makes it off of that island alive.
I'd forgotten how much I liked Cates' Venom.
This is good stuff. Can't wait to grab the next volume!
February 3, 2021
When Eddie Brock absorbed Carnage at the end of Absolute Carnage, he also absorbed its personality. So Eddie heads to a remote island where he once fought Spider-Man to get control of the Carnage symbiote before it takes over. The part with the Avengers was a bit odd. If there's anyone that knows how to draw Venom, it's long time Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley.
October 8, 2020
This one started really, really well. It had a great slow burn and the creative team really imbued it with a palpable sense of menace that hooked me right in.
Unfortunately, as it went on it became clearer and clearer that this arc isn’t much more than filler, bridging the gap between the Absolute Carnage event and the upcoming arrival of Knull on Earth. We get a little more teasing of Eddie’s son’s superhuman abilities (but no real info) and a pretty gratuitous self-maiming that just seemed designed to shock for no real story reason.
The Avengers also seemed out of character here, in their two cameos that bookend this arc. Captain Marvel and She-Hulk openly lusting over Eddie was particularly jarring, unnecessary and, quite frankly, more than a little icky. Swing and a miss with that one, Mr. Cates.
I did enjoy this, despite my problems with it; it wasn’t a bad horror story if you don’t look too closely or think about it too much.
Unfortunately, as it went on it became clearer and clearer that this arc isn’t much more than filler, bridging the gap between the Absolute Carnage event and the upcoming arrival of Knull on Earth. We get a little more teasing of Eddie’s son’s superhuman abilities (but no real info) and a pretty gratuitous self-maiming that just seemed designed to shock for no real story reason.
The Avengers also seemed out of character here, in their two cameos that bookend this arc. Captain Marvel and She-Hulk openly lusting over Eddie was particularly jarring, unnecessary and, quite frankly, more than a little icky. Swing and a miss with that one, Mr. Cates.
I did enjoy this, despite my problems with it; it wasn’t a bad horror story if you don’t look too closely or think about it too much.
December 5, 2024
It was ok.
June 16, 2020
Bit of a weak entry in the series, Venom Island is a throwback to the time Eddie Brock took Spider-Man to an island to kill him, but this story was way over the top and never that entertaining, and the Knull is coming drumroll is getting old.
August 8, 2020
Venom has to deal with his inner problems as a piece of carnage is still inside him.
So venom heads off the a island to try and figure himself out. After almost joining the avengers, telling his son he's his father, and nearly destroying the world, he needs some soul searching. But this time he might need his son to get through this.
A fun and exciting adventure into the mind of Eddie Brock and try to save himself from the darkest desires and evil thoughts of carnage. With Krull coming the poor man is trying to get his life straight. By the end some exciting things happen and venom remains highlight entertaining.
So venom heads off the a island to try and figure himself out. After almost joining the avengers, telling his son he's his father, and nearly destroying the world, he needs some soul searching. But this time he might need his son to get through this.
A fun and exciting adventure into the mind of Eddie Brock and try to save himself from the darkest desires and evil thoughts of carnage. With Krull coming the poor man is trying to get his life straight. By the end some exciting things happen and venom remains highlight entertaining.
July 25, 2020
Probably the first time i didnt really enjoy a Cates novel
January 31, 2021
This was another great volume, we pick up with Eddie joining the Avengers but then he feels something like Carnage controlling him as he took him in the last volume and so he has to separate himself from the others until he is free of the Carnage inside him and so he decides to go to the island of bones and from there we pick up with him and his battle with this dark malice as he fights with him equipped with armory and all, losing his hand, praying to thor to protect him. being in a dream like sequence thinking he is safe only to realize its Carnage infecting him and then we have Dylan remote piloting the venom symbiote to protect it, and all in all its an epic tale of the battle of the monsters inside us in this crazy gothic island for the soul of the man but ultimately is about a son saving his father, acceptance and forgiveness! Its really well done and the art is just freaking gorgeous, every panel a testament to the brilliance of the writing and then in the end Eddie tells the Avengers about Knull and things to come and its gonna be even more epic!
May 27, 2020
a perfect follow-up story to Absolute Carnage.
January 23, 2021
Another excellent volume by Cates. These issues reference earlier stories with Venom, acknowledging the history of the character, but ultimately Cates is moving the character forward. Not only is Brock figuring out who he is and what he wants, but his place in the Marvel U is also discussed, literally. Carryover from Absolute Carnage, what's going on with Dylan, a brief synopsis on the last few story arcs as well as a preview of what all this is building up to take place. I still don't love the character but Cates is doing a fine job developing him and giving him depth. My only real complaint is Bagley's art. While it's evolved and improved, it still isn't my cup of tea.
October 22, 2020
We FINALLY get past the "Absolute Carnage" storyline! But in the aftermath of that story, we have a problem... Eddie Brock has both the Venom and Carnage symbiotes inside him! Seeking the Avengers for help (who give him a membership card!), they get him to an island, or at least try, as the Carnage symbiote crashes the plane AND steals the Venom symbiote for himself. Infecting all the animals on the island, Carnage gets stronger and tries again to take over Eddie's body. Eddie stops him this time by chopping off his own hand! After a lightning bolt strikes Eddie while he is on a tower, Venom and Carnage separate, and Carnage infects Eddie, leaving the Venom symbiote off on his own.
Back with Dylan, we find out that the boy has a small piece of the Carnage symbiote in a box. Using the powers he has started displaying recently, he converts the piece into a portal, which he uses to mentally find Venom, hiding in the jungle. Displaying a power that Knull himself has, Dylan is able to remotely control Venom, turning him into a T-Rex and attacking Carnage (Eddie) directly.
At the end, Venom is back with Eddie, Eddie knows about Dylan's powers, and Carnage is still alive (taking the form of a shark near the island). Eddie then, as a new Avenger, tells the team about Knull coming to Earth. Thor knows about him, and knows he's bad news...
Really looking forward to finding out what's next for Venom. I know we are heading for a huge story called "The King in Black", but I don't want things to stall out and waste time before that. Guess I'll find out with Vol 5.
Strong recommend. Now is the time to be reading Venom.
Back with Dylan, we find out that the boy has a small piece of the Carnage symbiote in a box. Using the powers he has started displaying recently, he converts the piece into a portal, which he uses to mentally find Venom, hiding in the jungle. Displaying a power that Knull himself has, Dylan is able to remotely control Venom, turning him into a T-Rex and attacking Carnage (Eddie) directly.
At the end, Venom is back with Eddie, Eddie knows about Dylan's powers, and Carnage is still alive (taking the form of a shark near the island). Eddie then, as a new Avenger, tells the team about Knull coming to Earth. Thor knows about him, and knows he's bad news...
Really looking forward to finding out what's next for Venom. I know we are heading for a huge story called "The King in Black", but I don't want things to stall out and waste time before that. Guess I'll find out with Vol 5.
Strong recommend. Now is the time to be reading Venom.
July 17, 2020
Venom Island serves as Absolute Carnage's epilogue, and the springboard for the next wave of Donyn Cates' Venom story. With Eddie trapped on the island he once called home with not one, but two symbiotes, he must try and deal with Carnage once and for all without losing himself in the process. Plus Dylan's still out there, and he and Sleeper are going to explore Dylan's new powers, even if they're pretty sure they're not going to like what they find.
A throwback to Venom stories of old, Venom Island is Eddie Brock being Eddie Brock for 5 issues - a literal cockroach of a man, who refuses to die no matter what happens. But now he has something worth fighting for in the shape of his son (whose subplot is equally as intriguing), and that leads him on a merry chase that includes a Venomized T-Rex at one point, so what more do you want? After all the Knull-related fare, it's nice to pull back and just have Venom Vs. Carnage without the added baggage (at least until the end).
The feeling of nostalgia extends to the art, since these issues are all penciled by Mark Bagley, symbiote artist extraordinaire. No matter who's writing, Bagley always seems to find his way back to the Venom book, and we're all the better for it. His work has a timeless feel without being dated, which is a fine line to walk.
Venom Island doesn't try to be anything it isn't. It's a scaled back Venom story after the universe-ending stakes of the last few arcs, a nice palette cleanser for what's no doubt about to happen next.
A throwback to Venom stories of old, Venom Island is Eddie Brock being Eddie Brock for 5 issues - a literal cockroach of a man, who refuses to die no matter what happens. But now he has something worth fighting for in the shape of his son (whose subplot is equally as intriguing), and that leads him on a merry chase that includes a Venomized T-Rex at one point, so what more do you want? After all the Knull-related fare, it's nice to pull back and just have Venom Vs. Carnage without the added baggage (at least until the end).
The feeling of nostalgia extends to the art, since these issues are all penciled by Mark Bagley, symbiote artist extraordinaire. No matter who's writing, Bagley always seems to find his way back to the Venom book, and we're all the better for it. His work has a timeless feel without being dated, which is a fine line to walk.
Venom Island doesn't try to be anything it isn't. It's a scaled back Venom story after the universe-ending stakes of the last few arcs, a nice palette cleanser for what's no doubt about to happen next.
October 5, 2020
There were parts I liked and others less so. I like Brock's internal conflicts and more character development moments best. The things these symbiotes can do are a bit...much. Like Batman's utility belt. They can do whatever is needed for the plot. And all the Knull build up... I hope the payoff will be able to deliver.
August 17, 2020
This was widely entertaining. I can’t wait to see how this will lead up to King In Black. So far this series has been phenomenal and I think the best interpretation the character Venom has ever had.
December 7, 2020
Very awesome, very intense, and sets up some intrigue going into King in Black.
December 15, 2020
Nothing much really happens this time out, though Eddie does chop off his hand (Why?)...
March 5, 2023
Way to carry on the tradition of Flash Thompson as Venom - really kick the shit out of Eddie Brock eh? Make sure he knows he’s in hell on earth, and that any joy or “win” he achieves is pyrrhic if not completely illusory.
Got a son? Make sure he hates or suspects you.
Got a choice between the world and your new son? Make it impossible to make the right choice.
Got a way to save the world? Definitely want screaming nightmares that drown you in sweat and terror.
I’m not gonna tell you how I’m this book ends - I want you to walk in with the same dread I felt - so you don’t get away any more “free” than Eddie does.
Kinda reminds me of where Zdarsky was early in his DD run - I had a similar repulsed reaction, seeing the hero getting gutted by the writer. Really hoping this leads to a major redemption resolution.
Oh, and Bagley back in a Spidey-adjacent book? Makes me very happy.
Got a son? Make sure he hates or suspects you.
Got a choice between the world and your new son? Make it impossible to make the right choice.
Got a way to save the world? Definitely want screaming nightmares that drown you in sweat and terror.
I’m not gonna tell you how I’m this book ends - I want you to walk in with the same dread I felt - so you don’t get away any more “free” than Eddie does.
Kinda reminds me of where Zdarsky was early in his DD run - I had a similar repulsed reaction, seeing the hero getting gutted by the writer. Really hoping this leads to a major redemption resolution.
Oh, and Bagley back in a Spidey-adjacent book? Makes me very happy.
November 27, 2022
Começando a maratona para finalizar a fase Cates no Venom para começar do Ram V…A história é do estilo que eu gosto aquela dinâmica pai e filho, com uma arte bem foda quê homenagem a watchmen que eu ameiii vamos ver como vai seguirrr
March 17, 2021
Venom fights with a remnant of the Carnage symbiote on Bone Island while Dylan discovers the true extant of his new powers. Only Dylan's story is at all interesting - it seems like Donny Cates is setting Dylan up to be the anti-Knull, which I'm sure will be fun going forward. The ending of Venom Island reveals that the Avengers now know about Knull's impending arrival. Finally! Let's get on with it!
Meanwhile, Eddie Brock is a bore. I struggle with Marvel comics that get too inside the character's head and Venom Island is a classic example. The psychological wear and tear of hosting a symbiote is better portrayed as a long, subtle breakdown (see Venom Vol. 2: The Abyss) rather than five issues of a character punching his own brain. Venom Island isn't a particularly bad book, it's just a weak entry in Cates's Venom series and features a trope I'm rarely interested in. The Absolute Carnage event is long over now - let's move on.
Meanwhile, Eddie Brock is a bore. I struggle with Marvel comics that get too inside the character's head and Venom Island is a classic example. The psychological wear and tear of hosting a symbiote is better portrayed as a long, subtle breakdown (see Venom Vol. 2: The Abyss) rather than five issues of a character punching his own brain. Venom Island isn't a particularly bad book, it's just a weak entry in Cates's Venom series and features a trope I'm rarely interested in. The Absolute Carnage event is long over now - let's move on.
May 27, 2020
Venom Island is a solid Predator-like follow up to Absolute Carnage, and similarly a bit light on the payoff by the time it comes to a close. This time around Brock & Son are separated, symbiotes are separated, limbs are separated, and it culminates in one big fantastical loop where we kinda wind up where we started. But it’s thematically cool, and as consistent as the rest of the series but shifted to a jungle setting. If you’ve stuck around this far, it’s hard to imagine being disappointed with the overall journey. Even without Ryan Stegman the art is no slouch, and Cates continues to write stories that go full throttle on fun. Coming off a project like Absolute Carnage, Venom Island may seem a bit dialed back, but it’s another solid arc and I’m still onboard for whatever comes next.
July 8, 2020
Great arc to close up some loose ends and set some things up. I love that the story doesn’t feel rushed and feels like he’s building something special. Bagley art is spectacular as usual and im excited to see whats going to happen next.
December 28, 2020
Man, the post-ABSOLUTE CARNAGE issues of Cates's run are...Not Good.
September 5, 2023
Repetitive, a bit dumb at times, and I really don’t like kids in comic books, and that even includes you Franklin Richards, but please don’t hurt me.
May 17, 2025
Very much a filler between what I hope is a story that picks up again. Feels like it's lost momentum since the start of this great run by Donny Cates.
June 17, 2022
It was nice!
A good story, that makes you wish it was longer, like I was expecting it for Donny to drag it a bit longer on the island, I'd really like that, especially since everything that Donny Cates writes that's internal dialogue, it's just interesting to read and it feels real, which most of the time I hate that, cuz it gets boring and fake real fast. And plus Brock is interesting to read ever since Cates took over. The downside here is that nothing really happens to the story for the Venom Island itself and there's no expansion, and just leaves you wanting more before jumping back in with the whole event of Knull coming over to earth to kill us all etc.
The artwork is great with some excellent coloring!
A good story, that makes you wish it was longer, like I was expecting it for Donny to drag it a bit longer on the island, I'd really like that, especially since everything that Donny Cates writes that's internal dialogue, it's just interesting to read and it feels real, which most of the time I hate that, cuz it gets boring and fake real fast. And plus Brock is interesting to read ever since Cates took over. The downside here is that nothing really happens to the story for the Venom Island itself and there's no expansion, and just leaves you wanting more before jumping back in with the whole event of Knull coming over to earth to kill us all etc.
The artwork is great with some excellent coloring!
December 30, 2020
Full disclosure, it had been so long since I'd read volume 3 that I'd forgotten a lot about what was going on in this storyline. Luckily, it all came back very, very quickly.
I still miss Flash Thompson, but Eddie is growing on me. There is a lot of new lore being developed that's either going to be rich for years to come or fall flat immediately. I guess since we're in the middle of The King in Black right now...most of the audience is finding that out now. I'll find out in a few more months.
The writing is great and the art is fantastic. I think there's just a tad bit too much "tug of war" in the plot for my taste, but since that appears to be a central theme I'm thinking maybe that's here to stay.
I still miss Flash Thompson, but Eddie is growing on me. There is a lot of new lore being developed that's either going to be rich for years to come or fall flat immediately. I guess since we're in the middle of The King in Black right now...most of the audience is finding that out now. I'll find out in a few more months.
The writing is great and the art is fantastic. I think there's just a tad bit too much "tug of war" in the plot for my taste, but since that appears to be a central theme I'm thinking maybe that's here to stay.
June 18, 2021
COLLECTS VENOM (2018) ISSUES #21-25
I ended up being more interested in the Dylan subplot than the main plot following Eddie's story. As a whole, though, I haven't been in love with Donny Cates' run on "Venom."
Final rating = 1.5 stars
I ended up being more interested in the Dylan subplot than the main plot following Eddie's story. As a whole, though, I haven't been in love with Donny Cates' run on "Venom."
Final rating = 1.5 stars
January 26, 2022
Donny Cates ups the horror in this cool, fast-paced, dark battle for Eddie to regain control of himself and his symbiote. This is such a fun, engaging run. And Mark Bagley’s art is terrific, too—I’ve been a fan of his since his Ultimate Spider-Man work.
February 16, 2025
Alright so, I'm totally invested in the ongoing Knull arc. I liked the cameos in this one and I'm 1000% here for whatever is happening with Dylan and I really like Sleeper but also, the momentum was derailed by the timey wimey story telling and the surprise dream sequence. They felt like things done purely to fill pages and not actually a part of the storytelling.
Eddie has so many screws loose I love it
Eddie has so many screws loose I love it
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October 17, 2020I thought this was really cool, and a nice way to finally give a big 'fuck off' to Carnage. On to Knull now!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews