One thing I always appreciate about Spider-Man comics is how they constantly find ways to reinvent familiar characters while still honoring everything that came before. This issue continues that tradition in a big way.
From the very first pages, the story wastes no time throwing readers straight into a tense and intriguing mystery involving Eddie Brock, Venom, Spider-Man, and the ever-chaotic presence of Carnage. What initially starts as a quiet investigative moment quickly explodes into one of the most intense and action-packed confrontations in recent memory.
PROS:
Right from the opening pages, we see Eddie Brock doing something that really captures the tone of this issue: investigating. Sitting quietly in the New York Public Library, disguised with sunglasses and a fake mustache, Eddie and the symbiote dig through reports of unsolved murders and mysterious disappearances. It’s actually a surprisingly grounded moment that shows a different side of Eddie. Instead of pure rage or brute force, this time he’s trying to understand a pattern behind the killings connected to Torment. This investigative angle really works well because it shows Eddie thinking, analyzing, and putting pieces together before things inevitably explode into chaos.
Of course, the calm doesn’t last long. Eddie realizes something horrifying—the pattern of murders is tied to family lines. Torment doesn’t just kill random people. He hunts families, working through distant relatives until he reaches his ultimate target. And when Eddie realizes that the next victims might be connected to his own family, everything suddenly becomes personal.
From there, the issue absolutely shifts gears into full action mode.
One of the biggest highlights of this comic is the incredible fight sequences involving Venom, Spider-Man, and Carnage. The moment Spider-Man enters the story instantly elevates the energy of the book. The chemistry between Peter Parker and Venom has always been complicated, but here it works perfectly. Spider-Man brings his usual quick thinking and scientific problem-solving to the table, while Venom brings overwhelming power and aggression.
A great example of this dynamic happens when Spider-Man explains how Shocker’s vibration technology works and how he built a tracker to locate it. It’s a classic Spider-Man moment—mixing science, humor, and quick thinking in the middle of chaos. Meanwhile, Venom charges straight into battle, proving once again that brute strength still has its place when things get messy.
Then comes the big reveal: Carnage.
And Carnage in this issue is absolutely terrifying.
The art team really deserves a lot of credit here because Carnage looks monstrous, unpredictable, and completely unhinged. His movements are wild and chaotic, and every panel he appears in feels dangerous. There’s a real sense that this isn’t just another villain fight—this is a deadly confrontation where anything could happen.
What makes the conflict even more interesting is the twist involving Shocker’s gauntlets. At first, it seems like Carnage has stolen them and is using their power to enhance his attacks. But as the battle unfolds, Spider-Man and Venom realize something shocking: Carnage might actually be framed. Someone else could be pulling the strings behind the scenes.
That twist adds a layer of intrigue that keeps the story from being just another superhero brawl. Suddenly the fight isn’t just about stopping Carnage—it’s about uncovering a bigger conspiracy.
Another strong moment comes when Venom fully unleashes his upgraded abilities. With the golden Shocker gauntlets integrated into his attacks, Venom becomes an absolute powerhouse. The panels showing Venom smashing Carnage through rooftops and buildings are some of the most visually impressive sequences in the issue. The energy blasts, the speed, and the sheer brutality of the fight make it feel cinematic.
At the same time, Spider-Man plays the crucial role of strategist and voice of reason. He repeatedly warns Venom not to rush into battle blindly, especially when dealing with someone as unpredictable as Carnage. It’s a classic Spider-Man dynamic—balancing power with responsibility.
But perhaps the most chilling moment in the issue comes near the end.
While Venom and Spider-Man are busy fighting Carnage, Torment quietly reaches Eddie’s father.
The reveal of Torment sitting calmly in a chair, surrounded by blood and chaos, is genuinely disturbing. The visual of him holding the golden chain while calmly speaking to Eddie’s father creates an eerie contrast between violence and composure. It immediately raises the stakes for the next chapter of the story.
Suddenly the entire conflict becomes deeply personal again.
Torment isn’t just another villain causing destruction—he’s targeting Eddie Brock’s family directly. And if this issue is any indication, the next chapter is going to escalate things even further.
From a storytelling standpoint, this issue does an excellent job balancing action, mystery, and character development. The pacing moves quickly but never feels rushed, and every major scene pushes the story forward in meaningful ways.
The artwork is also consistently strong throughout the issue. The fight scenes are explosive and dynamic, while the quieter moments—like Eddie researching in the library—still feel visually engaging. The contrast between investigation and full-scale battle helps keep the comic from feeling repetitive.
Overall, this issue delivers exactly what Spider-Man and Venom fans want: thrilling action, strong character interactions, and a growing mystery that promises even bigger things ahead.
Final Grade: A (NO CONS THIS TIME AROUND. THIS EVENT IS FIRING ON ALL CYCLINDERS!)
This issue is a fantastic blend of mystery, action, and character-driven storytelling. Seeing Spider-Man and Venom working together against Carnage is always exciting, but the added layer of Torment targeting Eddie Brock’s family raises the emotional stakes even higher. With the story continuing in Amazing Spider-Man #24, it’s clear that the chaos is only just beginning—and I absolutely cannot wait to see where things go next.
