Picking up from the aftermath of last issue (and Spider-Island), Flash pays his final respects at a funeral...unfortunately there is an unwelcome guest that will change Flash's life.
The Good
Rick Rememnder has been developing Flash character throughout this series. He's evolved more in ten issues than other characters have in ten years.
You might recall from earlier issues, Flash Thompson's secret identity has been compromised. WIth 'the enemy' knowing his secret, this puts him in a vulnerable situation as he has his mother and Betty to think about. This brings about the reason for the series to go in a new direction. Seeing the struggle Flash goes through along with the action and fight that appears here, readers should be thankful to have Remender still on board.
I was excited in the beginning the moment it was announced Tony Moore was the artist. As it turned out he wasn't going to be handling all the issues, I found myself focused on the lack of his art, despite who else was handling the art duties. With Lan Medina, I have to say it's a perfect fit. Medina's style is different than Moore's but it feels so right seeing his depiciton of Flash, Betty, Flash as Venom, etc.
The Bad
The idea of Venom on the run has potential. Just based on the first part, it almost feels a tiny bit far fetched. Flash may not have a huge network of allies but you would think there would be someone he could turn to over the problem of his secret identity. The run in he has here would have given him the perfect opportunity to seek help. But then this would have been an extremely short arc.
The Crime-Master and Jack O'Lantern are proving to be formidable foes but I'd like to see more villains added to Venom's rogues gallery.
The Verdict
Flash Thompson is beginning a new direction. Having to leave the comfort of his controllers and going AWOL isn't going to make his life easier. This will give us more of a chance to see his character grow even further. Rick Remender has evolved Flash beyond what was thought possible. As Venom is now known to more of the heroes after Spider-Island, the fact that he's on the run paints a bigger target on him. The reason for him being on the run makes sense even if it feels a little forced for the sake of generating the story. But the door is now open to take him to other places and to interact with other characters in the Marvel Universe. Lan Medina is a welcome addition on pencil duties and I just might not have to complain (to myself) about the lack of Tony Moore's pencils on the book. You thought you knew what Rick Remender had in store for Venom but everything is now changing and the excitement is building.
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