The Good
Declan Shalvey, I think I'm in love with you. Not only can he illustrate some of the best and most fierce symbiotes I have ever seen, but he has the opportunity to create dozens of them in this issue. I can sincerely say that the likes of Carnage and Venom have never looked better.
The abstract and rough take on the characters just feels right in this chaotic world, especially as the tendrils flail wildly and limbs are crafted into weapons. Some panels left me speechless and I spent at least a solid minute or two eyeing over the pages. I'll keep it spoiler free, but I will say that Venom's strikes on Carnage were especially jaw dropping. The panel of the decaying head was also horrifyingly impressive.
But enough about the eye candy (seriously, I could probably spend a few more paragraphs on it), I'm sure you also want to know hows the next chapter of 'Minimum Carnage' holds up. Thankfully, it's a blast. As you could tell by last chapter's conclusion, this installment is overflowing with boisterous action.
There's plenty of vicious slicing and dicing to be had (one moment is sure to generate a gasp), but writer Cullen Bunn also does a stellar job with the key players. Venom's internal dialogue is delightfully dark and reminds us of his struggles and sorrow, Carnage is a laugh riot with his twisted ways, and while the Micronauts don't play a major role here, Bug somehow still manages to win me over.
The Bad
Alright, time to dive into one of the most shocking moments in the issue.
Is Cletus still alive or are we now dealing with purely the Carnage symbiote? I know the symbiote provides one heck of a healing factor, but up until now, I had no idea a symbiote host could survive such a strike. While the moment was stunning, I was left confused over Carnage's status. I'm pretty sure it's now just the symbiote (especially based on how it slithered away), or are we supposed to believe the human body can now bend and mesh with the symbiote in such a manner and even heal from a decapitation?
Aside from that bit of confusion, no major complaints from me.
The Verdict
I wasn't the biggest fan when 'Minimum Carnage' kicked off, but man oh man has it ramped up. Radu has unfolded into an interesting antagonist, all of the characters are written well, and to top it off, it's just bloody fun. The ending also brings a nice (and somewhat needed) change of scenery to the (for a lack of better words) mini-event. This event has swiftly won me over and I'm really looking forward to the next chapter, particularly because it's sure to put a focus back on Scarlet Spider.