Perhaps because Flash's time as Venom is supposed to be limited, we get some well-crafted time looking at what makes Flash Thompson more than a one-dimensional former bully.
The Good
Flash Thompson is great example to those that say comic book characters never change or evolve. We know originally Flash was a bully that tormented Peter Parker and was pretty much an all around jerk. Later we discovered his father had a drinking problem and was abusive. One of the biggest changes occurred after Brand New Day in issue #574. Flash lost both legs while being a hero. As the new government-controlled Venom, Flash can continue being a hero closer to the inspiration he saw in Spider-Man.
Focusing on the man rather than the suit, we see some of the side affects Flash is suffering. His emotions are coming out easier and he's finding it difficult to deal with keeping it under control while trying to juggle his new secret identity and his relationship with Betty Brant. Throw in having to deal with his father once again and things will get worse before they get better. Rick Remender does a great job in showing Flash as a flawed human. With Venom previously, it was more about the lust for violence and eating brains. This issue serves to remind us of the human angle and struggle in wearing the suit.
The Bad
Tony Moore only did the art for the first six pages. There is a bit of a clash in styles but at least there is a sort of difference between those pages so it's not a jarring change in the middle of a story sequence. There is a lot of dealing with the troubles of alcohol. There is a message here but it is an important one. It was great seeing a focus on Flash but it would have been nice to see more of the mission he was on in this issue. That also brings up the question of how many missions has he gone on? Originally it was said he could only go on twenty. I feel like the one here and other references (like in Amazing Spider-Man) are making so he's going on other ones that we're not seeing the full details on. I've lost count but I imagine the number is getting up there. The cameo by Peter was nice but almost felt a little too forced. It didn't feel completely necessary but added a nice little touch to who Flash is today. Also, Betty makes a reference to Wolverine and one of the things he's known for saying. I don't think that would be common knowledge, even for a reporter like Betty.
The Verdict
We are reminded here that we have a completely different host for the Venom suit. Flash Thompson is a character with a deep history that has drastically evolved over the years. Rick Remender allows Flash to take a little time off from being Venom in order to show us the other issues in his life. Wearing the suit is taking a toll on Flash and with everything he's dealing with, being a hero won't be easy. We have some great Tony Moore art and get to see Venom fight a villain that is fitting. The majority of the issue's art is by Tom Fowler which gives a different feel to the issue but the way the sections are split apart doesn't interrupt the flow of the story. We get a tiny bit of a message in this story but it serves to show who Flash is and everything he has to deal with. Venom with a gun is cool but Remender gives a great reminder that being Venom (or Flash Thompson) isn't easy.