A Good Start to Carnage's Bloody Career
Not too bad an issue. It's basically a set-up for the entire arc and as a way to get Venom back into active duty. Bagley's artwork is as awesome as ever and really compliments Michelinie's story. The sheer randomness of Carnage's actions mixed with his brutality really showcases what kind of unfeeling psycho he is. Imagine if Jack the Ripper or Son of Sam had a symbiote, or even Charles Manson. Got chills yet? Good. And, of course, the classic Parker guilt: feeling the responsibility for Carnage's actions because it was his costume that caused the mess.
My only gripe was the exposition scene. Let me explain; I understand at this point in time with so much going down, there needs to be a brief scene of exposition informing new or casual readers about the events leading up to this story, or to remind the regulars about it. That part is all well and good, but it's just the way the exposition was done in this particular story. Peter was telling MJ a condensed version of his history with the black costume and Venom, but with how it was worded was as if MJ had never heard the story before. One must assume by this juncture she had to have heard it at least once. While exposition is necessary, it should be tailored to fit the character it's being addressed to.
Four stars. One minor gripe, but otherwise a good start to Carnage's bloody career.