Venom #14

HIGHLY Recommended (after you read 13.1, 13.2, 13.3,13.4 and probably even 10-13 for context)

This was a fantastic, perfect even, conclusion to the Circle of Four mini-event. The best part, we discover WHY this arc ended up in the Venom series, instead of Hulk (as it was obvious why it wasn't part of X-23 or Ghost Rider). It may have even made a bit of sense as its own mini-series, but likely wouldn't have had as much traction. Implementing the Circle of Four mini-event/arc as part of the "Point" initiative was pretty genius - though I am not sure why the beginning and conclusion were released as non-point issues - it is not like one could easily (or want to) read Issue 13 and then jump directly to 14. The cliffhanger from 13 certainly does not align with the start of 14. Messy numbering aside, it can be assumed the creative teams on this intended for the reader to consume the story from its first inkling (Venom Issue 10) to this conclusion in Issue 14.

Either way, I am not faulting this book for that numbering mess - too much of tangent anyway. This book was fantastic. The story included all the necessary elements to wrap almost all the ongoing plot threads up in a nicely delivered package for the reader. The only real dangling plot threads that exist now either originated before all this started (Jack 'O Lantern aside) and the yet to be told "commitment" this Circle of Four made within this arc. Both of which likely will be addressed in future Venom issues.

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Story: 5.0 / 5.0

There is no question, I loved this series. I am looking forward to buying its collection once it is released later this year. I am hoping that it will include some neat extras, as there are a lot of characters involved in this mini-even and there is bound to be some great concept art. This conclusion was fantastic. Each of the available plot elements were expertly used to complete the story. As there was significant potential for it (because of Mephisto), there was no deus ex machina introduced to save the day and ruin the ending (in this issue). Instead, it was a well executed, well planned implementation of four main and distinct characters, each of which were perfectly applied to the plot. Some of the character's abilities were more adventitiously applied than others, but that is where the genius came in, as the exploration of host/symbiote relationships was taken to new heights with this arc.

Cover Art: 5.0 / 5.0

The cover was great. It really kept up with the standard set in Issue 13 and all throughout the "Point" issues. I think the cover for this issue could have done without the inclusion of the "punk" at the bottom, but hey, it adds a subtle tie in with the rest of the arc. I really wish they had come out with a spoiler variant for this issue. It would have been great to see the cover concept for the ultimate hero of this concluding issue. Nevertheless, this small stack of issues make for some pretty fantastic covers - especially as the "Point" issues link to form a fantastic panoramic view of the Circle of Four, in Hell.

Art: 4.9 / 5.0

There were some aspects of the art that did not appeal to me. At times it was a bit distracting, but the story completely made up for it. Takeda's art in issue 13.2 was my favorite, but the creative team on this issue (to include Moore and Staples) added a nice consistent bookend to the arc.

Overall: 5.0 / 5.0

I cannot say enough about this issue, its ending and the mini-event/arc itself. This is what it looks like when a project is well planned and well implemented. There were a lot of different writers and artists for this run, and yet it felt like one cohesive story with fairly consistent (and beautiful) art. This will be a great addition to any HC collection. And as excited as I am about this arc, I am very much looking forward to where the Venom story takes off to next. Will some of the remaining loose ends be tied up right away or will we get a new and different story-line to chew on?