Venom (Vol. 2) #12

Background

Having survived a painfully social road trip with his arch nemesis the Jack O’ Lantern, Flash Thompson has arrived in Vegas. Now he sets his sights on completing his obligation and severing any and all ties to the dastardly Crimemaster. Can a frustrated and emotionally worn out Flash hold it together long enough to come out clean? Or will the symbiote within consume all he encounters?

Story 'Fight Night in Vegas'

Jack O’ gives radio communication to flash that their acquisition is located inside the Devil’s Den Casino, and stored at the underground lab. Flash does his best Nick Cage impression (from Leaving Las Vegas) and gets through security. He disguises himself and slips into an elevator, where he transforms into…Ole Snake eyes, I mean Venom.

Once he exits the elevator, heavy security is waiting for him with guns is tow. The guards noticed something was a foul when Flash took out the surveillance cam in the elevator.

The team of guards unload on venom, but to no avail as he simply tears through them. He proceeds to bash through the lab door and once there he encounters his target. Flash has been sent to acquire the symbiotic alien offspring of Venom’s offspring; the parasitic red life form Eddie Brock referred to as “Toxin’. Upon seeing the creature, Venom’s immediate instinct is to kill it. As venom becomes busy strangling Toxin, Jack breaks through the window and interrupts the strangulation.

Jack manages to secure the creature by slipping it into a canister and makes off with the loot, which causes Venom to rage towards him. Jack now has a gigantic furious Venom hot on his tail, which leads to an epic chase scene. Jack threatens to hurt Betty, if Flash doesn’t let off, but Flash is more than a little possessed and overwhelmed by the symbiote’s intense desire to kill. Jack straight crashes his flying broomstick into gaudy Vegas style electric signage. As a massive monster of a beast stands over him, Jack gives one last warning to calm down or else it’s going be your mom’s last breath, to which Flash is finally able to gain control and simmers down. As a final farewell, Jack makes a truce with Flash, and then tells him to relax and have a drink, while escaping with Toxin.

Flash calls up Betty and gives her the bad news, their relationship is off, over, done, caputs. Flash actually takes Jack’s advice and starts downing a bottle of the hard stuff like there’s no tomorrow.

A radio report can be overheard describing the damage in Vegas caused by two super villains.

While just outside Vegas someone big, strong, and red is hopping his way to meet and greet Flash. There’s gonna be a showdown.

General Comments

Looks like Hulk’s going to have his hands full. I mean Venom can certainly match his muscle and size yet has an advantage with all those teeth. Too bad though, as I look into my crystal ball and see that a Hulk /Venom fight isn’t exactly going to pan out.

The big news here is that Flash breaks up with Betty. Say it aint so! Well it is so, but my guess is not for long. How about Flash getting back on (or off) the bandwagon, by picking up his old man’s dirty habit? Maybe Flash and Tony Stark should meet up for a round of their favorite drinking game. Seems like Flash’s only depressant against the raging symbiote now bonded to his body, is a medicine called Jack Daniels, but did Flash really have to drop Betty so hard and after all she’s supported him through? Yep, he sure did, otherwise I doubt she would have taken it seriously. Flash did what he had to do, but perhaps I’m wrong and the breakup will be less of a road bump and more of a milestone.

You knew it was only a matter of time before Toxin showed up; unfortunately we will have to wait till further down the road to see just what exactly Crimemaster has planned. I’m so intrigued. I for one would like to see a “What if” Toxin had bonded with Jack, issue.

Overall Rating

This was a real flavor burst of an issue; chock full of gorgeous splash pages and bold, dynamic, and immensely satisfying artwork. I am thoroughly impressed and truly emphatic. Such a funtastic issue.

Stunning issue to say the least. A viscous battle / chase, Venom at his biggest and baddest, and a dramatic climax, what more could you want?

Footnote

Got your own opinion or just wanna share an idea? I'd be happy to hear it.