MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY: DARK AGES #5 REVIEW

Dark Ages is one of those comic book events that are jam-packed with twists, turns, and shocking events that make it very hard for people like me to talk about it without some kind of spoiler being provided or freely given. So, with this review, I am really going to put extra effort into not spoiling the major (and crazy) reveals… but, nonetheless, still be ready for some details regarding the general flow of events. But if you can’t tell from my introduction, this is a comic series that is thrilling, exciting, and just filled to the brim with iconic and memorable moments that will keep you from putting down the issue long after you are done reading. It is always fun when you get to read these no-holds-barred, anything-goes kind of stories because you can really witness the creative team fully utilizing their freedom to tell the wildest story possible.

OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:

STORY BY: Tom Taylor

ART BY: Iban Coello

MAIN COVER BY: Iban Coello

VARIANTS BY: Joshua Sway Swaby, Kyle Hotz, Peach Momoko, Ryan Stegman

Spider-Man joins Doctor Doom, the X-Men, the Inhumans, the Avengers and what’s left of the Fantastic Four on a rescue mission across a continent ruled by a madman. But they could be too late. The dictator of Europe has heroes and villains by his side, and the unthinkable is now in motion. Apocalypse could tear the world apart.

CARNAGE ALL OVER!

PROS:

• The best part of this issue is obviously the Carnage and Venom tandem that attacks our motley group of heroes. Now, I won’t go deep into who is the host for both these symbiotes (somebody very important in the Spider-Man family of personalities, by the way)… but I will say that the Venom and Carnage pairing and union creates for a very menacing figure. But in true superheroic fashion, the Marvel’s best of the best are able to team up and defeat the monster. The main players in this issue, specifically during this epic clash, were the women… again, I won’t ruin the surprise, but it is safe to say that girl power really succeeded here. What a goddess!!! Oh, and the boys helped too, in a way.
• Related to my last point, Peter’s daughter May also continues to play a crucial role in the comic book, and even somebody as insane as Deadpool realizes her potential and reminds Peter of the importance of bringing her along in their mission to stop Apocalypse, take him down and save the world. I really appreciate the amount of care the creative team is taking with May, and I truly think she can go on after this Dark Ages event and have a spin-off all on her own. Sign me up for that!
• Deadpool was another bright star in this chapter, as he was the unlikely heart and soul of the team comprising of surviving superheroes. And it is always a classic occurrence when you see Spider-Man and Deadpool interact and work together to take down a common foe. Their chemistry is always fascinating because Deadpool always seems to out-joke Spider-Man, who is usually and typically the annoying little brother in any situation. But even Peter cannot stand Deadpool sometimes, and it just makes for one hilarious situation after another.

CONS:

• The only possible gripe that I have with this issue is that perhaps the Venom and Carnage pairing ended too soon, as they, along with their host (SSSSHHHHH) were defeated too easily with the heroes abusing their obvious weaknesses. One big final face-off with Spider-Man would have been appreciated, just to remember the good ol’ days.

FINAL GRADE: A

SPECIAL TREAT. ONLY SCROLL DOWN IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE HOST. Otherwise, skip it!

(I told you I have a hard time keeping things to myself.)

I have immensely been enjoying this alternate-universe, alternate-future tale that Marvel has been gifting us these past few months, and as we approach the ending portion of the crossover, I can only hope that more brave storytellers will follow this template and pattern by taking what we love about our favorite superheroes, like Spider-Man, and putting them into brand new situations, environments, and battles that challenge everything that has come before them. I highly encourage new and old readers of Marvel comic books alike to give this series a chance if they have not yet grabbed the first few issues. This is a rare gem, and it will most probably be more appreciated as more days go by… until then, let me know what you think about the event in the Comments Section.