MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY: Carnage (2022) #3 REVIEW

What fascinated me from the very beginning of this comic book series is the potential of seeing Carnage and Cletus live lives separate from one another. We would also be able to see the effects and lasting impact that each one had on each other, how they influenced one another and learned from their symbiotic partners. With this issue, we see that each half of the infamous Carnage has their own little new partner. Cletus has Shayde and Carnage the symbiote has his fresh, up-and-coming serial killer, who has been assisting him in his battles against super-powered individuals like Spot. As one can expect from any kind of Carnage story, there are just tons of mayhem to unravel in this chapter, only paving the way for more blood and guts in the later installments.

OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:

Published:

June 01, 2022

Writer:

Ram. V.

Penciler:

Roge Antonio

Cover Artist:

kunkka

Years ago, Peter Parker spurned a puddle of black, extraterrestrial goo and inadvertently created one of the deadliest foes he’s ever encountered: VENOM. Years later, Venom’s offspring found a willing host in the form of Cletus Kasady, a dangerous serial killer, and together the two formed an even deadlier being called CARNAGE.But what will become of the Carnage symbiote now, rejected by the only loving host it’s ever known? And, like Venom before it, what new and terrifying creature will emerge on the other side?

PROS:

• Shayde is a very interesting protagonist because we see how sincere and righteous he is as an enforcer of justice for his city, but we also see the dark side that is haunting him behind the scenes. And now that Cletus is literally and figuratively connected to him, the psycho-killer is obviously taking advantage of Shayde’s insecurities. It will be a psychological roller-coaster ride witnessing how Shayde is able to control Cletus’ violent and sinister tendencies, as he still struggles and tries to capture Carnage. It is a wild hunt, and nobody involved is exactly in their right state of mind.
• We also get a very intriguing look into the psyche of Carnage, the symbiote, as we see how he deals with rejection, as well as how he copes with his forever jealousy of Venom. Now, we as readers are able to understand where Carnage is coming from… he is jealous of his archenemy Venom becoming a god. So, basically, if he cannot become a god himself, he would rather become a killer of gods. And for that, he has to have mastery over all of reality and its many universes. This is a scary thought for the Multiverse of Madness. If Carnage takes this god-killer job seriously, the end of all we know may come sooner than later.
• Again, as I mentioned in earlier reviews, I appreciate that the creative team is giving some spotlight to lesser-known characters, and Spot is able to shine in this month’s installment. He put up a good fight against Carnage, and even though he was defeated in the end, we get a glimpse of how his powers can actually make him an immortal, top-tier being.

CONS:

• Carnage’s little pet has yet to make himself likeable, and all indications point to him being just a pawn in Carnage’s bigger game. It would be awesome if the creative team can make a new brand of serial killer stand out, somebody who can be worthy of following in the footsteps of the immortalized Cletus.

FINAL SCORE: B

The cat-and-mouse chase may seem formulaic, but it is the inner workings of the characters involved that make this new series filled to the brim with potential. Again, many new partnerships, friendships, and bonds are being formed, and we are only three issues in. It will be exciting to see how Cletus will deal with his symbiote when they finally meet again. It is also very important to know how Carnage achieves his god-killer status, because this can lay the foundation for a major Marvel comic book event or two in the coming years. But right now, let us just enjoy the action, the madness, and the beautiful art that this book has to offer. Then very soon, we will be getting all the guest-appearances and cameos that we can ask for, left and right.