MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY: Carnage (2022) #5 REVIEW

I came here for the elves and the good ol’ fashion, classic fantasy action, but what I got was a bit more interesting. This issue actually brought to us a lot of character insight and psychology, bringing to surface the many factors that push Carnage and Neely to do what they do. The deeper motivations of our two killers don’t justify what they have accomplished, but it does give you a peek into the reason behind it all. Now, we sort of understand them. And it’s always a good thing when comics bring more dimensions to their characters, whether it be a big name like Carnage, or his new supporting castmate Neely. Also, we see Carnage versus a bunch of elves and monster hounds, so that is always a plus.

OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:

Published:

August 24, 2022

Writer:

Ram. V.

Penciler:

Francesco Manna

Cover Artist:

kunkka

CARNAGE CRAVES…ALL! CARNAGE’s crusade reaches an unprecedented level of destruction and threatens not just the here and now, but everything that ever was or ever will be. Hydro-Man, Spot, the serial killer known as “The Artist,” what horrifying puzzle is Carnage trying to put together with these pieces? Who will be its next victim? And will Detective Jon Shayde be able to stop the crimson-clad creature before it’s too late?!

PROS:

• First of all, this was simply a very epic comic to read, because of all the wild and brutal action. Carnage really lets loose here, as he fights off elves and monster hounds. Carnage is really on a warpath, as he is gaining and stealing as much power for himself as possible. It started out with some super-villains on Earth, but now his aspirations are taking on a godly level.
• The character interaction between Neely and his new “friend” was expertly written. As Carnage mentioned towards the end, Neely saw himself in the handicapped and abused elf. But while the elf was stuck to his tradition, Neely refused to be chained to the old memories of himself as a weakling. And, thus, ultimately, he chose to kill his elf companion in the end, serving Carnage as his true master. There is a lot of deep talk to digest here, and maybe there are some nuggets of wisdom we, as readers, can take home after reading this chapter. We can learn from Carnage how NOT to be shackled by tradition, or your past, or your preconceived limitations… it is our choice to break free and achieve our true and highest form in life, whatever that may be.
• The art in this book has been so good, and it did not stop with this issue. Carnage fighting off the Hounds were just such a delight to witness, and I was left wanting more… and more… in a good way. The way that the emotions of characters like Neely and his elf-victim came out as they discussed principles, background, ideologies, and history felt so real and hit very close to home. The anguish and pain that they endured during their lives could be seen not only in the words that they said, but it was all also painted out on their faces. This issue was just a masterclass of combining over-the-top action with character development, mixed with dark humor as well. We all come out of this not knowing who we are rooting for, even though deep inside, we know what the answer should be.

CONS:

• The only thing I wanted to see more of was Neely actually fighting or killing his elf companion. It would have deepened our fear, disgust or awe of the character if there were just a few more pages to portray this. It all just happened so quickly. More time and care could have established him as a true villain, not to be messed with.

FINAL GRADE: A

This has been a very meaningful, important, and engaging series from its very start. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what the creative team has in store for us in the next few issues. I think that the next chapter will focus on Shayde, and his new mission… to kill Malekith? We’ll have to see how that goes. But what I am highly anticipating is the clash between Carnage and his original host, as the build-up for this has been increasing and increasing with every, single issue.