MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY-Kid Venom: Origins (2024) #1 REVIEW

It’s the start of a new year, and what better way to get things rolling than trying out a new comic book series or character, right? Now, while Kid Venom had already been introduced to readers last year, this is the first time that all the chapters of his debut are collected into one issue. So, since it is my first review of the year, and because Marvel fans may be looking for an amazing way to begin 2024, I chose this comic as a fresh start if you’re looking for something different in January. Also, for fans of manga, anime or Japanese history or pop culture, you may be interested in trying Kid Venom out even if you are not particularly a huge fan of the Spidey family in general.

OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:

Published:

January 03, 2024

Penciler:

Taigami

Cover Artist:

Taigami

THIS IS KID VENOM! For the first time collected in one issue, the full four parts of KID VENOM from DEATH OF THE VENOMVERSE! Also, behind-the-scenes content never before seen, including the original work that brought Taigami to Marvel! Plus: A glimpse at what the future holds for KID VENOM!

PROS:

• Taigami does an excellent job at experimenting with the mythos of Venom and the symbiotes, while also infusing Japanese folklore, culture, and history into his book all rolled into one. This first salvo of Kid Venom looks and feels Japanese in every way possible, appealing to manga readers but also capturing the classic, unique Marvel flavor. When Kid Venom calls on his symbiote, when he transforms into a black falcon, and when he fights a corrupted ONI bear, Taigami is successfully able to portray the dynamism, violence, and chaos that any clash between symbiotes will undoubtedly bring to the table.
• Similar to what Carnages was doing last year, Kid Venom is able to eat other symbiotes and absorb the power and memories of both the new meal and its previous host. Already a mighty samurai in his own right, this special ability of Kid Venom only means that as the next issues pass, he will only grow stronger and stronger. There is no limit or end in sight for Kid Venom and his overall power level right now, and I am excited where this takes him in his next adventures.
• I just have to say, Kid Venom’s ability to talk to animals who he has freed from the symbiotes’ control is just the cutest thing ever. Admittedly, the bear was a gruesome, ferocious, and terrifying foe at the start of the epic tale. But towards the end, the bear and his family became an adorable Disney-like visual.

CONS:

• If new readers are getting into this collected edition hoping for a detailed and complete origin story, they may find themselves disappointed. Just to be clear: this comic book is purely meant to introduce readers to Kid Venom as a samurai, as a host of a symbiote, and as a hero. I think the Marvel team will give us a deeper look into his backstory as the year progresses.

FINAL GRADE: A

Still coming off a Spider-Man 2 high, after finishing the Playstation 5 game over the holidays, I really can’t get enough Venom in my life right now. But even without that inherent bias, I really do recommend this starter pack for long-time Marvel or Spider-Man fans, but also for new readers as well. And, if you have mainly been living out your geek life as a die-hard manga or anime lover, then maybe this is the perfect chance or opportunity to get into the crazy shared universe of anything and everything Spider-Man. I would like to wish everybody once again a very happy new year, and I greatly look forward to reading more Spider-Man comics this 2024. I’ll definitely be bringing you all my thoughts, reactions, and reviews… plus I’ll be offering you all my top comic book recommendations. Looking at what we have in store, I can honestly say that it seems like it is going to be a big year ahead for Marvel Comics, and not just for Spidey, but also for the rest of the Marvel Universe. While 2024 may find itself pretty light in terms of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the bright spot is that we have so many intriguing comic books lined up every month. We’re definitely eating well, this year, True Believers.