Rob reviews Venom #5...
After observing Dylan, Sleeper, and Venom for the last few issues, Venom #5 switches viewpoint as we catch up with Eddie Brock and the mysterious Meridius. Having just "died", Eddie finds himself in the 'Garden of Time' with more than a few questions that need answers. Venom #5 also sees the return of Al Ewing as the seasoned writer takes over from Ram V.
So, we're finally getting some answers to the questions that have beset Venom since its first issue. Not only do we finally see who that other Eddie Brock is/was, but we also learn "slightly" more about the enigmatic Meridius, and how he's connected to both the Brocks and the Symbiotes.
In terms of personalities, Meridius is still as vague as he was when first introduced. Al Ewing does his best to give us some answers, he asks more questions as a result. Throughout this issue, Meridius is portrayed as Venom's latest "big bad". He's able to ferry himself across vast distances, as well as manifest other Symbiotes at will. While not precisely mentioned as being a god - he's certainly characterized as one. We also learn that the 'Garden of Time' is Meridius' creation and it's here where his plans for both Eddie and Dylan are to take shape.
Ewing writes this issue exceptionally well with most of its narrative told from Meridius' standpoint. Through his interactions with his "guests", we see his somewhat megalomaniac personality start to take shape. He looks down upon the others within the Garden of Time, and he's very quick to talk about his powers and achievements. Events here also come at a quick pace as Ewing - through Meridius - takes us back through past events and shows just how much Meridius has influenced. There's also quite the reveal come to the end of the issue which plays into how long this plan has been in motion.
Bryan Hitch and Alex Sinclair switch from the more sterile locations of the Life Foundation to the very psychedelic Garden of Time. While we don't see a lot of this world, its very nature is alien, and we're never told explicitly that it's a world. Hitch continues to develop some gorgeous character work as he adds to Ewing's script with subtle body language and mannerisms. The other Symbiotes introduced in this issue - Bedlam, Tyro, Wilde, and Finnegan - each have their distinct style and it's going to be intriguing to see how they play into the grand scheme. While they're not as pretentious as their Life Foundation family members, it does make the atmosphere around them the more secretive.
Come to the end of the issue and we have yet more questions that need answers. While we do get a glimpse into the motivations of Meridius, we're still in the dark about what he wants with the Brocks. So far Venom has been a tale about Dylan, with Eddie being tacked into the story to serve as Dylan's motivation. Whilst this issue doesn't expand upon Dylan's situation, it's hopefully the start of Ewing and Ram V bringing Eddie in on the action.
Rating 7.5/10
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