To date, we’ve only seen a handful of the new series that will comprise Marvel’s Fresh Start relaunch, but the results have been promising so far. Venom in particular is a showcase for what’s possible with the clean slate this relaunch allows. What was once a struggling series with some promise has suddenly morphed into one of Marvel’s most engaging monthly books. What a difference a few weeks can make.
Venom works because it combines certain classic hallmarks of the franchise (the Eddie Brock/symbiote relationship and the art style, mainly) with a clear desire to push this character in new and unexpected directions. As much as artist Ryan Stegman excels in recapturing the sleek, powerful look of classic artists like Todd McFarlane and Erik Larsen, this new series isn’t nearly as beholden to that era as its predecessor was. Stegman and writer Donny Cates are ambitious in their attempt to overhaul the mythology of the Klyntar symbiotes and their connection to Earth. After only two issues, they’ve significantly changed Eddie Brock’s world and his entire outlook. Where in the past there’s been so much focus on making this character the dark inverse of Peter Parker, he now feels more like his own man than ever before.
Source: IGN.com Venom #2 Is Slow But Gorgeous