Venom War (2024) #4 review: all kings shall fall

Since 2021, Al Ewing has been meticulously crafting a Venom story in which Eddie has only one purpose: to avoid his future. There are *many* complexities along the way and multiple unexpected turns. The journey so far has been nothing short of chaotic, exciting, and incredibly entertaining with multiple characters having different roles to play. However, all things must come to an end, and the highly-awaited conclusion of this story starts here.

Before we begin is important to note spoilers will follow for Venom War (2024) #4. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend going in blind. So bookmark this page, witness 24 pages filled with action, and then make sure to return for its review. Ready? Perfect, then let's kick things off.

Father and son work as one

Venom War has seen father and son battle it out for the future of humanity. Eddie Brock and Dylan Brock have both witnessed horrific visions of what would come to happen if the other bonds with the Venom symbiote. So determined to prevent a twisted future, they come at odds with each other. But even when Eddie and Dylan have been at the heart and center of the conflict, the last issue saw them finally talk it out. Eddie refused to put a hand on his son, even when bonded with his rage-filled version from the future; Bedlam. It was a nice touch, especially knowing Eddie was once abused by his own father.

Now, in Venom War (2024) #4, that idea is expanded further as father and son finally become one (and not only in a figurative way). The Venom symbiote, who was determined to not bond with Dylan or Eddie, comes to the realization he could bond with both of them at the same time - saving Eddie's life in the process. The two then act as a team, perfectly in sync, battling Bedlam.

It's always a pleasure to watch Iban Coello's action set pieces. His usage of impact lines adds a lot of speed and heaviness to punches which only makes the fights more exhilarating. Besides, getting to see father and son tag-team the battle was a true joy. It reminded me of when Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers both perfectly coordinated their movements to fight Iron Man in the final act of Captain America: Civil War.

The only true downside of Eddie and Dylan bonding with the Venom symbiote is Spidey doesn't get to wear the black suit anymore. Granted, this was never a Peter Parker story, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't look up for more symbiotic action from the wall-crawler. Speaking of which: he leaves the scene a little too quickly in Venom War (2024) #4, which is a bit of a shame, especially since Flash Thompson joined the fight afterward. It would've been great to see Eddie, Dylan, Flash, Peter, and Toxin all team up to defeat the zombie symbiotes.

More pieces come into place

Speaking of Flash Thomson, Venom War (2024) #4 sees a few characters finally join the fight. Above anything else, it's nice to see Flash join this symbiotic story and become human in the process. Besides, the return of Anti-Venom to cure all the Zombiotes was a nice way to put an end to Meridius' plans once and for all. However, things were never going to be that simple, so in an act of desperation, Meridius (who's an evil version of Eddie Brock from the future) finally gives in to Carnage's desires and uses the All-Blood. Anti-Venom is infected with the Carnage symbiote as a result of this and starts to corrupt everyone he intended to save.

Venom (2021) and Venom War (2024) have never been "simplistic" stories. Many different characters come into play as even Doctor Doom and Kang the Conqueror had their own agenda. Now, all pieces are finally coming together, and while it's entertaining to see, it can also prove to be a bit convoluted at times - especially if you haven't read all 39 issues so far of Venom (2021) and know some of Knull's backstory and how Eddie took his place. Venom War (2024) is a great read, but it is definitely not for newcomers.

Venom War (2024) #4 ends with the *apparent* death of the King in Black at the hands of his son. It is a nice cliffhanger that makes us want the release of issue #5 even more. It's just a bit unfortunate we already know how things will play out once the story concludes due to the recent Venom and Carnage announcements at Comic-Con.

Conclusion: a spectacular ring match

Venom War (2024) has proven, so far, to be an entertaining conclusion to the events of Venom (2021). It's nice to finally see more pieces come into place, even if it can prove to be a bit convoluted at times (especially for new readers). However, the fast-paced action, introduction of Flash Thompson, and teaming up of father and son to defeat Bedlam make this entry a worthy addition to the franchise that perfectly sets up the grand finale.

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