It was bound to happen eventually, and now it’s here: Spider-Verse vs Venomverse #1. Pitting the vast multiverse of Spiders against the growing Venom Symbiotes was a no-brainer as Marvel keeps upping the ante. Backing the project are three of comics’ hottest creators, but is it good?
Some might argue and make a point that Spider-Man as a concept has gotten too big, but the thing about serial stories is that pushing things to the max is also quite fun. This comic builds on our known Spider-Verse and turns it into a Secret Wars-level battle. If you’re down to clown with the concept, there’s no denying this is big-fun comics.
Even with heady concepts like Web-Heart and Hive Mind dictating this battle, a casual reader can pick this up and have a good time. There’s quite a bit of explaining in this comic, but Luciano Vecchio does a great job laying out pretty and pleasing art. Symmetry is key visually, and the idea of Venom and Spider-Man being similar but on different paths is beautifully articulated with the lettering. With that simple concept at the core, one can ignore the convulsed and gimmicky nature of the cosmic underpinnings of the story.
Each of the characters gets a handy caption detailing who they are further making this an easy jumping on point. The balance of each side is well done too, with Venom and Spider-Man being the core leaders. Given Venom’s background as seen in Web of Venomverse, there’s a complicated nuance to this battle rather than all our war. That said, the more violent characters on both sides are interesting outliers that’ll mess things up.
Mostly setup, this issue does get a couple of battles as both sides race to an end zone, so to speak. That allows for Spider-Ham to get cartoonishly smooshed and Viking Venom to take one for the team.
It’s safe to say Mat Groom and Kyle Higgins are doing a good job taking an already astoundingly large concept and building on it for fun superhero fight fans.
Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse #1 is a big, bold, and bombastic clash of multiversal icons, delivering chaotic fun and striking visuals. While it leans heavily on setup and exposition, the accessible storytelling and dynamic artwork make it an enjoyable experience for both new readers and veteran fans.
A cosmic clash of webs and symbiotes that’s equal parts chaotic and accessible. Read More