review by justin anderson

the plot: The issue begins with Spider-Man, Venom, and Black Cat trapped in a burning warehouse. Despite Venom's orders to hunt Carnage, he chooses to save the Cat. This angers Venom, and also upsets the Black Cat, claiming she didn't need his help. Spidey is also shocked to see Black Cat in agreeance with Venom. He runs off to do things on his own.

Meanwhile, the four are swinging above the city, until Demogoblins call for a plan sends Carnage over the edge, almost killing Demogoblin. Shriek calms them down, claiming they're some sort of "family". Shriek, of course, the mother, and with her fixation on Carnage, well, it's rather sick.

Parker, at May's, with injured ribs, has discussions with May and his father. This encourages him to go out and stop Carnage. Who, right now, is turning Fifth Avenue into a slaughterhouse. Cloak shows up after the damage is done, to assure Venom and Cat. Venom shows his distaste for his "son" by tossing a car a few hundred feet.

The "family" meanwhile, is visiting an old restaurant Shriek once heard about, and killing everyone in the process. On their way out, a certain pair of pale yellow arms opens a nearby manhole, and the body of Carrion follows them.

Spidey, coming upon a massive downtown riot, where everyone is literally trying to kill everyone around them, finaly declares that Carnage will receive no mercy.

the review: The issue shows a good example of how this 14-part series should have been. Carnage and his followers wrecking the city, with only a few heroes capable of fighting them. And while the four seem to get along, Carnage shows that even here, he would have no problems killing the rest of his team just to entertain himself. We also get to see into the sick relationship between Carnage and Shriek, the disillusioned young woman following any man who will pay attention to her, and Carnage only keeping her along for entertainment.

The art is decent, though at times, Venom resembles a cartoon character, his jaw with a mind of its own. Of course, it's also fun seeing him gloat as Black Cat takes his side.

The dialog falls mainly on Carnage, which makes the character even more threatening, since he makes it quite clear what type of monster he is. Especially since we'd never seen a villain of this type before. He has no plans for world domination. He doesn't desire wealth, power, or fame. All he wants is to see everyone dead, and even his allies are on the list.

***** of *****

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