venom 40 prevew

Venom 40

Are you ready for Mania?  VENOM 40 comes out on Wednesday.

Only 3 issues left...

no ongoing venom after darkest hours?

Dan Slott Fan Expo

As CBR reports, one of the final panels at this year's Fan Expo featured the Superior Spider-Man team.  During the Q&A, Spidey writer Dan Slott had this to say:

"Just to keep this in mind, you guys know that there's a wonderful series, [which has run] longer than any 'Venom' series ever, [written] by Rick Remender and Cullen Bunn, coming to a close," Slott said, the audience booing the cancellation news. "I know. But after it comes to a close, you're getting 'Darkest Hours' and there's going to be the big Spider-Man/Venom throw down -- and there's no ongoing Venom book after that," Slott continued, trailing off as if he'd given something away. "So, all bets are off."

VENOM's final three issues comes out over the next two months.  "Darkest Hours" begins in October.

declan shalvey's mania design

Mania's Design

Former VENOM artist, Declan Shalvey, shared how he created the design for Mania on his Tumblr:

Anonymous asked: Hey! Love your work on venom and am really sad to see it ending. Was just wondering if you have any other pictures of Mania (fingers crossed that she doesn't die at the end of Venom) because I am going to do a cosplay of her fairly soon and I'm kind of stuck on her hair. And details or anything would be appreciated!

Shalvey: Thanks very much! Well, my run of Venom is already over I’m afraid. It wrapped up with the end of the Toxin arc, bit I’ve been providing the covers since, so I was sad do hand in my final cover a month or so ago. I have 2 images of Mania. I got to design her as she was to be featured on a cover before the new interior artist had drawn her. I was actually glad, as I designed Andi from scratch, and once I heard she was going to get a symbiote, I did a rough design for her in anticipation. Here is the original design that Marvel approved.

I wanted to be sure that she didn’t look like Arana or any Spider-Woman/Girl incarnation. What I thought worked well was Agent Venom’s armoured-spike look, and Andi’s punk/emo fashion style. I felt they complimented each other so tried to incorporate all of that into the design for Mania.

The other image is a collection of rough doodles that ultimately changed into the final design, but it’s where I figured out how her hair works. I didn’t have much time to design her so these are the only images I have. Basically, it’s a spiked mohawk on the back of her head. She also has a spike on the side of her head )which echoes Andi’s actual haristyle) So that they stay separate, I feel that her back-spikes or ‘fins’ would tilt in the opposite direction from where the side-spike is. Since she’s a symbiote, I felt the the position of the side-spike could easile alternate, depending on what the artist who drew her felt like. Hope this helps.

Please send me photos of your cosplay, I’d love to see them!

Do you hope Mania sticks around after VENOM's final issue?

venom ends with issue 42

The End

It is a sad day Venom fans.

Marvel.com confirmed that Venom's ongoing series is coming to a conclusion this October with issue 42.  Cullen Bunn sat down with Marvel and talked about his time on the series.

Marvel.com: What’s coming up for Venom in the final storyline of this series?

Cullen Bunn: The final six issues all feature [new character] Mania quite heavily. They are her origin story. Of course, she may not survive her own origin. We get to see the creation of a new symbiote under some strange and surprising circumstances. We see Flash working to establish himself as a real hero in Philly. We see the final confrontation between Venom, Mania, and Lord Ogre. We learn how Hellstrom ended up in so many places—and with so many differing personalities—at once. And we get a battle between Venom, Mania, Crossbones, the DOA, and Mephisto. Also, Flash and his symbiote have a heart to heart. It’s an action-packed few issues, but I think there’s a lot of heart to the story you’ll be reading, especially when it comes to Flash and Andi [aka Mania]. The final issue is very personal to me for a number of reasons that we can discuss once it’s been published.

Marvel.com: How have events in the series and your run thus far led to this conclusion?

Cullen Bunn: With the final issue, I try to weave in elements that we’ve seen from the beginning: Flash’s struggle with alcoholism; his relationship with his dad; his injuries. All these things have made him who he is. He’s a screw up and a bully and a guy who is just one step away from really ruining his life and the lives of everyone around him. As we close the story out, though, we start to see Flash getting his act together. He tries to make some smart decisions. He tries to protect the people around him. He even starts to wonder if he’s been bullying the symbiote all this time. Andi becomes the missing puzzle piece that helps him get his life together. Things change for Flash going forward, and he’s determined not to mess things up.

Marvel.com: What loose ends will be wrapped up in these last issues?

Cullen Bunn: As we move toward the final issue, I’d love to tell you that I would be wrapping up every loose end that’s out there, but that’s not the case. In a shared universe—a continuing universe—some of those threads will be ongoing. But we will be circling back around to the supernatural story that started in the “Circle of Four” arc. Venom and Mania are both tangled up in “the Descent” in one way or another. But for one of them, that connection will be—mostly—severed.

Marvel.com: Where do you leave Flash Thompson?

Cullen Bunn: Frequently, we see Flash run down a litany of who he has been in his life: A jock, a bully, Spider-Man’s number one fan, a soldier, a killer, a monster. At the end of VENOM #42, though, Flash will find himself in a position he would never have expected—or wanted.

Marvel.com: What were the highlights for you of working on VENOM?

Cullen Bunn: There are so many things I loved about working on this series. This book gave me the chance to write the Enigma Force, albeit briefly, in “Minimum Carnage.” That has been something I’ve dreamed of for a long time. As for the issues and arcs I liked the most, I think I’m most proud of the “Savage Six”—co-written with Remender—the Point One issue I wrote—VENOM #27.1—and the “Toxin” arc. If I were to be remembered for a few issues only, those would be what I’d pick. Also for the appearance of Hail Mary, the Mother Superior of Punishment, and the Venom-Mobile!

Marvel.com: How do you feel Flash has evolved under your watch?

Cullen Bunn: I think Flash went through pure Hell with me as a writer, but when he came through the other side he was an actual hero; the “dark hero” of Philadelphia, but, more importantly, he’ll be a hero to Andi. Where he ends up with her will speak volumes to how his character grew and changed.

Marvel.com: As a fan, what do you hope to or look forward to for Flash in the future?

Cullen Bunn: In the final arc, I touch on Flash’s relationship with the symbiote. It’s an encounter that will change the way the two of them interact. I’d love to see that further developed. I think an interesting change would be for Flash and the symbiote to work together in a less adversarial way.

What was your favorite part of Flash's almost three years as Venom?  What would you like to see happen to Venom after the events of Darkest Hour?

TALK ABOUT: venom 39

Venom 39

VENOM!  MAINIA!  JACK!

Discuss!

cbr talks to cullen bunn about mania

Mania Interview

CBR interviewed VENOM writer, Cullen Bunn, about Mania and shares some preview pages!

I think it is also worth pointing out the editor's note:

[Editor's Note: CBR News contacted Marvel Comics about "Venom's" absence from its November solicitations, and the publisher declined comment when asked.]

CBR News: Cullen, readers now know that Flash's neighbor Andi is the host to a new symbiote called Mania. What inspired the creation of Andi and Mania? Which came first, the idea for Andi or the idea for Mania?

Cullen Bunn: Early on, I had the idea of creating a new symbiote in the series. The idea changed over time, though, and it ended up in a completely different place. It wasn't going to be Andi in those early days, but some of the story threads from that original idea are still part of what I have in store for Mania. Even when I introduced Andi, I didn't have in mind that she would become Mania's host. That was just something that happened along the way. So -- who came first -- Andi or Mania? Both?

Mania was born after Jack O' Lantern murdered Andi's father and tried to murder her. Considering the symbiotes feed off the negative emotions of their hosts, the newly born Mania will have plenty to keep it fed. What can you tell us about the initial dynamic between Andi and her symbiote?

You'll see that Mania and Andi bond very quickly. It may even seem that Andi is better at controlling her symbiote than Flash is at controlling his. Part of that is because of the circumstances of Mania's creation. Yes, those negative emotions give her a big boost -- and Andi will be haunted by those feelings for a long while. There's more to it, of course, and you'll have to wait until issues 40 through 42 to get the whole story.

Since we're on the topic of dynamics, how would you describe the initial dynamic between Flash and Andi? Is there a sense of guilt there on either side since the death of Andi's father and her transformation into Mania came about because she reached out to Flash?

The relationship between Andi and Flash will be a rollercoaster ride over the next several issues. Flash will be nearly crushed with guilt and a sense of responsibility -- and fear -- when it comes to Mania. And Andi will show a lot of resentment toward Flash, especially in the beginning. Her life is going to be turned upside down because of him. If they make it through to the other side, though, their connection will be forever changed -- and much stronger.

What will Andi's non-costumed life be like following her father's murder? In "Venom" #38, Andi's father says something about her mother keeping secrets in a way that suggests that Andi's mother is dead. Since Andi is a minor, who will be her immediate guardian?

Some might think that Flash might become her guardian, but that's not the case. Andi's life will change drastically and it will involve a new home and a new legal guardian. So, we'll have Venom taking Mania under his wing, and Andi will be having a lot of trouble adjusting to a new civilian life. Andi's mother is a whole new storyline, something I'd love to explore a little more. It would bring a completely new dynamic to the character.

Mania was born as a result of Jack O' Lantern coming back into Venom's life. Based on his visual appearance and your well-documented love for Marvel's horror characters, it seems like you're a fan of Jack. What do you like most about the character? Why did you want to bring him back into Flash's life now?

I've always like Jack -- even before he took an especially creepy turn in "Venom." I like his design, his weirdness and general creepiness. He's like a Rob Zombie movie in super villain form! I think some folks will be surprised when it comes to how Jack managed to break out of prison. Once the secret's out, we'll see that Jack is even more menacing and bizarre and dangerous than ever before.

"Venom" #38 ended with Flash and the newly-born Mania facing off with Jack O' Lantern. What can you tell readers about issue #39? What does the birth of Mania mean for Flash's ongoing war with Philadelphia's crime boss, Lord Ogre?

A lot of stuff is happening in #39. Mania and Venom take on Jack O'Lantern -- and learn a strange secret about him. Then Venom tries to stop Andi and the symbiote from bonding. Then they tangle with some of Lord Ogre's mercenaries. And then we get to see some fallout from the whole ordeal. The last page will bring some earlier storylines back around, and we'll get some hints at a pretty big step Flash is going to take. Of course, Mania is going to be -- well -- manic -- when it comes to getting revenge on Lord Ogre, and that will be the starting point for issue #40. She's going to take the fight straight to her enemies, with or without Venom's help.

The solicits for "Venom" #40 suggest that Damon Hellstrom and the supernatural elements in Flash's life will come back into play in a big way. In terms of plot and themes, what is the new arc about?

That arc is really a continuation of Mania's origins. There is a lot more to her than we will see in #38 and #39. It will also turn some of the supernatural elements on their ear. And I'm going to answer some bigger questions like "How did the Venom symbiote spawn another symbiote?" and "Why did Hellstrom appear in so many places -- with so many different personalities -- at the same time?"

With these supernatural elements comes the return of the villainous DOA organization and one of its associates, Crossbones. How dangerous will they be in this arc? What's it like bringing Venom and Crossbones face-to-face?

The DOA will always be a dangerous force, especially with Crossbones leading them. And it will be pretty bloody when Crossbones and Venom lock horns. That said, I think the DOA might be underestimating Venom and (especially) Mania -- and that might cost them.

We've talked about story let's start to wrap things up talking about art. Which artists are you working with on the next few months of "Venom?" What do you feel they bring to the stories they're working on?

The next three issues will be drawn by Jorge Coelho, who brings a great approach to the characters, especially Mania. He's gonna be drawing symbiotes and demons and mercenaries and the end of the world and one of the strangest encounters between Flash and his symbiote you'll ever see.

In November, Venom comes face to face with the Superior Spider-Man in an arc of "Superior Spider-Man" called "Darkest Hours." I know you're wary of spoilers, but can you talk at all about what that story means for "Venom" and how it will impact your book?

I really can't say much about it at all -- but there are big, big things afoot for Venom.

What are your feelings towards Mania?

thunderbolts 15 preview

Thunderbolts 15 Preview

Newsarama interviewed Charles Soule about Thunderbolts.  There isn't much Venom news, but he does appear in a couple of the preview pages for issue 15:

Issue 15 comes out in September.

tom brevoort teases big venom news

From Tom Brevoort's (Marvel's Senior Vice President of Publishing) Tumblr Q&A:

What kind of 'Big Venom stuff' would you like to see?

[Thanks to @SniktBamfThwip for the tip]

venom 39 preview

Venom 39

Are you excited for Andi to unleash the symbiote's full potential?  VENOM 39 is out on Wednesday.

thunderbolts 14 preview

Thunderbolts 14

 

 What do you think of Flash's new hairdo?  T-bolts 14 comes out on Wednesday.

november previews

November 2013

No, this isn't a mistake.  There wasn't a VENOM solicitation for November.  As of right now there is no word if the book has been cancelled, there just isn't an issue coming in November, or if the title will be rebooted.  As I get more information I will update the site.

SUPERIOR CARNAGE #5 (of 5) 
Kevin Shinick (W)
Stephen Segovia (A)
Cover by Clayton Crain
Superior Showdown! Superior Spider-Man versus Superior Carnage—but does the Wizard have one more trick in his mind-controlling hat? Has Carnage become unleashed for good? The most nefarious and wicked miniseries of the year comes to an epic conclusion!

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #22

DAN SLOTT & CHRISTOS GAGE (W)
HUMBERTO RAMOS (A/C)
Variant Cover by J. Scott Campbell
MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. VARIANT ALSO AVAILABLE
The first issue in THE DARKEST HOUR – the Spider-Event of the year! Flash Thompson, the Secret Avenger known as Venom, is back in town for his first run-in with the Superior Spider-Man! Will their first encounter be friendly, or will Flash sense something perilous about Peter Parker’s presence?

THUNDERBOLTS #18
CHARLES SOULE (W) JEFTE PALO (A)
Cover by JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO
INFINITY TIE-IN!
Mobsters, aliens, broken promises, and now…THIS??? Things could not go more wrong for the Thunderbolts…

TALK ABOUT: superior carnage 2

Superior Carnage 2

What do you think about this new 'Superior' Carnage?  Sound off in the comments!

superior carnage 2 preview

Superior Carnage 2

 SUPERIOR CARNAGE #2 comes out on Wednesday, August 7th.