Marvel Tales: Venom (2019) #1 (Marvel Tales by David MichelinieMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Marvel Tales, beginning in the '60s, was a reprint title sometimes focusing on Spider-Man. It ran until it was cancelled in '94 with #291. Marvel has brought it back, again as a reprint title, initially featuring important issues of particular characters. The first one contained three issues of the Fantastic Four from various eras of that title. Each issue begins with an essay by former Assistant Editor and writer, Ralph Macchio discussing the history of the character featured.
This one focuses on the anti-hero Venom, currently one of Marvel's most popular characters. The first issue is actually about Peter Parker, when he was still wearing the black costume, prior to it being separated from him. This is Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #119 and showcases Black Cat (the thief who was in love with Peter) and the X-Men villain, Sabretooth.
Next is The Amazing Spider-Man #316, with art by Todd McFarlane (prior to his split to co-found Image). Venom is now bonded with Eddie Brock, who is seeking Spider-Man. Unfortunately, Black Cat again ends up getting in the way of the symbiote.
Finally, we have the first part of a Carnage story from TAS-M #361. Peter has tricked Eddie Brock into thinking he has killed Spider-Man, so he and Venom are not living on a small Caribbean island. Meanwhile, a portion of the symbiote attached itself to serial killer, Cletus Kasady, who is now calling himself Carnage. With increased power, Kasady has escaped prison but continues to kill randomly as Spider-Man and the police seek to stop him.
Not great stories, but if you are a fan of Spider-Man or the symbiote (in its various incarnations) this is a nice way to check in on its history.
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