All-New Venom 9 Review Breakdown
In *All-New Venom #9*, the tension escalates as symbiotes and their hosts face off against Doctor Octopus and S.C.A.R., leading to explosive confrontations, unexpected alliances, and emotional revelations. The issue dives deep into the chaos surrounding Venom, Sleeper, and Toxin, while also exploring the fractured relationship between Mary Jane Watson and Paul Rabin.
The Clash with Doctor Octopus
The story opens with Doctor Octopus and his team, Ripcord, confronting a captured symbiote. Otto Octavius, ever the ruthless scientist, demands permission to dissect the alien entity on the spot. However, the symbiote (revealed to be Venom bonded to Mary Jane Watson) awakens and retaliates, breaking free and shattering containment glass in the process. This triggers a chain reaction, freeing another symbiote, Sleeper, who had been lying dormant.
Rick Jones, held captive by S.C.A.R., suddenly transforms into a Sleeper agent and attacks Octopus. The battle intensifies as Octopus deploys a respirator device to counter the symbiotes' psychotropic gas, only to fall victim to its effects. Meanwhile, Venom and Sleeper seize the opportunity to escape, but their freedom is short-lived as S.C.A.R. forces close in.
Unlikely Alliances and New Hosts
Outside the facility, Venom and Sleeper encounter Toxin, a red symbiote lying weakened on the ground. The group is soon joined by Flash Thompson, the former Agent Anti-Venom, who arrives to aid them. In a surprising twist, Flash absorbs the Anti-Venom suit into his body, allowing him to bond with Toxin temporarily. This uneasy alliance highlights the desperation of the situation, as symbiotes and humans alike struggle to survive against S.C.A.R.'s relentless pursuit.
The team’s cohesion is tested when Ripcord’s forces attack, binding Toxin and engaging the others in brutal combat. Venom, trapped by Octopus’s tentacles, nearly succumbs to the villain’s ultrasonic weapons, a weakness shared by many symbiotes. However, Mary Jane, as Venom’s host, proves more resilient. In a spectacular scene, Octopus is overpowered by the Venom symbiote that bursts from her body, enabling the others to flee.
Emotional Turmoil: Mary Jane and Paul
As the drama unfolds and their relationship reaches a breaking point, the comic alternates between Mary Jane and Paul Rabin. Paul expresses his love and makes a commitment to reform after feeling guilty about his previous transgressions. However, Mary Jane, grappling with her bond to Venom and the toll it has taken on her life, realizes their relationship is no longer working. In a heartfelt but painful moment, she ends things, acknowledging that staying together would only cause more harm. This subplot adds emotional depth to the issue, contrasting the physical battles with the internal struggles of its characters.
The Aftermath and Future Threats
The issue concludes with the group regrouping, but the threat of S.C.A.R. and Doctor Octopus looms large. Sleeper’s cryptic warning about Venom and Toxin’s future hints at darker days ahead. New symbiote dynamics, such Flash's transient relationship with Toxin, are introduced at the same time, laying the groundwork for future alliances and conflicts.
*All-New Venom #9* delivers a thrilling mix of action, suspense, and character-driven drama. This problem stands out in the series because it balances the symbiotes’ struggle for life against insurmountable odds with the touching human moments. With Doctor Octopus still at large and relationships in flux, the next installment promises even greater stakes and surprises.
For fans of symbiote lore and high-stakes storytelling, this issue is a must-read, blending visceral battles with emotional weight. As Venom and his allies navigate betrayal, redemption, and new threats, the line between hero and monster becomes increasingly blurred.