Major Spoiler for Superior Spider-Man # 25

While the Carlie Cooper post wasn't much other than show you what's become of Peter Parker's ex, this post will give you an inkling of how Parker finally gets his body back.

Turns out the Venom symbiote mixed with SpOck is a volatile combination which is partly the reason why The Avengers are battling their teammate. In the thick of the battle Doc Ock spazzes out and thinks that he might not have thought his plan through, all the while trying to fight the symbiote who wants to devour Parker's body and take over for good.

Just when things start to go wrong, Peter Parker's force ghost makes an appearance (last we saw him was back in issue # 9 where Otto thought he had completely erased traces of Peter Parker from his psyche.)

It's got this near Dragonball Z vibe where Son Gokou's ghost appears out of nowhere and helps his friends

And boom! We have Peter Parker back (in one form or another)...

Before Doc Ock even notices, Pete slips back into the subconsciousness while SpOck claims innocence over his actions by telling that he's been a host of a sliver of symbiote for months now.

Superior Spider-Man # 23 Spoiler

Quick spoilers for Superior Spider-Man # 23 by Dan Slott, Christos Gage. Humberto Ramos, Vic Olazaba, Ed Delgado and more.

Before the big ending, let's zip through the various developments in this book, which I'm starting to read once again, mostly because they should be planting the seeds for Parker's return pretty soon and I want to see Slotto's downfall. Last issue ended with Slotto successfully taking down Venom/ Flash Thompson.

This issue, he escapes!

Carlie Cooper has been kidnapped by the Green Goblin and his Goblin crew including Menace and Hobgoblin.

But that's just before Mary Jane Watson and Captain Watanabe (secretly The Wraith) receive critical information, a warning actually from the missing Carlie.

Aunt May has also recovered properly thanks to Peter Parker.

J. Jonah Jameson on the otherhand is working hand in hand with Alchemax together with Tiberius Stone AND Miguel O'Hara (aka Spider-Man 2099).

After a heated debate between Aunt May and Parker, the latter informs Flash Thompson who reached out to Peter that he can give him artificial legs. In the process of adding in the legs, Spider-Man separates the symbiote from Thompson.

The confusion inside the laboratory leads the symbiote to bond once again with the Superior Spider-Man...

... creating the SUPERIOR VENOM. 

Get your copies from your LCS (CO, Filbars, Comic Quest and Druid's Keep

Guardians of the Galaxy Recruits Agent Venom and Captain Marvel

Flash is going to space... well not Flash Gordon but rather Eugene "Flash" Thompson aka Agent Venom or simply Venom. 

Oh and Flash isn't the only new member for the team, Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers will be joining for the ride. 

This new iteration of the team will be coming out for Free Comic Book Day 2014. The book will be written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Nick Bradshaw. There'll be a backup story written by Dan Slott (Superior Spider-Man) and Giuseppe Camuncoli. 

Toys R Us Marvel Minimates Wave Series 17 Preview

My golly look at the size of that Hulk minimate figure. And it's not even the Hulk that we know, rather it's a robotic version of the Green goliath.

Of course this will not only make me NOT want to quit, this will also make me NOT want to sell my collection.

Look at the ecclectic set on this wave:

1. Superior Spider-Man version 2 and Ultimate Electro



2. Pepper Potts in Rescue armor + Robot Hulk



3. Sam Alexander Nova + Alien Symbiote Venom



4. Marvel Now Hawkeye + Marvel Now Black Widow



(But if there's really anything that I'd like to get, it has to be this one pack)

What's on the back?



So for the first time, we've got a bulky character being pegged as the 'army-builder'. Impressive.

Here's what they look like outside of their respective boxes/ containers.



These badboys come out end of the year.

SCARLET SPIDER Ends, SUPERIOR VENOM Begins

Coincidence much? With the announcement of the new SUPERIOR VENOM, Marvel Comics also reveals that it's end of the line for Peter Parker's clone Kaine in SCARLET SPIDER. 

The obviousness does not end there. According to the initial buzz for SUPERIOR VENOM, we'll be bidding adieu to Flash Thompson's long running "Agent Venom" as the Spider-Man supporting cast member and the Symbiote parts ways.

Then read what's written for the solicit for the final issue of Scarlet Spider:

SCARLET SPIDER #25
CHRIS YOST (W)
DAVID BALDEON (A)
Cover by Ryan Stegman
LAST DEVASTATING ISSUE!
• It’s over. Kaine did his best to be a hero. He failed.
• What about Houston?! Who lives? Who dies? Is there a place for the Scarlet Spider in this world? The answers will surprise you.
• Two years and 25 issues have led to THIS! Guest starring: MEXICO!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

Put two and two together and you'll come to the conclusion that either they're really just baiting us to get the other Spider titles or it's really Kaine that becomes the new Superior Venom. That or we could get a mind meld. 

Sucks though that Scarlet Spider's ending. I really wish I digged deep into the book but it lost me around issue 3. Perhaps Superior will do wonders for the guy and the character. 

Geek Fashion: Venom Hoodie

Another great GEEK FASHION idea for a hoodie this time focusing on Venom:

Like I always say, DO WANT! 

Again for the moment this is just an idea. It's not yet sold (AFAIK anyway). The only Venom hoodie I've seen was the one they were peddling over at Marvel.com's web store. Nothing similar to this "Agent Venom"-esque version.

Marvel Cancels Venom and Captain Marvel

Well that sucks, looks like Marvel is cancelling other books if we're to believe the solicits. This new batch of cancelled titles include CAPTAIN MARVEL and VENOM.

Bleedingcool is still insinuating that whatever title folds at the moment will return for Marvel Now wave Two which will include titles like X-Factor, Astonishing X-Men and more.

It's a shame that Venom will be folding, just when I got back into the thick of things (partly due to Kim Jacinto's recent work on the title). The Captain Marvel/ Avengers Assemble crossover "Enemy Within" was also a heartbreaker with it's bittersweet ending.

VENOM #42
CULLEN BUNN (W)
JORGE COELHO (A)
Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
• It’s all out war… with Venom, Mania, Crossbones, the DOA, and… Mephisto?
• But who’s on whose side?
• Mania’s final fate is revealed! Will she keep the symbiote?
• Is this the end of Venom’s dance with the devil? Or just the beginning?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

Captain Marvel # 17

KELLY SUE DECONNICK (W) • FILIPE ANDRADE (A/C)
THOR BATTLE VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
THE CAROL CORPS ISSUE!
• THE special oversized issue to end all oversized issues!
• In the aftermath of Enemy Within, Carol Danvers must rebuild her memories through the eyes of her biggest fan.
• Find out why this is such a fan-beloved series!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

A SINISTER SIX Reference Spotted in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 Set

Is Mark Webb really pulling all the stops by bringing together the classic SINISTER SIX?

If we're going to believe the markings on the wall on the set of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 it looks like this is actually coming true.

I sincerely think that Webb will do it plus I'm really quite interested with the characters of choice. Obviously, they will go back and get Rhys Ifans' Lizard/ Curt Connors. They also have Jamie Foxx's Electro which will be the main antagonist for Peter Parker's alter-ego in ASM 2. We also have Paul Giamatti's THE RHINO, although we really haven't seen him yet. And the brains of the operation goes to Chris Cooper's Norman Osborn aka Green Goblin. 

That's two shy of six I know, and there's a lot of ground to cover between ASM 2 and ASM 3 so all we have to do is play the waiting game. One thing that you have to consider though is where the supposed 'VENOM' movie and spinoff falls under. Maybe that will evolve and come out of the events of ASM 3 and that Venom could be part of the Sinister Six. 

Let's just wait and see. 

VENOM # 38 Review

I've been away from VENOM ever since Remender stepped down as writer but thanks to this incredible issue by Cullen Bunn and pinoy wunderkind Kim Jacinto, I'm back on the saddle thanks to VENOM # 38. Special thanks to Comicx Hub and Castle Geek for providing me with a copy since it's still available. 

Since this is another 'pinoy pride' moment, art first: Kim Jacinto's artwork here complements the whole story. Lines are sketchy but looks great nonetheless. Kim's art somehow took the brunt of the violence and death in Venom and made it something tolerable (more on the story later). Also the artist renders a pretty mean looking Jack O'Lantern.

Bunn's work here was great. While continuity stings like a bitch (again I haven't read a single issue of Venom for the longest time) I managed to understand what's going on. The dialogue doesn't even dumb readers down. I actually like how this is panning out like a cool action movie with the hero climbing his way up figuratively. Also just add in a cool song and you've got yourself a pretty great comic book montage.

I'm sold with this issue of Venom as it's got everything I want in a comic book. You want action, this issue gives it to you hot, fast and brutal. You want to relate to a teenage character, it gives you Flash Thompson's teenage neighbor Andi. If you're into Agent Venom or Venom in any particular order then do pick this up. 

I really want to spoil the ending but I decided not to. However I'd like to say that if you've been attentive to the solicits you'll know that whatever status quo changing happenings will start from this particular issue. Oh and this might also be worth something in the near future if said character picks up popularity down the road. 

Verdict: 9.5/10

Go get your copy of VENOM # 38 from CASTLE GEEK branches around the metro or go and get yours online through COMICX HUB (click HERE to order). 

Venom, Savage Hulk and Lizard Round Up New Marvel Select Figures from Disney Stores

Marvel Select collectors should look forward to getting these cool looking MS figures which are now available at Disney Stores (sadly in the US). These figures include the Flash Thompson Venom...

Check out the other two figures after the cut...

Venom Through the Ages Minimates in Package

Here's a quick look at the packaged minimates boxset Venom Through the Ages from Art Asylum and DST.

Marvel Minimates Venom Through the Ages Box Set (Previews Exclusive)

It's time to form a symbiotic relationship with your local comic shop! Why? Because that's the only place you can get the this box set of Marvel Minimates focusing on the symbiote-wearing anti-hero known as Venom. This Previews-exclusive 4-pack includes Classic Venom, She-Venom, Transformation Venom and Flash Thompson as Venom. Each Minimate stands 2” tall with 14 points of articulation and a variety of removable and interchangeable parts and accessories. Set comes packed on a blister card.

Best of Marvel Minimates Wave 2 Officially Announced

Art Asylum just released the breakdown of the characters that will be appearing in their upcoming "Best of Marvel Minimates" set:

Collecting Marvel Minimates can be daunting — after all, they’re celebrating their tenth year in 2013, and releasing their 50th consecutive series of mini-figures. So where does a new collector start? Which are the “best” Marvel Minimates? Diamond Select Toys answered that last year with the first Best of Marvel Minimates assortment, which featured the best-ever versions of some of Marvel’s top heroes and villains. Now DST is bringing you more of the Best in Series 2!

This time, eight more of Marvel’s most famous heroes and villains get the ultimate Minimate treatment: Mr. Fantastic and Doctor Doom, Daredevil and Venom, the Punisher and Deadpool, and the Hulk and Loki! They’re the best versions of Marvel’s best characters, and each 2-inch mini-figure comes with additional parts and accessories — the Hulk can actually transform into Bruce Banner! This series will only be available at comic shops and specialty stores starting in Spring 2013, but Series 1 is available now, with Wolverine and Sabretooth, Captain America and Thor, Iron Man and the Thin,g and Spider-Man and the Green Goblin.

Pick up Series 1 today, and pre-order Series 2 though your local comic shop or favorite online retailer!

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man # 16.1 Spoilers

Looks like somebody has returned to the world of Ultimate Comics Spider-Man in order to do more damage in this spoiler for Ultimate Comics Spider-Man # 16.1

In this issue Ultimate version of Betty Brant digs the dirt on who the new Spider-Man is. She presents the facts to J. Jonah Jameson but the story gets shot down. She continues to dig further finding out that the now-deceased Prowler has a brother (who happens to be Miles Morales' father). 

Retro-Cool Covers for Amazing Spider-Man by Marcos Martin

Former Daredevil artist Marcos Martin did a couple of covers for the upcoming anniversary celebration of "Amazing Spider-Man" and man do they look cool.

Marvel Crosses Over with Reebok for Comic Book Inspired Shoes

Here's our first look at the new shoes from the collaboration between Marvel Comics and Reebok. These shoes look awesome and shows the official color for Marvel characters like Wolverine, Chamber, Emma Frost and Captain America.

WOLVERINE - REEBOK x MARVEL





Captain America - Reebok x Marvel





Deadpool - Reebok x Marvel

Marvel Minimates Venom Through the Ages up for Preorder

Venom fans will be pleased to hear that Bigbadtoystore is now accepting preorders for the DST/ Art Asylum Venom through the Ages 4-pack.

A Diamond Select Release! Designed and Sculpted by Art Asylum! It's time to form a symbiotic relationship with your local comic shop! Why? Because that's the only place you can get the this box set of Marvel Minimates focusing on the symbiote-wearing anti-hero known as Venom. This Previews-exclusive 4-pack includes Classic Venom, She-Venom, Transformation Venom and Flash Thompson as Venom. Each Minimate stands 2" tall with 14 points of articulation and a variety of removable and interchangeable parts and accessories. Set comes packed on a blister card.

Spoilers: Blackheart Returns in Venom Circle of Four

Venom # 13 is the starting shot for the book's mini-event "Circle of Four" and we get to see the setup and the plot for the story which features Venom, Red Hulk, Ghost Rider and X-23.

So find out who the main villain is and why the grim title. Plus how the eff did these four characters get in Las Vegas?

Interesting March 2012 Solicits for Spider-Man Books

It's that time of the month again when solicits pour from Comic Book heaven. This time let's take a look at the different Spider-Man books coming out next year including Amazing Spider-Man and Scarlet Spider.

 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #681
Dan Slott With Chris Yost (W) • Giuseppe Camuncoli (A/C)
• Spider-Man And The Human Torch Are Trapped On A Space Station Full Of Octo-Zombies Plummeting Toward The Earth!
• This Best Buds Super Team-Up Is Running Out Of Air And Running Out Of Time!
• The Final Stage Of Doc Ock’s Master Plan Begins Here!
32 Pgs./Rated T …$3.99

Human Torch and Captain Britain Join Secret Avengers

A new image from Marvel's Secret Avengers features a new group of Secret Avengers which will be led by new team leader Hawkeye and written by new writer Rick Remender.

So here's the rundown of the new team:

• Hawkeye
• Beast
• Valkyrie
• Black Widow
• Ant-Man
• Venom
• Human Torch
• Captain Britain

The new artist for the team is former Hulk artist Gabriel Hardman. To find out more about the new Secret Avengers click HERE.