Venom: Space Knight #12 Review

Don’t I Know You?

Written by: Robbie Thompson
Art by: Gerardo Sandoval & Dono Sanchez Almara

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 21, 2016
Review by: Branden Murray

As Marvel goes through their yearly renumbering, we have seen there are some books sticking around and some books going through drastic changes.  Unfortunately for me, one of my favorite books, Venom: Space Knight is one of the titles going through these alterations.  I’m sad mostly because this is a book that has earned its spot on my pull list with a combination of excellent writing, strong character work, and superb art. So as this title comes near its mandated conclusion, let’s see if Venom: Space Knight leaves us with as strong of an impression as it began.

If you recall last issue of Venom, while separated from Flash, the symbiote was attacking and engulfing Spider-Man after their latest misunderstanding.  We pick up the events in issue twelve exactly where eleven left off, as we witness Spidey trying to gather his bearings, now inside his long lost friend.  It’s here that Spider-Man catches up on his old partner’s new path in life.  There is nothing not to love about these scenes, as the symbiote fills Spidey in on what he’s been up to in space, even adding in a little Venom humor for good measure.

The two long lost pal’s reunion is rudely interrupted, as a group of gun toting maniacs arrive on the scene. They appear on the hunt for Mania, much like Venom, but plans change when they’re quickly handled by the veteran web-slinging duo. The group cowardly gives Venom the lead he sorely needed, with Spidey offering some additional help, as the two head off to the sewers in an attempt to bring in the crazy missing piece of the symbiote to cleanse it.

Speaking of cleansing the symbiote, Venom's Space Crew is still attempting to secure their “magic potion” located on Planet Web.  Just as the crew appears to be making friends on the inside of the “Temple of Doom”, they’re alerted to additional trouble awaiting them outside. This time in the form of a troll army that looks to rival that of any Lord of the Rings movie. However, in order to see that potential bloody battle, we’ll have to tune in next month because that's all we get from the crew here.

Now in the sewers of NYC, Mania successfully sneaks up on Venom, attempting to force her parent symbiote into a fight.  As Venom takes the blows, trying to find a peaceful solution, Spider-Man catches up with the pair and uses some Parker Industries tech to capture both pieces of the symbiote in an attempt to reunite them. 

Back at the lab, Andi and Flash catch up, while Spidey tries to find a solution for the problem.  Unfortunately, while waiting for some good news, bad news strikes very close to home. Venom, from inside the containment unit, alerts Flash he has cleansed the contaminated piece but that it’s afraid. 

Flash reassures Venom there is nothing to fear because everyone is here to help. Venom assures Flash he isn’t afraid of him or Spider-Man but is freaking out about Andi. I think Venom is right in this case because Andi is sporting a full-on glowing Pentagram etched into her forehead. This can’t be good for anybody...I think they need to call a priest.

Robbie Thompson, Gerardo Sandoval & Dono Sanchez Almara are a creative team you need to pay attention to. This Venom: Space Knight Team has continued to put out strong issues month in and month out, not even allowing the Civil War banner on the book to slow any story momentum.  

Bits and Pieces:

The fight turned team-up between Spidey and Venom was much appreciated from someone who’s enjoyed both characters since their creation.  If you haven’t yet given Robbie Thompson and this title a chance, grab the first arc, catch up and jump in with the rest of us. You won’t regret it!

8.5/10