It’s no secret that we around Мишка are big big fans of the recent relaunch of Uncanny X-Force. The work that Rick Remender has done to reinvent that (sorry) pretty stale series has been above and beyond. Remender, who previously did runs on Punisher War Journal (with Matt Fraction), as well as his own series Fear Agent, is kicking ass and taking names. He also writes for video games (Whole Milk approved Bulletstorm included).

Basically, he’s becoming one of the best new (ish) voices in comics. Giving him Uncanny was a big vote of confidence from Marvel, and he’s delivered in spades, so they decided to hand over another one of their flailing franchises. Oh, Venom, the potential you have as a character. Since the Symbiote first made contact with Eddie Brock, Venom has been for me perhaps Spider-Man’s most conceptually interesting villain. First off, he looks fucking awesome, and the relationship between the alien and it’s host is very interesting to explore.

However, I haven’t been impressed by a Venom comic in, oh, forever. But, luckily, Remender has taken the reins and led the story in a brand new and very successful direction. The new host for Venom is former bully turned war hero Flash Thompson. The leg-less Flash is employed by the government in a new defense program based around pairing up a soldier with the Symbiote. So, Venom is now a “hero” (which Marvel tried in the past with Brock). However, Flash can only spend a certain amount of time bound with Venom, or else it will take over his mind.

The first issue sets the stage more than starting up a larger arc, but features some great character work with Flash (including a look at his past alcoholism) as well a truly awesome battle with Jack O’Lantern (who I’ve always liked a whole bunch). Tony Moore’s art is moody and rich with detail. The new look for Venom (more streamlined, uniform like) is a cool re-branding, and generally I’m very stoked for this series to continue. Go Rick Remender, go!

- Whole Milk