Can the world survive the fury of Hell-Venom?  Should you care?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

The Devil’s pact made in CIRCLE OF FOUR comes full circle as HELL-VENOM is unleashed! Can Flash Thompson regain his soul – or will he be in Hellstorm’s thrall forever? Meanwhile, ace reporter Katy Kiernan makes a devastating discovery about Venom!

The battle against Daimon Hellstorm has led to our hero being possessed by a demon, now that may sound like our symbiote-clad Secret Avenger is stuck in some rather dire straits but that wouldn’t be entirely true.  Because you see kids, demons don’t possess Venom, Venom possesses them!

Cullen Bunn does a splendid job in his second outing as series writer.  He quickly establishes his narrative style as he firmly plants some rather interesting plot devices that move the tale forward.  From start to finish he puts our protagonist through the proverbial ringer, taking him from possession to exorcism to confrontation in the second part of his first story arc.  I honestly have very little to complain about here, because this romp successfully employs some truthfully corny / tongue-in-cheek ideas in somewhat functional ways while maintaining the strong foundations built by Rick Remender‘s run.

Thony Silas continues his artistic work on Venom.  His characterization of the world and staple elements therein lacks the chaotic feel others have brought to this Avenger but he emulates their designs well enough to give the book a sense of consistency.  The new series artist offers-up some panel work that gives fans a healthy amount of finesse and tempered style.  His sure pencil strokes and controlled visual ques hint at a worthwhile talent that (except for a few select moments) succeeds more than he fails.

Venom #24 is a fun, engaging and more importantly well thought out little jaunt that easily earns some well-deserved praise.  Recommended.

4/5