For a while, it’s felt like there’s too much going on with Carnage to keep track. That’s frustrating in a way, but it’s also fitting for the character. While it does seem like things are about to get out of control for Carnage again, Ram V grounds the character’s story with Carnage #1. Regardless of chaotic things in the first arc of this new ongoing series, slowing things down in the opening issue was a great choice.
Marvel
Written by: Ram V
Art by: Francesco Manna
Colors by: Dijjo Lima
Letters by: VC’s Joe Sabino
Whether you’ve read every Carnage-related story over the past few years or are merely aware he was involved in King in Black (to put it lightly), Ram V has made it so you can hop in with the first issue. This series-opening issue is about the here and now — as well as the future. Ram V certainly mentions the title character’s past, but there’s no dwelling on it.
Yet, as much as there’s no dawdling with Carnage #1, the majority of the issue is a slower build up — aside from the wild first few pages. Things will certainly get out of control as the series goes along, but Ram V establishes his control of the character. That’s a great sign to see early in a legacy-character series — especially one where said character is hard to contain (in more ways than one).
As for the art, Francesco Manna is almost as ruthless as Carnage. The early murder scene investigation was not for the faint of heart. That level of viciousness is absolutely something we need to see early in a Carnage series.
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