Al Ewing continues to tighten the noose around Dylan Brock and the Marvel symbiote world in All-New Venom #4, a high-stakes issue that not only pushes the mystery of the new Venom’s identity further but also ties off some lingering threads from 2024’s Venom War. With strong storytelling, rich character dynamics, and explosive action, this issue cements itself as a standout in the latest chapter of Marvel’s symbiote saga.
The story picks up with Dylan Brock seeking answers about the true identity of the All-New Venom. His search leads to a confrontation between Venom and Dr. Fortissimo’s A.I.M. agents, after which he realizes New York Mayor Luke Cage is not the symbiote’s host. Before Dylan can piece together more, his encounter with the mysterious new Venom is interrupted by a surprise assault from Madame Masque, who steals a crucial vial and returns to her secret partner — none other than M.O.D.O.K.
This chaotic clash sets the stage for the emotional heart of the issue. Ewing shifts focus to Dylan’s former allies, Toxic and Sleeper, revealing their grim fates. Imprisoned but unharmed, they are sustained by the reluctant bargains made by Flash Thompson. To keep his friends safe, Flash has become a consultant for the very government forces that now hunt symbiotes. This twist — Flash’s betrayal in Dylan’s eyes — adds emotional weight to an already tense narrative, recontextualizing the characters’ relationships and establishing symbiotes as another persecuted minority in the Marvel Universe, hunted and feared by those in power.
Ewing’s strength lies in giving symbiotes depth and voice. Toxic’s monologue about the loneliness of a parasite resonates on a deeply human level, while Sleeper’s serene, meditative retreat serves as a quiet counterpoint. This character detail also pays off cleverly in the issue’s final twist, where the revelation of Rick Jones as Sleeper’s true host upends assumptions and propels the narrative into its next phase.
While symbiotes drive the plot, it’s the villainous duo of M.O.D.O.K. and Madame Masque who steal the show. Their dynamic oozes with retro charm and razor-sharp wit. Masque, in particular, is a revelation under Ewing’s pen — clever, poised, and theatrically mischievous. Artist Carlos Gomez enhances her presence with fluid, dramatic visuals, from the glint in her expressive eyes to the precise reflections off her golden mask. Gomez masterfully choreographs the rooftop battle, where confined spaces explode into chaos with each laser blast and acrobatic clash. His mix of body horror and kinetic action brings Venom’s brutal fight to life, and it’s some of the most exhilarating art in the series so far.
The final pages deliver a gut-punch of a reveal: Rick Jones has secretly been Sleeper’s host all along, meaning the Sleeper in custody is merely a drone. This revelation not only narrows the list of suspects but also escalates the conflict into unpredictable territory.
All-New Venom #4 is a thrilling blend of mystery, emotion, and action, delivering on the promise of the Venom War aftermath while deepening the mythos of Marvel’s symbiote community. With Ewing’s sharp writing and Gomez’s dynamic art, the series continues to impress and excite, proving that the lethal protector’s legacy is in very capable hands.