As a huge Marvel fan, I’ve noticed they’ve been really focusing on symbiotes for a while now. It started with making Venom popular again in the late 2010s, and since then, we’ve seen a whole bunch of new characters become hosts for Venom and Carnage. Plus, there’s been this big storyline with the symbiote god Knull! Right now, there’s this ‘Death Spiral’ happening across the Spider-Man and Venom comics, and they’re building up to Queen in Black, which is supposed to follow up on the huge King in Black event. Honestly, it feels like Marvel is really pushing symbiotes hard, and the latest Web of Venom #1 seems like another attempt to capitalize on that popularity.
The story kicks off by introducing a brand new symbiote, and its host is a surprising choice: Boomerang. The villain has seen a bit of a resurgence lately, appearing in both Superior Foes of Spider-Man and Nick Spencer’s run of The Amazing Spider-Man, so turning him into a symbiote-powered hero is an interesting concept. While this first issue is enjoyable, it doesn’t quite explain why this particular story needs to be told.
Rating: 3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
| Boomerang is a fun character and his personality carries this issue | There’s really no reason for this book to exist |
| The art looks good | While looking good, the art doesn’t really have any notable moments |
Web of Venom #1 Is a Textbook First Issue That Feels Empty of Any Purpose
Marvel is facing some challenges with book sales and is trying new things to attract readers. Symbiotes—alien creatures that bond with hosts—are a reliable way to boost interest, and Marvel has used them with many characters, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. Giving the villain Boomerang a symbiote is an amusing concept for a single issue, but it feels stretched out for an entire series. Luckily, writer Jordan Morris understands Boomerang’s quirky personality, making the comic enjoyable to read. While the story itself is okay, it also highlights how thin the central idea really is.
The story starts right in the middle of the action, then spends a lot of time explaining how Boomerang got his new symbiote. It’s enjoyable, but feels like a familiar opening for many recent Marvel comics – starting with action and then using flashbacks to fill in the backstory. There are some action sequences, but nothing particularly memorable. This issue doesn’t really grab your attention or make you eager to read more. If you’re not already a fan of Boomerang, this book won’t likely win you over. It’s a fun read, but ultimately lacks substance.
The Art Matches the Writing of This Book: Fine but Uninspired
The artwork in Web of Venom #1 is done by Luke Ross and Ramon Rosanas, and it’s perfectly competent. Both artists are experienced, and it shows – the details are well-done, the action flows smoothly, and the characters look good. While there’s nothing wrong with the art, it doesn’t particularly stand out or leave a lasting impression.
Marvel comics currently have a pretty consistent look, with many artists trying to copy the style of Pepe Larraz. Ross and Rosana perfectly match this trend, but the artwork, while technically sound, lacks originality or standout moments. Unfortunately, none of the images are particularly memorable, which is a significant issue for the first issue of a new comic book series.
This book perfectly illustrates the larger problem. It’s completely unremarkable – entertaining enough, but nothing stands out, and there’s no compelling reason to continue the series. It would have worked better as a single, self-contained story. Instead, it feels like it’s been stretched into a five or ten-issue run that will ultimately be forgotten. Given the anniversary of Venom’s creation and the popularity of symbiotes, it’s clear why Marvel published it, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a good idea. It’s the kind of first issue you read once for a bit of fun, then completely forget about.
Web of Venom #1 is on sale now.
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2026-04-08 17:11