Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Art by Rick Hoberg; Stefano Gaudiano; Clayton Crain; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Art by Clayton Crain
SUMMARY:
Released by Marvel Comics for September 2007, it concludes the two-part “Last Temptation of Eddie Brock,” during Spidey’s Back in Black saga. Stricken by terminal cancer, an emaciated Eddie Brock is hospitalized in the same New York City facility as a comatose Aunt May. Egged on his Venom persona, Brock dons a store-bought Venom costume and surrenders to his psychopathic impulses – viciously slaying an overnight nurse. His Venom persona urges him to murder a defenseless May as his next victim.
At the same hospital, Peter & Mary Jane Parker, along with her Aunt Anna, join Madame Web in a séance to reach May’s spirit in a desperate effort to revive her. Felicia Hardy/Black Cat stands guard to ensure their privacy. Yet, does May want to wake up? Will Peter’s spider-sense kick in time to save May from Brock? Does Brock resist Venom’s insistence that they resume their nocturnal killing spree? Answers will be provided in this issue.
Note: Other than Brock’s makeshift Venom outfit, no one else wears a costume – both Peter & Felicia appear in civilian clothes throughout the story.
REVIEW:
Aside from one grisly image of the nurse’s corpse, this issue’s stylish visuals (i.e. the spot-on cover image) are a significant plus. What stands out best, in terms of plotting, is Peter’s eerie ‘afterlife’ conversation with May. Writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and artist Clayton Crain’s teamwork in the séance sequence is excellent. Yet, the intense Venom-focused tale probably makes Issue # 39 a single read for most non-fans. It’s just too much to swallow Eddie Brock’s creepy arc as casual Spider-entertainment, no matter how convincingly it’s depicted.
Appropriate for ages 15+, The Sensational Spider-Man # 39 continues Aguirre-Sacasa’s impressive storytelling, along with the art squad’s high-caliber efforts. Just expect a macabre read, to say the least.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The first page summarizes Eddie Brock’s medical plight amidst the controversy of Spider-Man’s voluntary unmasking. There’s a full-page cover real for Issue # 40.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
