Review of Extreme Carnage Marvel Comic Event: A Messy and Lazy Crossover

Well… what can I say? It's another average event from Marvel. It's not a bad event but it's just another rushed and lazy event that makes me feel frustrated. In my review, I'll dive into the highlights and criticisms of this event.

The Initial Premise

I genuinely like how this event explores the idea of symbiotes living alongside people. The concept of whether individuals with symbiotes are good or bad is intriguing, reminiscent of Marvel’s 1960s X-Men era, and some may compare it to the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. However, I believe this could have been a strong foundation for a compelling storyline.

The Bland Artstyle

While the story is crucial, the art can significantly enhance a reader's experience. The art style in this series is rather bland and mediocre, especially compared to other high-quality Marvel works. Take a look at this example:

There is only one scene that truly stands out and looks good, like this one:

Average art isn't necessarily bad, but for an event like this, I want good art that makes the story more engaging and memorable. Just look at the remarkable artwork in Devil's Reign and Batman’s Fear State. Marvel should prioritize hiring top-tier artists to elevate their crossover events.

Lackluster Ending

The ending of this event is nothing short of disappointing. The climax features Flash Thompson pushing Carnage away from Tony Stark, with Carnage running away. This ending fails to provide a satisfying resolution considering Venom's significant contributions throughout the event.

It's particularly frustrating when Donny Cates makes Venom do all the heavy lifting, only for the human heroes to fanboy over Venom's victory. This lack of agency for the main character undermines the narrative and reduces the event to a mere prevention of chaos rather than a confrontation of evil.

This Did Not Need to Be an Event

The decision to turn this into a crossover event seems logical but feels lazy and over-hyped. The storyline transitions from exploring complex themes to a generic symbiotic invasion, ending with the protagonist pushing the antagonist away. None of this needed to be elevated to an event level.

A more nuanced mini-series focusing on the perspective of a New Yorker dealing with a symbiote could have been much more compelling. Including Iron Man without a substantial reason dilutes the story's significance.

Rating: 4 out of 10. While I found some elements engaging, the overall experience is marred by a lack of depth and sophistication. A new comic book reader would not be satisfied with this event.

Objectivity in Criticism

I regularly receive notifications about people criticizing my reviews, either behind my back or openly. They suggest a bias towards DC Comics. I want to clarify that there is a reason for my preference for DC events, but it does not mean I am entirely negative about Marvel events. I review each event objectively and consider whether a new comic book reader would enjoy it. Kingdom in Black felt like a fan fiction, but the art was fantastic, making it enjoyable despite the plot.

For Extreme Carnage, the flaws in the narrative and art quality are glaring. The impact of Flash Thompson's actions, the mediocre art, and unnecessary inclusion of characters like Iron Man detract from the event's value.

My objective is to be fair and unbiased, ensuring that each review is grounded in the experience of a new reader.