REVIEW: Gwenom Vs. Carnage #1

Where is Gwen Stacy? That is a question that I have been having during the whole King in Black affair, as Knull, god of the symbiotes, has launched an all-out assault on earth utilizing the Klyntar symbiotes to assimilate all the intelligent being on Earth into one psychic hivemind.
In the current issue of Gwenom vs. Carnage, you would think that because her suit and powers are mostly made of Klyntar symbiote Gummy Spiders, that she would be susceptible to influence by Knull, but instead because Gwen’s suit is from another dimension (Earth-65), it is one of but a few symbiotes Knull has no sway over.

Which would be no problem is Gwen was alone, but the Knull invasion has arrived at the University she has been attending in Earth-616’s ESU. She wants to find her way back to Miles Morales or Even Peter Parker using the Ticket to the Multiverse. Gwen-3109 used a mixture of her and Harry’s research to create a device that was bonded to Gwen-65’s DNA. Using the “Ticket”, Gwen can travel between dimensions with a pendant that is essentially a modified Dimensional Travel Watch that is specifically keyed to her body’s unique radiation signature. But in for some Reason it did not work this time.

Also, in this issue the reason why, this may become an interesting collectible is that the Earth-65 Mary Jane Watson bonds to some of Gwenom’s loose Gummy Spiders, and then gets transported to the Earth-616. Mary Jane had previously became possessed by the Carnage symbiote, becoming the Carnage Queen but that was part of the Earth-12401 Universe.

The interior art done by Flaviano, is excellent. It brings a different tone and texture to the Spider-Gwen books that have usually been quite lite. It brought an every horror vibe, to a university, that I hope can be explore more in the future. But a lot of it was in your face almost asphyxiating.
Overall, Gwenom vs. Carnage was quite enjoyable. From the story and tone, and tempo. The art is on point. This could well be a turning point for the Spider-Gwen character.

SCORE: 4/5

KING IN BLACK GWENOM VS CARNAGE #1 (OF 3) will have the covers: Cover A Ken Lashley; Cover B RYAN BROWN VARKING; Cover C INHYUK LEE, is a 1:25 incentive, that is already fetching a little under $100. Another incentive cover to keep an eye out for is the King in Black Gwenom Vs Carnage #2 (OF 3) Flaviano Design Va

(W) Seanan McGurie
(A) Flaviano
(C)RICO RENZI
(L) VC’s ARIANA MAHER
(CA) Ken Lashley