Spider-Man: The Venom Factor Diane Duane

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Book Name: Spider-Man: The Venom Factor

Author: Diane Duane

Comic Series: Spider-Man

Original Story, Adaptation, or Something Else: Original Story

Published Date: October 1, 1994


Official Synopsis: In a Manhattan warehouse an innocent man has been murdered during a mysterious crime. Evidence points to the involvement of Venom - the alien symbiote who is obsessed with Spider-Man's destruction. Yet Venom has always safeguarded innocent lives. Has Venom gone completely around the bend, or is there another suspect? Spider-Man thinks there is more to the crime than meets the eye. The spectre of the Hobgoblin, one of Spider-Man's nastiest villians, falls on a series of thefts, and leads the web-slinger to a deadly secret that may cause New York's destruction. Spider-Man must outsmart two of his deadliest enemies to save the city - but even more danger awaits him! Diane Duane, the New York Times best-selling author, launches an epic trio of Spider-Man novels with the Venom Factor featuring all new illustrations by popular comics artist Ron Lim.


Review: Spider-Man: The Venom Factor is a great take on Spider-Man lore, which blends an action-filled superhero story with mystery and a science fiction thriller. Diane Duane takes a fresh take on Peter Parker, where he is more than a quip machine but is overworked, heroic, and intelligent, all while using his skills to solve a deadly mystery. The novel's hook comes from the idea that Venom is back in New York City and that he crossed a line that even he refuses to cross, giving the novel tension.


Crimes involving biotechnology and corporate secrets play a part in the mystery aspect of the story and help create a dark atmosphere, with this mood further heightened by the presence of the Hobgoblin. The novel does a strong job portraying Peter Parker as both intelligent and exhausted, balancing his responsibilities while facing an enemy who knows him better than almost anyone else. Duane also gives attention to the supporting cast, especially Mary Jane, whose relationship with Peter adds emotional weight to the story.


Still, the book stands out because it treats Spider-Man’s world seriously without losing the excitement of superhero fiction. For readers interested in Marvel prose novels, The Venom Factor remains an entertaining and underrated piece of Spider-Man history.



What Works: If you are a fan of Peter Parker being put through the wringer, this is the novel for you. I also enjoyed the mystery aspects, and whenever Venom was present. He was written with that classic blend of menace and with a touch of humor that makes Venom such a classic character.


What Doesn’t: For a book that includes Venom in the title, this novel lacks Venom. Yes, he is present, but not as much as I would expect him to be, given the book name, book cover, and back cover illustration.


Final Thoughts: A good but not great fun read that is ideal for fans of 1990s Spider-Man or the characters of Venom and Hobgoblin.


Rating: 3 out of 5 symbiote suits



MISC

Version Read: Hardcover 1st Edition

How Acquired: $10 from Half Price Books

Special Notes: Originally, this edition came sealed with a collectible card of the cover art included. Alas, my copy had been long opened and had no card.


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