Remember how the title of “The Night Gwen Stacy Died” is on the last page of the story, because the titular death happens at the very end of the book? Boy, it sure would have undercut the whole story to have her death, which happens at the very end of the book, to be broadcast on the very cover of the book. It would be especially frustrating since her death is revealed on the very last page, so there’s not even space within the issue for other characters to react to this event. Who would ever think that was a good idea?

Sigh.

That’s not even an entirely appropriate comparison for Venom #6, because Gwen’s death was a tragic turn of events for the title both in and out of universe, while there’s general anticipation for the original Venom to return after more than a decade’s absence. (Remember, if a child was born the same year Eddie lost the suit, that child is now a teenager. If I have to feel old, the rest of you do, too.) The cover teases you with what you want, but the comic delivers as little as possible while still allowing the cover to be accurate. It’s frustrating, is what I’m saying.

Even ignoring that, the cover sabotages the story because it sucks all the tension out of the events inside. There’s never a question of whether or not Lee will hold onto the suit, or if it really will attach to Spider-Man for any considerable length of time, because we already know it ends up with Eddie Brock at the end. To make matters worse, the issue should be so much more suspenseful, because Price and the costume finally have it out, and Spider-Man is doing his damndest to keep the chaos contained. Heck, I even liked the brief battle between Price-Venom and Spidey before the alien rebelled; Price’s ruthless pragmatism was an interesting contrast to the mind-games and taunts Brock usually indulged in.

Speaking of, Brock is the one element of the story I have reservations on within the context of the story itself. It’s made clear from early on that he’s manipulating everyone around him to get back to the symbiote, including the symbiote itself. This…is a pretty major departure from how the character had been consistently depicted since his divorce from the alien. You may remember, but the dude had a whole costumed identity based on being against Venom for several years. They made toys of it. I’m withholding judgment on this shift in characterization for the moment, but if it’s not addressed, I’ll cry foul.

Now, for as much grief as I gave the cover for misrepresenting what’s actually in the comic, I actually love the cover itself. It’s simple, eye catching, and well-executed. I particularly like the way Sandoval draws Venom’s teeth and jaw, which can vary widely among artists. He’d previously drawn Brock-as-Venom with the McFarlane Joker-esque grin in a montage, and I’m glad to have confirmation that this is his default design for this incarnation of the character. I also particularly like the panel where the symbiote is attempting to flee Price, which is realized by showing Venom’s design shrunk over Price’s normal human proportions. It’s a very clever artistic conceit I’d not seen done with Venom before.

I was very understanding of Marvel’s decision to publicize the original Venom’s return, and made allowances for it in reviewing this title; if you seek out news and updates on comic stories, you acknowledge the risk that some plot twists may be spoiled for you. That’s an entirely different animal than spoiling the last-page reveal of the book on the cover of that same book. The emotional heart of this issue as it was actually written should have been the showdown between Lee Price and the alien suit he’s been using and abusing for the past five issues. It’s completely undercut by anticipating an event that hardly occurs within this book.