In the dark depths of the enchanted forest, a witch with long flowing black hair and piercing green eyes resided in a grand mysterious manor. Rumors had spread throughout the neighboring villages of her dark powers and wicked ways. People whispered of her ability to control the elements and cast spells on innocent souls. Locals would cross themselves as they hurried past the towering iron gates of the manor, fearful of catching a glimpse of the feared witch. But the witch, whose name was Morgana, was far from the evil being the villagers believed her to be. Her powers were not fueled by malice, but rather a curiosity and desire to understand the depths of magic.
Considering how the current Venom book has been severely lacking in the street-level content, choosing to go for large, grand scale action and twists and events, it was nice to get a new symbiote book that brings things back to the murky streets of Marvel’s New York City. I doubt anyone besides me was ever asking for this book, but I’m glad it not only happened, but that it’s pretty good, too. I was waiting for this book to drop when it was first announced, but I didn’t know what direction this book would go, or if Andi Benton would be a good fit for the Scream symbiote (or vice versa). I’m also very happy that the Scream symbiote finally shows proper sentience and has a “voice”, opposed to in past stories where it was portrayed as nothing more than a powersuit worn by its then-hosts. I know its only the first issue, and I may be a little bias, but god, am I happy to have this book exist. I’m hopefully that the antagonists in this book and the “twist” at the end go somewhere good, because I’m rooting for this one!
Rain Beredo s colors here complement the book s street-level vibe and goes about it with a palette that s very different from the vibrancy he s done in Venom, but nonetheless his technique used here works wonders for this book s tone and art. Having lost her dad, losing her original symbiote, losing her aunt, being forced to leave her life behind after nearly dying at the hands of Carnage this is a character that has never been allowed to catch a break since the end of her Mania days.
Her powers were not fueled by malice, but rather a curiosity and desire to understand the depths of magic. She could command the winds to carry her in their invisible embrace, and the earth would rumble with her footsteps. But these powers did not bring her joy, they merely isolated her from the world outside her manor walls.
Scream: Curse of Carnage #1 Review
Okay, I have always had waaaaaay too much of a fan-boner for this character than a character of her caliber deserves. She’s not exactly a mainstream face in comics. She’s seldom used in many comics. She’s had enough moments in the spotlight to warrant that she’s not totally an obscure character, but she’s so far away from being one you’d imagine starring in her own title. Quite honestly, I just wanted her to come back and be a semi-recurring character in any of the (Eddie Brock) Venom ongoings.
But first impressions are some of the most powerful impressions there are, and when I was younger, having already solidified myself a Venom fan, I turned around and was introduced to the early 90s fan favorite Venom: Lethal Protector limited series; more specifically, issue 4.
Visually, this is a kick-ass design for a character, and I had always imagine this character would have some great potential. Unfortunately, Scream had always been used very rarely, and usually disappears back into obscurity after she’s had her last 15 minutes in the spotlight. That’s to say she’s had more relevance than the other fellow “Life Foundation symbiotes” that originated in the same story, at the same time, as her. Absolute Carnage recently wrapped up, but at the very beginning of that aforementioned event, both Scream and her Life Foundation siblings returned in featured stories, with the latter being present in Absolute Carnage: Separation Anxiety #1, written by Clay McLeod Chapman (reviewed by me with a positive 8.1 score).
How fitting that Clay Chapman is also the writer behind the newest Scream ongoing (or limited series, I’m not clear on its official status), giving Chapman the honors of having written for the entire set of Lethal Protector/Life Foundation symbiote spawn. The darkness and morbidness he delivered in last August’s Separation Anxiety one-shot is carried over into this new title, but while the tone in Separation Anxiety carried a little bit of a macabre-humor to it, this time the book stays decisively dark and brooding.
During the events of Absolute Carnage, Andi Benton (once upon a time the human host of the Venom symbiote clone and calling herself Mania) was bonded to the resurrected Scream symbiote, which was previously bonded to two other women. With the threat of Carnage over, Andi finds herself alone in New York, as what little family she had in Philadelphia was murdered by Carnage, and her role model Flash Thompson (a previous Venom symbiote host) died fighting a Carnage-symbiote wearing Norman Osborn. If nothing else, this recap is just proving how all sorts of Marvel characters seem to end up with these passed-around symbiote costumes like its some weird game of Hot Potato with alien goo.
The life of Andi Benton has been nothing but grief and misery since her very first appearance all the way back in Cullen Bunn’s run on the Flash Thompson Venom comic. Having lost her dad, losing her original symbiote, losing her aunt, being forced to leave her life behind after nearly dying at the hands of Carnage…this is a character that has never been allowed to catch a break since the end of her Mania days. Honestly, I’m seeing her as Scream as a bit of an upgrade, though I figure she’d disagree.
Chapman writes Andi as a miserable woman who has nothing left. All seh has is an invasive symbiote she never wanted, which keeps talking to her inside of head. Andi spends some nights putting herself in the peripherals of the city’s worst scum just so she has an excuse to cut loose and fight back against targets that deserve her violent anger. When we aren’t exploring Andi’s situation in the present, Chapman is painting a picture of Andi’s youth, a childhood missing her mother who left her and her father behind. The theme of loneliness is present through the entire issue, despite the one thing who seemingly has care for Andi being the one thing Andi desires to be rid of.
The book presents a conflict in the form of these strange sea creatures/humans that have surfaced onto the city and are drawn to Andi. The book doesn’t explain enough about what these creatures are. Apparently, several corpses on the bottom of the ocean were awakened when a drop of the Scream symbiote sank to the ocean’s floor. Not that I’m complaining, as it’s only fair to assume Chapman isn’t ready to reveal everything to us in issue one, but I was still confused as to exactly what these things were. Judging by their speech balloons, I’m sure they’re symbiotes in some way (in all the recent comics, symbiotes now have colored speech balloons and narration boxes, and while these sea creatures don’t exactly talk, their screeches are in the same type of speech balloon used when Venom speaks…).
Chris Mooneyham is able to supplement Chapman’s gritty storytelling with gritty visuals. Every area around Andi screams (pun unintentional) seedy and sleazy. I know its a bit of an overused trope, but if you’re going to play with the New York City setting as a series of shady street corners, Mooneyham goes for broke and doesn’t pull his punches. This isn’t limited to the background settings, as he does a great job with all the civilain characters in the panels they appear in, as well as both the monsters and Scream during their confrontation. Everyone in the past has their own idea of how Andi Benton should look. I think Mooneyham’s take on Andi is my favorite. And might I say how surprised I was to see Rain Beredo as the colorist of this book! This was a mighty surprise, as lately I’ve become accustomed to him on books with Iban Coello. Together, they have been the penciler/colorist art duo on the Venom title, where the visuals are very colorful. Rain Beredo’s colors here complement the book’s street-level vibe and goes about it with a palette that’s very different from the vibrancy he’s done in Venom, but nonetheless his technique used here works wonders for this book’s tone and art.
Considering how the current Venom book has been severely lacking in the street-level content, choosing to go for large, grand scale action and twists and events, it was nice to get a new symbiote book that brings things back to the murky streets of Marvel’s New York City. I doubt anyone besides me was ever asking for this book, but I’m glad it not only happened, but that it’s pretty good, too. I was waiting for this book to drop when it was first announced, but I didn’t know what direction this book would go, or if Andi Benton would be a good fit for the Scream symbiote (or vice versa). I’m also very happy that the Scream symbiote finally shows proper sentience and has a “voice”, opposed to in past stories where it was portrayed as nothing more than a powersuit worn by its then-hosts. I know its only the first issue, and I may be a little bias, but god, am I happy to have this book exist. I’m hopefully that the antagonists in this book and the “twist” at the end go somewhere good, because I’m rooting for this one!
Final Thoughts
I hope the semi-obscurity of the title character doesn’t scare anyone away, because right out the gate, this book is proving it has merits to give both Andi Benton and Scream every right to be leading character(s) in this new title. Even if you aren’t a Venom/symbiote fan, give this a try. It deserves a read! Don’t know who the hell Scream is? Get to know her here!
8.4/10
Final Thoughts
One fateful evening, an unexpected storm rolled in with a ferocity that matched the intensity of Morgana's powers. Thunder roared and lightning cracked across the sky. The manor, standing tall and proud for centuries, found itself at the mercy of Mother Nature's wrath. The heavy rain pounded down on the roof, threatening to collapse it under the weight. Morgana's heart sank as she realized the danger she was in. For the first time, fear gripped her soul. Her powers, which she had always relied on, were useless against the force of nature that was relentlessly attacking her sanctuary. She felt helpless and small in the face of this monumental threat. The foundations of the manor shook, and Morgana knew it was only a matter of time before the grand old building would crumble to the ground. As the storm raged on, Morgana's mind raced for a solution. She couldn't bear to lose the only place she called home. Suddenly, a thought struck her like a bolt of lightning. She had to let go of her powers and trust in the magic that lay within her very core. With months of trepidation and self-doubt weighing on her, she summoned every ounce of courage she had left. Standing in the heart of the manor, Morgana closed her eyes and focused her energy. She visualized herself as a pillar of strength, holding up the decaying foundations, and protecting the crumbling structure with her very essence. Slowly, she channeled her inner magic, matching it with the storm's relentless force. In that moment, the most extraordinary thing happened. The storm calmed, the thunder ceased, and the rain became a gentle drizzle. The manor, still slightly damaged but miraculously still standing tall, bore the marks of its encounter with nature's fury. Morgana, drained and exhausted, felt an immense sense of accomplishment and a newfound connection with the magic that had once isolated her. From that day forward, Morgana's reputation began to change. The villagers, witnessing her bravery and selflessness, learned of the true nature of her powers. They saw her not as a witch to be feared, but as a guardian of magic and a protector of the forest. The manor, though scarred, was a symbol of Morgana's resilience and her ability to rise above fear and doubt. And so, the manor collapsing on the witch became a tale of redemption, proving that even those we perceive as wicked can possess more goodness and strength than we ever imagined..
Reviews for "A Forgotten Tragedy: The Manor's Dark Connection with a Witch"
1. Jennifer - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Manor collapsing on witch". The premise seemed interesting, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was sluggish, and the characters lacked depth. I also found the twists predictable and the climax anticlimactic. Overall, it just didn't engage me or hold my interest.
2. Dave - 1/5 - I have to say, "Manor collapsing on witch" was a complete waste of time. The story was confusing and disjointed, making it hard to follow along. The acting was subpar, and the special effects were laughable. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and found their motivations unclear. It's a film I wish I had skipped.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - While I appreciate the attempt at a unique concept in "Manor collapsing on witch", the execution left a lot to be desired. The plot felt convoluted and hard to follow, leaving me confused more than intrigued. The dialogue was stilted, and the performances felt forced. I never felt invested in the story or the outcome. Overall, it fell short of my expectations.