Venom Vol. 4: The Nativity Paperback – 25 Sept. 2018

I really like it, a great Venom comic. (5/5)

Fantastic condition, read it on the day of arrival.

Collects Venom #161 & #164-165 and Amazing Spider-Man #362-362.Before I get to the review I must mention I purchased this comic digitally from another app so I can't comment on the physical quality of it.Sadly this is where we see things start to wrap up for Mike Costas run of Venom before Donny Cates takes over and begins a new one, luckily there's one last entry from Mike Costa which is titled First Host and like me, you might be interested in picking it up. #161,164 and 165 are not groundbreaking by any means but I did find the story entertaining. It's a pretty simple and straightforward plot but one that did peak my interest but because it's simple I can't mention anything without giving anything away.Once #165 is finished we move onto ASM #362-363 (1992) written by David Michelinie and art by Mark Bagley. Here we have the first arc of the lethal murderer armed with a symbiote, none other than Carnage. This isn't my first time reading these issues as they were included in the Marvel Platinum Definitive Venom which I have read and reviewed and am quite fond of Carnage. However since I am familiar with these issues I have a problem with them in this collection, not for its connection to the previous issues or for its inclusion in the collection. Carnage had a cameo in ASM #360 then made his murderous debut in #361, which is where the problem lies, that it's not included. Why it's not included I have no idea as there's no excuse in my opinion because Venom inc. was 160ish pages whereas this is nearly 140 but the last 25 or so pages are alternate covers for various Venom issues or issues featuring Venom. Since they have released volumes with more pages why not include it? Or if pages were the issue why include so many various variant covers and leave out an issue in a characters debuting arc? Even more baffling in my opinion since this collection is meant to celebrate Venoms 30 year history so why cut any corners in the first place especially one of Venoms greatest enemies and one that's tied so closely to Venom? Either way these two issues are great however since we lack #361 we are thrown in slightly. Regardless of my annoyance I'm glad it was included and if you pick this up I'm sure you'll find his character likeable and understand why he has the popularity he does.Then lastly as I previously mentioned we have a gallery of variant covers of Venom or issues featuring Venom. Some were cool but in my opinion but I think if they were aiming at making this 30th anniversary of Venom special, I think more than Variant covers could've been done. Perhaps an interview from David Michelinie, a history of from the beginning to now, etc. And I think this could've been done, while including #361 and variant covers and still been under 160 pages but oh well.Overall I did enjoy this volume and I hope I haven't put you off of purchasing this volume as I did enjoy it regardless of my gripes with it. I'll be giving it 4 stars, simply just for the lack of #361 and because it doesn't really feel like a special tribute to the 30 years of Venom.Hopefully you found this review helpful and happy reading.

Excellent. A must buy for venom fans.

People complain because of the last 2 issues in this but the whole thing is really fun to read

Interesting comic. Wish there was more as the second half is just a reissue of a classic comic where venom and Spider-Man team up against carnage

It's an ok read

Was a gift but he loved it.

A little light on action, but still good. Can't wait to see how everything plays out in the next volume{the first volume of the new series, that is:}