Eddie Brock: Carnage #4 by Charles Soule and Juanan Ramirez delivers a shocking and intense chapter that significantly twists the established premise of the series. This issue, titled “Cleansing Fire,” throws Eddie and Carnage into the gritty underbelly of Chicago as they hunt the notorious serial killer Muse, only for the situation to devolve into a brutal and unexpected confrontation.
Charles Soule’s writing continues to be sharp and engaging. He masterfully portrays Eddie Brock’s desperation and cunning as he navigates his volatile partnership with the Carnage symbiote. In this issue, Soule uses the hunt for Muse as a plot device to explore the increasingly strained dynamic between Eddie and Carnage. While Muse himself doesn’t make a direct appearance, his “artwork”, the gruesome aftermath of his killings, is felt and effectively raises the stakes. Soule doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the story, emphasizing the grim reality of their situation.
Credit: Marvel
What makes this issue particularly compelling is the bold turn it takes. Soule expertly sets a trap for the reader, leading them to believe one thing while Eddie Brock orchestrates something far more drastic. His resourcefulness and willingness to go to extreme lengths are highlighted, showcasing a layer of calculated madness beneath his anti-hero facade. The cliffhanger ending is genuinely surprising and leaves the reader reeling, eager to see how the series will proceed from such a dramatic shift.
Juanan Ramirez steps in as the issue’s artist, and his style, complemented by Matt Hollingsworth’s colors, nicely suits the dark and visceral tone of the book. Ramirez’s art has a messier, grittier feel compared to previous issues, which amplifies the sense of unease and the violent nature of Carnage. His depiction of Muse’s crime scenes is impactful, conveying the horror without being overly gratuitous. A particular visual highlight is the full-page image of Muse’s visage spray-painted in a seedy alley; a haunting and memorable panel.
However, the issue isn’t without its minor drawbacks. Some readers might be disappointed by Muse’s absence, as he was set up as a significant antagonist. Additionally, while the plot twist is impactful, some might feel that the events unfold a little too quickly, potentially sacrificing some deeper exploration of the characters’ motivations in this specific scenario. The pacing in the scenes involving Misty Knight, who is closing in on Eddie, feels somewhat slower compared to the main storyline, although her presence adds another layer of tension to the overall story.
Credit: Marvel
Eddie Brock: Carnage #4 is a gripping and pivotal issue that subverts expectations and propels the series into uncharted territory. Charles Soule’s writing keeps the reader invested in Eddie’s desperate struggle, while Juanan Ramirez’s artwork intensifies the dark and dangerous world they inhabit. Despite a couple of minor pacing issues and the lack of a direct confrontation with Muse, #4 successfully flips the script and leaves you anxiously awaiting the next chapter.
‘Eddie Brock: Carnage’ #4 Successfully Flips The Script
Eddie Brock: Carnage #4 is a gripping and pivotal issue that subverts expectations and propels the series into uncharted territory. Charles Soule’s writing keeps the reader invested in Eddie’s desperate struggle, while Juanan Ramirez’s artwork intensifies the dark and dangerous world they inhabit. Despite a couple of minor pacing issues and the lack of a direct confrontation with Muse, #4 successfully flips the script and leaves you anxiously awaiting the next chapter.
