A strong start to a series that at Marvel that continues to flesh out Venom in new and exciting ways. Read Full Review

A great first issue for this arc, and I look forward to seeing how this story unfolds for our favorite web-slinging' anti-hero. Read Full Review

Despite a little wonkiness in the artwork, this mini-series does have something for everyone. Those who are unfamiliar with Eddie Brock and his better half will get a decent introduction to who Venom is, even if his supporting cast is left unintroduced. Long time fans will get to learn the secret origins of the symbiote's first partner, in a story Marvel Comics history buffs are sure to enjoy as well. It's not perfect, but it's far from bad. Read Full Review

Venom: First Host #1 is a solid continuation of Costas story of Eddie Brock and his symbiote. The titular first host is based in a cool bit of Marvel history, the artwork of Bagley, Sanchez-Almara, and Hennesy is good, and the book is some good fun on the whole. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out this Wednesday. Read Full Review

If there’s anyone I can easily recommend First Host to, it’s fans of Mike Costa’s Venom (there’s dozens of you!) or maybe even Michelinie’s. It’s fair to suspect that Costa might have been cut short on his time with the character, so if you wanted him to see it through, this may be your last chance. Barely enough actually happens to warrant picking up this issue instead of waiting for the next, but the writing is entertaining enough to make up for it. Mark Bagley’s Venom is an automatic approval and I don’t think many will argue with me there. All around a pretty solid start that I don’t think you’ll regret checking out. Read Full Review

Venom: First Host #1 is a book you should root for. A weekly mini-series that could change the universe if the creators decide to turn up the volume. Read Full Review

Final Verdict: 7.0 – An enjoyable mash-up of intergalactic and street-level battles come together in this new mini-series that delves into the past and present of never before seen chapters of Venom's life. Read Full Review

If you were super invested in the Costa and Bagley run before Cates and Stegmen took over, wondering how a few things may have been wrapped up, well well well do I have a book for you ... Venom: First Host! However if you've moved on and are sticking with whats more current this feels safe to ignore and skip, although not offensive, it doesn't feel worth the investment right now. Read Full Review

There are two Venom comics coming from Marvel this week, and only one is worth your money. This one isn't it. Read Full Review

The story of Venom's latest offspring continues, but now it's being upstaged by a shmear of forgettable Kree-Skrull content. Mike Costa has an uncanny ability to tangle his plotting even when he isn't getting hijacked by Cullen Bunn's latest crossover idea. I KNOW the Kree story and the offspring story are the same story - they collide by the end of #1 - yet they still feel like they're tripping over each other. Mark Bagley's polished visuals are a slight positive, but nice character art isn't enough to make this very disjointed read rewarding. The editorial decision to launch this miniseries at a time when it rockets straight into position as "the third-best Venom title on the shelf" is also pretty questionable.

It's jarring to go back to this inferior Costa era now that we have Cates' Venom.