Warning: SPOILERS for Venom #23
Venom has returned to Venom Island, and things haven't been going well for Eddie Brock and his symbiote. While he has been asked to join the Avengers after his heroics during the Absolute Carnage event, Brock's been having nightmares. When he wakes up, messages are carved into his flesh. He's also trying to prepare for the imminent arrival of Knull the Symbiote god -- an attack Eddie has kept to himself for now, hoping to figure out a solution on his own (without having to reveal that he was the one who technically released the dark god in the first place).
By returning to the island, Eddie hoped to get things straightened out and heal his symbiote. However, the problems with Eddie's other half were bigger than Eddie thought. While fighting for his very survival without his symbiote, Brock prays for help... and those prayers are answered in spectacular fashion. Just not by the 'god' most readers will expect...
Crashing on the island, Eddie learns that Carnage has been infecting Venom since the Absolute Carnage event (explaining the carved messages and nightmares). Eddie Brock cuts off his hand to prevent himself from being overwhelmed by Carnage, but is helpless to stop the merged symbiotes from taking over the whole island, leaving Eddie to survive on his own. Thankfully, Venom Island has enough weapons and secret caches Eddie left behind to give him some time to ward off Carnage, but not for long.
Near the end of Venom #23, Eddie makes a last ditch attempt to try and get help by climbing a tall, rusting tower. While he climbs, Carnage taunts him as he begins to take over Eddie's body. Carnage thinks that Eddie is trying to radio home, but Eddie reveals he has gone to the tower to pray. Carnage laughs, asking what possible god he would pray to, and what god would even listen? Eddie keeps climbing, and responds with the only god who has beaten Carnage before: Thor, the God of Thunder. And right on cue, Thor delivers the assistance Eddie requested -- shocking Venom and Carnage apart.
It's a pretty incredible answered prayer, and just goes to show that Thor's never too busy to cast some lightning down to Midgard, especially if it means putting symbiotes in their place. Eddie and his other aren't out the woods yet though. The issue ends pretty disastrously thanks in part to Captain America, with Eddie being rescued by Cap but the symbiotes left on the island as it explodes. This doesn't bode well for Knull's incoming invasion. Even so, it's good to know the Venom might not be alone in his fight with Knull eventually does makes his way to Earth. There's another god on Venom's side who has no problem handling and dominating symbiotes if need be.
So far, this return to Venom Island has not been without its twists and turns, resulting in one wild ride. It will be interesting to see how this arc ends, and to discover the true fate of the Venom (and Carnage) symbiote. Fans will just have to wait and see what happens with the next issue in March.
Venom #23 is on comic book store shelves now.