The Amazing Spider-Man #361 (published in April 1992 by Marvel Comics) is written by David Michelinie with art by Mark Bagley. This issue is a landmark in Spider-Man’s history as it marks the first full appearance of Carnage, a terrifying new villain and one of Spider-Man’s deadliest foes.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Cletus Kasady, a psychotic criminal and former cellmate of Eddie Brock (Venom), having bonded with an offspring of the alien symbiote that originally merged with Brock. This new symbiote grants Kasady powers similar to Venom but amplifies his sadistic and murderous tendencies, transforming him into Carnage.
Carnage begins a killing spree in New York City, leaving a trail of grisly, seemingly random murders. The police are baffled by the brutality and lack of pattern in the attacks. Peter Parker/Spider-Man becomes aware of the killings and investigates, suspecting a connection to the symbiote after recognizing the severity of the destruction.
As Spider-Man digs deeper, he learns about Kasady’s transformation and realizes that Carnage is even more dangerous than Venom due to his sheer unpredictability and psychotic nature. Peter’s spider-sense is of little use against Carnage, and he soon discovers that his usual tactics may not be enough to stop this new foe.
The issue sets up the dramatic conflict between Spider-Man and Carnage, as Spider-Man faces not only a physical challenge but also the moral dilemma of confronting a villain who embodies pure chaos and evil. The issue ends with Spider-Man preparing for a battle unlike any he has faced before.
Key Themes
- Chaos and Evil: Carnage represents unrestrained destruction and moral depravity, challenging Spider-Man’s sense of justice and control.
- Escalation of Threats: The introduction of Carnage raises the stakes for Spider-Man, as he faces a villain who is even more dangerous than Venom.
- Moral Responsibility: Spider-Man’s role as a protector is tested as he tries to stop a killer who seems unstoppable.
Significance
- First Full Appearance of Carnage: This issue introduces Carnage, who quickly becomes one of Spider-Man’s most iconic and feared adversaries.
- Continuation of the Symbiote Saga: Carnage’s creation expands the lore of the alien symbiotes, adding a new layer of complexity to the Venom storyline.
- Iconic Villain: Carnage’s debut marks the start of a legacy that includes major story arcs such as Maximum Carnage and numerous appearances in comics, games, and films.
The Amazing Spider-Man #361 is a thrilling and impactful issue that introduces Carnage as a dark and chaotic force in Spider-Man’s world. It remains a must-read for fans of the Spider-Man mythos and those interested in one of Marvel’s most dangerous villains.