The word carnage is defined as the killing of a large number of people. It is synonymous with slaughter, massacre and butchery. So the title, along with the cover art, was more than enough for me to know what this Marvel comic was about.

Cletus Kasady, aka Carnage, is a serial killing psychopath with an alien parasite in his bloodstream. Residing in a maximum security prison for super villains, each and every kind of hell breaks loose when a mind controlled guard releases all of the prisoners, including Carnage. After witnessing the bloodbath at the prison, the Wizard attempts to gain control of Carnage’s mind. But little does he know, Carnage had undergone a lobotomy!

WARNING TO PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN: Carnage is definitely not for young eyes. Please exercise caution when reading this comic around your children.

Kevin Shinick is the writer of this well written script. This debut issue is a great opener, and I especially like the character and narration of Ted Connelly, the convict with the brown underwear (you’ll understand when you read the story). I also liked how one of the guards stood his ground against the Wizard, even poking fun at him. And the characterization of Carnage is frightfully awesome.

I cringed when I saw this comic on the shelf at the comic shop.  The cover caught my eye.  I thought, “Oh my gosh” as I held the book in my hands. There’s a couple panels where the look in Cleatus’ eyes told me that I should have waited until daylight to read this story. Carnage is one terrifying creature. I shivered while reading this constant page turner. I gasped at some of the panels, and I actually jumped out of my chair with fright near the center of the story. YES I JUMPED OUT OF MY CHAIR.  That’s because I didn’t know what to expect.  This was my first time reading a Carnage story.

And who is to blame for this adrenaline rushing, blood pressure rising art? Stephen Segovia (artist), Jay David Ramos (colorist) and Clayton Crain (cover art). The art in this issue is terrifyingly perfect. This is one story that does not require any text. And it’s 3D without the glasses.

Am I going to read the next issue? HECK YEAH. My heart was beating fast as if it was running in a marathon, but it was worth it. I watched Psycho, Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby on television as a child. So as an adult, I’m sure I can handle Carnage. The entire team deserves a round of applause.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I recommend this title for mature readers of gory fiction and Carnage fans.