Venom (2011) #18

This volume is issue #18 of the Venom (2011-2013) series, published May 16, 2012, with the subtitle "Savage Six, Part 1: Public Enemies." The story is written by Rick Remender and Cullen Bunn, with pencils by Lan Medina, inks by Nelson DeCastro, colors by Chris Sotomayor, cover by Tony Moore, and editing by Tom Brennan. Following the previous issue, Crime-Master has assembled the Savage Six under his control and set his sights on the people close to Flash Thompson. The issue opens with Venom arriving at Betty Brant's place only to find her gone; he then discovers a note she left, arranging to meet Peter Parker for coffee. At the coffee shop, Betty complains to Peter that Flash has been secretive and distracted lately; meanwhile, Jack O'Lantern, disguised as an ordinary person, approaches Betty, claiming to be an old acquaintance of Flash and trying to take her away. Venom crashes through the window and fights Jack O'Lantern. In the chaos, Betty uses a "sonic pepper spray" designed by Peter to escape Venom; then Megatak attacks from a cell phone, cutting off Venom's channel to call the Avengers for help, and Eddie Brock appears as Toxin, interfering in the fight. To protect Betty and stop her from resisting his rescue, Venom finally removes his mask on the spot, revealing that he is Flash Thompson; another thread ends on a new cliffhanger. The issue runs 22 pages and carries Marvel's T+ rating; it is the opening of the "Savage Six" storyline and the issue in Venom's solo series that drives both the superhero front and Flash's personal relationships to a climax at once.