With my love of the symbiotic universe, it is a surprise to me that I haven't continued reading "Cult Of Carnage: Misery." Issue #4, which came out towards the end of last year, was one that I am sorry that I haven't picked up again until now. What makes this one so special is all of the flashback panels, which also brought back many of the artists from those issues. These included Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, Art Simek, Sal Buscema, Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz, just to name a few. Francesco Mortarino, in association with Java Tartaglia, Protobunker's Dono Sanchez-Almara and Fer Sifuentes-Sujo, handled the current storyline's art, while Sabir Pirzada handled the story.
A very difficult subject is handled as Liz Allan comes to the realization that Harry Osborn abused her. It also appears that Carnage and Anti-Venom assisted in bringing her to this conclusion as she has bonded with them. She recalled her arguments with Flash Thompson after they had broken up. Then, she thought of the birth of Normie and Harry's obsession with the Green Goblin. She remembered Mary Jane trying to warn her about Harry. As a nurse, Allan didn't react to Harry refusing treatment.
She also was too embarrassed to consult with another ex, Dr. Zafar Hakim. Somehow, Allan appeared relieved when Harry died. Besides a fling with a lawyer that didn't go well, Allan decided to remain a single parent. Then, she found out that Harry was alive! I call this the Dr. Rolf effect (only a "Days Of Our Lives" fan would understand that one!). However, something seemed off with him. Not only that but he had a child with Lily Hollister, bringing Stanley into the picture. Harry gave off the impression that he was a changed man, until he died for the second and final time.
Her attention then changed to the operations of Alchemax. She is now a failure here also as Corwin Jones stole and bonded with Riot, Phage, Agony, Lasher, Scream and Toxin. She is convinced that she must become the Misery! Spider-Man and Spearhead find many of Spearhead's crew slaughtered in their search for Allan. Meanwhile, Jones is finding himself outnumbered by the symbiotes that have taken control of him.
Misery has now been released and Jones finds out, but she has an ally when she sees a hooded stranger. This stranger turns out to be Lily Hollister, now going as Queen Cat! This issue tied everything together to form a completion of Misery's origin story. You can actually read this issue first and be caught up. However, I do recommend starting from issue #1 to fully understand the players in this scenario.