#i don't care about carnage i just want more ariaaaaaaaa

[kitausuret]

Alright, I have to admit I have not kept up at all with the Carnage/Flash side of Venom comic verse these past few years, so - who is Aria? The few issues I've read centered on Flash during these wacky symbiote times did not contain her, and the Marvel comics wiki gives me nothing. But you have me curious.

Hey there, friend! You wanna know who Aria is? Well, that's exactly what I'm here for. You're right, though - I'm not sure she even has a wiki article yet. She doesn't even have a last name! But I'm all for those underappreciated characters, so, let's go.

(All the following panels will be by Gronbekk/Perez from Carnage 2023.)

(Carnage #1)

We first meet Aria as the bartender at the very on-the-nose-named "Pour Decisions" bar. "Wait, isn't Flash an alcoholic?" Well... yeah. But Aria doesn't know that. And As you can see by the narration, it doesn't have the same effect on him that it used to. But, you'll see this is just another demon he has to battle.

Aria is clearly familiar with Flash - he's become a regular by this point. He's also a bit of a loner but he still knows how to put on the charm. But also, Aria understandably shows some concerns about him.

Flash is seeking purpose in his life, but he's not finding it. Aria knows he's well-meaning, but as always, Flash sometimes gets himself into trouble when he tries to help. It's too bad!

Because Flash is the best, he does apologize for his ill-timed heroics, and like, honestly, who can stay mad at him? Not Aria, even with her perfect hair. (I love her hair.)

(Carnage #2)

She also calls him out on looking like a damn mess.

She's SO into him though and it's so cute. I'm gonna cry. She wants to take that boy home and [redacted/saved for fanfic].

Aria unfortunately vanishes for most of the rest of the series, but since we're appreciating women, let's appreciate Liz for a second here too, after she and Flash take down Carnage.

(Carnage #8)

I'm always giggling at this. Flash doesn't get why there are so many damn symbiotes these days, either.

So even though Aria saw Flash initially as a mess (which he was)...

...after nearly dying at Carnage's hand multiple times/almost losing his mom/being trapped in the Darkforce Cube etc etc, he decides he's got to put himself back together. I do like the panel of him fixing one of his prostheses a lot. It's a nice touch we haven't seen the likes of since Space Knight. (Nice job, Gronbekk & Perez!)

I love this scene where she makes him a mocktail. A fruity little drink. And he does love it. Because who wouldn't.

Like, oh my God, even Liz sees it. She's definitely hinting that if Flash doesn't snatch up Aria, she will.

And then my most FAVOURITE Flash/Aria scene... that truly solidifies that maybe possibly there's a chance for them??? MAYBE??

THAT BOY IS GETTING LAAAAAAAAAAAID ahem. Anyways.

I just, I really love this! It's spot-on with the fact that when Flash is really into someone, he's kind of awkward! But he's soooo sincere and Aria is SO into it. He's taking active interest in what she's into! He's pulling himself together! He's living again!

I want Flash/Aria to happen so badly like, you don't even know. I want them to go jogging in crop tops together. I want them watching birds and getting coffee and her giving him That Look fifteen more times. I want him to treat her RIGHT and for this to be his best relationship since Betty.

But mostly, I just want Aria to survive the next goddamn event.