Tags
Gunslinger Spawn, Image Comics, Jim Cheunng, Medieval Spawn, Omega Spwan, She-Spawn, Spawn, Spawn's World, Spawn's World #1, Spawn's World #1 review, TODD McFARLANE
Spawn’s Universe #1
Review by Paul Bowler.
A bold new era for Spawn and Image Comics begins with Spawn’s Universe #1, an epic 68 page one-shot written by Todd McFarlane, that sees the official introduction to the hotly anticipated expansion of the Spawn Universe. The world and mythology of Spawn is about to be changed forever. Spawn’s Universe #1 answers age old questions, introduce new heroes, new villains, and paves the way for three brand new ongoing Spawn titles: King Spawn, Gunslinger Spawn, and The Scorched!
From the ominous opening moments through to the action-packed set-pieces, Spawn’s Universe #1 doesn’t hold back, and Todd McFarlane’s tautly plotted script hardly lets up the pace for a moment. Hell’s Throne is empty, and with all the Dead Zone portals in lockdown, Demons and Angels cannot enter or leave the world of man. Those creatures who remain, most of them disguised in human form, are now trapped, and Spawn isn’t pulling any punches in his search for answers from them! With the seismic shock waves spreading around the globe, the narrative becomes interwoven with a thinly veiled social-political commentary as the worlds media debate the crisis, and with Marc’s help Spawn is able to ascertain that Omega Spawn didn’t die after all.
Spawn decides to go on the offensive and strikes back at the demonic factions that have united and now reside on the island where he defeated Omega Spawn. McFarlane uses Spawn’s World #1’s huge scope to send the plot and numerous character into overdrive as Angels and Demons vie for power, new villains Jericho and the Disruptor enter the fray, and Gunslinger Spawn joins forces with Spawn against their mutual enemies!
The three excellent back-up stories by Todd McFarlane in Spawn’s Universe #1 all feed into the narrative of main the storyline. Of them all, Medieval Spawn’s tale is the one that ties-in closest to the central plot of the issue. There is of course plenty of bombastic action as Medieval Spawn confronts a powerful sorcerer, but it’s also a showdown that hints at a far darker connection between past and present than we could’ve possibly imagined. The second story explores the character of She-Spawn and the secret which motivates her to be perhaps the most dedicated Spawn of all. This actually turns out to be the most moving and emotional story of this double-sized issue. Finally we have a brooding interlude with Gunslinger Spawn, a grisly tale which unfolds across four seasons, where the fearsome Gunslinger Spawn must claw his way back from a face-off (quite literally) with his arch enemies. Each of these stories bring something fresh to the table and collectively forge a place of their own in the new Spawn Universe.
McFarlane has assembled some fantastic artistic talent for Spawn Universe #1, with Jim Cheunng (main story), Brett Booth (Gunslinger), Stephen Segovia (Medieval), and Marcio Takara (She-Spawn), with inks by Adelso Corona and Tod McFarlane, and colors by FCO Plascencia, Andrew Dalhouse, and Peter Steigerwald. While I’m not usually a fan of multiple artist on a single issue, artistically their styles differ very slightly, and overall they complement each other really well. The main story is a fantastic showcase for Jim Cheunng, with chilling intrigue brewing from the outset, Spawn at his ruthless best as his quest for information intensifies, and Spawn and Cy-Gor charging into battle on the island are all just a few of the many highlights of the primary story-arc. Stephen Segovia turns in some fittingly titanic battle scenes between Medieval Spawn and a dragon riding sorcerer, while Marcio Takara’s She-Spawn faces an emotive tale of sacrifice and devotion, but its is Brett Booth’s richly atmospheric Gunslinger Spawn that almost totally steals the show out from everyone with a powerful flashback to Gunslinger’s shattering defeat and terrifying rebirth.
Spawn Universe #1 is a momentous historical landmark in the mythology of the Spawn saga. With a plethora of ongoing mysteries, a key piece of Cogliostro’s puzzle falling into place, the fate and roles of friends and foes alike are all caught up the swirling maelstrom of an unholy baptism at sea, and the impact of these events will no doubt reverberate for years to come. With three back-up stories accentuating the action Spawn Universe #1 is both a fan-pleasing extravaganza and the perfect jumping on point for newcomers. The world of Spawn just got a whole lot bigger and it certainly looks like we are in for one Hell of a ride!
Writer Todd McFarlane
Artists Jim Cheunng / Brett Booth / Stephen Segovia / Marcio Takara
Inks Adelso Corona & Tod McFarlane
Colors FCO Plascencia / Andrew Dalhouse / Peter Steigerwald.
Lettering Tom Orzechowski / Andworld Design
Cover Artists J. Scott CaTodmpbell / Brett Booth / Todd McFarlane
About The Author
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Sci-Fi Jubilee 
Reblogged this on and commented:
A great review of Spawn Universe #1. It’s okay to get excited about good comics.
Thank you!
Sounds great. Can’t wait to read it!
Its a great issue and it sets up the new Spawn Universe in a really exciting and dynamic way.
Man I can’t wait to grab one of these!
Its a brilliant issue. Spawn has always been one of my favourite comic characters and I think its great how the Spawn Universe is expanding into so many new titles!
What’d you think of the movie? Wasn’t super great, but I thought it was fun and got unfairly trashed
I agree, the Spawn movie was ok, and a good action packed movie. Critics panned it and I don’t think ‘independent’ comic characters weren’t as well know then as they are now. There has been rumours that a new Spawn movie is in the works for a while now, and considering the increasing popularity of Comicbook movies it wouldn’t surprise me if a new Spawn movie happens at some point.
Agreed. My one issue with the movie was that I think it could have been WAY darker
Yes, the films PG13 rating really hampered any chance of truly capturing the darker tone of the Spawn comic series.
HOw much knowledge of Spawn is required to really enjoy this?
And I thought DC had bought out Image in the early ’00’s?
I’d say only a basic knowledge of the charter really. This one-shot sets up a new expanded world for Spawn, with lots of Easter eggs for fans to enjoy, and a good recap of events to get newcomers up to speed with current storylines. Three new ongoing Spawn comics are also going to be launched later this year as well – Gunslinger Spawn is the one I’m most looking forward to. As for your DC, Image question. Well, I think you mean the partial breakup when Jim Lee sold Wildstorm to DC Comics in 1998 to explore further creative opportunities?
Thanks for that.
The only thing I don’t really like about this is that all the new titles are ‘Spawn’ titles, meaning they are just iterations of him. That can get a little boring. How many different versions of Spawn are too many before people get bored with the character? I think he should have expanded with new characters or at least ones from the book like Sam and Twitch.
Good point, I still think its good we are getting new Spawn titles though. Out of them all I’m really looking forward to Gunslinger Spawn most, as that character really stands out as being something very different. Who know, other characters or supporting characters are sure to appear and perhaps maybe get books of their own eventually?
Because I made the mistake of reading a parody of Spawn as an evil pot-bellied baby a few years ago, I can never take Spawn seriously again.
LOL, yes, I know what you mean! That parador is an image that’s hard to forget isn’t it? I’ve always liked Spawn though, so this issue was a bit of a must read for me. Its still a good jumping on point for new readers though. I’m also looking forward to seeing more of the new characters introduced in this issue – Especially Gunslinger Spawn.
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Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the review. Your blog is really good too, just had a look, great artwork!