VANISH #1 REVIEW

Tags

Donny Cates, Image Comics, NCBD, Ryan Stegman, Vanish, Vanish #1, Vanish #1 review

Vanish #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

The worlds of magic and superheroes collide in Vanish #1, the new creator owned Image Comics series from writer Donny Cates (GOD COUNTRY, Hulk, Thor) and artist Ryan Stegman (Venom, King in Black). Vanish delivers squarely on the initial premise Cates skilfully blends into the narrative of this opening issue; fusing a heady mix of dark fantasy, visceral gore and brutal superhero action to forge a blistering introduction to the fractured existence of Oliver Harrison. A former protege trained in the Out-World of Magic, at fourteen he vanquished the greatest threat to his realm, but the rules he broke to do so came with a high price. Now as an adult he drifts through a mundane existence in the real world, his past all but forgotten as his life drowns in a sea of mental instability, drink and drugs. But his efforts to hide from his nightmarish past take a sharp turn when he is saved from muggers by a hero named Pocket Rocket. Oliver’s dark past resurfaces with a vengeance during this chilling encounter and sets him on a quest to embrace his destiny as the chosen one once more.

Donny Cates takes a slow and deliberate approach to brining this new world of fantasy and heroes to life. What at first appears to be an everyman route to Oliver’s origin quickly takes a dark detour as Cates explores our anti-heroes chequered.past in what can best be described as  an R rated Hogwarts. From there we witness the cataclysmic events that brought Oliver Harrison to where he is now as an adult. Its an unflinching trek through magical worlds, where a gifted youth is thrown away, while evil sorcerers and heroes battle for supremacy and power. 

Stegman and Mayer’s artwork feels like a throwback to the early, days of Image Comics. There are some pretty distinct Venom flourishes thrown into the mix as well, especially during the grittier sequences . The flow of the story is perfectly matched in the visuals, concise page layouts give the action and characters scope to breath, and the overall level of detail crammed into every panel is little short of spellbinding. Sonia Oback’s colors further enhance the moody atmosphere and edgier tone of this new series.

The way everything is set up in this issue is almost as engrossing as the premise itself. It may be a bit OTT in places, but that’s all part of what makes this issue such a compelling and exciting  read. With its no-holds-barred mature themes and striking artwork Vanish #1 is easily one of the best new creator owned comics I’ve read in a long time. If edgier superheroes and dark fantasy are your thing, then Cates and Stegman’s new Vanish comic series  is sure to be right up your street.

Publisher Image Comics

Writer Donny Cates / Pencils Ryan Stegman

Inks JP Mayer / Colors Sonia Oback

Letters and Design Johan J Hill

Cover Stegman / JP Mayer / Jason Keith

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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

SPAWN #333 REVIEW

Tags

Carlo Barberi, Image Comics, Medieval Spawn, Roy McConville, Sinn, Spane #333, Spawn, Spawn #333 review, TODD McFARLANE

Spawn #333

Review by Paul Bowler.

Schemes and betrayal mount in Spawn #333 following Spawn’s audience with his former mentor, Cogliostro, now known as the all-powerful Sinn! Their clash revealed just how much Sinn’s power has grown. In fact, Spawn got his butt well and truly kicked. Now Al has become totally obsessed with hunting down and stopping Sinn, but Spawn’s allies have all-but abandoned him, and a new even deadlier threat is growing. Recent issues of Spawn have seen Al becoming more and more isolated from his friends after he resolved to go it alone as the power struggle for Throne of Hell escalated. Spawn #333 sees friends and foes alike plotting against Spawn. Writer Rory McConville’s deftly juggles numerous plot strands and characters in this issue, with additional script by Todd McFarlane, and its these powerful-scenes and sinister machinations that form the driving force for much of the narrative. At times there seems a bewildering array of dark skulduggery brewing, each with the sole aim of taking Spawn down and wresting control of the Dead Zones from him. 

Even Haunt and Marc are seemingly prepared to betray Spawn, although Marc still feels uncertain about it and wants to try and reason with Spawn first directly. Meanwhile Sinn is conducting his own gruesome recruitment drive, but newcomer Cadiiclus, a former servant of the Clown, may yet proved Sinn with a way to seize the throne and reopen the Dead Zones without Spawn’s power.

This is one hell of a stylish looking issue as well. Carlo Barberi’s finely detailed artwork together with Jay David Ramos’ vivid colors make for a winning combination, and the dark brooding atmosphere they craft makes this a truly riveting issue to read. The characters are all superbly rendered too, no mean feat considering the wealth of different characters featured over the course of this issue, and there is a real sense of growing dread as so many different and opposing factions close in on Spawn. 

If you’ve been following recent developments across the Spawn’s Universe of titles then this issue of Spawn delivers on every level, newcomers though might find it all a bit overwhelming. Perhaps the biggest highlight of this issue cones in the furious exchange between Spawn and Marc. Its a dramatic, no-holds-barred diatribe of home truths and shock revelations that might well change their friendship forever. It is this tumultuous turning point, along with its mix of intrigue, plots and all-out action that makes this another cracking good issue, and essential reading for Spawn fans. 

Publisher Image Comics

Writer Roy McConville / Todd McFarlane (Additional Script)

Art Carlo Barberi / Colors Jay David Ramos

Lettering Tom Orzechowski 

Cover Artists Francesco Mattina & Carlo Barberi

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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

KING SPAWN #10 REVIEW

Tags

Horror, Image Comics, Javi Fernandez, King Span #10, King Spawn, King Spawn #10 Review, NCB, Sean Lewis, Spawn, TODD McFARLANE

King Spawn #10

Review by Paul Bowler

King Spawn #10 crams in a hell of a lot of plot and exposition into one issue, and the end result is a maelstrom of far-reaching events and revelations with perhaps even wider ramifications yet to come. Sean Lewis and Tod McFarlane weave a mesmerising.tale here, one that finds Terry Fitzgerald seeking out answers to the possibility that Al’s wife, Wanda, has returned form the dead. Knowing that Spawn could be considering the Exodus Foundations offer, Terry breaks into their headquarters in New York to uncover the truth.

To say that King Spawn has rapidly become my favourite book in the expanded Spawn’s Universe is something of an understatement.  While the core Spawn title has got slightly bogged down of late, with Gunslinger Spawn and The Scorched both respectively carving out their own niches, King Spawn seems to have become something of a flagship title in driving the overarching  narrative. Spawn and Terry are both hell bent on fighting their mutual enemies and getting Wanda back. However, the temptation of the God Throne has made the Dead Zones and Wanda’s fate  little more than bargaining chips in a wider game. Begging the question, will Spawn’s self-conflicted acquisition to the his enemies in this issue set in motion the very events he’s fought so hard to prevent?

The stunning black, white and red artwork for this issue by Javi Fernandez is quite literally to die for! Fernandez’s super-sharp renderings of the unfolding drama are stylishly realised. Black and white tones beautifully accentuate every scene while the rich red hues almost bleed into key points of the story when emotions and violence boil over. Terry’s clandestine mission takes the character into dark territory, Spawn’s brooding presence is more often felt than seen initially, but the all-consuming rage we wittiness when Spawn finally inherits the throne is as awe-inspiring as it is terrifying. Javi Fernandez has done a truly phenomenal job with this issue and Spawn fans are sure to be blown away by the striking visuals.

Image Comics King Spawn continues to go from strength to strength. Every issue so far has been clearly been building toward the tumultuous events in King Spawn #10, the scope of storytelling and epic artwork is breathtaking. Lewis and McFarlane are doing fantastic work with the character with this new series. Spawn has gone on a completely new and unexpected direction since King Spawn began, and I can’t wait to see where this wild ride will take Spawn next.

Publisher Image Comics

Script / Plot Sean Lewis / Todd McFarlane (additional dialogue)

Art Javi Fernandez.

Lettering Andworld Design / Cover Javi Fernandez

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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

Gunslinger Spawn #6 Review

Tags

Gunslinger Spawn, Gunslinger Spawn #6, Gunslinger Spawn #6 review, Image Comics, Omega Island, Spawn, Spawn's Universe, The Clown, TODD McFARLANE, Violator

Gunslinger Spawn #6

Review by Paul Bowler

The Gunslinger’s epic battle with the Clown reaches its thrilling conclusion in Gunslinger Spawn #6! Yes, the Clown is back with a vengeance along with the hulking Violator, and a mini army of feral Clown-like drones called Omens. Together they brutally overpowered Gunslinger Spawn with the soul intent of making him their partner in a scheme to force Spawn to reopen the Dead Zones.

Todd McFarlane’s razor sharp script sees the Gunslinger returning to Omega Island with the Clown. Here we are privy to just how the Clown has made the Violator and his minions so complicit to his will, and further revelations await at the ghoulish banquet Clown has set out to seal his unholy partnership with Gunslinger Spawn. The Gunslinger isn’t the most powerful Hellspawn, far from it, but his ingenuity and guile easily allow him to drink the Clown under the table and trick his adversary into revealing how Gunslinger can return to his own time. McFarlane skilfully weaves this boozy shindig into the very narrative of the series itself, entwining it with Gunslinger’s desire to avenge his sisters death, along with his skill with magic, and the ability to control wolves to turn the tables on the Clown.

The art by Brett Booth, with Inks by Sal Regla and Adelso Corona, for Gunslinger Spawn #6 are a feast for the eyes. Every page is packed with detail and visceral power. Clown and Gunslinger’s whiskey fuelled, gastronomic celebration is a whirlwind of dark horror and rowdy   bravado. The payoff is equally impressive as Gunslinger springs his trap and the Clown realises just how badly he has underestimated this deceptively underpowered Hellspawn. Ivan Nunes colors provide a subtle side-order of exquisite clarity to the proceedings, as tones and hues meld with the subtle shifts in temperament as the feast spirals into a flesh rending finale for some welcome just deserts.

Gunslinger Spawn is rapidly becoming my favourite book in the new Spawn’s Universe of titles from Image Comics. Top notch writing and art are a mainstay of this book. The character also continues to evolve and grow with every issue. He’s still very much a fish out of water in our time, but his motivations and abilities are really brought to the fore here in Gunslinger Spawn #6, and after his chilling showdown with the Clown in this issue I’m really excited to see where Gunslinger’s adventures will take him next.

Publisher Image Comics

Scrip / Plot Todd McFarlane

Art Brett Booth / Inks Sal Regla & Adelso Corona

Colors Ivan Nunes / Lettering Tom Orzechowski

Cover Brett Booth (inked by Daniel Henriques)

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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

The Scorched #1 Review

Tags

Gunslinger, Image Comics, Medevial, Redeemer, Sean Lewis, She-Spawn, Spawn, The Scorched, The Scorched #1, The Scorched #1 review, TODD McFARLANE, Werewolves, Year of Spawn

The Scorched #1

Review by Paul Bowler

The Scorched #1 provides an action-packed debut for Todd McFarlane’s first superhero team book in the Spawn Universe. With the forces of Heaven and Hell about to collide, this ominous threat is too big for any individual hero to deal with, and a new power-packed supergroup assembles to face it. With members including Spawn, Redeemer, Gunslinger, Medieval Spawn and She-Spawn the team must learn to work together as they embark on an urgent mission to track down the deadly Plague Spawn in Russia. Helmed by writer Sean lewis (with additional dialogue provided by Todd McFarlane) and illustrated by Stephen Segovia and Paulo Siqueira, with colors by Ulysses Arreola and Nikos Koutsis, this giant 55 page first issue has three distinct narratives that collectively serve as an introduction, prologue, and epilogue all rolled into one. 

Although Spawn appears, he’s very much there just to set the team up in their new HQ and keep an eye on them from afar. Instead it is She-Spawn who leads the team as its unofficial leader. Her teammates also get time plenty of time in the spotlight too, with flashbacks, dialogue, and action sequences showcasing their motives and abilities.

Lewis also co-writes King-Spawn, so its perhaps no surprise that The Scorched has a similar level of gritty realism about it, blending war and horror as the team attack a Russian military installation where they battle armed troops and werewolves. The vastly different personalities of the Hellspawns and the Redeemer make for an interesting team dynamic to say the least. Lewis and McFarlane have also hinted about a shifting roster for this book, so I’m sure more characters form the Spawn Universe will appear over time to join the action. 

Segovia does the first half of the book and the Epilogue, with Siqueira handling mid-section in Russia, and their work complements each other very well indeed. Likewise, Arreolia and Koutsis works their magic with the colors, giving each character their own distinct hues. The action is brutal and visceral, almost gratuitously so at times. Highlights included Rosen’s transformation into Medieval Spawn, Gunslinger leaping into action guns blazing, and the Scorched battling hordes of werewolves is simply stunning. Andworld Designs lettering also notably gives each character their own distinct typeset which really helps fuel the team dynamic and bring their personalities to life.

The Scorched #1 rounds off McFarlane’s “Year of Spawn” in fine style. This book may have suffered delays because of the pandemic, but its been well worth the wait. What’s more  it skilfully brings together some of Spawn’s most well known characters from three decades worth of comics into one book, and that’s worth the price of admission alone!

Publisher Image Comics

Script /Plot Sean Lewis / Tod McFarlane (Additional dialogue)

Art Stephen Segovia / Paulo Siqueira

Colors Ulises Arreola / Nikos Koutsis

Lettering Andworld Design

Covers & Variants Todd McFarlane / Puppeteer Lee / Brett Booth / Greg Capullo / Don Aguillo / Marc Silvestri / Ryan Stegman

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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

Gunslinger Spawn #1 Review

Tags

Brett Booth, Gunslinger, Gunslinger Spawn, Gunslinger Spawn #1, Gunslinger Spawn #1 Review, Image Comics, Spawn, Spawn Universe, TODD McFARLANE

Gunslinger Spawn #1

Review by Paul Bowler

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Gunslinger Spawn #1 marks the launch of Image Comics second new monthly title to spin out of Tod McFarlane’s SPAWN UNIVERSE. Jeremy Winston / Gunslinger Spawn is arguably one of the most popular characters to emerge from the Spawn mythology in recent times. This new ongoing title will chart Gunslinger Spawn’s adventures from his Wild West origins to being uncannily marooned in the 21st Century. But as Gunslinger explores the unfamiliar world of 2021 it isn’t  long before this past comes back to haunt him with a vengeance!

Much like Gunslinger Spawn himself Todd McFarlane has brought a veritable arsenal of talent along for the ride  to make this 57 page issue, which features one main story and three back-up stories all written by Todd McFarlane, with Ales Kot providing additional plot / script for A Small Gift. Brett Booth handles the art for the main story and Thomas Nachlik, Philip Tan and Kevin Kean are on the backup stories, with inks by Adelso Corona, colors by Andrew Dalhouse, Nikos Koutsis, Marcello Iozzoli, Marcelo Maiolo, and FCO Plascencia, and the entire issue is lettered by Tom Orzechowski.

Picking up after the dramatic events of Spawn’s Universe #1, Gunslinger Spawn #1 sees the Gunslinger hit the road after finding himself inexplicably stranded in the present-day. He soon encounters slacker teen Taylor Bartlett. The ensuing hijinks highlights Gunslinger’s fish-out-of-water predicament, as the hellish high-planes drifter wrestles with concepts like gasoline, Google, and his young companions wry sarcasm. However, when they discover Taylor’s father is conspiring with the forces of Heaven the Gunslinger must charge to the rescue with all guns blazing!

The back-up’s delve into the mystery of Gunslinger Spawn’s past and greatly adds to the narrative of the main story in modern-day times : “The Lynching” has Gunslinger on the trail of an outlaw in the Wild West, “Weapons” reveals an important secret about his trademark revolvers, and “A Small Gift” features an iconic staple of the Westerns genre, a moody showdown in a run-down saloon. 

The high anticipation for this comic has made Gunslinger Spawn #1 one of the biggest superhero launches in twenty-five years, and for the most part it manages to live up to all the hype. McFarlane has crafted an issue filled with fan-pleasing moments for the Gunslinger, especially his past, and also cleverly woven the narrative into the present-day to make it a fairly easy jumping on point for new readers.  The art is also right on the money, with Brett Booth’s art probably being the biggest draw, and his fantastic artwork is nicely complemented by Nachlik, Tan and Kean on the backup’s.

Gunslinger Spawn originally made his debut as a cameo in Spawn #119 (2002). The characters distinctive aesthetic made him an instant hit and his recent return (which transported  Gunslinger from the Wild West into the present), saw him fighting alongside Spawn in Spawn’s Universe #1, and paved the way for the debut of his own ongoing series. 

As first issues go Gunslinger Spawn #1 covers all the bases and sets the stage for a great new series. The dynamic between Gunslinger and Taylor is great as well. Out of the three new titles launching this year in Todd McFarlane’s new SPAWN UNIVERSE, Gunslinger Spawn was the one I was looking forward to the most, and I’m excited to see Gunslinger’s adventures — past and present — unfold in this great new series. 

Publisher Image Comics

Script / Plot Todd McFarlane

Additional Script / Plot Ales Kot 

Art Brett Booth, Thomas Nachlik, Philip Tan and Kevin Kean 

Inks Adelso Corona

Colors Andrew Dalhouse, Nikos Koutsis, Marcello Iozzoli, Marcelo Maiolo, and FCO Plascencia Lettere Tom Orzechowski

Cover Artists Todd McFarlane, Brett Booth, Greg Capullo, Jason Shawm Alexander, Robert Kirkman, Tonton Revolver

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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

King Spawn #1 Review

Tags

Gunslinger Spawn, Haunt, Image Comics, King Soawn, King's Spawn #1, Nightmare Spawn, TODD McFARLANE

King Spawn #1 Review

Review by Paul Bowler.

King Spawn #1 is a historic comic book event for Todd McFarlane’s Spawn – namely that this hotly anticipated issue marks the launch of the first new ongoing Spawn since the character  originally debuted in 1992. Nearly three decades in the making, Image Comics King Spawn #1 continues to expand on events from SPAWN’s UNIVERSE #1 as the forces of Hell, Heaven, and the Heroes all begin to assert their power and influence on Earth.

Sean Lewis and Todd McFarlane have crafted something of a horror noir themed anthology with King Spawn #1, which features a lead story and numerous back-up stories to make this giant sized issue extra special. 

The main storyline is a dark, sombre affair, which opens with a shocking attack, and the grim tone and bloodletting hardly lets up from there. Its a story more akin to a supernatural detective thriller really, with Spawn investigating a gruesome trail of murderous carnage, and utilising the resources of his allies to hunt down a mysterious killer via a list that holds the name of every Shadow Player – the Demons and Angels hiding in human skins on Earth – but it seems there even darker forces waiting in the wings. This gripping opening story is beautifully illustrated by Javi Fernandez with colors by FCO Plascencia. From the ominous rainswept graveyard scene to a vengeful Spawn’s grim quest around the city to uncover answers to the heinous series of murders, Fernandez and FCO dynamically render this atmospheric saga in exquisite detail, with striking visuals, dynamic page layouts, and rich colors throughout. The cliffhanger sets up some intriguing possibilities that will no doubt shape and influence the new Spawn Universe in the months ahead.

Haunt, the first back-up story, is drawn by Stephen Segovia. Its a good little story that serves as a reminder of Haunt’s abilities, along with the dynamic with his ghostly brother, and it sets up a mission Haunt must undertake to save himself after he’s fallen in love. Marcio Takara handles the art for Nightmare, a decidedly bloody and gory interlude with Nightmare Spawn, a great looking character with a truly monstrous personality. Then we have The Hero illustrated by Philip Tan, its a nerve jangling tale of terror with a surprise twist in the tale, and it will be interesting to see where this character goes next. Finally we have Gunslinger, drawn by Brett Booth which of course focuses on Gunslinger Spawn. Its a great tale about the fate that befell the Gunslinger, how revenge consumed him, and where that same fate has inexplicably placed him now. 

Rounding off this amazing first issue of King Spawn is an interview with Sean Lewis by Todd McFarlane that provides even greater insight into this new era for Spawn. The hype and anticipation around King Spawn has been phenomenal and its sure to be a huge hit. I’m pleased to say that this issue more than lived up to the hype, and its also a fairly good jumping on point for new readers as well. This reviews a tad late as I’ve been off for most of August enjoying a summer break with my family. I’ve been really looking forward to getting King Spawn #1, so I thought it’d be a good issue for me to cover and get back into my reviewing groove again. I even treated myself to a couple of the variants as well, and I’m really excited to see what the Spawn Universe will bring — especially Gunslinger Spawn in October!

Publisher Image Comics

Script / Plot Sean Lewis / Todd McFarlane (additional dialogue) King Spawn

Art Javi Fernandez (King Spawn), Stephen Segovia (Haunt),

Marcio Takara (Nightmare), Philip Tan (The Hero), Brett Booth (Gunslinger).

Inkers Adelso Corona & Danniel Henriques / Colors FCO Plascencia (King Spawn)

Additional Colors Andrew Dalhouse, Marcelo Maiolo,

Peter Steigerwald, Dave McCaig

Lettering Andworld Design (King Spawn), Tom Orzechowski

Cover Artists Todd McFarlane, Puppeteer Lee, David Finch, Sean Gordon Murphy, Brett Booth (inked by McFarlane), Greg Capullo (inked by McFarlane), Donny Cates (inked by McFarlane).

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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

SPAWN #318 Review

Tags

Gunslinger Spawn, Image Comics, Medieval Spawn, Omega Spawn, Plague Spawn, She-Spawn, Spawn, Spawn #318, Spawn #318 Review, Spawn's Universe #1, Spawn-Verse, Tod McFarlane

Spawn #318

Review by Paul Bowler

The cusp of a new era beckons with Spawn #318 as Tod McFarlane’s ambitious plan to expand the Spawn universe is set in motion. Everything that McFarlane has established since Spawn #300 has acted as a catalyst of sorts to prepare for this moment, and Spawn #318 diligently prepares the ground work for the debut of the new Spawn Universe with a special one-shot in June before Spawn’s world gets even bigger with the launch of three new monthly titles later in 2021.

Spawn #318 follows on directly from the titanic showdown on the island between Spawn, Medieval Spawn, Plague Spawn, and their dreaded adversary — the hulking Omega Spawn! As the dust settles over that battle Medieval Spawn helps the weakened Spawn return to his hideout so he can recover his strength. While the action is somewhat low-key McFarlane makes up for it with a wealth of strong characterisation as She-Spawn confronts Medieval Spawn, while Spawn tries to assess everything that happened on the island and deduce where all the new Hell Spawn’s originated from. There’s also the burning question of why Medieval Spawn has suddenly allied himself with Spawn after they’d previously been at each others throats to address, and the discovery of Marc’s unsettling blackout while Spawn was busy fighting Omega Spawn on the island adds another compelling mystery into the mix as well.

The art by Carlo Barber brings a stylised revamp to the whole look of Spawn’s world, one that harkens back to the original look of the series, but with a dynamic modern slant. Barber puts the characters front and centre, utilising every nuance of the exposition heavy plot to craft some intense character defining moments, with Jay David Ramos and Andrew Dalhouse colors brining vibrant clarity to each scene, and the result is an issue that’s every bit as engrossing to look at as it is to read.

Although its practically all set-up for what’s to come, Spawn #318’s powerful narrative and compelling story makes it must for fans and a relatively good jumping on point for new readers as well. Its 28 years since Spawn was unleashed on world by Tod McFarlane during that first year of Image Comics formation. The character has been an unparalleled success and is still going strong. So much so that McFarlane’s vision is now finally branching out with the launch of a new shared Spawn universe, kicking off in June with the hotly anticipated one-shot Spawn’s Universe #1, followed by three new ongoing titles, with King Spawn (starting in August) that will be a companion book to the original Spawn series, then in October we have Gunslinger Spawn #1, and finally a super-hero team book The Scorched in December.  2021 is certainly proving to be a big year for Spawn and Image Comics with the debut of the Spawn-Verse, there’s so much to look forward to, and I’m really excited to see how it all develops — especially Gunslinger Spawn with its tales of both a modern day and western era Gunslinger character!

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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

Publisher Image Comics

Writer Tod McFarlane

Art Carlo Barber / Colors Jay David Ramos & Andrew Dalhouse

Lettering Tom Orzechowski

Cover Artists Tod McFarlane, Bjorn Barends, Tonton Revolver

The Walking Dead #173 Review

Tags

Alexandria, Charlie Adlard, comics, Dwight, Dwight The Walking Dead, Image Comcis, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, The Hilltop, The Kingdom, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #173, The Walking Dead #173 review, The Walking Dead All Out War, The Walking Dead Jesus, The Walking Dead Princess, The Walking Dead season 8, The Whisperers, TWD, Walker herd, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #173

Review by Paul Bowler

Twilight confrontations and a major new threat rises in The Walking Dead #173 as Jesus fights for his life and Michonne’s team head for Ohio. While the eighth season of the Walking Dead is going all-out for the All Out War storyline on TV right now, the character in the Image comic book series are still picking up the pieces after The Whisperer War – the Walker skin wearing group that unleashed a Walker herd on Alexandria and razed the Hilltop to the ground!

So, with Rick devastated by Andrea’s death after she was bitten by a Walker and Dwight still doubting his role at either Alexandria or the Saviors Sanctuary, last issues cliff-hanger which saw Jesus and Aaron set off to help with the rebuilding of the Hilltop – only to be ambushed by the hulking Whisperer leader Beta – finally seemed to herald a resurgences in hostilities with the Whisperers. However, although The Walking Dead #173 does deliver an edge of your seat face-off between Jesus and Beta, the resolution proves to be somewhat surprising to say the least!

Kirkman manages to keep the plot moving along at a brisk pace. There’s some great character moments for Jesus and Aaron, Maggie is still coming to terms with Rick’s decision to let Negan remain free after he helped them during the attack on Alexandria in The Whisperer War, and Carl and Lydia’s rekindled relationship back at the Hilltop is tested when Lydia begins to feel jealous about Carl’s friendship with Sophia.

The art by Charlie Adlard, together with inks by Stefano Gaudiano, and gray tones by Cliff Rathburn, are on fine form as ever. In the no-holds-barred fight between Jesus and Beta, every nerve jangling moment plays out in a flurry of fists, kicks, blades, and bullets. The quieter character moments skilfully punctuate the action, while the starkly rendered and uncluttered page layouts seamlessly relays the action and various locations – no mean feat considering how a lot of events in this issue take place in almost pitch black darkness.

For the most part, Robert Kirkman has dealt with the aftermath of The Whisperer War adequately enough, but things have felt like they’ve been coasting a bit for a few issues. It seems the resurgence of the Whispers might not be in the offing after all, especially if the encounters with them in this issue are anything to go by. Hopefully we will also find out more about the group Eugune made contact with on his radio soon as well, but will they be friends, or foes?

Meanwhile, during their trek to Ohio, Michonne’s group encountered Princesss, a feisty new spear wielding character who has already proved her worth by fighting alongside them against Walkers. I must admit, although I found Princess a bit grating initially, the character brings some vibrant new traits into the group, and it’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the survivors react to her. That is, if they survive that long as this issue sees Princess, Michonne and her team confronted by an unknown threat in a particularly eerie setting.

With its strong characterization from writer Robert Kirkman and great art by Charlie Adlard, The Walking Dead #173 is a good overall issue. It feels more like a scene setter really, with characters and situations settling into place, and now with the New World Order story-arc on the horizon there is a real sense that big game-changing events are on the cards.

Publisher: Image.

Writer: Robert Kirkman / Pencils & Cover: Charlie Adlard / Inks: Stefano Gaudiano

Gray Tone: Cliff Rathburn / Letterer: Rus Wooton / Cover Colors: Dave Stewart

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Reyn #10 Review

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Aurora mistress of Light, comics, Image Comics, Kel Symons, Nate Stockman, Pat Brosseau, Paul Little, Reyn, Reyn #10, Reyn #10 review, Reyn Vol 1 Warden of Fate, Reyn Vol 2, Seph, The Followers of Teck, The Land of Fate, The Venn

Reyn #10

Review by Paul Bowler

The sublime blend of sci-fi action and magical fantasy adventure continues in Reyn #10, where following a furious battle against his enemies, Reyn has now been fatally wounded after his mission to rescue Seph from the Venn stronghold. Seph brings the last Warden of Fate to his spirit guide Aurora mistress of light – the invisible entity that normally only Reyn can see and hear – who begins to tell Seph of Reyn’s origins…

Reyn #10 delves into the mysteries and secrets of Reyn’s past, as the Image Comics sci-fi fantasy series, written by Kel Symons (The Mercenary Sea), with art by Nate Stockman, colors by Paul Little, and lettering and Design by Pat Brosseau, explores the uncanny mythical and technological legacy of his creation and role in the Land of Fate!

Writer Kel Symons has crafted an intricately detailed world with this series. After the shock revelations that the Land of Fate was really an artificial environment on one of three huge space arks used to evacuate the world before a catastrophe overtook the sun, along with how the Venn’s involvement caused the Great Cataclysm and influenced events on board, Reyn risked life and limb – quite literally – to rescue Seph from the Venn stronghold in the Rift, but the price was catastrophically high for Reyn! Now, as Seph struggles to cope with the full extent of Reyn’s injuries, Aurora finally reveals the shocking truth of who Reyn really is.

This final issue follows Seph’s arduous journey to help her fallen comrade. It’s a voyage that takes her across the Land of Fate, with only Aurora to guide her, and once their final destination is reached he pieces of the puzzle slowly begin to fall into place. Kel Symons brings all the threads of this magical fable together with assured skill, mixing high drama, adventure, and humour as the history of the Land of Fate gradually unfolds. Aurora’s character has been one of the most delightfully quirky highlights of this series, for the most part Reyn has been the only one who could speak to her, but now that Aurora and Seph must work together to save Reyn, this issue finally reveals just how crucial Aurora’s role has been to ensuring the legacy of The Wardens of Fate continues. Seph’s relationship with Reyn is also a key factor to some pretty major events here as well, especially when she is faced with a heartrending choice that will ultimately decide Reyn’s fate.

Reyn #10 is without doubt the pinnacle of Nate Stockman’s excellent work on this Image Comics series. Stockman’s incredible visuals have made every issue of Symons’ sci-fi / fantasy saga a joy to read, now the culmination of that epic adventure plays out in Reyn #10 as the storylines converge with Reyn’s, Seph’s, and Aurora’s destinies in the most sublime way imaginable. Nate Stockman brilliantly conveys Seph’s lonely journey across the Land of Fate, past events and the arrival of the Venn are relayed in vivid detail, and Reyn’s true beginnings gradually become clear in via striking blend of fantasy, monsters, and advanced technology. Paul Little’s colors are as lavish and vibrant as ever, and the lettering and Design by Pat Brosseau is exquisite.

Everything is resolved in a way that is both completely indicative and as bold as we’ve come to expect from this outstanding sci-fi / fantasy series. Kel Symons concludes the story arc with a wondrous, perfectly staged coda, and Nate Stockman rounds everything off with a beautiful final page is simply breathtaking.

Reyn was one of the most enjoyable new titles I had the pleasure of reviewing in 2015. Yes, I’m a bit late with this review of the final issue, but now that the trade collections of Reyn Vol 1: Warden of Fate and Reyn Vol 2 are both available, I though it would be a good time remind you all just how great this series was. Reyn was envisioned as a 10 issue storyline, but who knows, if the trades do well, maybe we will see more adventures featuring Reyn and Seph in the Land of Fate one day? Either way, the story ends on a high note, Kel Symons, Nate Stockman, Paul Little, and Pat Brosseau did some amazing work on this series, and I’d certainly recommend checking out the Reyn trade collections if you can – you won’t regret it.

Publisher: Image / Writer: Kel Symons / Art: Nate Stockman

Colors: Paul Little / Lettering and Design: Pat Brosseau

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