King Spawn #1 Review

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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

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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

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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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Reyn #9 Review

Tags

comics, Followers of Teck, Image Comics, Kel Symons, Nate Stockman, Pat Brosseau, Paul Little, Reyn, Seph, The Land of Fate, The Venn

Reyn #9

Review by Paul Bowler

The swords, sci-fi, and fantasy adventures continue in Reyn #9, as the last Warden of Fate, Reyn, embarks on a mission to rescue Seph from the clutches of the evil Venn – but at what cost? When the Followers of Teck broke into the Venn stronghold in the Rift, they discovered the truth about the Land of Fate. With Seph captured, her father dead, Reyn and the Followers of Teck barely escaped with the lives. After helping sabotage a Venn energy cell, Reyn seemingly turned against his friends. Ignoring the advice of his spirit guide Aurora mistress of Light – the unseen entity who only Reyn can see and hear – Reyn set out with the igniter component, determined to get Seph back, but as the past begins to unfold a terrible secret emerges…

Reyn #9 continues to build on the startling revelations about the Land of Fate, as this 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, finds Reyn betraying his allies and going it alone to rescue Seph – but to save her he will have to trade the vital component the Venn need to complete their plan.

Discovering that the Land of Fate was in reality is a habitat on board one of three giant space arks used to evacuate the world before a great catastrophe consumed the sun in Reyn #6, effectively turned this series and its premise on its head, and forced all the characters to revaluate everything they once knew as reality. Kel Symons has crafted a magnificent storyline and Reyn #9 is arguably his finest issue yet, as events take another dramatic and highly unexpected turn after Seph finds herself a prisoner in the Venn Stronghold. When she is brought before the Venn leader, we finally begin to learn more about this strange amphibian-looking warrior race, and how their presence has influenced the development of the Land of Fate.

Nate Stockman’s art for Reyn #9 is a tour-de-force of epic visuals which beautifully brings Symons’ innovative sci-fi / fantasy saga to life, as the Venn’s story unfolds; and the great cataclysm of events that follow their arrival lifts the series to even greater heights as the pieces of the past gradually begin to fall into place. The colors by Paul Little are rich and vibrant, cold metallic hues in the Venn stronghold contrasting strongly with the vivid tones used in the flashbacks, and the lettering and Design by Pat Brosseau is as excellent as ever.

A thunderous stamped, together with a tense stand-off between Reyn and the Venn, steers this issue towards a brutal and violent climax. Indeed, while not quiet the betrayal we believed, Reyn’s plan is still fraught with danger. Reyn is determined to get Seph back, and in the bloody carnage which follows the Venn face the full fury of the Warden of Fate, not everyone will make it out unscathed, and a shocking truth will be revealed…

The main thing I like about this Image Comics series is how Kel Symons always keeps us on our toes. Just when you think you know what to expect, even with all the revelations about the Venn and their role in events, Reyn #9 delivers what is perhaps the series’ biggest surprise so far, and it’s one that’s sure to be a major turning point for the series. Reyn #9 is another fantastic issue, with Kel Symons exciting storyline, and the fantastic artwork by Nate Stockman, this Image Comics series continues to go from strength to strength, and after reading this action-packed issue I simply cannot wait to see what happens next. Brilliant!

Publisher: Image

Writer: Kel Symons

Art: Nate Stockman

Colors: Paul Little

Lettering and Design: Pat Brosseau

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Reyn #6 Review

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comics, Followers of Teck, Image Comics, Kel Symons, Nate Stockman, Pat Brosseau, Paul Little, Reyn, Reyn #6, Reyn #6 review, Reyn Vol 1, Seph, The Land of Fate, Venn, Warden of Fate

Reyn #6

Review by Paul Bowler

Having braved the depths of the Rift and infiltrated the Venn stronghold, Reyn, Seph, and the Followers of Teck uncovered the startling truth about the Land of Fate. Now in Reyn #6 the secret history of their fabled world is revealed at last. Reyn and Seph must learn to deal with the new reality they now face, but time is a luxury they don’t have, the Venn are readying their forces to attack, and soon tragedy will strike…

Reyn #6 expands the grand scope and scale of the Land of Fate like never before as this Image Comics 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, sees Reyn, Seph, and their allies confronting the out-of-this-world revelations that have turned all of their lives upside down and shattered everything they once believed in.

Following on from last issues Swords and Sorcery / Sci-Fi infused game changing cliff-hanger ending, Reyn #6 keeps the shocks and surprises coming for Reyn and Seph as the hidden past of the mysterious Land of Fate becomes inexorably entwined with the present. Kel Symons continues to build the suspense, Seph’s father, Adon, faces some difficult questions which even he cannot fully answer, and even Reyn’s ethereal guide Aurora mistress of Light, is unsure how to explain what the Warden of Fate is actually seeing. However, once everyone calms down and the initial shock of what their true world is subsides, its Reyn’s common sense approach and wry outlook that get things back on track. Soon the full extent of the great cataclysm becomes clear, as the past unlocks the salvation of humanity and a mission tinged with hope, destiny, and fate…

Nate Stockman’s artwork makes this issue an absolute joy to behold. The Sci-Fi and Fantasy elements all fuse seamlessly together with Symons intricate narrative to bring a whole new aspect to Reyn’s world. From the spectacular views into the great beyond past the view-port, to the moments of tension between the characters, it is the spectacular way Stockman illustrates the great cataclysm itself that really earmarks this issue as something very special indeed. The sheer attention to detail and depth of storytelling in these sequences are breathtaking. Paul Little’s colors are excellent as well, bold and vibrant, every beat of the story is captured impeccably, and the lettering and Design by Pat Brosseau is also as exceptional as ever.

This issue concludes as the Venn begin their attack, the battle is furious, and a terrible loss will be suffered. Reyn #6 is another really exciting issue, it gets the new story-arc off to a great start, there are some interesting character and plot developments along the way, and the ending is certainly one of the series’ most shocking so far! Reyn #6 continue to impress with every issue, with its terrific story by Kel Symons and superb art by Nate Stockman, this sci-fi embellished fantasy adventure series is certainly one that I would highly recommended, don‘t miss it! Oh, be sure to check out the superb Reyn Vol 1: Warden of Fate Trade-Paperback (collecting issues 1-5) which is also available now, perfect for fans of the series and for new readers to catch up with Reyn’s adventures.

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