GUNSLINGER SPAWN #21, from Image Comics on 6/14/23, wonders aloud how the Cowboy and his friends wound up in the middle of a battle between dinosaurs and demons from Hell.
The Details
- Written by: Todd McFarlane
- Art by: Brett Booth, Adelso Corona
- Colors by: Ivan Nunes
- Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
- Cover art by: Chris Stevens (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $2.99
- Release date: June 14, 2023
Is It Good?
GUNSLINGER SPAWN #21 is a rollercoaster ride of action and pacing, purpose-built to get new readers up to speed and satisfy existing readers with plenty of dino-rific action. Hang on to your holsters ’cause it’s going to be a wild ride.
Tood Mc Farlane’s script takes an up-down-up approach to storytelling by starting with a big bang, then settling into relationship-building and exposition phase in the middle, and then climbing right back up to action-packed dramatics. Centering on a second battle between Gunslinger Spawn and the Clown, McFarlane walks readers through the start of the battle before pausing for an extended flashback where Taylor, Dakota, and the Cowboy get to know each other better. The meaty middle helps readers learn about the characters, how they see each other, what motivates them, and how they intend to work together in the coming battle. To say their alliance is uneasy would be a massive understatement, and it’s that interpersonal conflict that gives this issue enough dramatic juice to hold your attention.
That dramatic tension created by the interpersonal conflicts is where McFarlane’s script shines the most. Few things make a team more interesting than a team that doesn’t fully get along because the specter of mistakes, sabotage, and backstabbing maintains tension, even in quiet moments. A team wherein everyone is happy and frictionless friends is just not that interesting.
The minor down point of the issue is the lack of progress in the main plot. Most of the issue is taken up with the relationship-building flashback. So while the character work is excellent, this issue almost feels like a breather issue. The plot’s momentum takes a nosedive.
How’s the art? It’s spectacular. Brett Botth’s pencils, coupled with Adelso Corona’s inks, are a feast for the eyes. It’s amazing how the Spawn titles have maintained such high quality in the art department since 1992. Every dinosaur, every gesture, and every background looks fantastic.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with an “I bet you’re wondering how we got here” introduction where Gunslinger Spawn, Taylor, Dakota, and an army of dinosaurs are witnessed, mid-battle, fighting off Clown, Vindicator, and an army of mini-clowns.
The scene shifts to a flashback 96 minutes in the past where Taylor is fretting over whether or not he trusts Dakota to go along with her attack plan. The conversation gets heated, and Taylor’s demand for answers about each character’s intentions leads to plenty of organically-delivered introductions for readers to get to know all the players. Ultimately, Taylor agrees it’s in his own best interest to help Dakota in her charge against her father, the Clown.
We conclude the issue by watching them grow in water, a confrontation, and the battle is joined.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
GUNSLINGER SPAWN #21 sets up a climactic battle between demons from Hell and dinosaurs(?), and it looks even cooler than it sounds. That said, this issue feels like a breather to build the relationship between Dakota, Taylor, and the Cowboy, which is a good jumping-on point for new readers but a momentum killer for existing readers.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.