GUNSLINGER SPAWN #24, from Image Comics on 9/20/23, puts Javi’s participation in the Heaven/Hell War on hold to get back to the business of eradicating everyone responsible for his sister’s death.
The Details
- Written by: Todd McFarlane
- Art by: Brett Booth, Adelso Corona
- Colors by: Ivan Nunes
- Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
- Cover art by: Mike Deodato
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $2.99
- Release date: September 20, 2023
Is GUNSLINGER SPAWN #24 Good?
GunSlinger Spawn #24 oddly puts the Heaven/Hell War on the back burner but serves as an excellent primer for new readers who want to know all you need to know about Spawn from the Old West. Todd McFarlane’s latest chapter puts a detective hat on Javi and infuses him with Batman-style tracking to make Javi the star of his title once again.
When last we left Javi, he fought Clown to a standstill (almost), but the two parted ways when they decided they had more pressing matters to attend to, namely stopping Cogliostro, aka Sinn, from claiming the Throne to Hel. Now, Javi abandons an ailing Taylor to the Great Shaman’s care while he tracks down Cazasey Winston through his thugs who traveled with him through time rip. The trail leads to a desperate mother helping Casey’s men in exchange for cash to help her sick child.
Admittedly, the timing disconnect is odd. The Heaven/Hell War is escalating, and in other titles, Spawn recruits his allies, including GunSlinger Spawn, to help in the fight, but here, Javi is off doing his own thing. In other words, the timing feels off. Sure, the title is allowed to stand on its own, but if you’re following all the Spawn titles, the disconnect is confusing when you look at the titles holistically. That said, the disconnect is not reflected in the score since the integration of titles is something happening outside of this specific issue.
What’s great about GUNSLINGER SPAWN #24? McFarlane gets to show off Javi as a bonafide badass. You see Javi handle one of Casey’s henchmen with brutal efficiency, you get a look at a creative use of Ecto power applied to one of Javi’s little raptor friends in a cool transformation, and you get a good taste of the moral compass that rests with the anti-hero. Again, this issue acts as a strong primer about the character for new readers.
What’s not so great about GUNSLINGER SPAWN #24? Oy! The grammar and spelling mistakes are painful, especially in the first third of the issue. Once you get past it, the reading experience is fine, but it’s like driving on a road littered with potholes. Grammarly is free, Todd McFarlane.
How’s the art? Fantastic. Say what you will about the odd timing of the issue or the editing mistakes, but this book contains top-notch visuals. Truly, Brett Booth is turning in unapproachable work, which is a steal for the cover price.
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What’s GUNSLINGER SPAWN #24 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our GUNSLINGER SPAWN #23 review to find out how Javi’s conflict with Clown ended.
We begin with a brief prologue explaining Taylor’s ailment and how the angelic aspect of his bloodline is killing him. Javi feels his need for revenge was on hold for too long, so he consigns Taylor to the Great Shaman’s care, despite the healer’s objections.
Later, Javi tracks down one of Casey’s goons, who makes a deal with a desperate woman named Sharon. She needs money for her sick child, and the goon is willing to offer her the money she needs if she convinces her boyfriend, Thomas, to join Casey’s men. Javi intervenes in the agreement when the goon gives Sharon the locket that once belonged to Javi’s sister as payment.
We conclude the issue with eight fingers, an exchange, and a gift.
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Final Thoughts
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GUNSLINGER SPAWN #24 sends Javi on a mission of revenge and mercy when he picks up his quest to kill Casey Winston. New readers will find this issue an excellent primer about the Old West Spawn, and the art is the best you’ll find in any comic this week.
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