GUNSLINGER SPAWN #27, by Image Comics on 12/27/23, finds Javi running into an old acquaintance from the past with story to tell and a heck of a lot of upgrades.
The Details
- Written by: Todd McFarlane
- Art by: Dexter Soy
- Colors by: Ivan Nunes
- Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
- Cover art by: Federico Sabbatini (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $2.99
- Release date: December 17, 2023
Is GUNSLINGER SPAWN #27 Good?
Short, sweet, and to the point. Todd McFarlane uses GUNSLINGER SPAWN #27 to introduce readers to a new GunSlinger Spawn ally (or is he?) with a mysterious background and more than a few curious enhancements.
McFarlane’s tale centers on the big guy who just shot GunSlinger Spawn off his motorcycle, Carl. It turns out Javi saved Carl from unsavory roughnecks loyal to the South back in the Old West days, and we get the long story about how Javi and Carl first met. Could Carl be a promising ally in Javi’s hunt for Cliff Truman?
If it wasn’t obvious, the entire issue, except for the prologue and epilogue, is dedicated to recounting Carl and Javi’s first meeting. How or why Carl is still alive after 160 years isn’t explained yet, but the explanation should be memorable.
What’s great about GUNSLINGER SPAWN #27? At first glance, Carl has the makings of a powerful side character in the GunSlinger mythology. The mystery surrounding Carl’s longevity and upgrades is an interesting enough hook to want to know more.
What’s not so great about GUNSLINGER SPAWN #27? McFarlane’s flashback to describe the circumstances of Javi and Carl’s first meeting is almost too detailed because it doesn’t leave room for much else. The flashback could have been pared down by several pages to give room for Carl’s present circumstance. On the one hand, McFarlane invests in building out Carl’s background, but it’s not clear if that background is strong enough to crowd out the present.
How’s the art? Dexter Soy’s art style is achingly good. Every panel explodes with rich, detailed inks to demand your attention. It would behoove McFarlane to keep Soy on the series as long as possible.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s GUNSLINGER SPAWN #27 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our GUNSLINGER SPAWN #26 review to find out how Carl knocked Javi off his hog.
We begin with Carl helping Javi up after knocking him off his motorcycle. It takes a second, but Javi eventually recognizes Carl underneath the big gun and cybernetic padding. Their greeting is cordial after the accidental run-in, and Carl recalls in a flashback how the two first met.
160 years ago, Carl was a hunter tracking a bear through the woods. The trail led Carl to stumble upon a camp of men loyal to the Confederate South. When a guard spots Carl, he’s captured and beaten for information.
The camp leader isn’t satisfied with Carl’s answers, so he brings out a rope. We conclude the issue with dragging, stabbing, and running.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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GUNSLINGER SPAWN #27 is a gorgeously drawn, mysterious introduction to the latest addition to GunSlinger Spawn’s cast of characters. McFarlane puts in extra effort to develop Carl’s backstory, and Dexter Soy’s art is mesmerizing. That said, Carl’s flashback takes up the entire issue without answering where he came from or what he wants.
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