GUNSLINGER SPAWN #31, by Image Comics on 5/8/24, finds Javi and Linda sharing their opinions about family and revenge when Javi reaches out to Waya for a healing touch.
Credits:
- Writer: Todd McFarlane
- Artist: Carlo Barberi
- Colorist: Ivan Nunes
- Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
- Cover Artist: Francesco Mattina (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: May 8, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $2.99
- Page Count: 29
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of GUNSLINGER SPAWN #31:
Plot Analysis:
Todd McFarlane continues Javi’s odd couple adventure when he shares a scrubbed version of his life’s story with Linda, the cleaning lady, as they prepare to get Javi some much-needed medical attention and pay a visit to the McKinnon family bank.
When last we left Javi, aka GunSlinger Spawn in GunSlinger Spawn #30, his road trip with Linda, the cleaning lady, led to a small town on their way to Gettysburg. When Linda went into the local pharmacy for medical supplies, Javi was accosted by a group of local bullies. Even without his powers, the thugs were no match for GunSlinger Spawn. The issue ended with Javi asking Linda to stop the car when he spotted a familiar business name.
In GunSlinger Spawn #31, Javi shares the high-level details of his grudge against the McKinnon family, starting with a flashback to a killing spree in the past before Javi was time-jumped to the present. During the gunfight, Javi gunned down several of McKinnon’s men before he was ambushed in a hotel room.
Now, Linda takes Javi to see Waya, the Shaman, for magical healing. Waya does his work well, but Javi is angered when he learns Taylor, previously left in Waya’s care, decided to take off. Javi and Waya argue over responsibility for Taylor, but neither has leads.
Later, Javi and Linda discuss what they would and wouldn’t be willing to do if somebody harmed one of their family members. The two decide they’re on opposite sides of that question. The issue ends with Javi and Linda paying a visit to the McKinnon bank, and it’s probably not to set up a checking account.
Character Development:
There is a mild amount of action in this issue, primarily during the flashback, so the lion’s share of the pages are focused on the conversations between Javi, Linda, and Waya. In effect, this issue is a character piece that gets you in Javi’s head to demystify his attitudes and motivations for tracking down his sister’s killers.
Artwork and Presentation:
Carlo Barberi’s artwork is gorgeous. Honestly, you couldn’t ask for a better penciler/inker to bring GunSlinger to life with hard-hitting action beats and quiet, soulful moments that hit just as hard. Barberi is a Grade-A pick for this title.
Art Samples:
Pacing and Structure:
McFarlane’s pacing is on point as each scene delivers a steady mix of useful information, emotional stakes, and motivation to move Javi forward on his journey. Despite the abundance of conversation scenes, you never feel like the comic slows down.
The plot, however, is a bit thin. At a macro level, this issue boils down to one action-packed flashback and three conversations. Javi’s quest to track down Amy’s killers does move forward a bit, but certainly not by leaps and bounds.
Thematic Exploration:
Thematically, this issue is all about the central question, “What would you do if somebody hurt your family, whether you loved them or not?” McFarlane makes that theme clear from the onset and continues to reinforce it every step of the way.
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
Within the greater Spawnverse, Javi loses his powers after Nyx ascends to the Throne of Hell like everyone else, but this issue barely takes those events into account. Yes, Javi is powerless, and his body hasn’t fully recovered from his fight with an Angel, but his injuries serve as an inconvenience at most.
Final Thoughts:
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GUNSLINGER SPAWN #31 gets into the heart and mind of Javi as Linda helps him get healing and supplies for the next step of his revenge quest. McFarlane does a solid job of sticking to the theme of revenge, and Barberi’s art is phenomenal.
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