GUNSLINGER SPAWN #34 – New Comic Review

GUNSLINGER SPAWN #34, by Image Comics on 8/7/24, finds Javi in police and hospital custody after last issue’s shootout. Meanwhile, Linda makes her way to Waya the Shaman.

Credits:

• Writer: Todd McFarlane
• Artist: Carlo Barberi
• Colorist: Ivan Nunes
• Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
• Cover Artist: Von Randal (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: August 7, 2024
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $2.99
• Page Count: 28
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

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Analysis of GUNSLINGER SPAWN #34:

First Impressions:

There won’t be much meat to this review because there isn’t much meat to GunSlinger Spawn #34. Todd McFarlane examines the aftermath of the shootout at the motel where Linda and Javi were staying, but that’s about all. However, a flashback to Javi’s original timeline offers a glimmer of something new.

Plot Analysis:

Previously in GunSlinger Spawn #33, Javi sought out an old friend to heal himself, and he discovered a new ally in the process. When his quest ran afoul of the police, Javi fled the scene of the crime, but his motel caved in on him, trapping him in the debris.

In GunsSlinger Spawn #34, the police keep the press at bay while Javi is carted off in an ambulance to the nearest hospital. The police are increasingly mystified by Javi’s belongings, especially when they find more weapons than anyone would reasonably carry and at least one pistol made by a gun manufacturer that went out of business a century ago.

Here, Todd McFarlane gives readers a close-up look at Javi and his gear from an outsider’s perspective. Readers may take it for granted that Javi is always armed and ready for action, but you don’t necessarily appreciate the weight of his preparedness until you see a pile of weapons on a desk.

Elsewhere, Javi’s fiery horse, carrying Linda’s unconscious body, finds its way to Waya the Shaman. Linda is brought inside to rest. When she wakes up, she has little memory of what happened. Waya gives Linda something soothing to drink and begins (possibly) to explain the true nature of the GunSlinger Spawn to Linda.

To this point, Linda thinks of Javi as a weird, crazy person. We may finally put that misunderstanding to rest if Waya spills the beans on Javi, but we won’t know that outcome until the next issue.

We conclude the issue with the shocking reveal of many scars and one of Javi’s first hunts that turns out to be a winged trap.

Overall, GunSlinger Spawn is a decent issue designed to set up future developments, but the plot movement is practically non-existent. If you don’t like breather issues to level-set, skip it.

Artwork and Presentation:

Carlo Barberi’s artwork looks great in this issue. Since there’s not much happening on any level, Barberi can take his time adding small details and nuance to every panel, which he does in full.

Art Samples:

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The Bigger Picture:

Series Continuity:

Of the multitude of Spawnverse titles, GunSlinger Spawn is one that concerns itself the least with the fallout from the Heaven/Hell War. Javi loses his powers, just like every other Spawn, but he treats his predicament as a minor hindrance and continues forward to his revenge quest.

Final Thoughts:

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GUNSLINGER SPAWN #34 looks great and brings new readers up to speed on Javi’s predicament after the police shootout, but it’s fair to say nothing happens in this issue. Todd McFarlane cranks out a breather issue in every sense of the phrase, but at least you see top-quality art from Carlo Barberi.

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