GUNSLINGER SPAWN #38, by Image Comics on 12/4/24, finds Javi and Monolith bringing each other up to speed when Monolith plies Javi for a lead on Cogliostro’s whereabouts.
Credits:
- Writer: Todd McFarlane
- Artist: Carlo Barberi
- Colorist: Ivan Nunes
- Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
- Cover Artist: Don Aguillo (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: December 4, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover Price: $2.99
- Page Count: 28
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of GUNSLINGER SPAWN #38:
First Impressions:
Sometimes, a single moment in a comic makes all the difference. Writer Todd McFarlane gives you that moment on the last page with an “Oh, Snap!” so this issue doesn’t tell loyal readers much, but that moment is a big signal that the waiting is finally over. Read on.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left Javi in GunSlinger Spawn #37, Javi maintained his secret in police custody just long enough for his “father’s” lawyer to arrange transport to a prison where he’ll be well-protected. Meanwhile, Linda learns she has been publicly named as an accomplice in the police killings. The issue ended with Monolith intercepting the prison bus and taking Javi away.
In GunSlinger Spawn #38, we begin with Monolith and Javi engaged in a quid pro quo. Monolith eagerly wants to know where to find Cogliostro, woefully unaware that Cogliostro has upgraded to become Sinn. Javi gives Monolith the short version of the tale and asks for an explanation about Monolith’s form and abilities since everyone is still powerless. Monolith doesn’t know for sure, but he suspects it may have to do with being an alien.
Well, yes. Monolith’s retained power is a confusing detail, but the suggestion that he isn’t affected by the Dead Zone covering Earth because he isn’t from Earth opens the door for lots of exploration. Is the Earth vulnerable to an alien invasion? Are Heaven and Hell specific to Earth? Does every planet have its own version? That one tidbit plants a hugely intriguing seed.
Javi and Monolith eventually figure out that neither knows where Cogliostro/Sinn can be found, but Javi believes Spawn might know. Unfortunately, Javi doesn’t know where to find Spawn, so Monolith grabs Javi and leaps back to the prison bus since he’s useless for the behemoth’s search.
Talk about a big jerk! On the one hand, Javi’s ad hoc prison break inserts an interesting break in the flow of the plot, but the fact that the scene goes nowhere except to give Monolith a reason to seek out Spawn is a letdown.
When Monolith drops off Javi in the woods close to the crushed prison bus, the police dogs brought in to find missing prisoners immediately pick up Javi’s scent. Monolith leaps away to pursue his own goals, leaving Javi to race into the woods to avoid capture.
The issue ends with the police dogs and police eventually catching up to Javi… just as his powers return.
Overall, GunSlinger Spawn has a wonky narrative flow and doesn’t accomplish much in the issue itself, but the nuggets of knowledge and the last-minute swerve are worth their weight in gold. Now, it’s up to McFarlane to capitalize on it.
Artwork and Presentation:
Carlo Barberi’s artwork and presentation style capture the spirit of classic Spawn comics, mixed with a modern sensibility that looks amazing. In particular, Monolith’s massive physique crowds out every frame to make his size even bigger compared to Javi’s average size, which gives the smaller panels a deceptively larger scale to make the comic feel bigger.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
“Wait a minute!” you might think. “Didn’t Monolith and GunSlinger Spawn fight together during the Heaven/Hell War? Why don’t they know each other?” Well, technically, the two characters were in Hell at about the same time, but it’s unclear if they ever met. Let’s just give McFarlane the benefit of the doubt in this case.
Final Thoughts:
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GUNSLINGER SPAWN #38 doesn’t move the plot very far but more than makes up for it by calling the connection between Hell and Earth into question and delivering a last-page surprise that changes everything. Todd McFarlane’s sedate script drops at least two surprises at just the right time for maximum impact, and Carlo Barberi’s artwork is phenomenal.
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