SPAWN #344, from Image Comics on 8/2/23, brings Heaven one step closer to overtaking Hell as Spawn gathers an army on Earth to join the fight.
The Details
- Written by: Rory McConville, Todd McFarlane
- Art by: Carlo Barberi
- Colors by: Jay David Ramos
- Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
- Cover art by: J.H. Williams (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $2.99
- Release date: August 2, 2023
Is It Good?
SPAWN #344 could best be described as a setup or transition comic because its sole purpose is to get the players in place for whatever climactic battle is waiting on the horizon. That said, SPAWN #344 is probably the best transition comic we’ve read in quite some time because each move builds tension and momentum to get you excited for the eventual showdown.
Rory McConville and Todd McFarlane’s script operates in two arenas for your reading pleasure. First, Spawn makes the rounds on Earth by approaching allies and enemies (mostly allies who don’t like him anymore) to assemble an army to enter Hell and stop Sinn from claiming the throne. Second, the forces of Heaven press their advantage to decimate a divided Hell when a new player arrives on the scene to even the scales.
What’s great about this comic? A transition comic can only work when the rearrangement of locations and players builds momentum toward some future event. In this case, an inevitable, four-way battle is coming between Sinn’s army, Cataclysm’s army, Heaven’s army, and Spawn’s army. With so many armies, competing for different reasons, you’d expect the narrative flow to get messy. It’s not. McConville keeps the plot running as smoothly as glass with a drum beat of a pace, so you never feel lost. On the contrary, you can tell where everyone is headed, and McConville gets you excited for the journey as well as the destination.
What’s not so great about this comic? Honestly, not much. Between the art, the script, and the general feeling of forward movement, this comic works on every level. The only time the pacing drags is during the wordy new reports of television pundits, which is a mainstay of every Spwan comic.
How’s the art? It’s gorgeous. Carlo Barberi and Jay David Ramos accomplish a classic Spawn style in the figure work, with powerful battles, excellent panel composition, and fantastic use of shadows for dramatic effect. As a bonus, kudos to Tom Orzechowski for the creative use of Spawn dialog lettering, customized for each character.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our SPAWN #343 review to find out why Cataclysm is anxious to remain on the battlefield.
We begin with GunSlinger Spawn chasing down a criminal in a dark alley. Before he can beat the information he needs out of the criminal, Spawn arrives to recruit GunSlinger for his Hell invasion army. GunSlinger agrees to join only if he gets to kill Sinn. In turn, Spawn recruits Haunt, Soul Crusher, and more to join his cause.
In Hell, Heaven’s generals discuss their progress. The Fang is nearly fallen, so all eyes turn towards Sinn’s bid for Hell’s Throne. Heaven’s commander chooses to ignore Sinn for now as long as they can keep Hell’s forces divided.
We conclude the issue with dwindling recruits, an available Dead Zone, and a neutral party joining the fight.
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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SPAWN #344 ramps up the action and the momentum to get the four armies into position for the fate of Hell and humanity. McCanville’s script is more setup than the story, but every move ratchets up the anticipation and energy to keep you hooked.
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