SPAWN #345, from Image Comics on 9/20/23, brings the Spawn Squad to the outer circles of Hell, looking for a way to stop Sinn from taking the throne. Meanwhile, Greenworld chooses a side.
The Details
- Written by: Rory McConville, Todd McFarlane
- Art by: Carlo Barberi
- Colors by: Jay David Ramos
- Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
- Cover art by: Fede Mele (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $2.99
- Release date: September 20, 2023
Is SPAWN #345 Good?
Yes, and here’s why. SPAWN #345 stands apart from the other Spawn titles out right now because it has a direction and purpose. The Heaven/Hell War is in full swing, everyone knows what’s at stake, and the competing forces are racing to accomplish their own agendas before it’s too late.
When last we left the Spawn Squad, Spawn assembled all available Spawns and Spawn-adjacent allies to form a strike team that could enter Hell and stop Sinn from taking the throne. Meanwhile, the forces of Greenworld dramatically arrived to show they’re no longer neutral. Now, the Spawn Squad works its way through the circles of Hell to stop Sinn while Cataclysm’s forces nurture the momentum shifting in their favor with the quickly-spreading news that Greenworld is Cataclysm’s ally.
If you had to pick out the most important element of this comic, it’s Greenworld’s decision to no longer remain neutral and how their involvement shifts the dynamic. We see and hear how all the factions react to the news, causing an adjustment in purpose, attitudes, and strategies for each group of fighters. That ripple effect of change makes the entire war feel much bigger.
What’s great about SPAWN #345? Rory McConville’s script looks, acts, and feels like a war epic in progress. Battles are fought and won or lost. Strategies are enacted, gambits are attempted, and the competing factions try to outsmart and outmaneuver their opponents at every turn.
What’s not so great about SPAWN #345? The one force that receives surprisingly little page space is the one force everyone is after – Sinn’s. When you consider Sinn is the lynchpin to almost the entire conflict, he only receives two pages of story development for an inconsequential (for now) conversation.
How’s the art? Amazing. Carlo Barberi expertly adapts the Image house style beautifully with Spawn characters that flow and fight with demonic power. Sure, you could nitpick the little nuances, but this comic looks great.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s SPAWN #345 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our SPAWN #344 review to find out how Spawn got the band together.
We begin with a brief flashback to a few days ago with Nyx and the leaders of Greenworld discussing their momentous decision. If Sinn gets the throne to Hell, no realm is safe, so the decision is made to break the neutrality agreement with Heaven. The Heavenly forces aren’t too happy with their decision.
Days later, Nyx and her forces intervene in a skirmish at The Fang as a grand gesture to announce their offering of allyship. Cataclysm accepts. Meanwhile, the Spawn Squad arrives at the 9th Circle, which is as close as they can get given the Dead Zone instability. Over the course of days, the Spawn Squad picks their way through the circles until they reach heaven’s defense perimeter.
We conclude the issue with a scouting attempt that goes badly, an offer of promotion, and thinking ahead.
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 #345 brings Greenworld into the raging war for Hell, creating ripple effects that make the conflict feel bigger. The story’s scope and scale keep growing to form a truly epic war story, and the art is excellent.
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