SPAWN #346, from Image Comics on 10/25/23, sets several plans in motion as the competing forces, racing toward the Throne of Hell, formulate clever plans for victory.
The Details
- Written by: Rory McConville, Todd McFarlane
- Art by: Carlo Barberi
- Colors by: Jay David Ramos
- Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
- Cover art by: Mike Deodato (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $2.99
- Release date: October 25, 2023
Is SPAWN #346 Good?
File SPAWN #346 under “the one setting up big things in the future.” Rory McConville and Todd McFarlane’s script joins Spawn and the rest in the middle of a war approaching a climax. Every side takes losses, and the troops are growing weary, which is the perfect time for McConville and McFarlane to execute one or big swings to end the war.
When last we left Spawn and his necroplasmic friends, they entered the fray of battle, looking for every opening to breach Heaven’s defenses and make up lost time in their bid to reach Hell’s Throne before Sinn. Much to Cataclysm’s apprehensive delight, Greenworld took back their vow of non-interference and entered the fight in favor of Cataclysm.
Now, Spawn’s group takes losses from hordes of Sinn’s demons on the hunt for sources of necroplasmic power. Meanwhile, Clown makes a dodgy deal with Cataclysm for support, and Spawn reveals his plan for Hell after Sinn is defeated.
Ever the consummate soldier, Spawn isn’t thinking just about victory but about what comes after the war is over. His secret plan elevates Spawn as a master strategist, but if it works the way he intends, the plan could present an intriguing new status quo for Spawn.
What’s great about SPAWN #346? The air of possibility and anticipation is the highlight of this issue. There’s a bit of action (not much), but all the teams are making moves to maneuver themselves into the best position for success. Everyone’s got a plan, so now it’s a race to see who can pull off their plan first and best.
What’s not so great about SPAWN #346? The positive of a setup issue is also the negative of a setup issue. All teams are jockeying for positions in preparation for making things happen, but not much is actually happening, so it remains to be seen if the payoff matches the setup.
How’s the art? Barberi’s art is fine. Again, this issue is mostly setup, so there isn’t much to do in the art department except make characters look cool and dramatic while they stand around and talk.
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What’s SPAWN #346 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our SPAWN #345 review to find out how Greenworld’s forces shifted the war.
We begin with Medieval and GunSlinger overwhelmed by forces on a scouting mission. Sinn’s soldiers took the Spawns as sources of necroplasm to feed Sinn’s dwindling reserves. She Spawn urged the team to form a rescue party, but Spawn nixed the idea because time was running out to get to the throne.
Elsewhere, Clown arranges a meeting with Cataclysm for a collaborative plan. While Heaven’s forces are busy warring in Hell, Clown and his army will invade Heaven and install Cataclysm as its ruler, giving Cataclysm the power to shut down the war and conquer both realms. In return, Clown will ask for a favor at a later point.
We conclude the issue with ambushes, suspicions, and a long-term plan.
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 #346 takes a pause in a setup issue that aligns the competing forces for master strokes that could end the war one way or another. The strategic maneuvering could have game-changing consequences for the future, and the art looks great, but the amount of setup defers all the satisfying payoff to a future issue.
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