SPAWN #355, by Image Comics on 7/31/24, finds Jim Downing rescuing Spawn and Lyra from Bludd’s vampires, only to reveal that Greenworld isn’t what it used to be since the end of the war.
Credits:
- Writer: Rory McConville, Todd McFarlane
- Artist: Brett Booth, Adelso Corona
- Colorist: Robert Nugent
- Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
- Cover Artist: Von Randal (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: July 31, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $2.99
- Page Count: 28
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of SPAWN #355:
First Impressions:
When you consider the multitude of competing titles in the Spawnverse, all dealing with the fallout since Nyx took Hell’s throne, Spawn still stands head and shoulder above the rest to keep the story going. Spawn #355 is light on action, but it makes up for that lack with strong character moments, world-building, and interesting teases that suggest Nyx’s ascension to Queen of Hell is more mysterious than we thought.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left Spawn and his potential ally, Lyra, in Spawn #354, Spawn stopped Lyra from getting killed while prematurely attempting to assassinate Bludd, the king of the vampires. Spawn and Lyra were eventually cornered by Bludd’s pursuing vampires, including a mind-controlled Reaper, aka Eddie Frank. To inflict suffering on Spawn, Bludd ordered Eddie to kill himself by slowly driving an axe into his chest. The torture session was interrupted on the last page by the arrival of… Jim Downing.
In Spawn #355, we pick up with Jim Downing facing down the vampires holding Spawn and Lyra captive. Downing has come on behalf of Nyx who is very displeased with Bludd’s inability to wipe out their mutual enemies, per their agreement. Jim Downing announces he’s taking Spawn, Lyra, and Eddie to Nyx by her orders. No vampire wants to get on Nyx’s bad side, so they let Downing and his charges go.
Writers Rory McConville and Todd McFarlane start the issue on a strong note that puts Jim Downing in the alpha character spot. He has the power from Greenworld and the attitude to match, so if you’re going to effect a rescue, this is how you do it without lifting a finger.
Surprise! It was all a bluff. Downing takes his charges to a Spawn safe house for protection and a chance to recover. Downing explains that Greenworld lost contact with Nyx after she ascended to the throne and he sought out Spawn as the last person to see him in the hope that he might know what she’s up to.
During the chat, Lyra sneaks away and Eddie screams in pain as he tries to rip himself apart to obey his master’s order. Spawn is just as baffled as everyone else by Nyx’s radio silence, but before Downing and Spawn part, he asks Downing to take Eddie to Greenworld to be free of Bludd’s influence. Downing agrees.
Admittedly, the meeting between Downing and Spawn doesn’t tell you what Nyx is up to. Still, it gives you so much information about Greenworld’s status since Nyx ascended and a strong clue that Nyx is up to something different than anyone expected. In short, the scene doesn’t tell you what’s happening, but it does tell you what you suspect was happening is wrong.
The issue concludes with Spawn finding Lyra to make an offer, insight into the source of Lyra’s hatred, and the Fixer getting teammates.
Overall, Spawn #355 makes up for its lack of action with strong dramatic scenes, super intriguing hints about Nyx, and an escalation in the Agency’s efforts. McConville and McFarlane appear to be cooking up something interesting.
Artwork and Presentation:
Oy! It’s almost disgusting how good Brett Booth’s art looks on the page. Booth packs in so much fluidity and detail in every panel that you can’t help but sit up and take notice. This comic has some of the best art around that captures that classic McFarlane style and gives it just the right amount of twist to make the visuals uniquely Booth’s.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
As mentioned above, all the Spawnverse titles are wrestling with the fallout from the war. Some are more passive about it than others, but this title is the only one that keeps Nyx’s ascension on everyone’s radar.
That said, this title does conflict with King Spawn in that the same character is dealing with vampires in two different books at the same time, but they’re going about it in completely different ways, so readers may find the overlap confusing. Given the choice, choose Spawn over King Spawn.
Final Thoughts:
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SPAWN #355 is heavy on information and light on action, but the net result is a comic that heaps on tons of intriguing clues about Greenworld, Nyx, Lyra, and more. McConville and McFarlane’s plot is engaging and packed with drama, while Brett Booth’s art is next-level gorgeous.
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