SPAWN #358, by Image Comics on 10/30/24, deepens the mystery behind Jason Wynn’s plan to create a virus that will rid Earth of the influence of Heaven and Hell for good.
Credits:
- Writer: Rory McConville
- Artist: Brett Booth, Adelso Corona
- Colorist: Robert Nugent
- Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
- Cover Artist: Zé Carlos (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: October 30, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover Price: $2.99
- Page Count: 28
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of SPAWN #358:
First Impressions:
Writer Rory McConville’s latest chapter in the Spawn mythology gives longtime readers plenty of intriguing bits to keep curiosity levels high. That said, the series is stuck in the mode of delivering tiny breadcrumbs for whatever is on the horizon, which runs the risk of leading readers to believe they can skip several issues (including this one) until something meaningful happens.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left Al Simmons in Spawn #357, Spawn and Lyra were captured and then freed by Nero after he confirmed there is no cure for vampirism. Meanwhile, Jason Wynn’s Agency continues developing a virus for some nefarious purpose, and Lyra gets captured by Wynn’s mercenaries.
In Spawn #358, we begin with an opening chase scene. A powerless angel runs from a pack of sadistic vampires. When he’s finally cornered down a dead-end alley, he prepares for the worst. Suddenly, a group of cybernetically-enhanced angels leap into action and cut the vampires down.
We saw hints of change in the previous issue. Now, Rory McConville’s suggestion that the forces of Heaven and Hell won’t take losing their powers lying down is starting to bear fruit. Angels may not have celestial power, but that doesn’t mean they can’t sacrifice their bodies for powerful upgrades. It’s a sure bet that denizens from Hell will soon follow. If nothing else, cybernetic upgrades are the start of an intriguing trend.
Elsewhere, Jason Wynn discusses the progress of his lead scientist on extracting Lyra’s blood for their virus plan. The extraction process was slow initially, but the scientist now has what he needs. After several days of no activity, Agent Lin wonders if Spawn has decided not to rescue Lyra, but Wynn knows better.
Wynn’s narration and exchange with the scientist underscores our first impressions above. Wynn talks around the virus, what it’s meant to do, and the consequences if he succeeds, but we never get a clear picture of what he’s planning. Absent any information about Nyx’s intentions as the ruler of Hell, Wynn’s virus should be the big plot point, but there’s not enough information about the virus to get invested.
Of course, Spawn attacks just when Agent Lin wonders if he’s given up. The assault on the facility is fast, hard-hitting, gory, and brutal. Before the issue is done, Spawn escapes with Lyra, but Wynn has plans in place to ensure the trail doesn’t lead back to the Agency.
Overall, Spawn #358 is another solid issue from McConville. You get plenty of action, drama, and several intriguing tidbits about Wynn’s plans. However, tidbits aren’t satisfying enough to build anticipation, so the vague notion of a virus needs more stakes to hold attention.
Artwork and Presentation:
Brett Booth’s artwork is hyper-detailed, a masterful match to Todd McFarlane’s classic Spawn aesthetic, and eye-poppingly gorgeous. When you add fantastic inks by Adelso Corona and exquisite coloring by Robert Nugent, you get a potent art team that delivers visuals better than anything the Big 2 produces.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
As noted above, the over-arching mystery concerns Nyx’s plans since she took the Throne of Hell in Spawn #350. We don’t know why she covered the Earth in a dead zone, effectively cutting off angels and demons from their powers, or what she intends to do. Admittedly, that mystery colors everything happening in every Spawnverse title, but it’s too big to continue to sit on the back burner for much longer.
Final Thoughts:
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SPAWN #358 delivers plenty of action and drama to keep the series going with a solid issue that hints at things in the works. On the whole, Spawn fans will enjoy the issue, but McConville and Company are taking a lot of time dropping crumbs, hints, and teases instead of stories with big ideas and substance. This issue is fine but not important.
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