Spawn #198 and #199 - Image

I was going to wait until September to start this, but . . the current issue of Spawn, #199 just came out this week, so . . I thought I'd include it in this post. Plus, it's been a few months since the last issue came out, so . . this'll get us all caught up. Right? Anyways, Todd's weaving one heck of a story leading up to issue #200 here. We start out with the organization that Spawn inadvertantly crippled. Basically it's a group that hires out villains. They had sent their best 'hitter' after Jim Downing, but . . he never returned. In fact, he was splattered all over the walls. So now they want him even more because they want to find out what he did and what he's capable of. So they send in another agent. But not just any agent. Like Jim, once called 'Patient 47', this guy was called 'Patient 46'. So although he's reluctant . . this makes it kind of personal. After watching other people who were experimented on die, or worse . . he was promised that he would be the last. So he also wants to find out who, or what, 'Patient 47' is, and shut it down. Unfortunately he confronts him right outside of his apartment. And . . Marc has shown up, with a whole slew of reporters right behind him. Suffice it to say . . there's a huge battle. The 2 combatants bring and entire building down on top of them. But then, as the media is watching . . the rubble parts, and Jim comes walking out completely unscathed. Issue #198 ends in a media frenzy. In #199, Sam and Twitch are brought back into the story. They're just coming in, and are reluctantly ready to start at the bottom with the doctors from St Anthony's. But that's when they're called into maelstrom with the destruction of the building close by. As they approach they see Jim walking off . . through the air. Twitch is shortly pulled away, into the alley, as he sees the Clown standing there. Somehow Twitch is mixed up in all of this and the Clown tries to intimidate him as the Violator. When that doesn't work . . he gives Sam a massive coronary. This issue ends with a showdown between Spawn, Jim Downing, the Clown and the pasty faced freak. The pasty faced guy also seems to have an Omega-Spawn in his employ. Apparently he's the one that fought the heroes in Image United. I'm not sure how that story is related to this one, because . . I didn't read it. Anyways, I think the pasty faced guy is actually the Redeemer, after the Violater killed him and he went to Hell. Something down there changed him, and this is how he's returned. I may be wrong though, because that's the mystery that ends this issue. 'Look into my eyes! Both of you! It's time to show you who I REALLY AM!!' Could it be Al? I thought this was a heck of an issue and it really sets us up for the masterpiece that should be #200. Todd wrote both issue, with Khary Randolph doing the art on #198, and Erik Larsen doing the art on #199. Todd did the inks on both so they both had a kind of similar look. And of course the covers are by Greg Capullo. Well . . now that I'm caught up I want to find out what happens in issue #200. That should be an extravaganza. It's hard to believe that we're finally here. After almost 20 years. Whadathunkit?

Sam and Twitch: the Writer #4 - Image

I really hate to say it . . there was such a great build-up to this series, but . . the ending, to me, was a bit anti-climatic. Since the beginning of this story, Sam & Twitch, as well as the writing psychologist . . a graphologist, Garland . . they have all been chasing their tales to try to find this guy that's been transcribing a story onto the bodies of dead people all over New York City. Their break comes when Violet, who works with the publisher, Francis Merrill, finds out that he had been sent the original manuscript months ago. When he connects the story showing up on the dead bodies, to what he had been sent . . he burns it so that the story can never be completed. But Violet had enough foresight to grab a couple of pieces to bring them to Sam. Instead . . she ends up with Garland. And after seeing the writing she realizes that a woman wrote the original. While a man is writing the stuff on the bodies. Meanwhile, from Sam's end, they finally interview Jacob Marley from St Paul's and find out that he killed Ramon. Plus . . he saw the guy. Father Bradbury had someone following Jacob, because he suspected him of dealing drugs. Apparently that guy is the Writer. When Jacob killed Ramon he ran, but he thinks that the guy was right behind him. So he probably came upon Ramon's body just as, or shortly after, he was dying. So now he feels guilty because he thinks he gave the guy his first page . . his blank slate. He feels like he lit the fuse. And after seeing a drawing, he's pretty convinced that it's Roland . . the guy they saw with the broom. Anyways, it all comes together after that. It turns out that the woman who wrote the story was Mary, Roland's older sister. About a year ago on a trip to the store, she was hit by a car and died. Roland was already suffering from psychiatric problems. When that happened it pushed him over the edge. Basically . . he was telling the story to keep his sister's memory alive. He switched to bodies . . away from walls and park benches and such, when he realized that nobody was really paying attention. And 'bada-boom, bada-bing', just like that . . it's all wrapped up. It was interesting. And entertaining. I just didn't particularly care for the ending. But they can't all be great mysteries. Right? For a detective story . . it was ok. Luca Blengino and Luca Erbetta get the credit for bringing it to us. I was just happy to see Sam & Twitch back on the shelves again. I love these characters. And hopefully this means that we'll see more mini-series like this in the future. Please!

Sam and Twitch: the Writer #3 - Image

This book is really flying by. We're on issue #3 now, and we still don't know who this 'writer' is. But I have to say that I really enjoy the inclusion of Garland's character. She provides a good mix with Sam and Twitch and their usual witty repertoire. Anyways, Twitch finds Sam in the meat cooler this issue. Luckily he's in time to save him. But he's surprised to find Woodwin dead, hanging out with the carcasses. There's one suspect down. But Twitch keeps revisiting the Church. There's just something about Ramon's death that doesn't seem to add up right. Plus everybody who knew him . . everybody he's questioned, they all seem like they're leaving something out of their stories. But he hasn't been able to figure out just what it is. However, it does lead him to Jacob as the prime suspect. This day he didn't show up for work. When Twitch goes to his apartment to question him, there's a gunfight, but . . Twitch can tell by his actions that he's not the man they're looking for. However Frank, the editor, does think he knows who the 'writer' is. He was given a manuscript several months ago, obviously under a pseudonym . . Arthur Conan Simenon . . that is remarkably close to the story that the 'writer' seems to be telling. It's called the Mary H Case. He doesn't know the guys real name, but . . he does have a return address. But before going to confront him he burns the manuscript, as he thinks it's the original and probably the only copy. 'He's already started to get what he wants. And when this is all said and done every studio in Hollywood is gonna be optioning the right to the 'Mary H Case'. Somebody is gonna buy it. And somebody else is going to do all they can to get it in every book store from here to San Diego.' As he's burning it he tells Violet, 'We are the only 2 people who know where to find the 'writer'. And all I want to do is make sure that no one can read his damn story. And that he can't tell it anymore.' Unfortunately . . Frank goes to the guys apartment alone. He starts to confront him, but . . he's startled when he discovers that he already has his next victim. I just hope that Violet had the foresight to call Twitch. I know Frank didn't want her to, but hopefully she knows better. I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out. I don't even know who Luca Blengino and Luca Erbetta are . . let alone having seen any of their work. So I didn't really know what to expect. But I have to say . . I've been very pleasantly surprised. I think they've been doing a great job with the story, and I like the way that they're handling Sam and Twitch's characters. I'm counting on a nice twist in the ending next issue, and . . hopefully we'll get another mini like this sometime in the near future. If it was an experiment, I'd say that it was a great success.

Sam and Twitch: the Writer #2 - Image

At the beginning of the first issue we see Sam stabbed and then stuck in a freezer at a slaughterhouse. We don't know what's going on, but . . these first 2 issues have filled in everything in between. But still . . all we really know for sure is that there's somebody out there who has a story to tell. Now that he's started doing it on the bodies of the people he's killed . . he's gotten some attention. However, before this his writing was found on walls, windows and park benches around the neighborhood. Sam and Twitch have also picked up a third-wheel . . Dr Garland . . a psychologist. The Captain thinks that her insight will help them catch the killer. She's examining the writing . . the story. And I think she makes a neat observation . . one that's quickly dismissed by Sam. It's a story that she recalls about a woman that was killed in the 1900's. She's been stabbed, but she's been found in a locked room . . locked from the inside. But that's not really important. The important part is that it was signed at the bottom . . 'three initials A.C.S.', just like what they've been finding on the bodies. But she doesn't really tell him where she saw the story, or how she came across it. However, in the end . . it doesn't really matter because, like I said, Sam just dismisses it, and Twitch never hears that part of her theory. Anyways, other than that, we see the most recent killings in this little spree. That and they're looking into a neighborhood boy that's been killed, Ramon. I'm not really sure what his connection is, other than that he's connected to a local butcher that is obviously connected. And therefore a suspect. Which all leads us back around to the beginning when Sam gets stabbed and stuck in the freezer. I think it's an interesting story. Luca Blengino is doing a good job of spreading it out and feeding us bits and pieces. Unfortunately, so far, it doesn't seem all that much different from something we'd see on CSI or Criminal Minds. I'm expecting some kind of twist to hit us in the near future, but . . I have no idea what that might be. I also like Luca Erbetta's pencils. I wasn't sure at first, but . . they're definitely growing on me. And I think her style fits the story very well. But, more than anything, I'm just happy to see Sam and Twitch back on the scene again. I love these characters. But they've been absent . . for quite a while. Hopefully this series is just the beginning.

Sam and Twitch: the Writer #1 - Image

I have to say . . I was a little worried going in to this issue. First it's been so long since we've seen an issue of Sam & Twitch . . almost 4 years. Secondly . . it appears that Todd McFarlane has nothing to do with this one, other than that he created the characters, so . . I didn't know how it would stand up to the rest . . what I remember. Anyways, this one was written by Luca Blengino, with Luca Erbetta doing the art. Both of which I've never heard of. But . . I'm willing to give anyone a shot. So . . I just started reading it . . open minded. It'll be a quick series though. Apparently it's 4 issues are coming out bi-weekly. So it'll be over before we know it. I don't know, yet, if that's a good thing or bad thing. From what I understand from this opening chapter, we have this guy in NYC who is either hearing voices, or has someone channeling themselves through him. It appears that he's left messages everywhere . . all over New York. But people probably see it mostly as graffiti. So, since no one's listening, the voice wants this guy to step it up. 'Surprise them. Do something they can't ignore. Do it for me.' So now he's taken to killing people and writing his story on their bodies. There's only been one, so far. There's a blizzard blanketing the city, so . . he'd have to be awfully motivated to try to find more victims in this mess. So Sam, Twitch and Charlotte . . a criminal psychologist, feel that they have a little time before they find another body. Sam and Twitch can do what they do, and Charlotte has some time to examine and study the writing . . to see what she can draw out of it. I thought it was an ok issue. It was interesting. And we got just enough information to keep us intrigued. Hopefully this mini-series will work out and we'll see another such project in the near future. These are some great characters. I hate to see them put on a shelf and forgotten for years on end. But that's all up to Todd. Isn't it?

Spawn #197 - Image

I kind of feel like I'm a 'nagging-Nancy' right now. It seems like I've been griping about a lot of little things in my reviews lately. Some of them may seem inconsequential, but . . when you've been reading comics as long as I have it's hard sometimes not to notice inconsistencies. And that's just the stuff actually in the books. On top of that we have to live with the decisions and choices that the companies and creators come up with. Take this book for instance. I thought it was fantastic when Whilce Portacio came on board as the artist. His style seemed to mesh perfectly with this character, and the theme and feel of the book. However, since coming on board . . Spawn #180 . . the schedule seems to have fallen farther and farther behind. All 12 issues came out the first year, but . . there's barely been 6 for this past one. I'm not saying that it's all Whilce's fault. He may be waiting for scripts. I don't know. I just know that it's hard to follow a book when you don't know when the issues are going to be coming out. There were 2 months between this issue and the last . . 5 months before that . . and 3 months before that. As a reader . . that gets frustrating. You have 2 choices . . you either wait, or quit buying the book. Obviously . . I came back. Anyways, having said that . . in this issue Jim is caught between the struggle of the Clown and the Redeemer. Both sides wants him, but the Redeemer is consumed by another emotion . . love, and loss. It appears that the Angel that Jim stuck to the wall in the alley, and then the Clown later came along and killed, was the Redeemer's wife. So even though he's following orders, he wants to know what's happened to her. So, while he's coming at Jim out of frustration, the Clown has been manipulating his emotions by appealing to his loss of memory and self. He's approaching Jim by acting like he's trying to help him . . trying to be a friend. So it isn't to much of a surprise when, on the final page, Jim tells the Clown . .'I've got your back from now on. You seem to be the only one I can trust these days.' That's going to come back to bite him in the ass. And that really was the extent of Todd McFarlane's story this issue. Some good news . . I guess. It looks like Khary Randolph will be stepping in to take over the pencilling chores. At least for next issue. Which will hopefully put it back on schedule. And then in #201, Szymon Kudranski will be taking over on the art with a photo-realistic style. I think that'll look neat on this book. So I'm not entirely negative. I still love this book, and this character. It's just a frustrating title to follow . . sometimes.

Spawn #196 - Image

Ok . . It's been almost 5 months since this last issue came out. But . . according to the letters page, they're going to try to get things back on track in the next few months. Here's the plans for the issues leading up to #200. Whilce Portacio returns for #197, which will be his final issue on this book. Khary Randolph with do the art for #198. With Erik Larsen jumping in for issue #199. Which all leads to issue #200 drawn by the one and only Todd McFarlane. Then issue #201 will be the start of the new creative time. Rookie writer Will Carlton will be doing the scripts. But don't worry. He's an employee of Todd McFarlane Productions, so . . he's worked with Todd and has pitched ideas to him. Szymon Kudranski will be doing the art. Apparently Todd wants a new feel for the book, and Szymon is the guy he thinks that will provide that. Anyways . . that's what the future holds. As for this issue . . it's the conclusion of the Endgame storyline. Kind of. We learn a lot of stuff this issue, but . . there's still a whole lot of unanswered questions. Jim seems to be accepting his role. He doesn't have a name for it yet . . or a purpose, but . . he's more than willing to tap into it to try to get some answers. He starts with the Genetics doctor that seems to be linked to him through his medical records. He finds out that they were doing all kinds of genetic experiments, and that there were many doctors hired to try to achieve the desired results. Most of the patients died. They were given numbers instead of names. But #47, Jim, didn't. He went into a coma. From there Jim ends up talking to a crime boss, Nortego. There he finds out that Jim, or whomever he was before, was the actual person who gave the orders for all the experimentation. 'You were tired of the failures so you became your own patient. Don't you get it? You did this to yourself! You were in charge!' And then . . when he's really confused and frustrated . . the Clown shows up the muddy up the waters a little more. He explains to him the connection between he and Al Simmons, and the whole 'war' thing going on between Heaven and Hell. He explains to him the whole thing, and says that now he's a Spawn. And it's about time, because he has a whole army to lead. 'Go into the night, blanket yourself int he shadows. Feel your power. Embrace that and you can become Earth's king.' The picture on the left here is the art on the final page of the issue. I don't know that we have all the answers now, but . . we seem to be heading in the right direction. Well . . at least as far as the story goes. As far as Jim goes . . his path could be a little more confusing because of the Clown's involvement. But . . I guess we'll have to wait and see about that. Todd wrote this issue. But the art was done by Greg Capullo on layouts, and Todd and Rob Liefeld on the pencils. There's a name I didn't expect to see on this book. But most of his work is done in the style of Todd or Whilce's, so . . you can't really even see his influence. Anyways, I guess there's going to be a couple of double issue months coming up, so . . hopefully things will get back on track and we'll get a more normal schedule here. That's not the first time that's happened on this book. It probably won't be the last.

Spawn #195 - Image

With this issue Marc Rosen, the reporter, has finally caught up with Sara and Jim Downing. He's trying to get the story on what went down in the hospital the day the explosion happened . . or at least that's what everybody thought it was. Meanwhile, Jim was in Benny Vicari's house at the end of the last issue, and it literally exploded on top of him. This issue he pulls himself out of the ashes. At the police precinct, Detective Rowland has finally caught up with Sam & Twitch. He's got a file on a lawyer who blew his head off for no apparent reason. His superiors want to close the case as a suicide. But the Det doesn't think that things add up right. He's also got a list of phone calls and contacts that the lawyer made and they're all in Manhattan. Which is why he wants Sam & Twitch's help. It turn out that Benny Vicari was one of the names on that list. So now, their 2 separate cases have become intertwined. Anyways, when Marc is talking to Sara she wants someone else to listen to the conversation, so she invites her friend Judy over. When she leaves she borrows Sara's coat. On her way out the door, some people that are looking for Sara recognize the coat and pick her up, not knowing that it's Judy. Jim switches to his Spawn form to go after them, and Marc and Sara go to the precinct a few blocks away. Ten bucks says that it ends up being Sam & Twitch's precinct. Spawn catches up with the car, and before dealing with the goons sends Judy to the same precinct. A couple things of note here at the end. First, while dangling over the edge of a building Spawn finally gets a name or who sent these guys after them . . 'Kingston! Doctor Kingston. Upper east side.' After which he drops him over the building. Secondly, the counter for Spawn's powers is back and it's almost down to '0' . . '0:0:0:9'. I wonder what that means? Next issue is the conclusion to this 'Endgame' story-line. And then we'll start the story-line that'll lead us up to issue #200. Yes . . it's almost here. I think Todd McFarlane, Greg Capullo and Whilce Portacio are doing a tremendous job here. I really like the way the books been flowing, the last 10 issues or so. And really . . these guys are only just getting started. I have a feeling a lot more is gonna' happen before issue #200. I can't wait.

Spawn #194 - Image

Apparently, somewhere between the solicitation of this book, and when it was actually released . . plans were changed for this storyline. In the solicitation it reads, "Endgame - Part 10: Get ready for Violator vs Spawn! Violator returns to have his first encounter with the new Spawn. Meanwhile, the Clown continues to manipulate from behind the scenes." Plus it shows the wrong cover. This issue is nothing like that. Here, we're introduced to some new characters . . a crime-family of sorts that seems to be headed by a Mr. Nortega. They have something to do with St Anthony's hospital. They're worried about all the press coverage it's been getting with the recent debacle, but they're most concerned with retrieving 'Patient 47', Jim Downing, the new Spawn. However, I gotta believe they're more than just some normal crime-family. Somehow this hospital has to be connected with Malebolgia or hell . . or something. We don't get into the specifics much this issue, I think this was just a 'meet and greet' for us readers. However, the one guy that does come back to the family with information, Gilbert Sanchez, is quickly 'dispatched' after he reveals him knowledge. "How dare any of you entrust our secrets to rank amateurs! Our livelihoods are at stake and you're sending boys to do mens' work!" Meanwhile, Jim is searching for Gilbert because of his 'visits' to Sara's apartment. He doesn't have many friends so he's very protective of her. And, the Clown has escaped incarceration. He was only actually there to Claudio a message anyways. But . . now Sam & Twitch have another mystery on their hands. Also the reporter for the Clarion, Marc Rosen, isn't giving up on the story yet. He's convinced that there's something going on with St Anthony's. This issue he gets an anonymous tip about Jim's name and identity. Then, I'm a bit confused. Jim goes to Gilbert's house to talk to him, but . . Mr Nortega had Gilbert killed in the beginning of the issue. Anyways, they start to talk, but then we see on the final page that his house is blown up. Whilce Portacio is back on the pencils this issue, so the book looks fantastic. I'm a huge fan of this book. I actually like the way Todd makes his story-lines go on for such an extended period of time. It's kind of the way life is. It's not neat and tidy . . it's messy, and convoluted. And things don't always get wrapped up quick and easy. It just astounds me that it's been almost 20 years already. Where does the time go?

Spawn #193 - Image

Well . . we're on issue 9 of this story-arc, Endgame, and we still don't have very many answers. This issue though, the Clown tries something I've never seen him do before . . he plays a 'bait and switch' on Spawn, Jim Downing. He comes at him in the alley as Malebolgia, the Violator, all fire & brimstone and threatening and all. But then he slinks into the shadows, pretends he's beating someone up, and comes back out as the Clown. He says that he wants to help the guy, and that they're kindred spirits of sorts. That is until he senses one of his new recruits in a nearby jail. I think the guy in jail has something to do with vampires or demons or such. The Clown goes through this elaborate charade to get Sam & Twitch to arrest him. But really he just want to end up in a jail cell where this guy is trying to hide out. Other than that, we don't get many other answers this issue. Now that Todd is writing this book again, I forgot how much he likes to stretch out these stories. That's how he did it in the beginning. Overall, I think it works out well . . we get point of whomever's trying to make an inroad in this battle between heaven and hell. But sometimes, I think, he does stretch it out a bit long. Greg Capullo comes on board as the penciller this issue. I'm sure Whilce just needed a break. I'm just thrilled to see Sam & Twitch back in the action again. It's been a while. Personally, I've missed their own book. Anyways, this book continues in it's usual excellence. Things are heating up as we're approaching issue #200. It's not that far away now. Just a quick question, but did anyone see, or get one of the color covers to this issue? It's shown at the top here, but all I saw was the black & white version. I'm just wondering if I missed something.

Spawn #192 - Image

Personally, I really like the pace of the story that Todd's created through these last few issues . . 8 to be exact, I think. I think it's interesting to have this enigmatic character, Jim Downing, in the lead role of this series. We know a quite a bit less about him than we did Al in the very beginning. But, I think the fun is in unraveling the mystery. We start out seeing what the guy that the Clown recruited a couple of issues ago is capable of. Apparently Claudio is the leader of a group of Vampires. The Clown wants to extend him an offer. However, in his search for Claudio, he sends some of his 'soldiers' to deal with this guy. He quickly takes them all out and is soon on his way to finally meet Claudio. Meanwhile, Jim has found his way back to the alley only to find that the Angel that he had pinned up there is now gone. This really aggravates him because he was hoping she would give him some answers. And really, that's all he wants. In his absence though, the Clown was there and ripped her wings off. "They need their wings, it's where most of their power comes from. And what identifies them. Once removed . . or ripped off . . they all go quite insane." Jim is being told this by a guy who shows up an appears to have information for him. To me, he kind of looks like Evil Ernie. He may be the devil . . or not, but it seems like the more Jim confronts him, after showing his powers, the less control he has over them. Until he's really not much more than a human in costume. Which isn't good. First of all the Angel seems to have come to her senses and is trying to warn Jim about the guy he's been talking to. Then, when he turns around, he finds Malebolgia, menacingly also in the alley. Like I said I really like the pace that Todd has taken here. And I'm thrilled with Whilce Portacio's pencils. I think they're perfect for this series. Plus, we get an added bonus next issue . . Sam & Twitch are back. Except for the main character, these 2 are easily my favorite characters in this series.

Spawn #191 - Image

This story is really starting to heat up. Last issue, Jim, in his Spawn form went back to the alley. Or, I guess I should say, went to the alley for the first time . . that he knows of. One of the guys on the street thought that he recognized him and led him to his 'throne'. Anyways, while there, thinking, one of the 'angels' comes up on him. She's also talking to him as if she knows him, but it isn't until she's pretty much told him everything that she knows that she realizes this isn't whom she thinks it is. Knowing that she has some of the answers he looking for, he pins her to the wall to get them. Actually, he's trying to get her to stay there until he goes and checks on Sara. He's afraid that the men that are watching her apartment may hurt her. After threatening them, he finds out that they work for a Gilbert Sanchez. So that's his next stop. Meanwhile, the Clown has come upon the scene in the alley and has found the Angel pinned to the wall. He also decides to try to get some information from her, but . . he's willing to torture her along the way. The issue ends with him ripping her wings off. "I've lived long enough to know there are things worse, far worse than death. Especially for an angel. Let me demonstrate." We also catch up with Marc this issue. He's the reporter that's trying to put the story together about what happened at St. Anthony's. He's really confused because he's got a lot of pieces that shouldn't connect, but . . they do. And then when he thinks he's got something, it turns out to be a dead-end. But he knows there's a story there. He just can't figure out what it is. On top of all of this, next issue . . some vampires are thrown into the mix. Personally, I really like this new direction that Todd McFarlane has taken this book. To me it just feels like it's been given a new life. I can't wait to figure out what Jim's secret is. Also, Whilce Portacio is doing an incredible job with the pencils. Every issue has looked phenomenal. 191 issues into it, and this series is just as strong, if not stronger, than ever. Fan-frikkin-tastic!

Spawn #190 - Image

I really like the way this 'new direction' on this book is rolling out. Todd McFarlane and Brian Holguin are writing it, and it seems like they're really taking their time to make sure that everything unfolds just the way it should. And of course, Whilce Portacio's art is incredible, as always. This issue seems to be mostly about giving us information. Someone has finally realized that Jim is in Sara's care, and have come looking for him. Luckily, Jim stepped out shortly before that happened. We also find out that there's a connection between Jim and Al. Maybe. At least there is between he and Wanda. It appears that he showed up on Wanda's doorstep about 5 years ago, then right when Terry shows up he passes out. Obviously he doesn't remember any of this. But, after looking into his eyes, Wanda realizes that he's messed up in all of this heaven and hell crap that she's been dealing with forever. "My god! You're one of them aren't you? I see it in your eyes. And if you don't even know you're a part of their madness, I . . I'm sorry, Jim, but I can't help you. I just can't do that anymore. Not again. But I know where you might find some answers . . or whatever you're looking for. That's the best I can do." She directs him to the alley where he finds Spawn's chair . . throne, if you will. When he sits down, the Spawn identity envelopes him, and . . he sees an angel. "Greetings, brother. It's good to see another of God's elite." I'm not quite sure what that's all about. Anyways, Sam & Twitch also seem to be playing a larger role in this series, the 'new direction'. They're also looking into what happened at St Anthony's and how it ties to the Nortega Cartel. They also have suspicions that Spawn is involved, but . . they think he may be different, or changed. This series is really getting exciting again. Every issue leaves you wanting more. I'm glad this book is at the top of my list again. That's where it should be.

Spawn #189 - Image

I really like the feel of this book right now. Todd McFarlane and Brian Holguin are really doing an incredible job building up this story. And don't even get me started on Whilce Portacio's art. It's fantastic. And perfect for this series. Right now, the Clown is trying to recruit an army. He seems a lot more coherent, and stable now . . as compared to before. And he has a plan. He's discover the place in the alley where Spawn killed himself, and knowing that there's now a hole in Heaven and Hell's overall plan . . he wants to fill the gap before someone else does. He feels that this is their perfect opportunity to get out from under Hell's thumb, and . .with a little luck, they may even be able to get a sneak attack on both sides. Yes it's ambitious, but . . at least he has a vision. And with this renewed purpose . . he really is an all new kind of nasty. But, what he doesn't know is that there actually is someone trying to fill the 'void' . . Jim Downing. He seems to have acquired Spawn's abilities, but . . he doesn't know what to do with them yet. Actually he's pretty freaked out by it all. And it's still undecided as to which side he'll be on. Although so far he seems to want to do 'good' things. But, we know how this power corrupts, so . . we'll see. Anyways, as the Clown is trying to put together his plan . . Jim seems to becoming more adept with the change and the power. And at the end of the issue, we see a couple of gone, but not forgotten faces . . . Sam & Twitch. It'll be great seeing them back in this book again. So far I like the path that Todd seems to be steering this book in. It works, and it seems like a natural progression of events. They're also doing a great job of building the story more and more as the issue numbers keep advancing. I think it's all unfolding at a pretty good pace. It's nice to be excited about this book again. Thanks!

Spawn #188 - Image

This is another great issue in the new Spawn story-line. Basically, Jim Downing was lost in the system. When Al blew his head off, to kill the Spawn, Jim woke up from his coma. The problem is . . nobody remembers how long he's been there. Most of the staff that were there when he got there are gone. Anyways, somehow he's hooked up with Spawn. Someone comes to the hospital to get him, but when his life is in danger the Spawn entity takes over and they create an explosion and fire with-in the hospital. Jim ends up at another hospital but is very shortly released because they can't find anything wrong with him. Luckily he comes across Sara and they leave together. He thinks that the encounters with the Spawn entity are just bad dreams. But the first night at Sara's he wakes up to go to the bathroom and while in there finds his body transformed. Meanwhile, the Clarion is looking into the events at the hospital. They can't find anything out of the ordinary yet, but . . it's the only hospital in the city not getting federal funding. Which isn't overly suspicious but, they find out that they seem to specialize in long term care of patients with chronic and rare diseases, or conditions. "Which is odd because they have a lot of veterans there for some reason. I'm guessing half those people haven't stepped outside the place in years. Maybe decades. And now they're scattered around the city." And the Clown is still trying to figure out what to do with the 'dead-spot' where he found Al's body. He knows he can use it to his advantage but he hasn't figured out how. Oh yeah, you remember how in the beginning of this series there was that clock like thing on the top or bottom of the pages that counted down Spawn's power? Well, when Jim turns in to Spawn at the end of this book . . the countdown returns. I don't know the signifigance yet, but I'm sure we'll find out soon. I'm really liking this story-line so far. It's supposed to wrap up with issue #190. Then they can move on with the character . . whether it's Al or Jim. So far I think Todd, Brian Holguin and Whilce Portacio are doing a fantastic job here. It really seems like these guys have gotten back into the book again. I think the best is yet to come.

Spawn #187 - Image

We're still in the pretty early stages of this story-line here, so . . it's a little difficult to tell you how I felt about the book. I'm just not sure what the plan is here. Yet! It seems to all be unraveling, but . . I think it's going to be a few issues until we know for sure how it's all going to play out. Right now, it appears that Spawn . . at least the Al Simmons Spawn, is dead. He blew off his head in the alley. Which immediately garnered the attention of both Heaven and Hell. The Clown shows up shortly afterwords, and he's thrilled to death. And then, a little while later, we find out an angel is interested also. We're not really sure if it's because of Al's demise, or because of the dead-spot that he's created where his body lies. Anyways, at the same time of his death, this coma patient wakes up miraculously. Him name is Jim Downing, but . . he doesn't remember anything. They've been calling him patient #47 because he's been there for so long. This issue we find out that someone has sent a mercenary, or maybe he's some kind of super-villain . . we're not really sure . . . anyways, they've sent him into the hospital to retrieve patient #47. It's supposed to be a simple snatch & grab but . . things get a little out of control and there's a couple of explosions in the hospital. Obviously this gets the attention of the police and fire dept. and the local media. We have a new character introduced this issue. He's a up-and-comer reporter from the Clarion by the name of Marc Rosen. Well, he's not really a reporter, but . . he wants to be. Anyways, he's the only one available when the call comes in about the hospital so he takes the story. But I think he's going to get a lot more than he bargained for on this one. The guy that was sent after Jim decides he's going to rough him up a little bit . . because he's not coming along quietly. But he's under strict orders not to engage him. We don't really see what happens, but . . it looks as if Jim is going to turn into some type of hell-spawn. Something happens, instinctively, and he ends up killing the guy that's after him. When he's coming out of the hospital you can only see him through the smoke. But, you can see his figure is kind of in the shape of Spawn. But, by the time he gets into the clear . . . he's back to normal. Personally, I enjoy the way the Todd McFarlane is rolling out this story. Yes we don't know everything that's going on right now, or why, but . . so what? If we had all the answers right off the bat, why would we keep buying the book? Brian Holguin is still helping him though. And now that Whilce Portacio is on the pencils . . man the book looks good. I have a feeling it's going to be at least 6 or 8 issues until we really know what's going on. But I think the whole team is doing a fantastic job rolling out this new direction. I can't wait to see more.

Spawn #186 - Image

I thought this was another great issue. With the progression of the story, you get more of a feeling of what's going on this issue. From what I can gather either Al is actually dead, or . . he's just taken himself out of the picture. Either way I don't think we're going to be seeing him for the foreseeable future. Right now the only one who knows that he's missing, or that the game has changed, is the Clown / Violator. So with Malebolgia dead and Al gone . . . he's ready to up his ante and become one of the major players. The story seems to revolving around this Jim Downing guy. He's been in a coma for who knows how long . . the longest resident at the hospital has been there 4 years, and he was there when they got there . . but he's recently come out and seems to be completely ambulatory. But as much as the hospital staff is amazed by his recovery, there seems to be other people that are just as interested in his condition . . . people in the shadows. It looks like Heaven gets into the picture as an angel comes down to examine the dead spot in the alley. And maybe Hell's in the picture again as somebody . . or something . . attacks the hospital apparently to retrieve Jim. As he comes crashing through the wall . . "It's you that I'm here to take back!" As I said last issue, it's good to have Todd at the helm of his own book once again. Brian Holguin is still helping him with the stories, so the new story-arc, or direction, appears seamless. And what can I say about Whilce Portacio's art? It looks incredible. The way he draws his lines and does his shadows fits in perfectly with this book. Plus he always has the sharp, jagged, scraggly kind of outlines. I think it gives this book it's 'on the edge' type of feel. It's really the perfect marriage of story and art. I thought it was a fantastic issue.

Spawn #185 - Image

I thought this was an amazing book. It's a little hard to get a specific read on the story . . it's the first chapter in a new direction for our favorite hell-spawn. But we get lots and lots of hints as to the changes that'll be coming our way . . or I should say, the way of Al Simmons. If he really is a participating character anymore. At the end of this issue, it appears that he's shed his Earthly shell for good. We also see the return of the Clown this issue. It's good to see Todd back at the helm of this book. It's been in more than capable hands the last few years . . there's been some terrific story-lines, but . . it's just nice to see the creator back at the helm of his own book. And with Wilce Portacio doing the art . . the whole issue looks tremendous. I tried not to get to sucked up into the cover game. I did get the 2 50/50 covers . . Todd's shown above, and Greg Capullo's headless Spawn cover . . but there's like 4 or 5 different covers. I didn't get that far into it. Like I said, this issue, we see lots of hints of things . . story-lines . . evolving into shape, but it's vague enough that Todd doesn't tip his hand to soon about future plans. It's hard to believe that this book has been around for some 16 years now and it's still going this strong. In fact, right now, it may be in the best place it's ever been . . since the very beginning. I can't wait to see more.

Spawn #184 - Image

This issue really . . is nothing more than a prelude for the next. This issue, I guess, wraps up the Mammon and Morana story-line. Well . . kind of. First of all, as I suspected, the old woman in the future . . the one Cyan is having visions of . . is . . Cyan. Anyways, in the future Nyx creates a binding spell that can contain Mammon and Morana. The old lady tells Cyan, and Cyan tells Nyx. Together the do what the Legion couldn't . . take the bad-guys down. Or at least bind them for all of eternity. That's when Al decides he knows what he has to do. He's not telling us . . but it begins next issue. First of all this is a fantastic cover by Brian Haberlin. Unfortunately, this is David Hine and Brian's final issue. These guys have really brought a lot to this book, and it's going to be really sad to see them go. However, on the bright side . . if there's ever a bright side of a story that deals with Heaven and Hell . . next issue Todd McFarlane and Whilce Portacio take over the creative chores. That's right Todd comes home to the baby that he created. Well . . that's not to say that he wasn't involved in the storys or creative process over the last few years, but . . now he's going to take a more active role . . the Ferryman, if you will. He's now going to be the master of his own . . or rather Al's, destiny. I have a feeling that things are going to get a lot worse before they get a lot better. I, for one . . can't wait. I'll see you on the other side.

Spawn #183 - Image

I enjoyed this issue . . both in story and art. It's just sad that David Hine and Brian Haberlin only have one issue left. The good news is that Todd McFarlane and Whilce Portacio will be taking over. That should be pretty spectacular, but . . I'll still miss these guys. They've both really brought a lot to this book. But when the creator says that he wants to take control again . . I guess there's not much you can do. This issue we find out some more about Al and Wanda's daughter . . no, not Cyan . . Morana. She's the daughter that they thought they had aborted but in reality . . or rather, more like purgatory . . Mammon has been keeping her hidden away for the last 18 years until she was ready to assume the mantle of Hellspawn. That's the entire reason that Mammon had her bred in the first place . . the reason the Mammon has been manipulating Wanda and Al's family for generations . . to get to this point. But, as I suspected, Cyan is going to be the key to pulling this all apart. I think the magical nature of these girls exist within Wanda's bloodline. But since Al isn't Cyan's father . . Mammon doesn't have the control or influence over her that he does Morana. And with her grand-mother's spirit guiding her . . she's being instructed on just how to defeat these two. Al also brings back the Legion this issue . . you know . . that's all the people that resided within his costume that died the same day and time that he did. However now they're down to less than 12. Also Nyx is still involved in the mix . . for some reason. I really like what David has done with these recent issues. The story has been really compelling. But what really caps it off is the precise, and exquisite pencils of Brian Haberlin. It'll be interesting to see where he lands on his feet. I would imagine that he'd definitely get a job at one of the 'big 2'. I'm looking forward to next issue as it'll wrap up this story-line . . as we begin heading in a new direction. The king is dead . . long live the king!