Spawn #293
Recap
Previously in Spawn…
Spawn explains to Marc that his powers have evolved, and he is able to bring creatures to life with the touch of a finger and then kill them again in an instant. He realizes much like the first Spawn who controlled the Damned, he can control the dead. He continues, telling Marc, he needs Jim Downing to break the link between his symbiote and the curse that holds him to Hell. Knowing the way social media is, Spawn gives Marc files and photos he wants to go viral. Marc gives them to his editor and within hours, they are all over news, internet and social media.
Meanwhile, Spawn hunts down Bludd, who knows where Jim is being held and forces him to divulge all the information. Spawn finally visits Jim and uses his newfound powers to jolt him out of his coma.
Review
Godsend is here! Spawn #293 introduces the latest adversary to Spawn, once again expanding on the lore with beautiful imagery and powerful storytelling.
As we draw closer to issue #300, Todd McFarlane is building on the long-running story by referencing some particularly important revelations from all the way back to issue #32. Al Simmons’ first meeting with God proved to be almost more than he could handle, but he showed that he was a Spawn who couldn’t be controlled so easily. Now in issue #293, we see that narrative come full circle.
While the forces of Hell continue to conspire against Al, his violent search for answers summons the series’ latest villain, Godsend. An angel sent from heaven to lure out Spawn and convince him to join their cause. This is as futile as ever, as Spawn predictably responds by attacking him for perpetuating the conflict.
Their battle is a pure visual spectacle though, thanks to Jason Shawn Alexander’s brilliant illustrations and FCO Plascencia’s vivid colors. Through their brutal clash, we learn of Godsend’s true intentions to manipulate humanity in their twisted fight against Hell. This is an interesting moment in the story because it emphasizes the lengths both Heaven and Hell are willing to go to in order to claim victory, even after they have become trapped on Earth. It is this similarity of intentions that we find Spawn desperately seeking a new path. One that is void of the influence of either side, and one that Al Simmons can lead on his own.
Facing threats of even more winged warriors similar to Godsend, Spawn summons his own “Dark Angel” to surround the new villain and within moments, an explosion turns Godsend to a pile of smoldering ash. It’s the culmination of a holy clash unlike anything we have seen in the series before (which is saying something for Spawn!), and it foreshadows a brewing conflict that is sure to see the return of Godsend or maybe just his companions.
As he claims to be here to save the souls of humanity, we discover not only the next step in Al’s secretive plan, but also exactly who’s side Spawn is really on.
Overall, Spawn #293 can be considered a return to form for the series as Spawn utilizes Hell’s power to fight against Heaven for the sake of humanity. It is a familiar concept with an interesting twist that works really well for the story. As the forces of Hell creep closer, we see a more determined, and even public Al Simmons attempt to once again turn the tables and keep his enemies guessing.
Final Thoughts
Spawn #293 introduces a spectacular new villain into the ever-expanding franchise! Godsend, a visually stunning winged warrior from Heaven proves to be exactly what the series needs as it continues to explore past lore while looking forward to the highly anticipated issue #300.
Spawn #293: Give Them One Last Surprise!
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 9.5/109.5/10