Spawn #229 Review

With the past literally out of his way will our hero be as interesting as he has been? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

“COMPLEX MESSIAH,” Part One

All-New Story Arc!

No longer haunted by his past, Jim Downing looks to begin a new life – as a hero, a healer… a savior?

But the Hell-born evil at the heart of his incredible powers is growing stronger, threatening to take control.

When dealing with this property there are many layers in its extensive history, but what can be said about this current era is that at this very moment the creative team is delving into something that has only been touched on before.  We’re starting to learn about the symbiotic armor that attaches itself to Spawn, and the results are complicated in their own right.

Todd McFarlane pens the script and the creator of the property knows exactly how to frame each scene with that right level of literary consistency. From the beginning of this engaging tale to its somewhat expected finish the author handily uses a wealth of text to display the current state of the franchise without causing the audience to suffer from boredom.  Yes this is a rather text heave release, but it’s never becomes something less than what it is.

What can I say about the art by Szymon Kudranski that I haven’t said in previous reviews?  He is easily a favorite comic artist as each pencil stroke he takes sets the mood that the narrative simply demands from its visual counterpart.  The use of shadow and lighting effects simply adds to this atmosphere full of angels, demons and everything in between.  In short this is exactly the type of caliber work that needs to be associated with this storied property.

Spawn #229 is yet another example of how you continue to evolve something that’s been around for about two decades.  The creative team works together to create a successfully realized rendition that pays respect to the saga that came before this moment it time as it charges forward on its own course.  Recommended.