Plot
Spawn (Single issues) #49-53
Todd McFarlane, one of the comic industry's true mavericks, now stands regularly accused of creative negligence and an overt interest in corporate gain. Yet, his seminal dark superhero creation Spawn still has much to offer and interest, if you can bypass the series' inadequacies, commonplace in this 12th volume comprising issues 59-64. The bulk of it focuses on Spawn's plot to avenge himself on his former boss and murderer, Jason Wynn. In the midst of his vengeful plans, Spawn must save baby Cyan from the rancid clutches of Clown and, what does his impromptu meeting with the fallen angel Angela hold for the future? While Greg Capullo still provides excellent artwork (Spawn is the visual equivalent of an explosion of black glass), McFarlane is now forcefully proving that he is a far from effective writer. Cloying sentimentality, ham-fisted religious debate and narrative waffle consistently undermines the flow of the series' hard stories. Yet, when Spawn suddenly regains his true face, McFarlane shows he is still capable of maintaining the intense torment and anger that makes Spawn so intriguing. Even so, Spawn's military precision attack on Wynn's stronghold and his confrontation of his nemesis is excellent stuff and most rewarding to see the all-powerful Wynn finally have the squeeze put on him. Spawn taking control of his situation rather than being consumed by it has been long overdue as is seeing the tormented hero finally getting some payback--or is he succumbing further to Hell's rule? This far in, the key to enjoying Spawn is loyalty and patience, but will it be rewarded with more Spawn toys? Danny Graydon (less)