REVIEW: ‘Spawn’, Issue 305

Spawn #305, written by Todd McFarlane, illustrated by McFarlane, Jason Shawn Alexander, and Phillip Tan, colored by Peter Steigerwald, and lettered by Tom Orzechowski, is published by Image Comics in association with Todd McFarlane Productions. The conclusion to the “Hell Hunt” story arc sees Spawn and Jessica Preist, aka She-Spawn, tracking down Eddie Frank, better known as the Reaper. In the process, they must deal with several angels in disguise and the Medieval Spawn, who have been hunting Eddie in previous issues.

Over 300 issues and McFarlane still manages to bring new elements into the world of Spawn. He follows up on the story threads he planted in issue 300, with Jessica still getting used to her new Spawn powers, Eddie discovering how truly powerful he is as the Reaper, and Spawn himself continuing to defy the forces of Heaven and Hell. There’s not a wasted page in this issue, as it manages to tie up sperate threads into a singular conclusion and offers a tantalizing hint of things to come.

Mileage may vary with the narration that runs throughout Spawn #305. The reader will often witness an action sequence or a character performing an action followed by a rather lengthy monologue detailing said action. While I didn’t mind it, I do feel like McFarlane could have cut some of these captions and let the artwork speak for itself.

Alexander, who ends his two-year tenure on the title with this issue, perfectly captures the horror and action vibe that goes hand in hand with a character like Spawn. Spawn is mostly shrouded by shadows, making his flowing red cape and glowing green eyes the only things visible. The angels, far from being perfectly shaped benevolent beings, are twisted abominations, with their ribs jutting out from their bodies, blank white eyes, and a massive mouth that hangs open, revealing a row of jagged yellow teeth. Spawn #305 is pure nightmare fuel, and that’s a good thing.

Colorist Steigerwald also adds to the horror and action vibe, shrouding much of the issue in pure shadow. When Spawn leaps out to attack his enemies or when an angel ambushes Jessica, it feels like a perfectly timed jump scare. The colors also add to the raw power these characters possess, particularly Eddie as the Reaper. The Reaper’s face, shielded by a helmet, pulses with a bright green light that feels befitting of an otherworldly being. And when he unleashes his power, the blast of pure light that follows feels appropriately apocalyptic.

McFarlane and Tan also draw two pages each toward the end of the run, and while both artists do a wonderful job, it feels a bit jarring to shift artistic styles, especially that late in the issue. Tan’s pages in particular mostly serve to set up the next arc as he is taking over for Alexander as the series artist.

Spawn #305 is an action-packed, fast-paced read that serves as both the end for one story and the beginning of another. From the way this issue ends, it seems like Spawn’s actions may not be as benevolent as he thinks.

Spawn #305 is available wherever comics are sold.