REVIEW: ‘King Spawn,’ Issue #11

King Spawn #11 is written by Sean Lewis (with Todd McFarlane providing additional dialogue), illustrated by Javier Fernandez, colored by FCO Plascencia, and lettered by Andworld Design. It’s published by Image Comics. Spawn has been plagued by the mysterious organization known as the Court of Priests, led by the fallen angel Azrael. The Court wants Spawn to become their “King” and unlock the Dead Zones on Earth so that the forces of Heaven and Hell can rule once more. However, Spawn has had enough of their games and intends to take the fight to them.

Previous issues of King Spawn haven’t skimped on the gore – especially the last one, which was presented in a black, white, and red format that’s become all too popular on the comic scene. Here, Fernandez ups the carnage to 11 as Spawn delivers a brutal beatdown to the Court’s membership. The teleporting demon known as Zab has his fingers ripped off, and Azrael has one of his eyeballs plucked out. In perhaps the most disturbing image, a full-page spread features Spawn unleashing a mass of demons upon the monstrous Tremor, who cowers at the sight of his hellish foe. Readers definitely shouldn’t eat anything before cracking this one open.

All of this gore is brought to life by returning colorist Plascencia, who knows just the right vibe to bring to a Spawn book. Most of the book is covered in shadows, which makes for a frightening scene whenever Spawn emerges to confront his enemies. The titular anti-hero is clad from head to toe in black, with the only sources of light coming from his glowing green eyes. And then there’s the red. The bright crimson red of Spawn’s cape, which Fernandez draws to have a life of its own. The dark red, almost black, blood flys as he visits his wrath upon his enemy, and the fiery orange-red of a game-changing explosion. You’ll get your fill of red if you pick up this book.

But for all the gore and all the gorgeous art, it’s the story that draws you in, and Lewis’s script is shaping up to take yet another turn for Spawn. Lewis has shown in past issues that he understands Spawn is a soldier. And a soldier is always trying to find the best advantage to win a battle. Right now, Spawn’s advantage is to strike hard and fast, and as Andworld’s captions show, he’s enjoying it. There’s also the matter of Terry to consider. Despite the fact that he’s Spawn’s best friend and ally, he makes a decision in this comic that could shatter said friendship, and that opens up a whole new narrative that could add even more dramatic weight. And Spawn is a guy whose whole life is built on drama and tragedy!

King Spawn #11 ups the brutality and the betrayal as the hellish anti-hero takes the fight to his foes…but may have made a new one in the process. This book continues to be the fresh breath of air that Spawn needed after 30 years, and I highly recommend that fans old and new catch up as the story seems to be rocketing to a new stage.

King Spawn #11 is available wherever comics are sold.