Spawn #353 is written by Rory McConville with Todd McFarlane and published by Image Comics. Artwork is by Brett Booth, inks by Adelso Corona and Daniel Henriques, colours by Jay David Ramos and letters by Tom Orzechowski.
Spawn #353 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon ComiXology UK right here.
Synopsis
Now that Vampire Lord Bludd has returned to power, he’s set in motion a plan to rid the world of Al Simmons—once and for all.
Review
Spawn’s vampire-saga continues today as the series grapples with its new status quo and a story which has far-reaching consequences for the wider universe.
In the wake of its landmark 350th issue it’s not hard to see that the creative teams on each Spawn book is feeling revitalised. Not that there was anything stale before it. But now, with the balance of heaven and hell upturned and the rules changed, there’s the chance to have fun with the tried and true formula.
As the main Spawn book there’s a lot of weight on the creative team to push the universal narrative forwards as well a furthering Al’s character. So with issue #353 we’re seeing several stories jostling for control and attention. With plotting from series mastermind Todd McFarlane, writer Brett Booth is more than capable of balancing out the emerging threat of Bludd with the expanding vampire-lore and the arrival of a mysterious female character who may have ties to both heaven and hell.
As is often the case the book opens with a flashback to give added context. We learn of a vampire-angel crossbreed, a dangerous and powerful new breed unleashed when hell’s throne once again became occupied. Whether this flashback is teeing up a potential new conflict or simply shedding light on who, or why, this new female warrior is also after vampires remains to be scene. But Booth certainly knows how to tantalise with a sense of impending doom.
Meanwhile, Al is on the hunt for Bludd and this new figure. Adding some variety to the storytelling it’s, for once, not Al who is dealing out the killing blows. At least not to begin with. Our first big action set piece comes as vampire Matthew Ramus is revealed as more than meets the eye. It’s exciting to see Spawn forging its own path with its various vampire characters. Rather than following the Dracula rule book, Booth is having fun and using Bludd as an excuse to re-write the rule book.
Never one to be deterred from a set piece, Booth brings the various plot threads together in a showdown for the ages. As our vampire-angel hybrid, Al and this new player in the field all come face-to-face there’s plenty of blood to be shed. A lethal situation given the currently state of play for those on Earth. It’s the kind of scenery fans expect from Spawn and issue #353 doesn’t disappoint. It’s also in absolutely no rush to give away identities and motivations. There’s a playful sense of restraint to tease the audience.
In its closing moments Spawn #353 has plenty to setup the next chapter in the story. Could all out war be on the horizon?
Verdict
Spawn #353 is a natural progression and expansion for the current arc. Booth neatly balances the dramatic and more outlandish aspects of the story, building anticipation for the coming conflict.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
