To say that the “reinvention” of Spawn has been met with mixed feelings is probably an understatement. Many Al Simmons fans have been turned off by Jim Downing, and Szymon Kudranski’s artwork has been criticized as looking too “traced”. I can understand the complaints, this is definitely not the Spawn I grew up with, but all things aside, this story is FINALLY coming together, and this issue really helps put all (okay most) of Spawn’s 225 issues in perspective.

This is primarily a Jason Wynn background story and shows his original relationship to both Heaven and Hell, and how he got involved with Director Kramer in the first place. The Heaven/ Hell dynamic has always been one of my favorites and I was happy to see it. On top of that it takes place in Simmonsville, a location we havent seen since Morrison’s story way back in issue #6, I believe. It’s very interesting and well-paced.

For everyone who misses Al, this issue starts a nice surprise, and I’m excited to see where it goes. I feel like McFarlane is telling the story of Al Simmons through the story of Jim Downing, and it is adding quite a bit to the previous 20 years of Spawn. It’s important to remember this book is titled “Spawn” not “Al” and not “Jim”. It’s becoming clear that Spawn and the suit are the main focus. Could it have been executed better? Yes. Is it entertaining? Yes.

Kudranski’s art is good not spectacular. He’s had his great panels, but this issue didn’t have them. I’ve grown used to it and think it fits well, bug this issues subject matter does not lend itself to jaw-dropping art. His Spawn looks great, bug we barely see him in this issue.

I think any Spawn fan would like this issue. It is well-paced and interesting with moody artwork. It mostly takes place before Spawn #1 and adds something to the story as a whole while staying entertaining on its own and moving the current plot forward. There is also a cool cliffhanger at the end. Definitely made up for last issue.