REVIEW: Curse of Spawn #1 - 3

Story: Alan McElroy
Pencils: Dwayne Turner
Inks: Danny Miki
Color: Todd Broeker and Roy Young
Review: Art Bee

For over two decades, Todd McFarlane has captivated my attention with his creation, Spawn. This story has been reincarnated in many facets and genres, similar to Romeo and Juliet, and in this case, Curse of Spawn. We are dropped into a post-apocalyptic world in which the Battle of Armageddon is about to be fought. This comic made me feel as if it were a blend of traditional Spawn and Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

Todd McFarlane did not have a direct influence on the creation of this story, but he was in the background. The credits page lists him and Image as presenting this story to us so, whatever that means, he did. Regardless of his input into Curse of Spawn, it is worth him putting his name on it. Think about that kind of creative power: is this story worthy of my name to be emblazoned on it? Yes. (Cue the sound of heavy metal clanking accompanied followed by a sizzling etching sound)


The method Alan McElroy uses to introduce the story is a bit awkward, but it works if you don’t mind slow reading or backtracking a bit. Our new Hellspawn is Daniel Llanso and much like the original Hellspawn, Al Simmons, he had a jaded past. The layers of this story are a bit hard to understand but by issue 3 it all makes sense. The first issue is aimed at introducing the main characters and the setting of the story. Realistically it is devoid of plot hooks, which is a huge detriment to the story. The whole idea of issue one of a comic book series is to get people to purchase the second one.

The second issue delves deeper into the villains working against Daniel Llanso and meanwhile the human race focuses on Daniel’s torment. The second issue almost seems needless to have after you read issue three. The torment seems to drone on and on much like a Junior High History teacher.

Issue three is very exciting and makes you commit to the story. In this issue we find the tie to the other main characters and see our new Hellspawn get seated into his role. By this time though I would have liked to have seen some real action happening, but alas, there is none. Once we move past issue three the action and story momentum does pick up.

One of the best features of any of the Spawn series is the detailed artwork. If you are familiar with Todd McFarlane’s art, you will understand this statement. There are many great panels in these issues and what I love the most about them is how the panels are all integrated into a larger picture, which maximizes the page space. These are gorgeous books.

Curse of Spawn should be available in Dollar Boxes everywhere, but not readily. I have not seen back issues available locally. Check them out if you can, you will enjoy the read.