Spawn 10: Damnation

Spawn (UK) #10

by Todd McFarlane, Greg Capullo

Todd McFarlane, one of the comic industry's true mavericks, now stands regularly accused of creative negligence and an overt interest in corporate gain. Yet, his seminal dark superhero creation Spawn still has much to offer and interest, if you can bypass the series' inadequacies, commonplace in this 12th volume comprising issues 59-64. The bulk of it focuses on Spawn's plot to avenge himself on his former boss and murderer, Jason Wynn. In the midst of his vengeful plans, Spawn must save baby Cyan from the rancid clutches of Clown and, what does his impromptu meeting with the fallen angel Angela hold for the future? While Greg Capullo still provides excellent artwork (Spawn is the visual equivalent of an explosion of black glass), McFarlane is now forcefully proving that he is a far from effective writer. Cloying sentimentality, ham-fisted religious debate and narrative waffle consistently undermines the flow of the series' hard stories. Yet, when Spawn suddenly regains his true face, McFarlane shows he is still capable of maintaining the intense torment and anger that makes Spawn so intriguing. Even so, Spawn's military precision attack on Wynn's stronghold and his confrontation of his nemesis is excellent stuff and most rewarding to see the all-powerful Wynn finally have the squeeze put on him. Spawn taking control of his situation rather than being consumed by it has been long overdue as is seeing the tormented hero finally getting some payback--or is he succumbing further to Hell's rule? This far in, the key to enjoying Spawn is loyalty and patience, but will it be rewarded with more Spawn toys? Danny Graydon

Genres: Comics

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 1999

About the author

Todd McFarlane is a Canadian comic book artist, writer, toy manufacturer/designer, and media entrepreneur who is best known as the creator of the epic occult fantasy series Spawn.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, McFarlane became a comic book superstar due to his work on Marvel Comics' Spider-Man franchise. In 1992, he helped form Image Comics, pulling the occult anti-hero character Spawn from his high school portfolio and updating him for the 1990s. Spawn was one of America's most popular heroes in the 1990's and encouraged a trend in creator-owned comic book properties.

In recent years, McFarlane has illustrated comic books less often, focusing on entrepreneurial efforts, such as McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane Entertainment, a film and animation studio.

In September, 2006, it was announced that McFarlane will be the Art Director of the newly formed 38 Studios, formerly Green Monster Games, founded by Curt Schilling.

McFarlane used to be co-owner of National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers but sold his shares to Daryl Katz. He's also a high-profile collector of history-making baseballs.