Spawn

[flashdisk]

I've read a bit on midnight cowboy and it seems quite an interesting story. I hope to see this Rizzo like inspired character shown in the comic as well as the rest of these new supporting cast.

A detailed summary on the movie is in wikipedia and is quite interesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Cowboy

[flashdisk]

I cannot believe he took the time to answer those two questions - that is not what I expected. They are taking the good with the bad.

Very interesting.


I really like the way they seem to be able have conversations with the fans just like David Hine is. I think its great to be able to share one's ideas so its not all that bottled up and share one's fascination with the comic book character.

Brikhed, David responded in Newserama, sacrificing his surfing time. :D

http://www.newsarama.com/common/community/forums/?plckForumPage=ForumDiscussion&plckDiscussionId=Cat:46ada8ea-92e4-4618-9265-5be7cad0342bForum:8a039ca3-102c-43e1-8c86-15b2df104a82Discussion:5dc8fc85-92d4-45ac-8ae2-0568cae2385a&plckCurrentPage=18&sid=sitelife.newsarama.com

You made David feel guilty. :evilsmile:

:biggrin:

[michaeljsmith]

That is funny that David Hine hit Newarama (I hate that place now) but I will check it out. I am getting a little excited and a little sad about the future of Spawn. I picture it a lot like graduating high school. You are excited to go off to college but you sure are going to miss all of those great friends you made.

[flashdisk]

That is funny that David Hine hit Newarama (I hate that place now) but I will check it out. I am getting a little excited and a little sad about the future of Spawn. I picture it a lot like graduating high school. You are excited to go off to college but you sure are going to miss all of those great friends you made.

Interesting...

:D


Nice review, is it the same one you posted at the Spawn forums?

http://www.ifanboy.com/reviews/BrikHed/image_comics/spawn/182

[flashdisk]

#
BrikHed | September 12th, 2008 5:25 am

Thank you

I have no real questions, I am carefully optimistic about the future of Spawn. I do however thing the time you have invested in answering questions goes a long way. For some reason all of us who ever post on a webboard think we are so important that we should command the creative teams attention. It is nice when it happens (Hine and Haberlin did a good job) and a little frustrating at times (none of us are really sure Todd knows where the webboard is on Spawn.com).

My point is I wanted to thank Whilce and the new team for answering questions and for taking the time to let us know you care. Lots of us have been here since Issue #1 and take these characters more seriously than we ever should.

Just again thanks and good luck Team Spawn.
-BrikHed
#
BrikHed | September 12th, 2008 5:32 am

…oh and unrelated to Spawn - the sketch of Fortress is amazing that I saw recently (the picture can be found at http://www.imageunited.info )
#
Whilce | September 13th, 2008 3:01 pm

Brikhed-

You are the person I do what I do…you are the person directly responsible for allowing me (monetarily and time-wise) the ability to do what I do…I and all of us here and all other gatherings of creative teams strive to make people like you take notice and more over appreciate what we do…

If you weren’t critical and demanding of the quality in our stories and our characters then we would have slush in every comicbook and no one would be proud of this medium we all so clearly enjoy…

Thank you Brikhed…Whilce…


Whilce Portacio had an intresting response to your comment Brikhed. :D

[flashdisk]

For those who haven't seen David Hine's original script which is really interesting and detailed. Check it out here:

Of course its a Spoiler:


David Hine David Hine is offline
SPAWN Writer

Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 364
David Hine
Default Spawn 183 - Original Script
For the completists, here's my script for this issue before Todd's re-working of dialogue, posted in four parts.

Title: “BAD BLOOD”

Page 1

Three wide-screen panels, zooming on Nyx as the costume takes possession of her.

Panel 1
A tilted-angle of Nyx showing all or most of her body as the costume wraps itself around her, slithering over her body. When the symbiote takes on a new host, it covers the body and penetrates into the flesh at the same time, absorbing itself into the physical body and invading the mind and thoughts of its host.

Nyx has taken on the costume once before in issues 139–141 – the issues drawn by Nat Jones. I’m referencing this in the dialogue, but this is a completely different experience and the costume should be totally different too, this time, retaining Nyx’s hair and incorporating the red cape.

Nyx is fighting against the invasion of her body, her face showing the agony of the process.

We will hear the voices of both the symbiote and Nyx as the possession progresses.

1) Costume: I MISSED YOU, NYX. THE TOUCH OF YOUR SKIN...THE TASTE OF YOU…

2) Nyx: GODDESS, HELP ME!

Panel 2
Zoom to mid-shot as the costume continues to spread over her.

3) Costume: ONCE YOU ENSLAVED ME WITH YOUR MAGICK!

4) Costume: THIS TIME, YOU’RE MINE.

5) Nyx: NOOOOO!

Panel 3
Zoom on Nyx’s face as the process seems to have completed. Nyx now has the face of a Hellspawn and her eyes stare in horror at the knowledge of what has happened to her.

Brian, this is deliberate mis-direction – at this point it looks like Nyx is going to be the next Spawn and you should take the opportunity to create a cool-looking Nyx-Spawn (full panel next page). In fact she is only the temporary host because of course Cloak/Morana is being set up to be the true host for the symbiote.

6) Caption: SHE FEELS THE COSTUME , NOT ONLY IN HER FLESH, BUT COILING LIKE A SNAKE THROUGH HER MIND. HOW COULD ANYONE LIVE WITH THIS WITHOUT GOING MAD?

Page 2

Panel 1:
Nyx has completely transformed into Nyx/Symbiote with full cape and costume. Her eyes glow blue where the Spawn we knew had green eyes. She is not a true Hellspawn, because hers is a human body, unlike the necroplasmic body that Al was given.

Nyx/Symbiote is on one knee at the water’s edge. She has thrust one hand like a claw, into the earth on the shoreline in a desperate attempt to gain strength and aid from Gaia, the Earth goddess. But the Earth is repelled by her. The ground cracks and grows black around her, a network of black filaments, spreading out from the point of contact with her glowing hand. The water behind her is disturbed, as if by an earthquake, the still surface now broken by swells and jets of water, erupting from the surface. The mist swirls away from her in arabesques – it is as if all nature is repelled by what Nyx is becoming.

1) Caption: THE PROCESS IS COMPLETE. THE COSTUME HAS TRANSFORMED HER. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME SHE HAS BONDED WITH SPAWN’S COSTUME BUT THIS TIME THE SYMBIOTE CARRIES THE POISON OF THE VRYKOLAKAS.

2) Caption: IT BURNS LIKE NAPALM IN HER VEINS.

Panel 2

3) Caption: WITH THE LAST OF HER WILLPOWER SHE REACHES OUT TO GAIA, THE EARTH GODDESS…

Panel 3

4) Caption: …DESPERATELY TRYING TO DRAW STRENGTH FROM THE LIFE-FORCE OF THE PLANET...

Panel 4

5) Caption: …BUT THE ELEMENTS RECOIL AT HER LEPROUS TOUCH.

Panel 5

6) Caption: MOTHER EARTH REJECTS HER.




Page 3

Panel 1
Al, Wanda and Cyan watch, horrified, as the symbiote transforms Nyx. Wanda is sitting, hugging Cyan protectively, although Cyan herself looks calm. Al is on his knees between them and Nyx/Symbiote. Al is still naked (he’ll get clothes in a couple of pages time)

Nyx/Symbiote reaches out towards Al as Nyx struggles to retain control. The ground around her is cracked and blackened, the dark shadows snaking out around her, just stopping short of where Al is kneeling.

[LETTERS: TOM, WHILE NYX IS POSSESSED BY THE SYMBIOTE COSTUME, SHE WILL SPEAK WITH TWO VOICES, DEPENDING WHICH SIDE OF HER IS DOMINANT. WHEN THE SYMBIOTIC COSTUME IS DOMINANT, USE THE FONT THAT YOU’RE USING FOR THE COSTUME’S CAPTIONS. WHEN NYX IS DOMINANT – USE STANDARD FONT]

1) Nyx (off): AL, PLEASE…HELP ME…

2) Al: I’M SORRY, THERE’S NOTHING I CAN DO.

Panel 2
From Al’s POV looking towards Nyx. Her hand stretches out towards us. Her face has the symbiote mask over it and her eyes are glowing blue but we can still make out the irises in her eyes as Nyx’s persona struggles to communicate.

The pupils will disappear completely into the glow when the symbiote is dominant.

3) Nyx (off): …IT’S IN MY HEAD. I’M LOSING CONTROL…

Panel 3
Zoom to close-up of Cyan’s weirdly calm face. She looks hypnotized as if she’s staring into the future.

4) Cyan: IT’S ALL RIGHT. IT WON’T BE STAYING IN YOU.

5) (linked balloon): YOU’RE NOT THE ONE.


Panel 4
Close-up of Nyx’s face, eyes blank, teeth bared in an evil grin as the Symbiote takes over.

6) Costume: CYAN.

Panel 5
From behind Cyan, as she looks up at Nyx/Symbiote. Nyx/Symbiote looks down at her with narrowed eyes. Nyx’s personality seems to be gone. She has raised one fist and black spikes are sliding out of her knuckles - a Hellspawnish version of Wolverine’s claws.


7) Costume: THE WH*RE’S CHILD.

8) (linked balloon): IT’S TIME I WAS RID OF YOU.

Page 4

Panel 1
In the immediate foreground, Mammon has appeared and is looking towards Nyx/Symbiote, Al, Wanda and Cyan. They have all turned to look at him, Nyx/Symbiote’s claws stopping just short of Cyan.

1) Mammon: THAT’S ENOUGH, LEETHA. YOU’RE IN MY TERRITORY NOW.

2) (linked balloon): NO ONE DIES HERE, UNLESS I SAY SO.

3) Costume: HOW DO YOU KNOW MY TRUE NAME?

Panel 2
Mid-shot of Mammon flanked by one Vrykolakas on each side. They are wearing cloaks, their vulpine white faces and evil eyes half-shadowed by the hoods. (Brian these are not Damiana and Lucien. We’ll save them for next issue.)

4) Mammon: DON’T YOU REMEMBER?

5) (linked balloon): ALL THOSE YEARS AGO, THE FIRST TIME WE MET…

Panel 3
Flashback. Hell. Mammon as he was before his run-in with Spawn no facial scars and he has hair. He is standing, in his habitual white suit, in a landscape of steaming sulphur and what look like small tar-pits. This is where the symbiotes reside in Hell.

The symbiote known as Leetha of the 7th house of K is rising up out of one of these pits, dripping viscous black – a terrifying sight, but Mammon is unperturbed, leaning on his cane and smiling as he does the deal with Leetha.

6) Caption (Mammon): …IN THE DEEPEST PITS OF HELL, WHERE NEURAL PARASITES ARE BRED AND ENSLAVED TO SERVE DEMONS LIKE MALEBOLGIA.

7) Caption (Mammon): I CHOSE YOU, LEETHA OF THE SEVENTH HOUSE OF K. I SENSED YOUR HUNGER.

8) Caption (Mammon): DO YOU REMEMBER THE PROMISE I MADE, THAT ONE DAY YOU WOULD BOND WITH THE MOST POWERFUL OF HUMANKIND AND RULE AT MY SIDE?


Page 5

Panel 1
Flashback. Malebolgia on this throne. Mammon stands beside him like a faithful servitor. Al is on his knees in front of the throne as the symbiote painful bonds with his body.

1) Caption (Mammon): DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN I BROUGHT YOU TO MALEBOLGIA? HOW HE JOINED YOU IN UNHOLY MATRIMONY TO AL SIMMONS?

Panel 2
Back to the present. Mammon with Vrykolakas to either side. Nyx/Symbiote with fists clenched, still ready to attack Mammon.

2) Mammon: TOGETHER, YOU HAVE BEEN THE MOST FORMIDABLE OF HELLSPAWN.

3) (linked balloon): NONE OF YOUR KIND HAS EVER FED SO WELL FROM ITS HOST.

4) Costume (off): -UNTIL ARMAGEDDON. SINCE THEN HE’S FED ME NOTHING BUT HIS OWN MISERY.

Panel 3
Close-up of Mammon.

5) Mammon: SIMMONS IS FINISHED. ARMAGEDDON WAS THE END FOR HIM, BUT FOR YOU, IT WAS JUST THE BEGINNING.

6) (linked balloon): I KEPT MY PROMISE. THE MOST PERFECT CREATURE THAT EVER SPRANG FROM HUMAN LOINS, IS WAITING FOR YOU….

Panel 4
Mammon turns and points dramatically. In a gap between the trees we see a dark castle of medieval design, rising from the mist.

7) Mammon: …THERE.
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[flashdisk]

And here is the continuation of the story


David Hine David Hine is offline
SPAWN Writer

Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 364
David Hine
Default Spawn 183 - Original Script Part 2
Page 6

Panel 1
Nyx/Symbiote is face to face with Mammon. The Vrykolakas are still flanking them on either side. The symbiote bares her teeth, fists clenched, still suspicious of Mammon.

1) Costume: I’LL GO WITH YOU, BUT REMEMBER THIS…


Panel 2
Nyx/Symbiote never takes her eyes off Mammon as she suddenly thrusts out one hand and clamps it over the face of one of the startled Vrykolakas. Mammon returns her gaze, never blinking.

2) Costume: I’VE KNOWN WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO HAVE THE POWER OF A GOD.

Panel 3
Close-up of Nyx/Symbiote’s hand over the Vrykolakas’ face. The hand glows and the face starts to smoke. The Vrykolakas grabs at the Symbiote’s arm, struggling ineffectually.

[NO COPY]

Panel 4
Nyx/Symbiote removes her hand and we see the horrific result. Where the hand made contact with the face it is black and smoking and beneath the surface an orange glow shows through the cracks, like lava beneath the surface of a volcano.

[COLOURS: ORANGE GLOW LIKE LAVA SHOWING THROUGH THE CRACKS OF THE FACE]

[NO COPY]

Page 7

Panel 1
The Symbiote has released the Vrykolakas, who is on his knees, his smoking face in his hands. Mammon looks down at him with faint amusement. The other Vrykolakas has backed away a few steps in fear.

1) Mammon: IMPRESSIVE.

2) (linked balloon): BUT THAT REALLY WASN’T NECESSARY. I HAVE NO INTENTION OF CHEATING YOU.

Panel 2
In the foreground, Wanda looks terrified, still clinging to Cyan. Al stands protectively in front of them. Mammon speaks to Al, while pointing off panel with his cane.

3) Mammon: THERE ARE CLOTHES OVER THERE FOR YOU, SIMMONS.

Panel 3
In the foreground, a rock with white T-shirt and jeans in a neat pile. Al looks at the clothes with a raised eyebrow. It’s a minor example of either magic or forethought on Mammon’s part. Not worth his commenting on.

Mammon is looking at Al disdainfully.

4) Al: YOU THINK OF EVERYTHING DON’T YOU?

5) Mammon: HURRY UP AND GET DRESSED, DEAR BOY.

6) (linked balloon): NUDITY IS SO UNDIGNIFIED.

Panel 4
Al is wearing the jeans and is pulling on the T-shirt. Wanda, holding tight to Cyan, is looking to Al to get them out of this. Whatever else he may be, he is the one person she has always looked to in times of trouble. Cyan looks detached

7) Wanda: AL, WHO IS THAT MAN?

8) Al: HIS NAME’S MAMMON AND FOR NOW WE DO WHATEVER HE TELLS US.

Panel 5
Pull back so the injured Vrykolakas is in the foreground, on his knees, moaning and tentatively prodding at his chargrilled features. Al, fully dressed in the nondescript clothes he will later wear into Hell, puts an arm around Wanda.

9) Al: DON’T WORRY. I WON’T LET ANYTHING HAPPEN TO YOU OR CYAN.

10) (linked balloon): WHATEVER HAPPENS, I’LL KEEP YOU SAFE.

Page 8

Panel 1
A path winds between towering trees. A dark and spooky setting. Mist drifts out of the forest across the path. The group of figures moves towards us along the path. Mammon and Nyx/Symbiote leading the way, behind them, Al, with his arm round Wanda. Wanda holding Cyan’s hand. The single remaining Vrykolakas follows behind them.

Brian – You should have photo reference from me of a Japanese forest cemetery. You can use this as a model for the path if you want. Ancient gravestones scattered among the trees, overgrown, broken, tilted at crazy angles as they’ve subsided into the earth over the years. Mist hangs in drifts like dry ice in a Hammer horror movie

1) Costume: WHERE HAVE YOU BROUGHT US? WHAT IS THIS PLACE?

2) Mammon: IT’S NOT A PLACE IN THE PHYSICAL SENSE. MORE A STATE OF MIND.

3) (linked balloon): IN HUMAN MYTHOLOGY IT’S KNOWN AS LIMBO.

Panel 2
Mid-shot of Al and Wanda. His arm is around her and she is pressed against him, his hand on the bare skin of her arm. She is zoned out, terrified and barely aware of anything except fear for Cyan. For Al though, this is a unique moment. He is touching Wanda, flesh to flesh, for the first time since he died. He is looking at her as he walks.

4) Caption: AL SIMMONS FEELS THE WARMTH OF WANDA’S FLESH. HIS HAND TOUCHING HER SKIN. HIS HUMAN HAND.

5) Caption: HIS HEART IS POUNDING IN HIS CHEST. IS IT POSSIBLE? COULD THERE STILL BE HOPE FOR THEM?

6) Wanda: DID YOU HEAR THAT?

Panel 3
Suddenly Wanda’s eyes widen with fear and she moves away from him. Al looks up, startled as a distant, blood-curdling scream is heard.

7) Caption: THE SOUND IS FAR OFF BUT UNMISTAKABLE - THE SCREAM OF A HUMAN BEING IN TORMENT.


Panel 4
Mammon and Nyx/Symbiote. Ahead of them, through a break in the trees, is the castle with black crows circling it. Nyx/Symbiote, is looking towards the castle. Mammon has turned towards us with a wicked smile.

8) Mammon: THAT WILL BE MORANA…

9) (linked balloon): …FEEDING…

Panel 5
Zoom on the castle with the crows circling it. There are arched windows in the walls of the castle. One of them is lit.

10) Caption: THE SCREAM IS REPEATED AND THEN ANOTHER JOINS IT, AND ANOTHER, UNTIL THERE ARE DOZENS OF TORTURED VOICES, A HELLISH CHOIR, SINGING THEIR AGONY.


Page 9

Panel 1
The axis tilts as we zoom towards the castle wall. One of the crows is circling in towards the lighted window. There is no glass in the window.

[NO COPY]

Panel 2
Interior. Looking up towards the window where the crow has come to rest. In the foreground, far below the window, Morana – The Cloak – stands with arms upraised. She wears her hood up to cover her face but she is naked beneath the cloak. We don’t see her body yet, just the arms with the clawed hands. When we see her naked, she will be revealed as a young black woman but the lighting can be fairly monochromatic here to disguise the skin tones, and she still has the diseased flesh she was born with. Her arms and cloak are spattered with blood. We can see blood around her mouth.

(Morana’s cloak is longer and more ragged-looking than when we last saw her.)

Brian, she’s in a big chamber with dozens of living victims, hanging from the ceiling by chains, but we don’t see the bodies until we turn the page.

There are big fat candles burning on candelabra, dripping wax.

1) Morana: SILENCE! STOP YOUR INFERNAL WAILING. THE TIME HAS COME.

2) Caption: ONE BY ONE, THE SCREAMS SUBSIDE.


Panel 3
Reverse POV. Looking down at Morana, her eyes glowing red from the shadow of her cowl. She in turn, is looking up towards us. On either side of the panel the image is framed by the links of chains, descending from the ceiling. We still don’t see what is suspended from the chains.

To one side – a table covered with a red velvet cloth. On the table there are long knives, hooked blades, saws, spikes – instruments of torture and slaughter. In the middle of the display is a big curved blade. A cross between a scimitar and a scythe. (Brian, check out page 13, Panel 1 – another description of the table and the tools and instruments laid out there).

3) Caption: NOW THE VOICES GURGLE AND MEWL LIKE INFANTS, BUT NOT A WORD OF HUMAN LANGUAGE…

4) Morana: ARE YOU READY, BROTHERS AND SISTERS?

5) Caption: …THEY CANNOT ANSWER…

Page 10

Full-page splash
A spectacularly horrific scene. Morana stands in the middle of the stone-flagged floor, bare, bony arms raised, eyes blazing, looking around at the dozens of living humans hanging suspended upside-down from the ceiling. Male and female from every corner of the world – black, white, Asian, Hispanic. They are wearing enough clothes to spare our blushes – white underwear – shorts for the males and bra and panties for the females. They are all fairly young – all of them virgins, as we’ll soon learn. It is virgin blood that will transform Morana and all these youngsters are drawn from the Church of the White Light, who have pledged to save themselves for their future spouses.

One other thing they all have in common. Their gaping, groaning mouths are dark with blood, because Morana has torn out their tongues with her teeth.

1) Caption: …FOR MORANA HAS EATEN THEIR TONGUES…

2) Morana: ARE YOU READY TO BLEED FOR ME?

[flashdisk]

continuation, hopefully in the right order. :( Its harder than expected to post this.

David Hine David Hine is offline
SPAWN Writer

Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 364
David Hine
Default Spawn 183 - Original Script Part 3
Page 11

Panel 1
A widescreen shot of half-a-dozen of the victims, hanging upside down, mouth open and bloody, eyes wide with terror. Just show head-and-shoulders. Check next panel first, because I want to do a visual trick where we flip this panel into the next as a flashback.

1) Caption: THESE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE WHITE LIGHT…

2) Caption: …AND THEY HAVE BEEN BETRAYED.

Panel 2
What I want here is a mirror-image of the above panel. In other words, the aboe panel flipped on its lower axis. The same half-dozen teenagers are now right way up and fully-dressed, tongues intact. Happy smiling faces on a bus, taking a trip to what they believe is a weekend retreat for teenagers from the Church of the White light.

They are freshly scrubbed and glowing with health and purity – a terrible contrast to the image above in Panel 1.

3) Caption: WHILE MILLIONS TURNED AWAY FROM RELIGION AFTER ARMAGEDDON, THESE YOUNG PEOPLE FOUND THEIR FAITH STRENGTHENED.

4) Caption: THEY PLEDGED TO KEEP THEIR BODIES PURE AS A SYMBOL OF THEIR LOVE FOR THEIR SAVIOR…

Panel 3
A shot of a painting of Winged Spawn with light shining all around him – the vision that the world remembers of Spawn saving the world after Armageddon. (This is actually on the side of the bus, as we’ll see in the next panel.

5) Caption: …THE ANGEL OF THE WHITE LIGHT.

Panel 4
Pull back to show the painting of Winged Spawn is on the side of a bus driving along a valley road through an idyllic scene. In the distance, the sun is setting between the hills. The bus is also painted with the logo: ‘WHITE LIGHT TOURS’.

6) Caption: TWENTY-FOUR HOURS AGO THEY WERE HEADING FOR THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, A WEEK-LONG RETREAT TO AFFIRM THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE BELIEF THAT TRUE LOVE WAITS.

Panel 5
Night. The bus, with headlights lit, is driving towards us. Thick swirls of fog are closing around it.

7) Caption: ALONG THE WAY, THEY MADE A DETOUR…

Page 12

Panel 1
The bus is driving through the thick swirling fog. The anxious teenagers are looking our through the windows. In the foreground the twisted branches of a tree, reach out like skeletal arms towards the bus.

1) Teenager: I’VE A FEELING WE’RE NOT IN KANSAS ANY MORE.

Panel 2
Over head shot of the bus as it emerges from the fog into the desolate landscape surrounding Mammon’s castle. The road ends with a bridge carved from the rock, that spans a yawning chasm and leads to the entrance to the castle.

[NO COPY]

Panel 3
The bus has crossed the bridge and stopped beside the castle walls. There are stone steps leading up to the massive wooden doors at the entrance. Standing at the head of the steps are Lucien and Damiana, with another hooded Vrykolakas.

Our POV is from the top of the steps looking down towards the bus, where the youngsters have emerged and are gathered like sheep, looking bewildered and lost.

Lucien is speaking to the anonymous Vrykolakas.

2) Lucien: SEND WORD TO MORANA.

Panel 4
Looking towards the three Vrykolakas from below. Lucien and Damiana sinister in their obvious anticipation of what is to come.

3) Lucien: THE VIRGINS HAVE ARRIVED.

Page 13

Panel 1
We are looking down at the velvet draped table and the rows of instruments, laid out like tools in a workshop. Drills, knives, saws, forceps. A combination of weapons, medical instruments and tools. In the center of the display is the curved scimitar.

1) Caption: BEFORE REMOVING THEIR TONGUES, MORANA HAD THEM RECITE THEIR PLEDGE, IN THEIR SWEET, TERRIFIED YOUNG VOICES.

Panel 2
Flashback. The teenagers are stripped to their underwear but not yet mutilated. They are huddled in a group in the stone-walled chamber. Terrified, embarrassed by their near-nudity, covering themselves with their hands. They recite their pledge of purity with trembling voices.

[LETTERS: GROUP BALLOONS WITH MULTIPLE TAILS AS THE GROUP RECITE TOGETHER]

[Note that the following is the actual wording of the ‘True Love Waits’ pledge]

2) The teenagers: BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT THE SAVIOR HAS A PLAN FOR OUR LIVES, WE CHOOSE TO MAKE THIS CHOICE. WE COMMIT TO REMAINING SEXUALLY PURE UNTIL OUR WEDDING DAY.

3) (linked balloon): WE COMMIT OUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY AND ACCEPTABLE UNTO OUR LORD AND SAVIOR.

Panel 3
Back to the present. Morana is holding the curved scimitar, her hood is still up, hiding her face and we see her red eyes and bloody mouth. She is smiling in anticipation.

4) Caption: AND THEY ARE…

Panel 4
From behind one of the victims hanging from the ceiling by chains. Morana swings the blade in a graceful arc and slices the victim’s throat.

5) Caption: …MOST ACCEPTABLE.



Page 14

Brian, with this page I want to get the effect of the mass slaughter. Morana slashing over and over again with the blade as the blood spurts. I think it would be cool to do away with the cinematic layout and do one of those Steranko/Capullo/McFarlane style pages – very graphic designed – small panels, wide panels and maybe the final image with no panel borders at all. I’ve described a series of images but you can break them down how you want and add more if you need.

A victim seen from the front. Head shot (the head upside-down as the victim is hanging upside down). His mouth is open in a silent scream. The throat cut from side to side and a jet of blood spurts out at a right-angle, right across the panel. The panel is wide with the head to the left of the page and the jet of blood taking up most of the panel.

Morana’s hand swinging the blade, leaving a trail of blood flying through the air behind the sweep of the blade.

The blade sweeps again.

Blood splatters.

A victim’s hand, streaming with blood, spasms…

At the base of the page, Morana on her knees, holding the scimitar, head raised, mouth open, the blood streaming down like rain, splattering her face. (Morana still wearing the cloak at this point)

[NO COPY ON THIS PAGE]

Page 15

Panel 1
Cut to exterior. Mammon leads the group out of the woods. They have arrived at the rock bridge that spans the chasm between them and the castle. This is the same bridge the White Light Bus arrived at (the bus is gone). On the other side of the bridge the stone steps rise to the wooden doors, which stand open.

They have stopped a little way before the bridge, looking across at the castle. Wanda is beside Al, his arm no longer around her. She still holds Cyan’s hand.

Nyx/Symbiote is gazing silently across the bridge.

1) Mammon: THERE IT IS, AL. EVERY ROAD YOU’VE EVER TAKEN WAS LEADING YOU HERE.

Panel 2
Two-shot of Al and Mammon. This is it. This is the moment he has been waiting for and suddenly he’s not so sure he wants the answers.

2) Mammon: ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THAT BRIDGE, YOU’LL FIND THE ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR QUESTIONS.

3) (linked balloon): ARE YOU READY FOR THE TRUTH?

Panel 3
Mid-shot of Al and Wanda. They look at one another for a moment.

[NO COPY]

Panel 4
Close-up of Al. He has made his decision. He has never run away from anything.

4) Al: YES, I’M READY.

Panel 5
Low POV of Mammon. In the sky above, the crows turn in slow circles.

5) Mammon: WELL THEN…

6) (linked balloon): …IT BEGINS LONG AGO, BEFORE THE START OF HUMAN HISTORY…

7) (linked balloon): …WHEN I WAS AN ANGEL…

Page 16

Montage of images:

At the top left of the page, Mammon’s face fades into flashback. The angel, Mammon is plunging down from heaven, naked, his great white wings ablaze. (Brian: check out Spawn # 146 to see how the Forgotten look. Mammon would have looked similar. As usual in the flashbacks, Mammon has his hair and no facial scars.

Above him the golden spires of the floating city of Heaven.

1) Caption (Mammon): I JOINED THE UPRISING AGAINST GOD BUT I DIDN’T SHARE THE FATE OF THE OTHER FALLEN ANGELS, THE ONES WHO BECAME THE FORGOTTEN.

2) Caption (Mammon): I FELL MUCH FARTHER AND AS I FELL, MY WINGS WERE BURNED FROM MY BACK.

Mammon, still naked and on his knees before Malebolgia. We can see the blackened stumps of his wings on his back.

3) Caption (Mammon): I DESCENDED ALL THE WAY TO THE DEPTHS OF HELL…

4) Caption (Mammon): …WHERE I OFFERED MY SERVICES TO THE DEMON, MALEBOLGIA.

Mammon, in the robes of a monk, studying an ancient leather-bound book by candlelight.

5) Caption (Mammon): FOR CENTURIES I WAS HIS HERALD. I WALKED THE EARTH AND LEARNED THE WISDOM OF THE AGES. SORCERY, DIVINATION, ALCHEMY. THOSE ARCANE ARTS SHOWED ME THAT, UNDER MY GUIDANCE, THE HUMAN RACE COULD BE THE GREATEST OF ALL CREATION.

Mammon as he was in Mandarin Spawn, in ancient Chinese dress, with the ‘Elephant Man’ who would become Mandarin Spawn (issue 165)

6) Caption (Mammon): I SEARCHED FOR WARRIORS TO SERVE AS LEADERS OF HELL’S LEGIONS.

7) Caption (Mammon): AMONG THOSE HELLSPAWN, I KNEW THAT ONE DAY I WOULD FIND ONE BOLD ENOUGH TO OPPOSE HIS MASTER.

8) Caption (Mammon): TOGETHER WE WOULD LIBERATE MANKIND FROM THE TYRANNY OF GOD AND SATAN AND LEAD MANKIND TO ITS DESTINY.

A shot of Henry Simmons in his cavalry uniform, holding a six-gun in his hand.

9) Caption (Mammon): I NEVER FOUND WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR, UNTIL I MET YOUR ANCESTOR, HENRY SIMMONS. HE REJECTED MY OFFER, BUT I SENSED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT HIM.

[flashdisk]

And the continuation, part 4:

David Hine David Hine is offline
SPAWN Writer

Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 364
David Hine
Default Spawn 183 - Original Script Part 4
Page 17

Another montage page:

At the top of the page a rendition of the scene where Mammon and Al as a young kid, perform an operation on a living cat, (as seen in Spawn # 172 Pages 9 thru 12)

1) Caption (Mammon): I REALIZED THAT IT WAS NOT MY PATH TO FIND THE WARRIOR I NEEDED, BUT TO CREATE HIM, TO BREED HIM.

2) Caption (Mammon): I MADE YOU WHAT YOU WERE. FROM THE CRADLE I TRAINED YOU TO PERFORM MY WILL.

3) Caption (Mammon): WHEN YOU KILLED MALEBOLGIA, YOU DID IT FOR ME.

Then the scene where Spawn kills Malebolgia – see Page 23 of issue 100 where Spawn is holding Malebolgia’s head aloft with Angela’s sword in his other hand.

4) Caption (Mammon): WHEN YOU DESTROYED THE WORLD, YOU DID IT FOR ME.

Then a rendition of winged Spawn after he has destroyed the human race – based on the final page of Spawn 162.

5) Caption (Mammon): EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER DONE WAS AT MY COMMAND.

6) Caption (Mammon): BUT FOR ALL YOUR POWER, YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WEAKENED BY YOUR EMOTIONS. YOU WERE NOT THE ONE I WAS LOOKING FOR. THAT ROLE BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE.

Flashback to World War Spawn, (issue 179, Page 17), where Mammon appears on the battlefield of France, as Thomas Coram holds the body of his son, Michael, in his arms.

This fades into an image of Michael as an old man, holding baby Wanda in his arms (the last panel from Spawn # 179)

7) Caption (Mammon): IN 1916, I FOUND THE SECOND BLOODLINE I REQUIRED. IN THE TRENCHES OF THE GREAT WAR I OFFERED A MAN THE CHANCE TO SAVE HIS SON, IF HE OFFERED HIMSELF TO ME.

8) Caption (Mammon): HE TOOK MY BARGAIN AND HIS SON SURVIVED TO BECOME WANDA’S GRANDFATHER.

Page 18

Panel 1
Back to the present. Longshot of the whole group gathered near the bridge. Al and Wanda react to Mammon saying that Wanda has a Hellspawn in the family. They are both astonished and incredulous. Nyx/Symbiote stands a little apart from the rest as if she isn’t listening. She is still gazing across the bridge as if she is longing to be united with Morana.

A wind has come up and is blowing her hair and cape towards the castle.

1) Wanda: YOU’RE LYING!

2) (linked balloon): MY GREAT GRANDFATHER WAS KILLED BY THE GERMANS.

3) Mammon: NO, WANDA. I KILLED HIM.

4) (linked balloon): I KILLED HIM AND RESURRECTED HIM AS A HELLSPAWN.

Panel 2
Close-up of Mammon.

5) Caption (Mammon): YEARS LATER, I BROUGHT YOU AND AL SIMMONS TOGETHER. IT WAS MY INFLUENCE THAT MADE YOUR HEARTS BEAT FASTER WHEN YOU FIRST SAW EACH OTHER.

6) (linked balloon): WHEN AL PROPOSED, HE WAS SPEAKING MY WORDS-

Panel 3
Mammon and Al, face to face. Mammon smug and aloof, Al yelling at him in angry denial.

7) Al: NO!

8) (linked balloon): DON’T SAY THAT! YOU WON’T TAKE THAT FROM ME! THIS IS ALL LIES!

Mammon: HAVE I EVER LIED TO YOU?

Panel 4
Mammon holds up his cane with the skull handle. He clasps his two hands together around the shaft of the cane so the skull is facing us above the joined hands.

9) Mammon: YOU WERE NOT THE END OF MY PLANS. YOU WERE THE MEANS…

10) (linked balloon): TWO BLOODLINES, JOINED TO CREATE MY PERFECT COMPANION. THE ONE WHO WILL RULE THIS WORLD AT MY SIDE.

Panel 5
On the left of panel, Wanda protests. She is behind Mammon, who is facing us, in extreme close-up. His face is in shadow. He smiles with the terrible knowledge he is about to reveal.

11) Wanda: YOU’RE TALKING AS IF WE HAD A CHILD.

12) (linked balloon): THERE WAS NEVER A CHILD.

Page 19

Panel 1
Three-shot of Wanda, Cyan and Mammon.

Wanda has lowered her head, instinctively folding her arms, in that protective, self-hugging gesture as she remembers the pregnancy.

Cyan is looking at her. This is all news to her.

1) Wanda: I WAS PREGNANT ONCE, BUT THE CHILD MISCARRIED…

2) Mammon: IT WAS NO ACCIDENT. AL CAUSED THE MISCARRIAGE.

Panel 2
Al, in the foreground, turns his head lowers his head, turning away. This is the last thing on earth he wants to talk about. Cyan looks at him with an expression of disappointment. Her Sad Man is letting her down again.

[NO COPY]

Panel 3
Close-up of Mammon on the left of panel, fading into flashback of Al with Wanda, just before he hit her (this is Spawn # 164, Page 11, Panel 4).

3) Mammon: HE WANTED THE CHILD MORE THAN ANYTHING, BUT THAT VOICE, THAT HE HAD HEARD ALL HIS LIFE, THAT DARK WHISPER IN HIS MIND, TOLD HIM TO DO SOMETHING TERRIBLE.

4) Al (in flashback): I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

Panel 4
Flashback of Al punching Wanda, fading into close-up of Wanda on the right of panel, eyes blazing with fury.

The flashback is Spawn#164 Page 12.

5) Wanda: YOU…

6) (linked balloon): IT WAS YOU THAT MADE HIM HIT ME.

Panel 5
Mammon. A half-smile. He knows she can never know for sure how much free will was involved.

7) Mammon: WELL, THERE’S THE QUESTION. COULD I REALLY MAKE HIM DO ALL THOSE TERRIBLE THINGS, OR DOES HE HAVE FREE WILL? DID HE CHOOSE EVIL?

8) (linked balloon): WHAT MATTERS IS THAT HE DID HIT YOU.



Page 20

Panel 1
Flashback of Al sitting in the corridor outside the emergency ward at the hospital, his head in his hands. He doesn’t see Mammon (in this time period he still has hair) dressed in surgeon’s scrubs, passing him and entering the operating theatre.

1) Caption (Mammon): HE REGRETTED IT OF COURSE. HE TOOK YOU TO HOSPITAL. HE SAT WEEPING WHILE YOU WENT THROUGH THE AGONY OF YOUR MISCARRIAGE.

2) Caption (Mammon): THE GUILT HE FELT WAS SO GREAT THAT WHEN HE BECAME A HELLSPAWN, HE BLOTTED IT ALL FROM HIS MIND.

Panel 2
Flashback: Inside the operating theatre. Wanda is on the bed, being prepped for the operation. The anesthetist is placing a mask over her face. We are looking down at her past Mammon, in the foreground who is pulling on his surgical gloves.

3) Caption (Mammon): YOU WERE ALREADY HALF-SEDATED. YOU DON’T REMEMBER SEEING ME IN THE OPERATING THEATRE, DO YOU?

Panel 3
Flashback: Mammon holds the tiny wrinkled premature baby in his bloody hands. Really tiny. We can’t see it too distinctly – apart from one tiny outstretched arm and clawed inhuman hand.

4) Caption (Mammon): EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO TODAY, I DELIVERED YOUR CHILD INTO THE WORLD…

5) (linked balloon): …ALIVE!

Panel 4
Back to the present: Al looks like he’s in shock as the information sinks in that their child may be alive. Wanda has taken a step towards Mammon, then stopped, her eyes wild, her clenched hands up to her mouth.

Mammon has turned his back on them, calmly leaning on his cane as he stands beside Nyx/Symbiote, looking towards the castle. The open doors of the castle have taken on a new significance, beckoning them all.

6) Wanda: WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?

Panel 5
Looking towards Wanda and Al. Fairly close up as Al puts his arm around Wanda. Her clenched hands are at her mouth, eyes wide. Her voice has dropped to a whisper. She is quietly edging towards a state of shock.

7) Wanda (quiet voice): WHAT IN GOD’S NAME ARE YOU TELLING US?

Page 21

Panel 1
Extreme close-up of Mammon. The shadows across the face make him look dark and sinister.

1) Mammon: I TOOK YOUR CHILD TO THE VRYKOLAKAS, TO RAISE AS THEIR OWN.

Panel 2
Cut to Morana. A head-and-shoulders shot as she slips the cloak off her shoulders. (Body female but still the diseased flesh – the transformation comes next issue.)

She has tilted her head back and is about to step forward into the blood that pours down like rain from the mutilated corpses.

2) Caption (Mammon): IT IS EIGHTEEN YEARS SINCE THAT UNHOLY BIRTH.

Panel 3
Profile. Extreme close-up of the lower part of Morana’s face as her lips part and her blackened tongue extends from between her lips, into the deluge of blood.

3) Caption (Mammon): TODAY THE CHILD COMES OF AGE.

Panel 4
Back to exterior. In the foreground, Wanda presses close to Al, his arm around her shoulders. She is pulling Cyan close to her as well. Mammon points across the bridge to the castle.

4) Mammon: SHE’S WAITING FOR YOU IN THERE…
Page 22

Full-page splash.
I talked about Morana transforming into a beautiful woman for this last panel, but I’ve decided to keep the transformation for next issue.

So…we still have Morana the monster, with the half-baked flesh and clawed hands. This should be a stunning image however: Morana has thrown off her cloak and is kneeling on the floor under the deluge of blood that pours down from the slaughtered virgins. The cloak is lying in a heap around her. Her head is thrown back, eyes closed and mouth open, her arms at her sides, spread slightly as if she were bathing beneath a waterfall. She is almost orgasmic as she revels in the cascade of hot blood.

We see the contours of her clearly female body but there is so much blood that it is covers the details. Her entire body face and hair are drenched. The blood is still raining down, splashing off the stone floor. A pool of blood spreads out across the ground around her.

5) Caption (Mammon): …YOUR DAUGHTER, MORANA…





TO BE CONTINUED…

[flashdisk]

David posted the scripts above at Spawn.com


PS. the pony tail for Nyx's current costume reminds me a bit of the She-Spawn toy in in Spawn Reborn Series 2: http://www.spawn.com/toys/product.aspx?product=2157

Must be just coincidence. But maybe that was the inspiration.

[stingerman]

I cannot believe he took the time to answer those two questions - that is not what I expected. They are taking the good with the bad.

Very interesting.

Yes, that was nice of him. I can see their point, that it is Todd's creation, and I'll try to read the new direction with more of an open mind. :biggrin:

[michaeljsmith]

Interesting...

:D


Nice review, is it the same one you posted at the Spawn forums?

http://www.ifanboy.com/reviews/BrikHed/image_comics/spawn/182

More than likely it is the same thing - unfortunately at times I lack originality. I post on 8 different boards (Image, CBR, Newsarama, Spawn.com, Clark's Bar, HeavyInk, Hero's Realm and iFanBoy) so sometimes I will put the same review on multiple boards. I am working on being a little more original.

On the plus side 2 weeks ago my review of PROOF was on the iFanBoy webcast :tongue:

[michaeljsmith]

PS. the pony tail for Nyx's current costume reminds me a bit of the She-Spawn toy in in Spawn Reborn Series 2: http://www.spawn.com/toys/product.aspx?product=2157

Must be just coincidence. But maybe that was the inspiration.

I thought the pony tail reminded me of Mortal Combat or one of those games I use to play - I liked original She-Spawn a little better than this one from an appearance standpoint.

[flashdisk]

I thought the pony tail reminded me of Mortal Combat or one of those games I use to play - I liked original She-Spawn a little better than this one from an appearance standpoint.

Hmm... the mask reminded me of Katana. The pony tailed character in Mortal Kombat I think was the blond girl. Not sure though, its been a while since I playe any Mortal Kombat. It kind of faded for some time before it started to pop out again I think.

It's sad really. I liked the first Mortal Kombat movie, but the second one didn't really fit my appetite. :D


I can't really decide which is better for me. She had her hair down and looked like a character who could jump, leap, etc. The design was not perfect since it felt it lacked originality, but that feeling was still there. I liked the scythe that she carried around. This new one is still good, looks more aggressive and original but seems a bit stiff.

I guess its normal for both of them not to stand out since the suit can't really alter a human body. Al's look stood out because it altered his Necroplasmic body.

The same goes for all the other Hellspawn through out the ages.

I wonder though. Does this mean Morana is going to have to kill herself and be ressurected to become the new Hellspawn, just like all the rest?

Or is her body given that she was bred from the most compatible bloodlines already ready?

[michaeljsmith]

I wonder though. Does this mean Morana is going to have to kill herself and be ressurected to become the new Hellspawn, just like all the rest?

Or is her body given that she was bred from the most compatible bloodlines already ready?

David did say he would explain the whole MORANA thing very clearly in the next issues. I asked about the drinking blood, etc. part.

[flashdisk]

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090817-Spawn185-Capullo.html

Well the cover looks interesting. A headless Spawn? I know some people like having statues without arms.(I think that's the aphrodite statue) But Spawn? I wonder what part of the story this is related to. Does it have anything to do with the seemingly bald head that we're seeing in the previews. I guess he had a haircut, but if this is a direct event after the occurance from David's run, he should have hair. Although it does look good on him, so no big deal. :)

The best thing about this is that more people are beginning to notice Spawn again. They should have done' more of this promotions sooner. Too bad Newserama and CBR seem to have forgotten about Spawn most of the time all these years.




I'm excited, but right now, I more excited about David's next issue, which I think comes out next week.

[michaeljsmith]

I like Whilce's the best but they are all pretty good

http://i34.tinypic.com/5mh0km.jpg

[Greg Anderson]

Preview art for #183

http://www.digitalarttutorials.com/files/p183p4.jpg

http://www.digitalarttutorials.com/files/p183p6.jpg

http://www.digitalarttutorials.com/files/p183p8.9.jpg

http://www.digitalarttutorials.com/files/p183p19.jpg

[stingerman]

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090817-Spawn185-Capullo.html

Well the cover looks interesting. A headless Spawn? I know some people like having statues without arms.(I think that's the aphrodite statue) But Spawn? I wonder what part of the story this is related to. Does it have anything to do with the seemingly bald head that we're seeing in the previews. I guess he had a haircut, but if this is a direct event after the occurance from David's run, he should have hair. Although it does look good on him, so no big deal. :)

The best thing about this is that more people are beginning to notice Spawn again. They should have done' more of this promotions sooner. Too bad Newserama and CBR seem to have forgotten about Spawn most of the time all these years.




I'm excited, but right now, I more excited about David's next issue, which I think comes out next week.

The cover could just mean something like "itll blow you away" or "knock your socks off" etc. Or maybe someone blew his head off. LOL.

[michaeljsmith]

WOW
Greg has scooped me with some great preview pages. This is amazing stuff. Morana is a freak - and going to be a force to be reconned from here on out. I am hoping that she survives to the Endgame. This is such an incredible build up that I would hate to see her gone in two issues.

[bushboy]

I like Whilce's the best but they are all pretty good

http://i34.tinypic.com/5mh0km.jpg

I may just have to get all three of those :smile:

[flashdisk]

I like Whilce's the best but they are all pretty good

http://i34.tinypic.com/5mh0km.jpg


I like Todd McFarlane's cover art the best. Its simple yet its easy to recognize that its Spawn. It has all the Spawn trademarks; an altered Dracula like cape, round bare head and a gun. Both of which to me are easy to recognize as from Spawn. If all the details disappeared and only Spawn's outline remained, I would know its Spawn.

And the details make it even more interesting, since I like the coloring and how it seems to blend in with the rest of Spawn. The white background allows Spawn to be the center of attention. Its an interesting cover. :)

Morana looks good in her new costume, but I was hoping for something that would have allowed her to stand out more. She is the ultimate Hellspawn after all. But I'm truly excited to get the next issue. Hopefully its fantastic! :D

[Greg Anderson]

I think I'm going to get Whilce's cover.

[Greg Anderson]

Some more pictures, but colored and lettered for goodness!

http://comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/1066/prv1066_pg1.jpg

http://comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/1066/prv1066_pg2.jpg

http://comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/1066/prv1066_pg3.jpg

http://comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/1066/prv1066_pg4.jpg

[Greg Anderson]

http://comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/1066/prv1066_pg5.jpg

[Punisher37]

Can someone give me a summary of whats been going on since issue 178 or so? Ive been out of the loop.

[flashdisk]

Can someone give me a summary of whats been going on since issue 178 or so? Ive been out of the loop.

The article in wikipedia is quite updated. I've been looking at it. Try checking the other articles too on the different characters since they can give you info on what's been happening to each character.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spawn_(comics)

[michaeljsmith]

Who's your daddy? Mammon is your daddy ---- makes sense to me. :evilsmile:

[Ben Akers]

Man, my copy of #182 needs to get here...

[ElDuderino456]

Yeah Mammon really seems to have screwed with Al more than any of his past enemies combined. I really hope Todd has something amazing up his sleeve. Hine will be missed.

[michaeljsmith]

I have a feeling Todd is going to let Mammon die here soon and move on to something else. We will just have to see as we only have a few issues left until ENDGAME starts.

[ElDuderino456]

I still hate to see Hine go. IMO Spawn works beautifully as a horror book. I will be picking up Hine's Spider-Man Noir mini in December. Anyone else checking that out?

[michaeljsmith]

I still hate to see Hine go. IMO Spawn works beautifully as a horror book. I will be picking up Hine's Spider-Man Noir mini in December. Anyone else checking that out?

Yes. That plus his Brave and Bold for DC as well as his project for Radical Comics. There is quite a following for Hine. We talk him up on his board at ImageComics.com

[Greg Anderson]

I still hate to see Hine go. IMO Spawn works beautifully as a horror book. I will be picking up Hine's Spider-Man Noir mini in December. Anyone else checking that out?

Why the heck would I dare to pick that up? :tongue: :biggrin:

Btw, if Mammon isn't dead by the end of Hine's run, I will be annoyed. :mad:

[Ben Akers]

I'm quite interested in the idea of the Marvel Noir titles, but I think I'll be waiting on the hardcovers.

I will check out the horror book at Radical though. Adn keep my fingers crossed for the Curse of Spawn book that Hine is writing in my mind.

[Greg Anderson]

I'm quite interested in the idea of the Marvel Noir titles, but I think I'll be waiting on the hardcovers.

I will check out the horror book at Radical though. Adn keep my fingers crossed for the Curse of Spawn book that Hine is writing in my mind.

I definitely can't wait for the horror book at Radical. Hine writes horror beautifully and I can only imagine how it'd be if he were given the go to cut loose. Also can't wait for his Darkness mini. I'm excited to see what he could do with the character and all. Darkness has horror element written all over it! :cool:

[Ben Akers]

Also can't wait for his Darkness mini. I'm excited to see what he could do with the character and all. Darkness has horror element written all over it! :cool:

Say what?

Why haven't I heard about this?

[ElDuderino456]

Yeah i didn't know that he had a Darkness mini either. Ive tried to stay with the main Darkness title but the delays finally nuked my interest.

[Greg Anderson]

Say what?

Why haven't I heard about this?

You need to hang out in the Hine forum more often, my good man! :cool:

http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=007483

THE PULSE: What other projects are you working on?


HINE: There’s a lot of stuff in the pipeline. Yesterday I e-mailed my last script for the Spawn monthly. That’s kind of sad as Spawn has been a big part of my life for the last three years. Later this year there’s Spawn Book of the Dead, which is a prose version of the history of Spawn, profusely illustrated by the brilliant Ashley Wood. That is a de facto collaboration with Steve Niles as he did the first draft of this almost a decade ago. I guess you could say that book is a little late. I’m also working on the first arc of The FVZA for Radical. That’s The Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency. We’re developing the series from a concept that already exists online at fvza.org where you can read some of the background on an entire alternative history of the USA, where the zombie and vampire viruses are something that the people of America have learned to live with. Once again this is a very realistic approach to the vampire and zombie myths. These are gong to be truly monstrous vampires – no Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt romancing here. I also want to see if it’s possible to make the rotting undead into sympathetic characters.

Then for Top Cow I’m working up a four-issue mini series of The Darkness. I’ve also pitched for next years Pilot Season and that one should see me re-united with an artist I’ve worked with at Marvel.

For Poison Candy fans, volume 2 will unfortunately not be available as a hardcopy in the foreseeable future, but will be available online from Tokyopop. And I’m also writing and drawing an issue of Elephantmen for Image. Sometime next year. That’s the only deadline I’m prepared to commit to right now.

Hopefully some creator-owned projects will be forthcoming too. I’m working on a truly unique project with my fellow Brit Shaky Kane, if we can only find a publisher insane enough to unleash it on an unsuspecting public.

[Ben Akers]

Sounds like a lot of good stuff from Hine coming out over the year.

[Greg Anderson]

Sounds like a lot of good stuff from Hine coming out over the year.

Just means more money from my pockets. :redface:

[Ben Akers]

Same here.

[michaeljsmith]

Pilot Season is notgoing to like us next year either.....:rolleyes:

[Greg Anderson]

Pilot Season is notgoing to like us next year either.....:rolleyes:

Heh heh, Brik, you so gotta teach me all your ways and secrets of PRing because I'm gonna pimp the crap outta Dave's Pilot book. :biggrin:

[michaeljsmith]

Heh heh, Brik, you so gotta teach me all your ways and secrets of PRing because I'm gonna pimp the crap outta Dave's Pilot book. :biggrin:

Don't ask me - talk to Troy Hickman. I honestly counted over 15 boards I saw him on in one day.... unreal. Let's get Urban Myths picked up again and see what we can do for Dave next year.

[Greg Anderson]

I'm still trying to see if I can find Twilight Guardian at a shop. I may try to interview the chap. :smile:

[michaeljsmith]

I'm still trying to see if I can find Twilight Guardian at a shop. I may try to interview the chap. :smile:

You can read it online still if you don't find it (for free and legally I might add). If you interview him ask him about his sweet ride :rolleyes:

[holeycrullers]

Don't ask me - talk to Troy Hickman. I honestly counted over 15 boards I saw him on in one day.... unreal. Let's get Urban Myths picked up again and see what we can do for Dave next year.

No secret to it. Much like Twilight Guardian, I am a creature of the night (read that as "insomnia"), and I have a lot of nervous energy to fuel my mania.

Also, I have time to do such things, so if you'd like to see me disappear from the internet, urge publishers to hire me...:wink:

[holeycrullers]

I'm still trying to see if I can find Twilight Guardian at a shop. I may try to interview the chap. :smile:

Glad to do it.

[holeycrullers]

You can read it online still if you don't find it (for free and legally I might add). If you interview him ask him about his sweet ride :rolleyes:


Ha! Brik must be referring to my blog, where I posted pics of my new "street machine," a '97 Cougar tricked out with a killer engine, scoops, a Batmobile-like interior and the like. Someone referred to it as my "pimped out granny car." And it was the J-Man, I believe, who named it "The VeHickle." It's a weird thing of beauty.

[Greg Anderson]

Ha! Brik must be referring to my blog, where I posted pics of my new "street machine," a '97 Cougar tricked out with a killer engine, scoops, a Batmobile-like interior and the like. Someone referred to it as my "pimped out granny car." And it was the J-Man, I believe, who named it "The VeHickle." It's a weird thing of beauty.

Niiiice. So gotta keep that in mind! :biggrin:

Awesome, Troy! I'll gladly interview you, but first I gotta find some time and your comic in the shop. Been trying to find it for some time now. Is there a link? Still gotta fix up that Screamland interview I just finished, but darn school and papers! :mad:

[michaeljsmith]

...of course now that Troy posted in this thread he now needs to start reading SPAWN.

[Greg Anderson]

...of course now that Troy posted in this thread he now needs to start reading SPAWN.

And every book Hine releases from now on, let's not forget.

[holeycrullers]

Niiiice. So gotta keep that in mind! :biggrin:

Awesome, Troy! I'll gladly interview you, but first I gotta find some time and your comic in the shop. Been trying to find it for some time now. Is there a link? Still gotta fix up that Screamland interview I just finished, but darn school and papers! :mad:

You can read it here. (http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?gid=594) The text may be a bit tough to see, though, depending on the resolution of your computer (mine was built when Grant took Richmond, so...).

[holeycrullers]

...of course now that Troy posted in this thread he now needs to start reading SPAWN.

Why do you assume I don't?

But given my PR proclivities...second only to yours, Brik...if you mention Spawn I will feel obliged to connect it to Spawn artist Angel Medina, who drew the Eisner-nominated story "Where Monsters Dine" from my Common Grounds series, the trade paperback of which is available at fine comic shops everywhere...

:cool:

[Greg Anderson]

You can read it here. (http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?gid=594) The text may be a bit tough to see, though, depending on the resolution of your computer (mine was built when Grant took Richmond, so...).

Awesome. I'll try to get to reading it later tonight.

[Greg Anderson]

Why do you assume I don't?

But given my PR proclivities...second only to yours, Brik...if you mention Spawn I will feel obliged to connect it to Spawn artist Angel Medina, who drew the Eisner-nominated story "Where Monsters Dine" from my Common Grounds series, the trade paperback of which is available at fine comic shops everywhere...

:cool:

LOL! :biggrin:

[michaeljsmith]

Why do you assume I don't?

But given my PR proclivities...second only to yours, Brik...if you mention Spawn I will feel obliged to connect it to Spawn artist Angel Medina, who drew the Eisner-nominated story "Where Monsters Dine" from my Common Grounds series, the trade paperback of which is available at fine comic shops everywhere...

:cool:

I have a Spawn sketch by Angel and I also have your Common Ground series listed as something to pickup in the near future. Funds are short these days but I am always looking for a trade to throw in my backpack for long flights for work.

[Ben Akers]

I bought the whole Common Grounds series during one of my recent comic binges, but have yet to read it.

[holeycrullers]

I have a Spawn sketch by Angel and I also have your Common Ground series listed as something to pickup in the near future. Funds are short these days but I am always looking for a trade to throw in my backpack for long flights for work.

Brik, I'd send ya one, but I tend to go through 'em quick when I get a few more in (I usually try to pick up some copies cheap on Amazon or Ebay when I can, because I know I can always use them for signings and such).

Given your reading habits, though, I think you'll like it.

[holeycrullers]

I bought the whole Common Grounds series during one of my recent comic binges, but have yet to read it.

When you get around to reading them, please drop me a line and let me know what you thought, Ben.

[carloshll726]

Whatever happened to Todd McFarlane's She-Spawn character, she looked awesome! Her picture's in that old Image Universe rpg card game. Apparently the character's never been used in the comics, shame.

[michaeljsmith]

Whatever happened to Todd McFarlane's She-Spawn character, she looked awesome! Her picture's in that old Image Universe rpg card game. Apparently the character's never been used in the comics, shame.

Spawn #183 dropped today. We have seen a couple variations of female Spawn (mostly by Nyx, Spawn's girlfriend who is a witch)

http://www.spawn.com/comics/Spawn/monthly/images/spawn_comic_cover_183_cl.jpg

[Greg Anderson]

Okay, I've read the issue twice, back-to-back and I can't seem to form a solid opinion on it. Last issue was just a slice of greatness cake, this was just... there. I mean, the story has advanced, but just something is missing, I can't put my finger on it. But there was nothing wrong with it either. The one thing that does seem a lil' off to me is the Legion's return. Now, I myself LOVED the Legion, but I can't help but feel it was rushed. But due to the H&H's team out of nowhere coming to a close, it's totally understandable, but when was the Legion last mentioned? I felt the return of the Legion would have felt like a better if they were at least mentioned in this current arc or so, sort of like "remember them?" and when they finally come back, it doesn't feel like something suddenly tacked on. But that's just me.

Also, it's great seeing Mambo Suzanne back! She was a huge favorite of mine. But that was her, wasn't it? When I re-read the issue, I sorta began to think maybe it was an older Cyan, but looking at some of the stuff in the room, I felt it had to be Suzanne. And please tell me that Ninja Spawn was a part of the "Worthy Legion"!

Art was great, although the panels with the Legion looked a little weird. Other than that, art was lovely, great layouts, and nice colors!

And I'm extremely worried about Nyx! Apparently she's there for a reason, I'm hoping it's not for her to die and for Al to become motivated again! :frown: And in one panel Mammon looked as if all his plans were being brought down when Morana is destroying the place. Hmm... and Cyan telling Mammon to go to hell! Sheesh! She's learned quite a few things from Al, it seems! :biggrin:

[michaeljsmith]

I read issue #183 and I walk away excited about the content, eager for more, and yet somewhat unfulfilled with the overall story. The book continues to move forward at a neck breaking pace... things are flying past us like we are driving 200 MPH down the road. I know the next issue will tie most of the lose ends together and put a pretty bow on it before H2 leaves the book.

Early indications are that Al's little girl could be more of a villain and more of a threat than any of the people he has ever faced. Mammon looked really concerned like he had unleashed something that he could not control. I am of the mind that Mammon will die before the ENDGAME so maybe Morana is the one that kills him? The next issue will unveil a lot of things for us on that front.

Cyan going into the future has to be seeing herself in my mind. It is not Mambo Suzanne as he been suggested by other readers. I did find a little humor in the fact that the old lady was talking about not being able to finish "The Book of the Dead" - sometimes art and life are too closely related. I do question why Cyan is so powerful with regards to magic and everything else. Is it because she inherited something special from Wanda? If so then why isn't Wanda that strong as well?

I found it interesting that Mother of Miracles was mentioned again. Could we be seeing a return of one of the more bizarre characters in Spawn lore? I was very disappointed by the return of Legion. I was not disappointed that Legion returned but rather that Legion was so few. Should we just call Legion something like Small Gathering now? It felt like to me something that was done so there wouldn't be so many Spawn's to draw. Maybe it is a timing thing but I think you could have had all of them return and Morana rip through half of them to get ride of them.

I am saddened to think the next issue is the last for David Hine and Brian Haberlin. You guys have done an amazing job and adding Greg to do layouts has really paid off high dividends in my opinion. You have deliverd the end of the world through Armageddon, you have shown us a history of Al Simmons and Wanda Blake that changed the whole perspective of the book, you have turned this book into a darker version of itself, and you have consistently produced one of my favorite books through your entire run. David and Brian - best of luck, you guys will be missed.

- BrikHed

[Greg Anderson]

First look pages of Spawn 185.

http://comics.ign.com/articles/913/913565p1.html

[ElDuderino456]

I like the art. I do hope that there is more dialogue though.

[SpideyZERO]

I don't have high hopes on Brian Holguin's and Todd McFarlane's writings

Just hope the art is good enough

[Vintage Crime]

I've read all 183 issues of Spawn, but the name Mambo Suzanne doesn't ring a bell. Was that the lady that gave Nyx her power back? As for the issue itself it didn't seem special, but it did set some things up so I think I got my money's worth.

I liked seeing the return of the Legion. My first guess at Cyan's travel was that she teleported to the end of her life and was talking to her future self.

I hope that Mammon does not die by the end of this arc. I think Mammon makes a great villain to keep around in Spawn's gallery of villains. I think Violater has been a great villain, but there have been a lot of crappy villains like Redeemer, Overtkill, the Freak, etc. Malebolgia was a good villain, but he's dead. Cog would have made a great villain but he's in limbo. Jason Wynn, Mammon, and Clown/Violater are the only villains worth their salt in my opinion. I'm sure Violater will return soon so I'll be looking forward to that.

[michaeljsmith]

I've read all 183 issues of Spawn, but the name Mambo Suzanne doesn't ring a bell. Was that the lady that gave Nyx her power back? As for the issue itself it didn't seem special, but it did set some things up so I think I got my money's worth.

Yes, she is the witch in New Orleans that had Zera's head in a jar. Greg is in love with her :biggrin:

[Greg Anderson]

I've read all 183 issues of Spawn, but the name Mambo Suzanne doesn't ring a bell. Was that the lady that gave Nyx her power back? As for the issue itself it didn't seem special, but it did set some things up so I think I got my money's worth.

I liked seeing the return of the Legion. My first guess at Cyan's travel was that she teleported to the end of her life and was talking to her future self.

I hope that Mammon does not die by the end of this arc. I think Mammon makes a great villain to keep around in Spawn's gallery of villains. I think Violater has been a great villain, but there have been a lot of crappy villains like Redeemer, Overtkill, the Freak, etc. Malebolgia was a good villain, but he's dead. Cog would have made a great villain but he's in limbo. Jason Wynn, Mammon, and Clown/Violater are the only villains worth their salt in my opinion. I'm sure Violater will return soon so I'll be looking forward to that.

Well, it was Mammon who gave Nyx her powers back, but Mambo Suzanne was who signaled Al to help Nyx where she got her powers back, so you're thinking of the right person.

And don't get us wrong, we love Mammon as a villain, we just think it's time for a fresh new face to terrorize our boy Al. :evilsmile:

[Greg Anderson]

Yes, she is the witch in New Orleans that had Zera's head in a jar. Greg is in love with her :biggrin:

She was definitely the sex. :smile:

[michaeljsmith]

I don't think she is ever coming back ----> sorry :cool:

[Greg Anderson]

I don't think she is ever coming back ----> sorry :cool:

Stop trying to stomp on my heart! :frown: Would be awesome if Dave found some way to use her again on a separate creator own project!

BTW

http://www.spawn.com/news/images/spawn185_wizard206_photo_01_dp.jpg

http://www.spawn.com/news/images/spawn185_wizard206_photo_02_dl.jpg

[Vintage Crime]

Well, it was Mammon who gave Nyx her powers back, but Mambo Suzanne was who signaled Al to help Nyx where she got her powers back, so you're thinking of the right person.

And don't get us wrong, we love Mammon as a villain, we just think it's time for a fresh new face to terrorize our boy Al. :evilsmile: I wouldn't mind a change of villain with the new arc so I can see where you're coming from.

From my view point I don't think that the writers have made many good villains. Clown/Violater is a great villain, but he can be over used sort of like the Joker in Batman. I'm glad to see new villains created that may be able to stand the test of time.

Speaking of villains, I think Morana has a lot of potential. I'm hyped after rereading issue 178. I like her mysterious background so far. I wonder who turned her into a vampire. Where has she been? Has she been in hell all this time? Did Al meet her down there and blocked out the memory?

[Greg Anderson]

I wouldn't mind a change of villain with the new arc so I can see where you're coming from.

From my view point I don't think that the writers have made many good villains. Clown/Violater is a great villain, but he can be over used sort of like the Joker in Batman. I'm glad to see new villains created that may be able to stand the test of time.

Speaking of villains, I think Morana has a lot of potential. I'm hyped after rereading issue 178. I like her mysterious background so far. I wonder who turned her into a vampire. Where has she been? Has she been in hell all this time? Did Al meet her down there and blocked out the memory?

I'm gonna have to re-read Hine's issues again, because I'm still a bit confused on some stuff of Morana, mostly bout the vampire thing. If I recall, when Mammon takes her out of Wanda's womb, she already looks like a demon. :eek:

[Vintage Crime]

I'm gonna have to re-read Hine's issues again, because I'm still a bit confused on some stuff of Morana, mostly bout the vampire thing. If I recall, when Mammon takes her out of Wanda's womb, she already looks like a demon. :eek:
I remembered the vampire bit because 178 is one of my favorite issues of Hine's run. In the issue Mammon has Morana wrapped in a cloak as a baby and she has fangs, but Al nor Wanda were vampires when she was born. I wouldn't be surprised if Mammon was devious enough to have a vampire turn a new born baby. That sick freak.

[Greg Anderson]

I remembered the vampire bit because 178 is one of my favorite issues of Hine's run. In the issue Mammon has Morana wrapped in a cloak as a baby and she has fangs, but Al nor Wanda were vampires when she was born. I wouldn't be surprised if Mammon was devious enough to have a vampire turn a new born baby. That sick freak.

Yeah, I remember that vampire bit myself. That definitely was one of the coolest issues ever with the POV of a vampire. But dude, look at the baby in Mammon's hand when he takes her out of Wanda's womb! I recall her looking all demony with teeth!

[Vintage Crime]

Yeah, I remember that vampire bit myself. That definitely was one of the coolest issues ever with the POV of a vampire. But dude, look at the baby in Mammon's hand when he takes her out of Wanda's womb! I recall her looking all demony with teeth!
I wonder if Mammon cast a spell on the fetus? Or is Wanda a vamp? Al? Mammon probably has something else up his sleeve. I wonder if he has a fail safe in case Morana tries to kill him. If she can kill several Spawns/the Legion she's very powerful. A planner like him has probably thought of a contingency for that.

I'm intrigued. Hopefully we'll have more answers before Endgame starts.

[Greg Anderson]

I wonder if Mammon cast a spell on the fetus? Or is Wanda a vamp? Al? Mammon probably has something else up his sleeve. I wonder if he has a fail safe in case Morana tries to kill him. If she can kill several Spawns/the Legion she's very powerful. A planner like him has probably thought of a contingency for that.

I'm intrigued. Hopefully we'll have more answers before Endgame starts.

Mammon isn't much of a fighter, though. He's always kept his distance. We've seen that he can get his ass kicked by Al, and Al even branded him. After that, the next time they came face to face Mammon had him tied in his own chains and stood away from him. And he gets other people to do his dirty work against Al. And remember when he was gonna get his head popped off by Thamuz? The dude was basically a scared wimp.

[Vintage Crime]

Mammon isn't much of a fighter, though. He's always kept his distance. We've seen that he can get his ass kicked by Al, and Al even branded him. After that, the next time they came face to face Mammon had him tied in his own chains and stood away from him. And he gets other people to do his dirty work against Al. And remember when he was gonna get his head popped off by Thamuz? The dude was basically a scared wimp.
He knows his limits. Hand to hand combat doesn't seem to be Mammon's strength, but he is a good planner. Al and Wanda's lives have been maneuvered quite a bit by his schemes. If Mammon can control Morana she can probably kick a lot of butt for him. If he can't control her he'll probably have to beg his way out of a torturous death.

Either way Mammon has his strenghs even though they maybe different than other villains. At least this gives Spawn some variety in that not every battle has to be a punch out, hand-to-hand brawl (contrary to the superhero stereotype non-Spawn fans assume the comic to be).

[ElDuderino456]

I honestly have no idea who Todd and crew will choose for Spawn's next big adversary. After fighting against the might of heaven and Hell i wonder who else could pose a serious threat. Morana seems like the logical choice.

[bushboy]

Have we seen the rest of 'The Forgotten?' Mammon can't be the only one, right?

[Greg Anderson]

Have we seen the rest of 'The Forgotten?' Mammon can't be the only one, right?

Weren't they all killed by Zera? :confused:

[Greg Anderson]

btw, guys, Todd posted on the spawn board about the direction of the book.

http://board.spawn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=477724

[bushboy]

Weren't they all killed by Zera? :confused:

I think so. But anything could happen, right? Maybe one escaped and hid during Armageddon.

[Greg Anderson]

I think so. But anything could happen, right? Maybe one escaped and hid during Armageddon.

Hmm. Well, knowing how twisty Zera was, she probably sniffed him out, especially with her animalistic tendencies. But that would be an interesting plot if there was a Forgotten still alive.

[michaeljsmith]

Stop trying to stomp on my heart! :frown: Would be awesome if Dave found some way to use her again on a separate creator own project!

BTW

http://www.spawn.com/news/images/spawn185_wizard206_photo_01_dp.jpg

http://www.spawn.com/news/images/spawn185_wizard206_photo_02_dl.jpg

So begins the speculation - who is the second Spawn? Al is going to survive that we know. So I know some feel the second is Richie but I don't believe that is the case. Then again right now I have no better guesses.

[ElDuderino456]

So begins the speculation - who is the second Spawn? Al is going to survive that we know. So I know some feel the second is Richie but I don't believe that is the case. Then again right now I have no better guesses.


I know this is a long shot but maybe it could be Marc? I doubt it but its a possibility.

[Greg Anderson]

<sighs> I could be saying this because I'm so used to Al but is his story complete? So much loose ends he still hasn't closed yet. Or... idk. :frown:

[Vintage Crime]

btw, guys, Todd posted on the spawn board about the direction of the book.

http://board.spawn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=477724
Thanks for the link. I stick to this board so that I don't spend too much time reading about comics on the internet. I've tried other boards, but this one has the best variety in my opinion.

After reading that my impression is that there will be new villains and returns only of classic villains for old fans that may have left the book. When Todd and Mr. Portacio get technical talking about the art its way over my head, but it does sound like they are passionate about the title.

Zera was psycho. She stands out as another great villain. I can't believe that I overlooked her. She was so vicious for an angel.

Also, since someone mentioned it the Forgotten was a great idea. I loved the idea of a lost tribe of angels. The rest are dead, but I did enjoy the small role they played in the story.

[Greg Anderson]

I do miss Zera myself. I remember Dave saying she was immortal so she isn't technically dead although she is inside Hellhound digestive systems. She would have made quite a sh!t demon, lol.:redface: I do hope she returns. One thing I like is to see different artist interpretations of characters.

[ElDuderino456]

Bottom line is Todd is doing this for sales reasons. I really hope the final product turns out great but i hope he keeps at least some of the horror elements that Hine brought to the book.

[Greg Anderson]

Whoa, Todd is responding to all the posts in that thread! I actually didn't expect for him to even comment on my post.

Me:
And in all seriousness, I'd be more than willing to write it. I doubt I'd get it due to me not being established, but just something I'd dream of doing. Especially with Juan's art! Damn, his stuff is amazing!


****TODD SAYS****
Keep pounding at it and don't give up the dream. It took me years to break into the business and hundreds and hundreds of rejections.

TODD

I then replied...

Oh my. Thanks for the kind words. Expect to see me sometime in the future. :smile:



Heh. Thanks, Todd. :redface:

[michaeljsmith]

I know this is a long shot but maybe it could be Marc? I doubt it but its a possibility.

That is one of the mai guesses on the Spawn board.

[Ben Akers]

I'm tempted to randomly shout out every male character's name.

[michaeljsmith]

I'm tempted to randomly shout out every male character's name.

Its Sam! Its Twitch! Its Bootsy the bum! Its Max, Twitch's dead son! Sorta like that?

[stingerman]

Bottom line is Todd is doing this for sales reasons. I really hope the final product turns out great but i hope he keeps at least some of the horror elements that Hine brought to the book.

That is what I thought as well. You know, I might not be right, but is this the first time he actually gave David Hine some kudos?

There was an article in the just released Wizard #205, sporting a Spawn cover and it seemed like Todd was kinda saying this stuff about the heaven and hell and armageddon arcs, insinuating it wasn't that good. I was kinda taken back and like WTF? I don't know, seems like he singled that out. Here check it out:

http://www.bringbackwendell.com/swiz.jpg

[ElDuderino456]

Yeah Hine was doing a great job but Todd is a business man and he saw that sales weren't going up. It sucks to be inveseted in a particular storyline/creative team and have it pulled away from you, yet i do understand why Todd is doing thgis from a sales standpoint. We can only hope that he has learned a few things over the years about how to keep a book interesting. Spawn is his baby so i have to respect whatever he chooses to do.

[stingerman]

Yeah Hine was doing a great job but Todd is a business man and he saw that sales weren't going up. It sucks to be inveseted in a particular storyline/creative team and have it pulled away from you, yet i do understand why Todd is doing thgis from a sales standpoint. We can only hope that he has learned a few things over the years about how to keep a book interesting. Spawn is his baby so i have to respect whatever he chooses to do.

I agree. It is his. Man, I hope this lives up to the hype!

[michaeljsmith]

I agree. It is his. Man, I hope this lives up to the hype!

Who cares if it is his? :evilsmile: SPAWN belongs to the people ---- ha ha ha (sick sadistic laugh)

Time will tell. I am optimistic.

[Splatt]

I haven't read the whole thread so ignore my post if this question was already asked.

What's a good jumping on point for Spawn?

[Greg Anderson]

I haven't read the whole thread so ignore my post if this question was already asked.

What's a good jumping on point for Spawn?

There's a jump on point next month with issue 185. Or you can pick up the Armageddon trades that collects David Hine's first arc with Philip Tan on art. Or you can pick up the New Flesh Collection trade with Brian Haberline on art. :smile:

[Greg Anderson]

That is what I thought as well. You know, I might not be right, but is this the first time he actually gave David Hine some kudos?

There was an article in the just released Wizard #205, sporting a Spawn cover and it seemed like Todd was kinda saying this stuff about the heaven and hell and armageddon arcs, insinuating it wasn't that good. I was kinda taken back and like WTF? I don't know, seems like he singled that out. Here check it out:


Yeah, stuff like that has actually annoyed me. This was in fact the first time I noticed he gave Dave kudos and the talk of showing Heaven and Hell isn't interesting when a lot of people felt it was the best run of the book. Ah well, whatev.

[michaeljsmith]

I haven't read the whole thread so ignore my post if this question was already asked.

What's a good jumping on point for Spawn?

185 - new creative team joining the book. It is a big event called ENDGAME.

[ElDuderino456]

I do understand what Todd means by not wanting to actually show Heaven and Hell. He feels that fearing an unseen but felt presence has more impact than actually showing the creature/creatures. He prefers a slow build up with the reader not always knowing what the hell is going on. I do agree that the Armageddon had to happen though. It wiped the slate clean for something new.

[michaeljsmith]

Next up? The final issue for David Hine :frown:

SPAWN
MONTHLY SERIES
ISSUE 184 | OCTOBER 2008
http://www.spawn.com/comics/images/tab_comics_header_credits.gif
STORY David Hine
LETTERS Tom Orzechowski
COVER Brian Haberlin
COLORS Andy Troy
INKS Brian Haberlin
PENCILS Brian Haberlin

http://www.spawn.com/comics/images/tab_comics_header_summary.gif
The end of an era. When Al Simmons was murdered, he made a deal with the demon Malebolgia and became a Hellspawn so that he could return from the grave. Now he faces death once again and this time there is nothing that can save him from the jaws of Hell

http://www.spawn.com/comics/Spawn/monthly/images/spawn_comic_cover_184_cl.jpg

[Greg Anderson]

Damn... ugh... why must I feel this pain?!??! :frown: :frown: :frown: :frown:

btw, over at the Spawn forum, Todd left this...

OK, gang. you've spoken and we've been listening. Your votes do count (and in this year of a presidential election) so we'll respond. I will put the FREAK and the REDEEEMER into the the fore front of those that will make a return appearance.

TODD

[michaeljsmith]

Damn... ugh... why must I feel this pain?!??! :frown: :frown: :frown: :frown:

btw, over at the Spawn forum, Todd left this...

The guy hasn't posted in 2 years and this weekend he posted like 100 times - so weird.

[Greg Anderson]

The guy hasn't posted in 2 years and this weekend he posted like 100 times - so weird.

LOL! :biggrin:

[stingerman]

The guy hasn't posted in 2 years and this weekend he posted like 100 times - so weird.

Maybe he was burned out and got motivated by Spider-man:One More Dollar. :biggrin:

[Greg Anderson]

Maybe he was burned out and got motivated by Spider-man:One More Dollar. :biggrin:

AHAHA! I'm so glad you post on this thread. :biggrin: :biggrin:

[stingerman]

AHAHA! I'm so glad you post on this thread. :biggrin: :biggrin:

LOL! No, I gotta keep an open mind, hopefully the new Spawn will be good.

[michaeljsmith]

LOL! No, I gotta keep an open mind, hopefully the new Spawn will be good.

My BIGGEST complaint is if they would have promoted Spawn with Hine the way they are promoting ENDGAME then I think the sales numbers would have been a little different :evilangry:

[stingerman]

My BIGGEST complaint is if they would have promoted Spawn with Hine the way they are promoting ENDGAME then I think the sales numbers would have been a little different :evilangry:

Same here, if he would have announced something like-- "we got Portacio coming on with Hine writing and I am over seeing" (or whatever - and how long will that last?) and promoted it like he is doing, it would have made a big difference. :mad:

Can't wait to see the numbers for 185 to see if its justified -- and subsequent issues.

[bushboy]

Redeemer and Freak? Kewlness.

[ElDuderino456]

Yeah Freak was always cool cause he was really just some crazy guy. Nothing supernatural about him. I always love non powered villains who can still give superheroes a run for their money.

[flashdisk]

I hope Nyx isn't away from the book for very long. Its a shame we'll never get to see what David had planned. The clues were there and there is the speculation, but a road not taken is a road not taken. And speculation will just remain as speculation, regardless of whether its would have been right or wrong. Well there's still the imagination.


Its strange, but I've really got no concept of superpower. I mean in this dayy and age where there are people who are having microchips implanted in their bodies so they can control their house gadgets, at this day and age where biotechnology, medical science and transhumanism seems to be gaining ground, the concept of super powers seems to be getting more blurred.

And as time goes by the concept of being human is going to change and when that does, the concept of superpower will change too, because I think it would affect the majority, and when that does happen, no one will even notice. Today, medical science has already improved how we live, how we act. Our brains are enhanced by new educational systems and supplements. We get vaccinated. Our food is filled with supplements even our water. (Our teeth are now contstantl reinforced by the flouride additives in our water.) We've taken growth enhancers, new medecines. Even our ability to gain knowlede and our skills are now enhanced by the latest and most advanced tehnological tools.

I'm not sure but I keep on thinking that if we look at ourselves and compare ourselves to the poeple who lived several centuries in the past, I think we'd see that we're already enhanced and we just don't know it. :)


Just a thought.............




So back to Nyx, I think she was a great She-Spawn. I also want the Curse and the Redeemers I and II to appear. These are great characters and I just wish they were developed more so that one day they might even be able to stand in their own books. Spawn is great and all, but I don't think they'd ever be able to compete head on against Marvel and DC with just one book that's sales are variable. I'm talking about TMP Entertainment(Thats the comics section of Todd McFarlane's company right) here. Image as a whole maybe, but its characters don't actually live in the same universe, so fans usually are isolated; probably only going for either Top Cow, TMP etc. This is just one point of view.

I'd also like to see the homeless who lived in the alleys. They made Spawn seem like a guiding spirit even though he should have been the exact opposite. I guess it was the biggest example of how Spawn fought against what he was meant to be.

[bushboy]

Yeah Freak was always cool cause he was really just some crazy guy. Nothing supernatural about him. I always love non powered villains who can still give superheroes a run for their money.

Wait, so the Freak in Savage Dragon was a diff. character?

[Greg Anderson]

Wait, so the Freak in Savage Dragon was a diff. character?

I didn't even know SD had a character with that name.

[bushboy]

I didn't even know SD had a character with that name.

Yeah, real early. It seemed around the same time Spawn's freak showed up. They even look the same. In SD, the Freak was a dude who went around possessing people trying to get to Dragon. I just assumed he got sidetracked when he ran into Spawn.

[Greg Anderson]

Yeah, real early. It seemed around the same time Spawn's freak showed up. They even look the same. In SD, the Freak was a dude who went around possessing people trying to get to Dragon. I just assumed he got sidetracked when he ran into Spawn.

LOL!

Nah, Freak in Spawn had no powers, he was just insane. Last time we saw him was in Hell.

[bushboy]

LOL!

Nah, Freak in Spawn had no powers, he was just insane. Last time we saw him was in Hell.

I did wonder why he wasn't doing all that crazy stuff he did in SD. Still doesn't explain why they look the same o_o

[Greg Anderson]

I did wonder why he wasn't doing all that crazy stuff he did in SD. Still doesn't explain why they look the same o_o

LOL! Do you have a picture of SD's Freak? :redface:

[bushboy]

LOL! Do you have a picture of SD's Freak? :redface:

Oh, here we are. Got the name wrong. It's the Fiend. Now I feel dumb :redface:

[Greg Anderson]

Oh, here we are. Got the name wrong. It's the Fiend. Now I feel dumb :redface:

LOL, good job, sir. :biggrin:

Still no pic, though?

[michaeljsmith]

Wait, so the Freak in Savage Dragon was a diff. character?

Yes they are two different people with the same name

EDIT - I thought there was somebody with that name.

[bushboy]

LOL, good job, sir. :biggrin:

Still no pic, though?

Here (http://savagedragon.com/funnybooks/monthly_big/sd11.jpg)
I thought he had lost some power when he showed up in Spawn, which is why he looked more like a human. The hair threw me off.

[michaeljsmith]

Here (http://savagedragon.com/funnybooks/monthly_big/sd11.jpg)
I thought he had lost some power when he showed up in Spawn, which is why he looked more like a human. The hair threw me off.

that is exactly who I was thining of - i knew it was two different people but i thought they had the same name

[bushboy]

that is exactly who I was thining of - i knew it was two different people but i thought they had the same name

The fact that Fiend sent Dragon to hell where he met Spawn doesn't help my case either.

[stingerman]

We get vaccinated.


Vaccines Are They Really Safe? (http://www.christopherpublications.com/Miller_Vaccines.html)

Vaccine Ingredients (http://vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/June2001/VaccineIngredients.htm)


Our food is filled with supplements even our water. (Our teeth are now contstantl reinforced by the flouride additives in our water.)

Respected Medical Professionals and Scientists
are warning of long-term health consequences - flouride (http://www.nofluoride.com/)

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Kinda a health nut. :biggrin: kinda.

[flashdisk]

Vaccines Are They Really Safe? (http://www.christopherpublications.com/Miller_Vaccines.html)

Vaccine Ingredients (http://vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/June2001/VaccineIngredients.htm)



Respected Medical Professionals and Scientists
are warning of long-term health consequences - flouride (http://www.nofluoride.com/)

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Kinda a health nut. :biggrin: kinda.



:eek: Health consequences


:biggrin: I think I should be more concerned about health myself.

[michaeljsmith]

Who cares about healthy - I am making a deal with the devil and coming back to Earth as a Spa...... never ming. I will be healthy :biggrin:

[Gavin Higginbotham, BotF]

The fact that Fiend sent Dragon to hell where he met Spawn doesn't help my case either.

Heh. That story takes place in SD#30, or the newstand version, Spawn/Savage Dragon#1. The following issue featured God vs The Devil which sold less than the Spawn issue. Erik joked that Todd could've used that on an ad, "SPAWN, more popular than GOD!"

The Fiend first showed up in SD#3 and is on the cover of that book. The second incarnation is on the cover to #11 and third and final incarnation is on the cover to #18. A quick search of those issues should give a picture.

[Greg Anderson]

Heh. That story takes place in SD#30, or the newstand version, Spawn/Savage Dragon#1. The following issue featured God vs The Devil which sold less than the Spawn issue. Erik joked that Todd could've used that on an ad, "SPAWN, more popular than GOD!"

The Fiend first showed up in SD#3 and is on the cover of that book. The second incarnation is on the cover to #11 and third and final incarnation is on the cover to #18. A quick search of those issues should give a picture.

Ah, that character! Looked totally different from when I first saw him...her... whatev. :redface:

[Gavin Higginbotham, BotF]

Ah, that character! Looked totally different from when I first saw him...her... whatev. :redface:

Yeah, the third Fiend (Mrs. Harris) most frequently appeared as a big, fat mess but you can only glimpse her on a cover on #30 but it's mostly just her head in the background.

The Fiend entity itself was male, Arnold Dimple, and Mrs. Harris was the only female host for him. A lovesick young man's soul inhabiting the body of his ex-girlfriend's mother who is unaware that her partner was responsible for her daughter's death... genius!

[Greg Anderson]

Yeah, the third Fiend (Mrs. Harris) most frequently appeared as a big, fat mess but you can only glimpse her on a cover on #30 but it's mostly just her head in the background.

The Fiend entity itself was male, Arnold Dimple, and Mrs. Harris was the only female host for him. A lovesick young man's soul inhabiting the body of his ex-girlfriend's mother who is unaware that her partner was responsible for her daughter's death... genius!

LOL! I remember that. He dropped and left Savage Dragon in like... a giant chimney or something, lol, then tried transporting him to Hell. Fun times. :biggrin:

[ElDuderino456]

So Savage Dragon and Spawn do exist in the same universe?

[michaeljsmith]

So Savage Dragon and Spawn do exist in the same universe?

Yes and no. There is a Spawn Universe and a Savage Dragon Universe. What happens in one has nothing to do with the other. Spawn dies in his universe and could be alive in the Savage Dragon Univverse.

My best advice is not to get hung up on universes. There isn't a singular universe like Marvel or DC.

[Greg Anderson]

Yeah, just enjoy the series as they are period. It allows the writers to do whatever they want with the books without holding back, unlike books from DC and Marvel where the writers are restricted because of their "universe."

[michaeljsmith]

Yeah, just enjoy the series as they are period. It allows the writers to do whatever they want with the books without holding back, unlike books from DC and Marvel where the writers are restricted because of their "universe."

But does Greg exist in the BrikHed Universe? Speaking of which you need to go to Clark's Bar-it is all new. You will need to sign up again but there is more for you to do - Hellblazer now has a thread and there is all of the Image Forum.

Go Greg - go now!!

[Greg Anderson]

But does Greg exist in the BrikHed Universe? Speaking of which you need to go to Clark's Bar-it is all new. You will need to sign up again but there is more for you to do - Hellblazer now has a thread and there is all of the Image Forum.

Go Greg - go now!!

I don't follow Brikhed in the Greg-verse! :tongue:

Heh heh, will check it out.

[flashdisk]

Who cares about healthy - I am making a deal with the devil and coming back to Earth as a Spa...... never ming. I will be healthy :biggrin:

I've seen a lot of people who didn't think about their health have problems in their lives.Hopefully we don't end the same.

I wonder though if the problem with the flouride in the water is caused by people drinking the water? If so, I guess people would have to buy those clean spring water from the supermarkets.

Tap water should only be used to rinse the mouth.


This problem I think is not as bad (in the short term) as whats now happening regarding the contaminated milk products from China. Hopefully its resolved with all those bad items off the shelves. Imagine, plastic in our milk.. Thousands in the hospital.


See............ The real world is just as exciting as comics :D A lot is happening around us. But its also a lot more frightening.

[michaeljsmith]

I don't follow Brikhed in the Greg-verse! :tongue:

Heh heh, will check it out.

RIGHT - nobody is going to believe that one :evilsmile:

[Greg Anderson]

RIGHT - nobody is going to believe that one :evilsmile:

LOL! You and your magical world of fairies. :tongue:

[michaeljsmith]

Yes, my world is full of rainbows and unicorns.....and bigfoot, zombies, superheroes, Hell Spawns, and rednecks trying to beat the devil.

I love my life.

[bushboy]

Hey, Spawn fam! Exercise your right to Vote. (http://endgame.spawn.com/?p=299) I didn't even know there was a contest. Too many good choices -_-

[Greg Anderson]

Hey, Spawn fam! Exercise your right to Vote. (http://endgame.spawn.com/?p=299) I didn't even know there was a contest. Too many good choices -_-

TOO MANY good choices! :eek:

[michaeljsmith]

Very sad that this time next week we will have read our last David Hine Spawn issue. I really hope they can bring him back on a miniseries about some alternate Spawn. I love his idea that Jack the Ripper was a/could be a Spawn.

Just tough to see this run come to an end :frown:

[bushboy]

Very sad that this time next week we will have read our last David Hine Spawn issue. I really hope they can bring him back on a miniseries about some alternate Spawn. I love his idea that Jack the Ripper was a/could be a Spawn.

Just tough to see this run come to an end :frown:

You really think the new team is stuck on this for all eternity? Hine'll be back. Maybe in a few years, but I'm sure this isn't his last run.

[michaeljsmith]

You really think the new team is stuck on this for all eternity? Hine'll be back. Maybe in a few years, but I'm sure this isn't his last run.

No, I am not sure the new team will last 18 months. I don't think Hine will be back though - I think he is going on to his own things. It is like when Bendis was writing Hellspawn. Todd has brought in talent (Ashley Wood, Greg Capullo, David Hine, Ben Templesmith, Brian Bendis, Phillip Tan, etc.) but how many of them are still around working on his book?

:confused:

[bushboy]

No, I am not sure the new team will last 18 months. I don't think Hine will be back though - I think he is going on to his own things. It is like when Bendis was writing Hellspawn. Todd has brought in talent (Ashley Wood, Greg Capullo, David Hine, Ben Templesmith, Brian Bendis, Phillip Tan, etc.) but how many of them are still around working on his book?

:confused:

I think Wood's coming back. I hope.

[Greg Anderson]

Ha! C'mon, guys, this was all a late April Fools Joke! 185 will have Hine and Haberline still on the book! Heh. :smile:

[michaeljsmith]

Wood is doing the art for Book of the Dead. Other than that he is on to his own with other stuff.

Greg keep wishing. The April's fool joke was the children's book.

[Greg Anderson]

Wood is doing the art for Book of the Dead. Other than that he is on to his own with other stuff.

Greg keep wishing. The April's fool joke was the children's book.

Keep wishing what? I'm telling you, it's a joke! 185 is written and drawn by H2! :mad:



:frown:

[michaeljsmith]

Keep wishing what? I'm telling you, it's a joke! 185 is written and drawn by H2! :mad:



:frown:


My poor dilusional little brother

[ElDuderino456]

Hey Brik do you know when # 184 comes out? I'm hoping next week so that i will have more than just Deadpool to pick up.

[Greg Anderson]

Hey Brik do you know when # 184 comes out? I'm hoping next week so that i will have more than just Deadpool to pick up.

It's this coming Wednesday.

[ElDuderino456]

It's this coming Wednesday.

Cool. Thanks man. I'm getting really excited about Spawn's new direction.

[michaeljsmith]

Hey Brik do you know when # 184 comes out? I'm hoping next week so that i will have more than just Deadpool to pick up.

Yes, it comes out 10/07

[ElDuderino456]

Isn't the next Wednesday the 8th?

[michaeljsmith]

Isn't the next Wednesday the 8th?

Oops - that is what I meant. The 8th.

[Greg Anderson]

Oops - that is what I meant. The 8th.

Mr. Senile. :tongue:

[Greg Anderson]

This month's Monthly Hine Read is the complete Spawn run! In due to #184 coming out, why not?

http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=43442

[bushboy]

This month's Monthly Hine Read is the complete Spawn run! In due to #184 coming out, why not?

http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=43442

I actually decided to do this myself yesterday, before you announced it :tongue:
Up to "A Tale of Three Brothers." Damn, Hine's Spawn is a punk :frown:

[Greg Anderson]

I actually decided to do this myself yesterday, before you announced it :tongue:
Up to "A Tale of Three Brothers." Damn, Hine's Spawn is a punk :frown:

Whoa, you started from the Tan issues?! :eek:

heh heh, do come over and chat bout it and all! :biggrin:

[bushboy]

Whoa, you started from the Tan issues?! :eek:

heh heh, do come over and chat bout it and all! :biggrin:

Yeah, the hype from #185 has me all riled up. Armageddon is still one of the best comic stories I've ever read. I've already mentioned how I can't get with Spawn the character after that point.

[michaeljsmith]

Tomorrow is end of the epic run - sad to think that David Hine is no longer the writer for Spawn. I am going to join Greg's camp and just assume this is a mistake :wink:

[erik larsin]

Tomorrow is end of the epic run - sad to think that David Hine is no longer the writer for Spawn. I am going to join Greg's camp and just assume this is a mistake :wink:

it`s no mistake.i`ve got the proof! i visited greg`s camp and he told me all about it. it IS going to be tomorrow.THEN WE ROASTED MARSHMALLOWS.YUM!

[michaeljsmith]

Ok well poor Erik left us, and I am not talking about Mr Larsen, and we are all going to miss him....

I really hope there is an acknowledgement in the issue tomorrow for H2.

[michaeljsmith]

ENDGAME - 5 pages finished, check out the next chapter of SPAWN

http://endgame.spawn.com/wp-content/uploads/spawn.185.p1.final.lg.jpg

http://endgame.spawn.com/wp-content/uploads/spawn.185.p2.final.lg.jpg

http://endgame.spawn.com/wp-content/uploads/spawn.185.p3.final.lg.jpg

http://endgame.spawn.com/wp-content/uploads/spawn.185.p4.final.lg.jpg

[michaeljsmith]

http://endgame.spawn.com/wp-content/uploads/spawn.185.p5.final.lg.jpg

[ANewHope]

I was going to pick up Spawn again starting with issue 185. I still don't believe Todd McFarlene is coming back to comics.

And i'm hoping Whilce Portacio will bring back Wetworks !! Somehow! Since it's over there at wildstorm, but not being utilized.

Sorry for misspelling their names, it's been awhile

[Greg Anderson]

I'm still wondering how the real pages done by H2 will look.

[michaeljsmith]

I was going to pick up Spawn again starting with issue 185. I still don't believe Todd McFarlene is coming back to comics.

And i'm hoping Whilce Portacio will bring back Wetworks !! Somehow! Since it's over there at wildstorm, but not being utilized.

Sorry for misspelling their names, it's been awhile

I have been with Spawn since day one and am curious to see where it all goes. McFarlane has been very active in answering questions. I hope that he stays active in the process as that could help drive the success.

Wetworks isn't coming back sadly. There was just a Dane backup story over at Wildstorm just last month.

[michaeljsmith]

Where to start? OK I will start with the obivous - David and Brian you two guys will be missed. Brian's art was not always my thing but it started really coming around with the bubble boy story arc and I have been happy with it for the most part. David's writing has always had a purpose and a direction and that is one of the things that has kept Spawn in my top books each month. I have read all 184 issues since day one and this run has been as fun of a ride as any point in the Spawn lore. You guys are great and I hope we bump into you both in the Spawn Universe again.

Now on to the issue. I pretty much figured that the old lady was Cyan (though I am not sure why her name wasn't Cyan Fitzgerald when she signed the last page). As for Mammon and Morana being put into a "binding spell" by Nyx to restrain them I get that was done so they aren't dead and could return but that is one of the threads in this story I was ready to see severed. I was ready for Mammon to die and consider his legacy a part of the past 34 issues. I feel like Morana was the Darth Maul of this book. A really cool character that had so much potential but fell due to nothing more than timing.

I am botherred that it was Nyx who ended up really being the hero in this book and Al just went off into an empty desert of skulls to walk. I wanted to see Al come out guns blazing and be the effen badass that ended the world. I wanted this run to go down with a blaze of glory and didn't get that at all.

Legion could have been a whole story until themselves from this issue. I appreciated that specific members of Legion were mentioned and I found it interesting that Christopher was specifically pointed out to go away to a better place. I was just hoping for more to come from that fight scenes. I think the art missed a great opportunity with this section of the book. This was the chance to the one of the greatest fights in Spawn history and it didn't deliver.

The issue was good. It was not one of H2's best by any means but endings are tough and they never really come across the way we all want. The expectations can never live up to the hype. I look forward to reading the past 4 or 5 issues in one sitting to take in a full appreciate on the story that Hine and Haberlin delivered to us readers.

So Mammon and Morana are bound in the middle of nowhere. Wanda, Cyan, and Nyx have left to go off on their own. Al heading off to be alone again. We are starting with a clean slate as we enter into the ENDGAME. Who does Al face now? What are his next challenges? What happens to Spawn? I guess that is why we buy the issues. I am looking forward to three weeks from now when we get that book in our hands to see what is next.

Thanks again to David Hine (and I personally appreciate the shout out in your good bye letter in the back - you are the man). Thanks Brian for bringing a darker feel to the character that was always known for pushing the edge when it came to art and for suggesting to Todd that David get a chance on this book. Finally thanks to Todd for trusting your baby with these two guys. I honestly hope that you think the book and character of Spawn is better of now then it was the day you let them play in your sandbox :biggrin:

[Greg Anderson]

Issue #184 is finally here! The conclusion to David Hine and Brian Haberlin's fantastic Spawn run and it indeed has been an amazing ride! A mighty great thanks for making such a beautiful arc in one of my favorite books.

Now, as to the issue itself, I can see the feeling of those finding it to be anti-climactic, but I felt it was a fitting ending. Sure, we didn't get the blaze of glory battle, Spawn didn't go berserk like the old days, and the death of Mammon that I wanted for a long while now hasn't been granted, but the ending surely fit the run as a whole. Since the beginning of the run Al has been so down on himself to the point where he felt useless and had no purpose. And it reflected to his weakness in both physically but mentally. But now he knows what he must do, and in him is a new found belief in himself. Finally a true step forward in gaining his humanity finally. And hopefully we get more advancements of it in the new coming story line.

Now, don't get me wrong, it does read rush. The Legions being back could have been smoother given more issues, I'm sure we could have gotten more of Morana also and Nyx being the one to sorta defeat Mammon and Morana made a lot of sense to me since Nyx was constantly being told and referenced upon how much powerful she got while Al got weaker. I would have liked maybe a final word to Nyx and Al, but this was really about Wanda and Al and their story. All in all, would have been better with more issues, but I am satisfied. Thanks to everyone involved in this book, it's been a thrill ride. I'll be here next month! :)

And thanks, Dave, for the shout out! Put a smile to my face. You know you my dawg! ;)

[michaeljsmith]

...been a little quiet after that issue. I think everyone is still in shock :evilsmile:

[bushboy]

...been a little quiet after that issue. I think everyone is still in shock :evilsmile:

Still haven't gotten a chance to pick up the last two.

[Greg Anderson]

Still haven't gotten a chance to pick up the last two.

Damn! So hopefully you read them both back-to-back? :cool:

[michaeljsmith]

Damn! So hopefully you read them both back-to-back? :cool:

That would actually suck. Spawn #185 is only 3 weeks away... get caught up so you can (sniff sniff, very sad) move on to the new team

[bushboy]

That would actually suck. Spawn #185 is only 3 weeks away... get caught up so you can (sniff sniff, very sad) move on to the new team

Plus side: It's released the day before our High School retreat, so I'll have something to do in the middle of Nowhere, Penn.

[ElDuderino456]

Ok so i just read # 184. It was so so. I felt that it read a little choppy and left me kinda confused. What was up with the sea of souls that Al was walking on toward the end? Was that Hell? I really don't have any clue as to where the new direction is headed. The end of the issue didn't leave any clues. Thoughts?

[Greg Anderson]

Ok so i just read # 184. It was so so. I felt that it read a little choppy and left me kinda confused. What was up with the sea of souls that Al was walking on toward the end? Was that Hell? I really don't have any clue as to where the new direction is headed. The end of the issue didn't leave any clues. Thoughts?

I think most of the answers will definitely be answered in the upcoming arcs. We'll just have to wait and see.

[ElDuderino456]

I think most of the answers will definitely be answered in the upcoming arcs. We'll just have to wait and see.

So i wasn't the only one to feel confused? I just wanted to make sure i wasn't missing any clue.

[Vintage Crime]

I'm curiuous about the faces too. It looks as though hell is empty. I'm not sure what happened to the demons after Spawn closed the gates to heaven and hell. My first guess is that maybe they are soul stains, marks or imprints left by the tortured souls that used to be in hell. I'm not sure. This point in the story seems like a good place to start a new direction. Now we'll probably see what Al does with the remains of an empty heaven and hell.

[michaeljsmith]

I am not exactly sure where Al was in the end either, and hope that #185 will help with that part, but I felt it was a symbolic place to show look we are ending this chapter of the series here and starting with a blank page coming next issue.

[ElDuderino456]

So does everyone think we are done with Wanda and Cyan?

[michaeljsmith]

So does everyone think we are done with Wanda and Cyan?

No way - they are both Todd's creations and I think that #185 and beyond will get back to Todd's characters. I don't think we will see them like we have in the past but I imagine they will be addressed again at some point :frown:

[ElDuderino456]

It just kinda seems like the Al/Wanda dynamic has reached an end. Hes dead. They can't be together. Spawn really can't have a love interest.

[Greg Anderson]

It just kinda seems like the Al/Wanda dynamic has reached an end. Hes dead. They can't be together. Spawn really can't have a love interest.

Nyx was a good match for him. And she actually tried to help Al to get his humanity back unlike simply telling him he needs to get it (Cog). She even began to help him uncover skills with his costume. She was someone who generally cared for him.

[ElDuderino456]

Nyx was a good match for him. And she actually tried to help Al to get his humanity back unlike simply telling him he needs to get it (Cog). She even began to help him uncover skills with his costume. She was someone who generally cared for him.

Maybe but i just never got into her much as a character, I really can't even think of a direction that i would want Spawn to go in at this point. I feel that Al's quest for his lost humanity should be over. Hes made his peace with Wanda ,Terry and Cyan and whether he wants to accept it or not, hes dead and is going to stay dead. Mammon pressed home the hard truth for Al. I'm excited by the hint that we will see an invigorated Al. No more moping in alleys for him!

[ElDuderino456]

Also since Morana took his original symbiote suit, i'm guessing he will be getting a brand new one, free from Mammon's influence. Hopefully completly under Al's will and control.

[michaeljsmith]

DUDE 456 brings up a lot of interesting points. I was glad that Hine really didn't bring Wanda back until the end of his run. In my heart Hine was going to kill her and Todd stopped him (just my opinion). I did like the character of Nyx for a while but as of late she lost her purpose. Al needs a human to keep him grounded and I believe that Todd mentioned they are going to introduce a new character. I thought Sam and Twitch always played the role very well.

[ElDuderino456]

DUDE 456 brings up a lot of interesting points. I was glad that Hine really didn't bring Wanda back until the end of his run. In my heart Hine was going to kill her and Todd stopped him (just my opinion). I did like the character of Nyx for a while but as of late she lost her purpose. Al needs a human to keep him grounded and I believe that Todd mentioned they are going to introduce a new character. I thought Sam and Twitch always played the role very well.

Yeah Brik i just feel that the lost soul/still loves Wanda/am i a force of good or evil Spawn has been played out as much as it can go. It has been so long since we have seen Al grow some balls and cut loose like a bad ass. I really have no clue who he will be getting revenge against, but i expect it to be epic.

Oh and congrats Brik on your mention in issue 184.

[Greg Anderson]

DUDE 456 brings up a lot of interesting points. I was glad that Hine really didn't bring Wanda back until the end of his run. In my heart Hine was going to kill her and Todd stopped him (just my opinion). I did like the character of Nyx for a while but as of late she lost her purpose. Al needs a human to keep him grounded and I believe that Todd mentioned they are going to introduce a new character. I thought Sam and Twitch always played the role very well.

I wouldn't have been surprised if Hine killed of Wanda. Hine likes unhappy endings, heh. :redface: And I really don't think Nyx lost her purpose. I felt that Nyx was there to remind Al that he was still cared for and that he was human. Remember, while he was all mopey and stuff and felt he was worthless and that he was a monster unable to love, when Nyx would get hurt the dude would fly into a frenzy. Also, while Al was just losing hope, Nyx still had that piss and vigor that Al once had in the beginning of the whole Spawn series. I just felt with the change of creative teams and needing to wrap up the story lines, the potential for Nyx and Al just got lost in the shuffle.

[ElDuderino456]

I'm also glad that Hine got to keep Morana and Mammon alive. It may seem like a cop out to some, but Morana definitely has potential, her being the child of Al and all. I was scared that her and Mammon would kick the bucket, and i'm really not wanting to see Clown's ugly ass every 5 issues. This may sound hella retro, but id love to see Cy Gor again.

[ElDuderino456]

I wouldn't have been surprised if Hine killed of Wanda. Hine likes unhappy endings, heh. :redface: And I really don't think Nyx lost her purpose. I felt that Nyx was there to remind Al that he was still cared for and that he was human. Remember, while he was all mopey and stuff and felt he was worthless and that he was a monster unable to love, when Nyx would get hurt the dude would fly into a frenzy. Also, while Al was just losing hope, Nyx still had that piss and vigor that Al once had in the beginning of the whole Spawn series. I just felt with the change of creative teams and needing to wrap up the story lines, the potential for Nyx and Al just got lost in the shuffle.


Yeah and i just have a feeling that Todd won't have much, if any, use for Nyx.

[Greg Anderson]

I'm also glad that Hine got to keep Morana and Mammon alive. It may seem like a cop out to some, but Morana definitely has potential, her being the child of Al and all. I was scared that her and Mammon would kick the bucket, and i'm really not wanting to see Clown's ugly ass every 5 issues. This may sound hella retro, but id love to see Cy Gor again.

I wouldn't mind seeing Morana alive, but Mammon should have died. Although it didn't bug me he was kept alive. I still think Al should have kicked his ass for 2 pages at least.

[Greg Anderson]

Yeah and i just have a feeling that Todd won't have much, if any, use for Nyx.

Well, then he'll be wasting a great potential storyline.

[ElDuderino456]

I wouldn't mind seeing Morana alive, but Mammon should have died. Although it didn't bug me he was kept alive. I still think Al should have kicked his ass for 2 pages at least.


Yeah that was my one big gripe about Hine. He didn't have Al kick enough ass. He let his woman do it for him. :tongue:

[ElDuderino456]

Though i expect we will see Mammon get his sooner than later.

[ElDuderino456]

Does anyone think that maybe Wynn could be the first target of Al's revenge? That would really bring the story full circle.

[Greg Anderson]

Does anyone think that maybe Wynn could be the first target of Al's revenge? That would really bring the story full circle.

I dunno. I think next move would have to be Wynn since Hine made Al send him packing. Hine also said before that he wasn't done with Wynn.

[michaeljsmith]

...at least I didn't get killed :eek:

[ElDuderino456]

...at least I didn't get killed :eek:


Lol thats always good. So it seems that Spawn is shipping hella quickly at the moment. I'm loving it. Portacio will fall behind soon enough. Good artist though.

[SpideyZERO]

Spawn never gets to kick ass ever since Armageddon. I think Hine hates him or something :D

[flashdisk]

Spawn never gets to kick ass ever since Armageddon. I think Hine hates him or something :D

That might be because he had just finished kicking everyone's asses. He destroyed the world, vanquished thousands of Hellspawn into hell, practically ripped Zera apart and many of heaven and hell's legions. And he also destroyed many of the Disciples.

So, if he continued at that pace it wouldn't have been much of a story. So I think it was just right that the level of descruction he could inflict decreased after Armaggedon to make up for the amount of destruction he did during.



I hope David Hine makes more creator owned work in the future. David may be leaving Spawn, but I think its a great oppurtunitiy for him to make more original work. In the future, David Hine might become well known for creating many other interesting characters that can stand the test of time.

[Greg Anderson]

That might be because he had just finished kicking everyone's asses. He destroyed the world, vanquished thousands of Hellspawn into hell, practically ripped Zera apart and many of heaven and hell's legions. And he also destroyed many of the Disciples.

So, if he continued at that pace it wouldn't have been much of a story. So I think it was just right that the level of descruction he could inflict decreased after Armaggedon to make up for the amount of destruction he did during.



I hope David Hine makes more creator owned work in the future. David may be leaving Spawn, but I think its a great oppurtunitiy for him to make more original work. In the future, David Hine might become well known for creating many other interesting characters that can stand the test of time.

You have to be pumped for FVZA! I know I am! :biggrin:

And his characters in Strange Embrace are just magnificent. And I can't wait to get to the Disciple battles for this month's Hine read. That issue was just great!

[ElDuderino456]

You have to be pumped for FVZA! I know I am! :biggrin:

And his characters in Strange Embrace are just magnificent. And I can't wait to get to the Disciple battles for this month's Hine read. That issue was just great!

Yeah FVZA looks sweet. I wish it was an ongoing though.

[Deviancy]

I stopped collecting Spawn awhile ago, but I recently came back to the title. I grabbed most of the post armageddon stuff, and it's not bad at all. Nyx is one of the characters that's new to me since she wasn't in the title when I used to collect Spawn. I kind of like Nyx, I find that's fleshed out a bit, but still has a lot of potential to become something bigger. I like her relationship with Spawn, it adds depth to his character that Sam and Twitch didn't bring out. In fact, I prefer her over Sam and Twitch, and possibly even Wanda. On top of that, she adds a modern aesthetic to the comic, I mean she does have a bit of a Suicide Girls look.

Now I'm not saying she should become the Spawn version of Robin, but having her show up here and there isn't a bad thing at all. But considering she's been ignored figure wise, when McFarlane has made figures of characters who've appeared far less than Nyx, that may show his interest level in the character. That is of course you count the She-Spawn figure, some do.

[TROUBLEZ]

I finally got some issues by David Hine. Very cool stuff! I'm really into the horror, witchcraft/magic stuff. And the art is great, very atmospheric. The issue I got with Nyx, I didn't like her too much, I liked the Voodoo lady that helped her alot more. But I'm going to start getting more issues. Thanks to everyone with the good recommends.

[Greg Anderson]

I love me some Nyx. I think she works really well with Al and their relationship just freakin' started! They have so much potential and I felt Dave was going to do some damn great stuff with them. She's a character that you feel really does genuinely care for Spawn, especially trying to get him to use his powers to get back his humanity in a way. I hope they continue to try to advance their relationship.

And no prob, Troublez! I'm really glad you're getting into the story! I myself also loved Mambo Suzanne and really wanted her to return. She was a great character.

Also, we have a Hine monthly read over at his forum at Image. Why don't you guys join up and chat along with us. This month is his run on Spawn. Here's the link...

http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=43442

[michaeljsmith]

I am pretty sure Nyx is gone for a while starting with ENDGAME. They are going to introduce a new reporter guy who is going to be Al's link to humanity I believe. I would like to see me some more Sam and Twitch.

[bushboy]

Finally got the last two issues. Can't say they were great, but they're a good finale for Hine's run.

[ElDuderino456]

Finally got the last two issues. Can't say they were great, but they're a good finale for Hine's run.


I agree. I was somewhat underwhelmed, but the ending got me hyped for Endgame.

[Deviancy]

Maybe it's me, but very few comics have explosive story arc finales these days. It's always makes me think the writers are like, "ok, I guess we'll end it here.. ladeda". With that being said, this specific story arc ended in a decent way, I wasn't expecting that much more. But since I usually do the trade thing these days, I don't have time to build up high expectations since I don't have to wait 4 weeks for the next part of a story.

Back to Nyx..

I just find her to be more interesting than earlier women that have been in the title, Angela for example, she was just annoying.

Curious though..

Jessica Priest, I remember her in the movie, but I heard McFarlane put her in the comic as well, and had her become the actual killer of Al Simmons?

If that's the case, what issue was that change made in?

[Greg Anderson]

[QUOTE=Deviancy;7746541

Jessica Priest, I remember her in the movie, but I heard McFarlane put her in the comic as well, and had her become the actual killer of Al Simmons?

If that's the case, what issue was that change made in?[/QUOTE]

Spawn #61. Some of her background is revealed in Curse of the Spawn #12-14.

[michaeljsmith]

For those of us that were waiting for the Holy Grail of Spawn books it looks like Spawn: Book of the Dead is really going to happen this time...

http://board.spawn.com/images/board/BOD_cvr1.jpg

http://board.spawn.com/images/board/BOC_cvr2.jpg

http://board.spawn.com/images/board/BOD_interior1.jpg

[bushboy]

Book of the Dead. It's so...beautiful! *sniffle*

[michaeljsmith]

Book of the Dead. It's so...beautiful! *sniffle*

I think it is going to be a wonderful thing... I am excited.

[Greg Anderson]

I think it is going to be a wonderful thing... I am excited.

I'm debating if I should even get it. Something is resisiting me from taking the plunge. Maybe it could be due to the whole "limited" crap and not wanting to spend that much cash for it so soon, combined with what Dave said on the board.

This does look fantastic. I hope my copy will be arriving very soon. My involvement in this book was less than I was hoping in the end. Originally we we going to bring the Spawn legend all the way up to date but it just made the whole project too massive and expensive. So this volume is mostly using Steve Niles' original text with some updating and additional material from me.

If it goes down well though, who knows? There could be a volume 2 some day.

[ElDuderino456]

What date does issue 185 ship?

[Greg Anderson]

I believe this coming Wednesday.

[Deviancy]

Yeah, it should be in shops this Wednesday. I need to call my local shop, make sure they have it on the list. I doubt they'll have any of the variants though, and there's supposed to be a few.

[ElDuderino456]

I believe this coming Wednesday.

Yep you are right. Two issues of Spawn in one month. I'm guessing we shouldn't get used to that.

[bushboy]

I sure hope my store has all three variants. This is probably the only time I'll put in such a request, but they're horrible with Image in general.

[Greg Anderson]

Damn, you guys are dead serious bout these variants! :eek:

[Ben Akers]

I get to play the guessing game for at least another week while I wait for my copy to ship.

Although, its the last one I'll have to wait quite so long on. :biggrin:

[Deviancy]

I just want the McFarlane cover, but I think that's the standard cover..

[Greg Anderson]

Started reading Hine's Spawn run for the Monthly Hine Read.

http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?p=662553#662553

Spawn #150

Man, I remember the first time reading this issue. Boy was I darn excited. This one simple issue setup so much stuff that was to come ahead with the rest of the Armageddon arc. We got the reintroduction of Spawn for the new-comers, introduction of The Disciple, Man of Miracles, Chris, return of Billy Kincaid, the start of the Apocalypse with the rivers turning into blood, the Christians gathering around in excitement to be taken away to Heaven. I remember just how different this was compared to the previously written issues of the book. It was such a drastic change in style, in plotting, dialogue, etc. It was a nice pace of fresh air indeed.

Heh, The Bug House line actually isn't as bad as now. I remember that was a huge, "wtf" moment when this came out. :biggrin: But reading it now, it felt a bit more natural, maybe it was the voice I was reading it with in my head. Speaking of which, Spawn had voices all in his head from the bugs telling him what to do. In a previous issue when Nyx was helping him control his powers, he realized he could use bugs in the world as his eyes. I don't recall the bugs after #150 playing much of a part anymore. It did add to a sense of intrigue to me as a reader and then humor when Al gets beat up by the Disciple due to listening to the bugs - "The last conscious thought, before his face is ripped apart, is that he should never listen to the voices in his head." heh heh. Fun stuff.

Other lines that still get a chuckle from me: "You suppurating toad! Disturb my concentration one more time and I'll empty my bowels down your throat, then sew up every orifice so you'll taste if for an eternity." Yeeesh, Dave! :eek: The song right before hand that the demon Ceril was singing was a pretty funny scene too!

And who doesn't love Thamuz's first splash page and then that wonderful cliff hanger. Definitely an "Oh s#!t, this comic rocks!" moment.

Tan on Spawn (sighs) man, feels like so long ago. What a wonderful team this was. His panel layouts were so much fun to look at, especially the first few pages of Al in the alley to when Al's heart brings Chris into the picture. Just a fun read, especially knowing all the greatness to come now afterward. :biggrin:

C'mon, I can't be the only one who reread this issue!

[Thamuz]

Finally got round to buying a sighned copy of The Book of the Dead this past week.

I don't have a camera, but once it arrive's, I'll prove I'm not BS'in any of you.

[Greg Anderson]

Finally got round to buying a sighned copy of The Book of the Dead this past week.

I don't have a camera, but once it arrive's, I'll prove I'm not BS'in any of you.

Did you name yourself after Thamuz from Spawn? :confused:

[bushboy]

I got my copies of 185. Great issue, but.....

****SPOILERS****

Is Patient 47 the new Spawn. I knew they'd kill Al, but still. A moment of silence for our fallen Hellspawn.

[Schmakt]

hm. he's really dead, you think?

[Deviancy]

I do enjoy how #185 opened all of these doors, but didn't really answer a damn thing. It makes me more interested in picking up #186. However, the way I see it right now, if the outcome is too radical, I may step away from the title. I like change. For example, when a band I like expirements with a few different styles, that can be fun. But what I don't like is when the band I'm into gets a new lead singer.

In other words, Simmons needs to stick around. And what I don't need is another comic that features a caucasian lead. So patient 47, I only can hope that he's not the next Spawn...

[Greg Anderson]

Hmm. Am I the only one who didn't quite care for this issue? :confused:

[stingerman]

LCS said it didnt come out today...:confused:

[Deviancy]

Well my shop said Cyblade #1 hasn't come out yet, wtf is with that? I thought it was due out last week?

[Tigoneonix]

Well 185 was sure interesting, But killing off Al was I think a mistake I don't mind there being a new hell spawn but Simmons needs to be a around. kinda like how the green lantern corps has been doing or how there are two witchblade bearers now. Al needs to be around for certain I also hope they don't tone down the violator To me it seems like he was not himself that much.

I hope this change is for the better and not the worse.

[AtlastheChamp]

185 was pretty awesome.

Its definitely a very new and fresh start.

Like somebody shook the chess table, knocked off all the pieces, and put em all back on the board. Well, all except for one.

The writing was great and the art was a perfect compliment. It definitely felt like the opening 5 minutes to a movie. This is a perfect place for curious folks and new fans to get in on Spawn. No one knows what's coming next but I bet its going to be filled with twists! I'm looking forward to it.

Atlas:biggrin:

[Greg Anderson]

Yo, Atlas! I didn't know you chilled 'round here? How's Halloween for you, gonna be Gambit? Rockin' avatar! :biggrin:

I dunno, more I look through the issue the more it grows on me. But I still stand by my opinion that it's a bit overrated. :redface:

[WW Doctor]

Definitely agree that this is a good place for newer fans to pick up this book. I actually like the idea of Al Simmons being out of the picture. It allows both older fans like myself (I've been picking up Spawn since issue #1) and newer fans to start on an even footing. Neither older readers nor newer readers know much about Patient 47 or why Al Simmons decided to off himself or whether 47 is going to be the new Spawn.

I enjoyed Whilce Portacio's artwork quite a bit on this, and I have not been a big Whilce fan (didn't like his original Image book Wetworks very much).

Overall, it's been a while since I've really been intrigued by Spawn, much of the time I bought it out of habit and wanting to keep my collection complete rather than being overly impressed or interested in the individual issues. Defintely looking forward to issue #186, something I haven't said about a Spawn issue for quite a while now.

[SpideyZERO]

For all the big talk that Al will not become a pawn anymore and he's gonna become the greatest hero and villain, all he does in this new direction is to blow his head off....weird

The issue is just ok. Few too much pages wasted, such as Al blows his head off takes too many pages, so do the conversations about Agent 47. But there's mysteries there and there, and it keeps me hooked. The art is pretty interesting

I'm not too sure about the idea of a new Hell Spawn. Hope it can be done well...

Or unless Al kills himself in order to possess a body for himself so he no longer can be controlled....maybe

Overall , 3 out of 5

[GRANT!]

Hmm. Am I the only one who didn't quite care for this issue? :confused:

I wasn't impressed. I like the art though.

I'll give it another issue to see if Spawn shows up.

[Tigoneonix]

OK after seeing that interview with Todd I have to say I now can accept that al is gone, spawn is not just about one man it's about The unknown. I love hearing Todd speak he always draws me back in when I get a little iffy about his changes.

[Baytor]

I took the plunge on 185 and liked it! I bought the first 14 issues of Spawn back in the day, then I bought issue 100 when it came out. Other than that I've always wanted to jump on, but never felt a good time to do it. I've added the book to my pull list and I'll see if it keeps me hooked. So far, so good!

[michaeljsmith]

I still have mixed feelings about this issue and am not sure about the direction. I am glad it is generating excitement and creates and opening for new fans to get on board but for those of us that have been here since issue #1 there are a ton of questions and a feeling of sadness to see THE hero who has embodied Spawn to be gone.

Al ended the world, closes the portals to heaven and hell - does that all revert back to the way it was before Armageddon? Who creates a new Spawn with Melagbolia dead and Mammon tied up in never-never land?

I am here for the long run but I am sure curious to understand what happens next (though I do want to kick McFarlane's ass for the 5 variant covers for this issue, hate being a completist)

[Spenser for Hire]

I had not read Spawn for quite some time and decided to try the new creative team. I had bought issues 181-184 to warm me up and found myself really enjoying the David Hine and Brian Haeberlin era. I will put the rest of David Hine's run on my back issue list. But the new direction is very exciting. I can't wait to see what is next.

[DeathSentence]

I was not impressed by the issue but it wasnt bad either. I am on for a couple issues at least....