Gunslinger Spawn #33: A Cycle of Violence
Creative Team
writer: TODD McFARLANE
artist: CARLO BARBERI
colorist: IVAN NUNES
letterer: TOM ORZECHOWSKI
publisher: IMAGE COMICS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
Gunslinger Spawn #33 serves as a solid jumping-on point for this series, providing enough action to satisfy thrill-seekers while offering backstory to the revolver-wielding member of the Spawn Universe.
The issue begins and ends with bullets—especially in its ending—as Javi, a Hell Spawn, navigates modern society. On a quest for revenge, this issue highlights that it’s harder to get away with violence now than it was in the 1800s.
Revenge is the central theme, as Javi learns his violent ways can come full circle. Accompanied by his unlikely companion Linda, a motel employee from a few issues prior, it’s clear the two have tension, especially as Linda remains unfazed when all hell breaks loose.
Written by Todd McFarlane, the script shifts from narration to dialogue from Javi often throughout the 24 page read. While it isn’t jarring, it is heavy handed in how it guides the reader sometimes feeling unnecessary at points.
Fortunately, the art interprets the script incredibly well in its stylistic panels from illustrator Caro Barberi and colors from Ivan Nunes. The two work in tandem incredibly well as readers see Javi riding a horse made of fire and dodge bullets in a parking lot filled with police lights and the action sequences are an solid aspect to this issue.
While this issue is enjoyable for the most part, it remains relatively simple in its narrative design. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as Gunslinger Spawn should feel like a western hero who goes from place to place as violence follows, but the script’s excessive explanations and small scale plot make the story decent but not necessarily groundbreaking.
Final Verdict
Gunslinger Spawn continues to be a guilty pleasure series that isn’t afraid of being bombastic or letting bullets fly. While the plot is not complicated, it remains exciting.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 8.5 |
| Story/Plot | 8.5 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.0 |
| Colors | 9.3 |
| Final Score | 8.8/10 |