Spoiler Alert:

I’ll probably ruin elements of the story for those of you following closely.

Being the mocked Spawn fan on the site, Image was good enough to present us with a review copy of Spawn issue 200. First things first, I have to put up a mild disclaimer that I haven’t read the Spawn series since somewhere around issue 165 or so, (Spawn had taken a mild break and gone to the wild west). Even though I enjoy the artwork from every issue the story was a little beyond me and I wanted Al Simmons to come back. 200 continues with Al Simmons somehow stripping himself of the Necroplasm and being thrown into some form of purgatory. This separation created the Omega Spawn (pictured below) which is basically the focused hatred and rage of Al Simmons with unlimited powers, that had begun slaughtering the legions of hell and became the ruler, (seeing as at some point Malebolgia went missing.)

Anywho with a new Spawn being dropped to earth to replace Al Simmons The Clown has a new plan to help him power up and take him back through the portal and over throw Hell and Earth in some bizarre scheme, but he first has to overcome “The Freak” who is really Malebolgia in a different form preparing to return to hell….

So…. my thoughts are pretty simple on this, the Spawn universe was always a huge draw for me mainly with the epic battle between heaven and hell. Their interesting take on the War between the two. I love the illustration, use of color, and overall design of the book. Issue 200 takes Spawn back to its cover roots a little bit, following the white backgrounding, with a basic character on the front similar to the initial line up of the book. The nice thing about issue 200 is even if you haven’t been up to date with the Spawn world, (like being 35 or so issues behind) you are caught up with a quick previously on Spawn style first page and then pulled into the story. The book is beautifully illustrated, has a solid story and really is a good read. Whether or not you find yourself attracted to ICP, (there is a better chance of me being found humping a meat grinder than associating myself with their particular brand of filth.) You will still find this issue worth a buy, and entertaining to listen through.

The second printing releases Feb 3, and judging by how quickly the first round sold out, I’d have the funds ready and be at your local comic shop that day.