Gunslinger Spawn #1
- WRITER
- Todd McFarlane, Aleš Kot
- Artist
- Brett Booth, Philip Tan, Adelso Corona, Kevin Keane, Daniel Henriques, Thomas Nachlik
- Letterer
- Tom Orzechowski
- Cover Artist
- Fco Plascencia, Brett Booth, Todd McFarlane
- Publisher
- Image Comics
- Price
- 5.99
- Release Date
- 2021-10-27
- Colorist
- Marcello Iozzoli, Andrew Dalhouse, Nikos Koutsis, Marcelo Maiolo
Jeremy Winston was a preacher until a rich businessman killed his family and framed him for the murders in a bid to grab his land. Driven by vengeance, Winston made a deal with the demon Mammon to kill the total population of a mid-1800s Texan town, making him a walking nightmare. Winston's backstory debuted in David Hine and Brian Haberlin's Spawn #174-175, making Gunslinger Spawn an instant hit among fans. Now, the gun-toting hellspawn has been sent 200 years in the future, where a war is brewing on the horizon. Written by Todd McFarlane and with artwork by Brett Booth, Gunslinger Spawn #1 launches thrillingly expands the Spawn universe.
Gunslinger Spawn #1 takes off right after Spawn's Universe #1 with Spawn and the Gunslinger making a hasty escape from Omega island. Using the motorcycle he got from Jessica Priest, Gunslinger arrives at the edge of the city. In a nearby gas station, Taylor Bartlett works a cash register and soon stumbles into Winston. Taylor finds the storage shed open and sees the motorcycle of his dreams. But his euphoria is short-lived as a gun cocks in his face, and the bearer looks like the devil himself.
Todd McFarlane finally brings one of Spawn's most underused characters to the fore. The first few pages of the book focus on the unexpected mentor-pupil relationship between Gunslinger Spawn and Bartlett. McFarlane also emphasizes Gunslinger's preparedness and ruthlessness, reminding readers of his appeal. However, the narrative is not without its faults. Altogether, the story feels rushed and forced. However, the backup story, "A Small Gift," by Ales Kot, portrays a welcomed compassionate side to Gunslinger Spawn.
Artist Brett Booth and inker Adelso Corona give this issue a dirty, gritty look with copious hatching. Booth, well-known for his early work at Marvel and Image Comics, has a flair for dramatic poses and low-angle shots that create a sleek and imposing Gunslinger Spawn. Even so, the artwork feels over the top at times, giving it an unnecessarily cartoonish look. Colorist Andrew Dalhouse uses a soft palette to build up the look of dawn. From Gunslinger Spawn's green ectoplasmic energy to blazing gunfire, colors shift, creating a visual treat for the readers.
Gunslinger Spawn #1 follows a linear narrative, taking no break from the action. The debut issue aptly portrays Winston as a man out of his era and struggling with a world that has advanced technologically. Despite an explosive beginning, much of the story's plot remains under wrap. With no conventional exposition, new readers may find the issue difficult to read. With so much going on in the Spawn universe, Winston will serve as a breath of fresh air for comic readers. Gunslinger Spawn #1 accomplishes what it set out to do: introduce a fan-favorite iteration of Spawn in the most badass way possible. The future looks bright for this freshman series.