There are few comic book characters with reputations as impressive as Batman and Spawn. The two characters have truly gripped readers’ imaginations for decades. With backstories soaked in tragedy and darkness, Batman and Spawn have become some of the most recognizable characters in contemporary comic book history. The first time these characters met was nearly 20 years ago in a one-shot written by Frank Miller, with art by Todd McFarlane, published by Image Comics. Now they once again share the spotlight in Batman Spawn #1, written and inked by Todd McFarlane, with pencils by Greg Capullo, colors by Dave McCaig, and letters by Tom Napolitano.
Batman Spawn #1 throws readers into the tragic backstories of The Dark Knight and The Hellspawn. An enemy is working in the shadows to turn Batman and Spawn against one another, using the loss of their loved ones as motivation. The two titular characters had drastically different upbringings, but the events of June 26th shaped them into what they have become. Batman Spawn #1 takes these two brooding characters on the anniversary of their respective losses and makes them go blow for blow with one another to save the soul of Spawn’s wife. Batman and Spawn soon find out that even with their similarities, they differ on a fundamental moral level.
Todd McFarlane does some of his best work writing the character he created, Spawn. Spawn narrates the beginning of this one shot, which gives readers who aren’t well-versed in Spawn’s universe a good idea of how this character operates. McFarlane makes sure to establish the fact that Batman and Spawn have been battling their entire lives, and although one was born into privilege and the other wasn’t, they both are victims of circumstance. McFarlane uses the dialogue between Spawn and Batman to expose their different moral philosophies. Batman refuses to kill, but Spawn is willing to do whatever it takes to destroy his enemies. As compelling as this issue is, McFarlane struggles to capture Batman’s voice, making Spawn’s arc significantly more compelling.
The artwork and the action truly carry this book and keep readers attention. The collaboration of Todd McFarlane and Greg Capullo is a comic book fan’s dream come true, and readers can see how much fun both of them had while making this book. Batman and Spawn stand on a ledge overlooking the city with their capes flapping in the wind, blood flies from Spawn’s fists as he stands over his enemies, the two heroes prepare for battle, and each page makes an impact that lasts throughout the book. Both characters’ designs mirror their similarities. Batman Spawn #1 is easy to follow, with panels that flow into one another, thanks to lettering work done by Tom Napolitano. The artwork is a major highlight for fans of Batman and Spawn.
Overall, Batman Spawn #1 is a solid adventure for readers who enjoy these two characters. McFarlane’s writing is far from perfect, but he and Capullo’s masterful artwork more than makes up for any other shortcomings. This issue is an epic crossover between the two icons that comic fans won’t want to miss.