Announced back in July 2022 at San Diego Comic-Con, it’s safe to say that Batman/Spawn has been one of the most anticipated and hyped books of the year. It’s been almost 30 years since Batman and Spawn have teamed up, which has certainly increased the anticipation. With Greg Capullo on pencils, Todd McFarlane writing and inking and Dave McCaig on colors, it’s easy to see why. Capullo has become synonymous as an artist for both Batman and Spawn, doing hundreds of issues of both characters combined over the last quarter century. As the creator of Spawn, McFarlane enjoys almost a cult following amongst his supporters.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Batman/Spawn #1!
With all that being said, Batman/Spawn certainly delivers artistically. Capullo, McFarlane and McCaig are at the top of their game in this issue. Every panel just seems to overflow with style – the capes, the chains, the green smoke pouring from Spawn’s eyes, everything has a kinetic energy that surpasses all expectations. My favorite moment was a double page spread of Batman and Spawn perched on the rooftops. Batman in the foreground, swinging a Batarang grappling hook with Spawn just behind him, chains and cape spread, hand glowing green. There is also a new character design for one of the Talons, deadly assassins for the Court of Owls, that was quite impressive.
Unfortunately, other than the stunning artwork, there wasn’t much else to this book. The plot was convoluted and I’m not sure why this comic book exists other than to sell variant covers. Things start off rather simple: the Court of Owls has convinced Spawn that Batman holds the key to deliver Spawn his wife’s soul. Their goal is for Spawn to kill Batman. But after their first altercation, Batman and Spawn become quick allies, teaming up to fight the Court of Owls. Batman even takes it so far as to bring Spawn to the Batcave and take off his cowl revealing his identity. The duo then take to the streets of Gotham, gathering information which leads them to the Joker. But in an odd twist, the informants weren’t saying “Joker” they were saying “Joe Kerr”, whoever that is.
It’s almost as if there was no reason to have Joker in the book other than to tease him in some preview art. He ultimately has no bearing on the plot whatsoever, though it is implied he is working with Violator. There’s a countdown throughout the issue that isn’t explained. There’s some kind of device, disguised as a pearl from Martha Wayne’s necklace she was wearing the night she died that opens a portal. The plot just kind of keeps going, and the reader is left wondering exactly what is going on.
To set up the final battle, Spawn kidnaps one of the Court of Owls (maybe this is Joe Kerr?) and uses him as bait in a trap staged at Arkham Asylum. Part of Arkham Asylum also just happens to be a Dead Zone, a place where Spawn’s powers are rendered useless. It’s never explained why the final battle needs to be fought here, it just kind of happens.
There’s a lot of odd choices in the final third of the book. Spawn impersonates Batman and kills their captive to parade him around Arkham for the prisoners to see and be even more frightened of Batman. At one point, Talon says the Court of Owls created Batman by killing his mother. Batman uses this to convince Talon not to kill him because if he does, Batman will release all of the Arkham prisoners. Armed with the knowledge that the Court of Owls created Batman, they’ll supposedly go after the court…because there’s on thing they hate more than Batman, and that’s anyone who helped create Batman…right.
If you’re looking for a visually stunning book, with variant covers up the wazoo, then Batman/Spawn is the perfect book for you. Just try not to expect too much of the plot or think too hard about it.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.