Spawn #268 (2016) – Comic Review & Breakdown
đ Genre
Dark Fantasy • Supernatural Horror • Action
đŠž♂️ Main Characters
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Spawn (Al Simmons): The Hellspawn warrior on a mission to purge evil from Earth with his dark powers.
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Satan: A looming malevolent force whose influence continues to shape Spawn’s path.
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The Violator: A grotesque demon who frequently meddles in Spawn's journey, though his presence looms more than acts here.
✍️ Writer
Todd McFarlane – The creator of Spawn and the mind behind the mythos, McFarlane continues weaving a chilling narrative that merges horror with heroic tragedy.
đš Artist
Erik Larsen – Best known for his work on Savage Dragon, Larsen brings a raw, visceral art style that amplifies the haunting and chaotic atmosphere of this issue.
đ Editor
Todd McFarlane – Doubling as editor, McFarlane ensures narrative consistency while pushing Spawn’s story into darker, more psychological territory.
đą Publisher and Brand
Image Comics
Imprint: Spawn Universe
đ Release Year
2016
𧩠Brief Plot Summary
In Spawn #268, Al Simmons steps into a terrifying new phase of his crusade. Armed with fresh and devastating abilities, he sets out to eliminate the last remnants of malevolence plaguing Earth. But his evolution comes at a price. The issue unfolds with eerie visuals and escalating tension, culminating in a disturbing revelation that hints at a much darker metamorphosis within Spawn himself. Each page drips with dread, solidifying Spawn’s role as both hero and harbinger of doom.
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue forms part of the Spawn: Resurrection arc, following Simmons' return from the dead. Issue #268 deepens the psychological and supernatural tones as Spawn's identity blurs further, leaning into body horror and gothic surrealism. It’s a stepping stone to even more intense confrontations in the issues that follow.
đź Fan Theories or Interpretations
One popular fan theory is that Spawn's new powers are not entirely his own—some speculate they are borrowed or even cursed, hinting at deeper control from Hell or Heaven. Others suggest Spawn’s increasing brutality marks a slow descent into becoming the very evil he fights against, a tragic loop destined to repeat. Some theorists also propose this issue marks the start of a symbolic internal war between Al Simmons and the Hellspawn persona.
đ Review Summary
Art: Erik Larsen’s illustrations deliver grotesque, kinetic panels that match the horror-fueled tone perfectly. His exaggerated lines and unfiltered style make every page feel chaotic and alive. đšđ„
Story Quality: McFarlane’s writing walks a sharp edge between horror and anti-hero mythology. The pacing is tight, and the suspense unrelenting.
Character Depth: Spawn’s internal conflict continues to evolve, portraying a man drowning in darkness yet clawing for redemption. His transformation is as psychological as it is physical.
⭐ Rating: 8.5/10 – A visually intense and thematically chilling installment that pushes Spawn into terrifying new territory.
đ„ Spawn #268 is a must-read for horror-comic lovers and longtime fans who crave a darker, deeper dive into the mind of Al Simmons.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
