We continue exploring the longest-running independent comic series in American history—Spawn. Ever since the Spawn Universe volume, which we previously recommended in The Things That Make Us Happy, the Spawn Universe has grown significantly.
Since then, the main series has expanded into four interconnected titles:
- Spawn (continuing its legendary run with over 350 issues)
- Spawn: King
- Spawn: Gunslinger
- Spawn: Scorched (which we’re reviewing today)
If you enjoy shared universes where characters frequently cross over, Spawn is a must-read. However, I recognize that these ‘90s-style stories aren’t for everyone. The writing leans more on action and entertainment rather than deep, layered storytelling. While Spawn works well as a standalone series, juggling four ongoing titles simultaneously does pose the risk of slowing down character development and stretching ideas too thin.
That said, Spawn Scorched hasn’t fallen into that trap yet. The series remains engaging, providing exactly what it promises—fast-paced action and supernatural battles. It’s not the kind of series you read for deep analysis or life-changing themes, but rather for pure, unfiltered comic book fun. My only concern is whether Spawn can sustain its momentum without becoming repetitive. I’d rather have a single, high-quality monthly series than four mediocre ones. So far, though, Spawn Scorched keeps delivering.
A Shift in the Storyline
There are two key points I want to highlight in Spawn Scorched #4:
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The volume should have ideally extended up to Issue #26, just before the major events in Spawn: Battle for the Throne. This upcoming arc will significantly impact all Spawn titles, making it a crucial turning point in the universe.
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A change in writers—Sean Lewis exits midway through this volume, making way for John Layman, who will take over in the following issues.
Below is the official synopsis of Spawn Scorched #4 from Planeta Cómic, giving us insight into where the series stands leading up to the pivotal Spawn: Battle for the Throne arc.
Synopsis
In her effort to transform Team Scorched into an unstoppable force, Jessica Priest wastes no time in making sweeping changes. She actively seeks new recruits with extraordinary abilities, including Monolith, a mysterious figure with a dark past. However, his violent tendencies and unpredictable nature raise doubts—will he be a valuable asset or a dangerous liability?
As the team dynamic shifts, tensions rise between veteran members and newcomers. Meanwhile, an endless wave of powerful enemies threatens to plunge the world into chaos. Their relentless pursuit of destruction forces the Scorched to step up, testing Jessica and her team like never before as they fight to protect humanity.
Collected Issues & Creative Team
- Contains The Scorched #19–24, originally published by Image Comics
- Written by Sean Lewis (with Todd McFarlane overseeing the universe)
- Illustrated by Stephen Segovia
This volume continues to expand the Spawn mythos, offering fans more of the supernatural battles and dark storytelling that have defined the franchise. Whether the series can maintain its quality across multiple titles remains to be seen, but for now, Spawn Scorched remains an entertaining ride.