Spawn #192 - Image

Personally, I really like the pace of the story that Todd's created through these last few issues . . 8 to be exact, I think. I think it's interesting to have this enigmatic character, Jim Downing, in the lead role of this series. We know a quite a bit less about him than we did Al in the very beginning. But, I think the fun is in unraveling the mystery. We start out seeing what the guy that the Clown recruited a couple of issues ago is capable of. Apparently Claudio is the leader of a group of Vampires. The Clown wants to extend him an offer. However, in his search for Claudio, he sends some of his 'soldiers' to deal with this guy. He quickly takes them all out and is soon on his way to finally meet Claudio. Meanwhile, Jim has found his way back to the alley only to find that the Angel that he had pinned up there is now gone. This really aggravates him because he was hoping she would give him some answers. And really, that's all he wants. In his absence though, the Clown was there and ripped her wings off. "They need their wings, it's where most of their power comes from. And what identifies them. Once removed . . or ripped off . . they all go quite insane." Jim is being told this by a guy who shows up an appears to have information for him. To me, he kind of looks like Evil Ernie. He may be the devil . . or not, but it seems like the more Jim confronts him, after showing his powers, the less control he has over them. Until he's really not much more than a human in costume. Which isn't good. First of all the Angel seems to have come to her senses and is trying to warn Jim about the guy he's been talking to. Then, when he turns around, he finds Malebolgia, menacingly also in the alley. Like I said I really like the pace that Todd has taken here. And I'm thrilled with Whilce Portacio's pencils. I think they're perfect for this series. Plus, we get an added bonus next issue . . Sam & Twitch are back. Except for the main character, these 2 are easily my favorite characters in this series.