“Hell Hunt” continues! This issue is a grand exploration of the new world that Spawn is building piece by piece, quite literally. However, the narrative finds itself slowing down in part three as it attempts to set up the coming confrontation between all the new rising forces.

McFarlane is obviously undergoing some expansion world building with the Spawn title right now, weaving more classic superhero elements into the action-horror foundation that has been firmly established. With Al placing slivers of his suit in a dozen different people before pursuing what we now know to be a suicide plan, he effectively created a world of superheroes and villains beyond Heaven or Hell.

Massive, right?

Despite all of this wonder, Spawn #304 unfortunately starts to spin its wheels a bit narratively as the introductions continue and the coming fight between She-Spawn, Spawn and the Medieval Spawn under the Vatican’s control gains steam. Something awesome is DEFINITELY coming, but it isn’t in this issue. Arcs like this can often fall into a slump around the third issue as we transition into the story’s final act and “Hell Hunt” part three arguably falls into this. It’s exciting as a fan to see how these developments are taking place, but there isn’t a lot to really hold your interest.

This issue becomes more prevalent in chapter two. I enjoy the different narrative structure at play here, but even the exploration of Jim Downing’s presence isn’t enough to kick things up a notch. It’s a lot of dialogue that eventually feels a bit cumbersome on the always spectacular artwork by Jason Shawn Alexander.

It’s not the best issue after the epic Spawn #300, but Spawn #304 continues a thrilling new era for the long running saga by continuing to expand on an ever growing world full of superheroes and villains. There are certainly some exciting things in store in this arc and in the future for Spawn, and the badass moments in Spawn #304 make it worth your money.

Who doesn’t want to see Vatican involved with a Hellspawn?