Spawn of Image Comics Assembled His Own Mighty Avengers!
The ultra-violent final showdown between Spawn and Omega Spawn that culminated in the Cult of Omega was epic! So epic, that it inspired everyone’s favorite hellspawn to assemble his own super team of antiheroes to counter reality-shattering threats. The group includes names that are surely familiar to the most diehard of the fandom, with Gunslinger Spawn, Medieval Spawn, Ninja Spawn, and The Reaper among them.
There has been no shortage of hellspawns illustrated throughout the course of the franchise’s 29-year run. With that said, the players selected for the first incarnation of this fiery super team-up are especially fascinating.
Gunslinger Spawn
Although Gunslinger Spawn made his official debut in Spawn #119, his origins weren’t revealed until issues #174 and #175. Once a peaceful man, Jeremy Winston was a preacher in the town of Bane, which exists in a timeline that precedes Al Simmons by roughly 200 years.
His outlook on life would take a harrowing turn for the worst when he was framed for murdering his wife and sentenced to death. While awaiting execution, Winston is approached by the fallen angel Mammon, who offers him the wrath of vengeance in exchange for his soul and eternal allegiance to main series antagonist Malebolgia.
Shortly after his execution, Winston is reanimated as “Gunslinger Spawn”, a blood-thirsty wraith that goes on to slay every resident in Bane — all but one.
Gunslinger Spawn’s story is found in a journal that connects him to Henry Simmons, great grandfather of Al Simmons and the lone Bane resident Mammon instructed him to spare amid the slaughter.
Medieval Spawn
Canonically the oldest member of the first Chain Gang lineup, Medieval Spawn made his first appearance in 1993’s Spawn #9. Sir John of York was a freelance knight during the tumultuous era of 16th century England. A combination of brutality and effectiveness on the battlefield led him to gain the favor of King Henry II, who welcomed the young warrior into his court.
Sir John was eventually relieved of his duties, when after misinterpreting a private conversation, he and three other knights made the rash decision to kill Archbishop Thomas Becket, a long-time friend of the king. In a twist of irony, Sir John, desperate to restore his reputation, was killed by members of the royal guard, who mistook him for an assassin upon paying a visit to the king.
Banished to hell for his bloodlust, Sir John made a proverbial deal with the devil as Malebolgia promised him anything he desired in exchange for a small sacrifice. John returned to earth as a hellspawn, draped in the symbiotic knights armor that would become his signature costume. Upon learning of his previous existence, the Medieval Spawn resisted the influences of hell, choosing to help the people of York and work towards clearing his conscience instead.
Ninja Spawn
From an origins perspective, Ninja Spawn is easily the most unique Chain Gang member. First introduced as part of the McFarlane Toys line back in 2006, he made his official debut in a Spawn #297 cameo appearance, and had his origins briefly explored in issue #301. However, much of the character remains shrouded in mystery.
In his former life, Ninja Spawn was a troubled young man struggling to live up to the pressures of family tradition. Alienated by his family for wanting to lead a more modern lifestyle, he decides to take his own life and put an end to the sinister voices speaking promises of darkness and anguish into his head.
In an apparent pact with the negotiators of hell, he’s resurrected, sporting the classic hell spawn attire and armed with the very sword used to make the ultimate sacrifice.
The Reaper
Formerly known as the Anti-Spawn and then the Redeemer, the Reaper is the mantle handed down to three different individuals. The character acts as heaven’s answer to the hellspawn and the dark forces of hell. Due to heaven’s callous approach to dealing with humanity, the Reaper has become a regular foil to Al Simmons’ Spawn and thus a primary villain in the series.
The Reaper title is currently held by Eddie Frank, the teenage son of abusive widowed father Joe Frank. When Spawn’s intervention leads Joe to lay a savage beating on his youngest son, Andy, Eddie gives in to a fit of rage, shooting his father to death.
Convinced that Spawn is the source of his family strife, Eddie is chosen as the new protector of heaven and transformed into the Anti-Spawn. With all past memories wiped clean, an arsenal of supernatural abilities and a burning hatred for Spawn is all that remains.
From Beginning to End
The Chain Gang arc runs from Spawn #314 to #317. Short, but undoubtedly sweet. If you’re a fan of the series, you owe it to yourself to see just how this hellish band of superheroes comes together.
Contel Bradford is a mystical and complex individual. You can attempt to unravel some of the mystery by visiting his freelance site at contelbradford.com.
