Todd McFarlane

"Spawn issues 298-301 marks the official introduction of the newly expanding Spawn's Universe, which brings Al Simmons (aka: Spawn) to the cusp of having to make decisions that will, unknowingly, change the course of all future Spawn storylines. This expansion made way for multiple new comics and characters to begin their existence in the Spawn's Universe. This is where everything changes!" -- From back cover. "TODD McFARLANE unleashed his signature...

Following the events of the Record-Breaking Spawn 300 & 301, Al is now dealing with the Aftermath of his actions. By detonating his symbiote suit, he has caused a domino effect that will cascade through time and space - bringing Spawn into a horrific future. A future that he is responsible for creating. Collects SPAWN #302-307.

The Clown's story continues. Medieval Spawn survives the Violator's blast, but he is horribly disfigured. Even in this state, however, he is able to best Violator with the help of his living suit's imprisoning tendrils. The Violator's severed head is hoisted aloft as a grisly trophy of their demonic battle. Ironically, the woman he sought to protect from the Violator is sickened by Spawn's true form and flees in flight.

When Spawn suddenly remembers the identity of his killer, he sets out to confront him. His murder, a government assassin like himself, shows no fear, boasting "I killed you once - I can do it again!" The odds however, have shifted in favor of Spawn, a point he drives home by disfiguring the destroyer's face with a horrific brand.

Terry, mistakenly targeted as Spawn, stands no chance against Overtkill. Luckily, Spawn escapes from Twitch in time to help his old friend. He removes Terry from harms way, while his cape intercepts one of Overtkill's laser beams. Twitch, in hot pursuit, arrives on Spawn's trail just in time to fire a well placed shot in Overtkill's ear, disrupting his programming.

Spawn decides to find Wanda, but fears her reaction to what he's become. With his new powers, he attempts to change his ravaged features, with disappointing results. Exhausted, he collapses, only to be taunted by a foul-mouthed dwarf in clown makeup.

A Mafia hit man delivers a warning to Spawn that Antonio Twistelli is out to get him. Spawn, unfazed by the threat, slams the thug into the wall and vows to pay Twistelli a visit very soon. Meanwhile, Jason Wynn is returned to Earth after his stint as the Redeemer and viciously reasserts his authority in the CIA.

While a strange assailant stalks the city, ripping out human hearts, another otherworldly being arrives. As his mind reels, our tortured hero remembers that he struck a deal with the devil in order to return to his beloved wife - five years after his death.

The homeless prevent Sam and Twitch from arresting Terry and Spawn. Wanda and Cyan had not actually been kidnapped, but Terry is still wanted by the Mob, CIA and police. Spawn threatens each of Terry's antagonists with the release of ruinous documents if they continue to pursue him. Thanks to Spawn's bluff, Terry is cleared.

Watching from the shadows, Spawn is shocked to find that Wanda has married and had a daughter with his best friend, Terry Fitzgerald. His anguish becomes physical when the ugly clown reappears, transforms into the Violator, and rips out Spawn's heart!