The Concept: Al Simmons, once the U.S. government's greatest soldier and most effective assassin, was mercilessly executed by his own men. Resurrected in a flawed agreement with the powers of darkness, Simmons was reborn as a creature from the depths of Hell. Disfigured, homeless and alone, the warrior now known as Spawn wanders the shadowy alleys of New York City in search of his past life.

This Issue: "A THOUSAND CLOWNS," Part Five—The island of Manhattan is plunged into darkness and a demented army of The Clown's minions runs amok, turning the city streets into the devil's playground. Now a wounded and weary Spawn battles against hope to bring salvation to a city driven to the very edge of chaos. Before the dawn comes, there will be a heavy price to pay. Meanwhile, Mammon offers Nyx an alternate history of Heaven and Hell.