Spawn #175 (2008)

Al Simmons was a hit man for the US government until a treacherous assassin ended his life. At the moment of death, Al was offered a deal by the demon Malebolgia and returned to Earth as Spawn, a creature with supernatural powers born in Hell. As Armageddon consumed the world, Spawn turned against his masters, destroying all life on Earth. While God and Satan continue their endless conflict in a parallel universe, Spawn has re-created the world and resurrected the human race, in what has become known as the White Light. The portals to Heaven and Hell are closed, leaving humanity free from the influence of angels and demons. After a reunion with his brother, Richard, Al’s long-buried memories are beginning to resurface. It seems that the mysterious Mammon has been manipulating Al Simmons since he was a child. When he returns to his parents’ home, Al’s father tells him that Mammon’s influence stretches back even further. He gives Al the journal of his great grandfather, Henry Simmons, a journal that carries a dire warning for future generations... From Henry Simmons’ Journal: During the war between the states, almost 180,000 African Americans fought on the side of the Union. Over 30,000 of them died. To recognize their service, Congress authorized the formation of 2 cavalry regiments and 4 infantry regiments to be drawn from the black population. These regiments became popularly known as “Buffalo Soldiers”. In spite of their distinguished service and frequent commendations for bravery, the Buffalo Soldiers were often victims of racism within the Army itself and from the civilian population they served. In early 1881 a Buffalo Soldier was murdered in Texas and when members of the 10th cavalry reacted, Al Simmons’ great grandfather was forced to go on the run. As he tried to make contact with his fiancée, Alma, he was caught in a blizzard in the mountains of Colorado, and took refuge in the town of Bane. Here he found himself sharing a cell with Ol’ Job, a man whose family has been slaughtered by the corrupt businessman, Ed Kemper. Ol’ Job has been framed for murder and the townspeople are keen to lynch them both without a trial. When a mysterious man in white offers the two men the chance to cheat death, Al Simmons’ ancestor refuses to sell his soul. Ol’ Job takes the offer. The Buffalo Soldier narrowly escapes being hanged but Ol’ Job is not so lucky. That night his corpse rises from the dead as a Hellspawn, eager to wreak a terrible revenge.