There aren’t many comic book creators that have a resume like Todd McFarlane. Who else can say that they’ve helped give Spider-Man one of his deadliest foes/occasional allies in Venom? Who else can say that they’ve founded their own comic book company? Who else can say they’ve created a character that’s lasted for over 300 issues and 30 years? McFarlane can, and throughout his spotlight panel this morning, he revealed that he has a great future in store for Spawn.
Throughout the panel, McFarlane talked about what made Spawn a success story. Key points included sticking to a $2.99 price point in a world where comic prices are steadily increasing, as well as consistency. “Build on your titles,” he urged fans in the audience, using fellow Image titles Saga and Deadly Class as examples. He also said that he tries not to read positive or negative comments and told aspiring creators to seek work that makes them happy.
McFarlane also talked about how his family was important to him. He pointed out that Spawn was born out of a lingering fear that he might end up dying after an argument with his wife. He also said he was skipping New York Comic Con to officiate his son’s wedding. McFarlane even wryly pointed out that his wife Wanda and daughter Cyan inspired the characters who comprised Al Simmons’ family. “I consider that an honor,” he joked.
The bulk of the panel focused on comics since there was a separate panel for McFarlane Toys, and the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes nipped any news of the long-gestating Spawn movie in the bud. But McFarlane came prepared with plenty of comic news. He is teaming with veteran Spawn artist Szymon Kudranski to create two new series: Sam & Twitch, which focuses on the eponymous detectives, and Misery – a story about a girl who can inflict psychic pain on the wicked. McFarlane described the former as more “grounded” than the other titles in Spawn Universe while also saying that Misery will explore the ups and downs of its protagonist’s powers.
Breakout character Gunslinger Spawn will star in another series written by Jimmy Palmiotti, which chronicles his time fighting in the Civil War. John Layman (Chew) and Rob Duenas will deliver a sequel to McFarlane’s spoof title Spawn Kills Everyone!…titled Spawn Kills Every Spawn. As you’d expect, it features a chibi-fied Spawn going after his fellow Hellspawn, with McFarlane citing Skottie Young’s art as an influence.
Another new title, No Home Here, will be written by Daniel Henriques and illustrated by Jonathan Glapion. Images from the book show a dystopian hellscape, with Henriques saying that he drew inspiration from Spawn #5 and the menace of Billy Kincaid. Specifically, this book will focus on one of his victims and her struggle to survive in a strange world. Though Henriques and Glapion started as inkers, McFarlane was happy they jumped to other positions, as he wants other creators to keep contributing to the Spawn mythos. “I just want to draw cool shit,” Glapion quipped.
Finally, McFarlane brought out a surprise guest: David Dastmalchian! Dastmalchian had recently taken to writing comics with the Count Crawley saga for Dark Horse Comics and personally pitched a new project to McFarlane: Knights VS Samurai. Illustrated by Fede Mele, it will feature two separate groups of warriors locked in battle – and delve deep into their personal lives. Dastmalchian expressed his love of McFarlane’s work while citing Sam & Twitch as his favorite Spawn characters. It’s a great sign that even 30 years after he first emerged from the shadows, Spawn (and, by extension McFarlane) continues to draw in new fans and creators.
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