The latest comic title within the Spawn mythos is Spawn’s Universe and the first issue’s release is one for the history books as it is Image Comics’ best-selling first issue of the 21st century. Spawn #1 debuted in 1992 from comic creator and Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane. Since the beginning, Spawn has drawn in new fans with its edgy style, darker tone, and cohesive plotlines. The fans aren’t the only ones enjoying the title as McFarlane has earned much critical acclaim over the years with his stylistic storytelling, being awarded one Grammy, two Emmys, and a People’s Choice Award to name a few, and now this pioneer of the current comics age can add one more achievement to his belt.
In an Image Comics’ release for Spawn’s Universe #1 by Todd McFarlane with art by Todd McFarlane, Jim Cheung, and Stephen Segovia, the comic publisher promises an enormous expansion into the Spawn universe. The double-sized issue is the beginning of a storyline that will spin out three new monthly Spawn related comic titles including King Spawn, Gunslinger, and The Scorched. New heroes have been teased with all new villains to challenge them as Image Comics breaks into a new era of their flagship title.
Spawn’s Universe #1 has already sold more than 200,000 copies before it has even been released, and is expected to bring even greater financial success for McFarlane and Image Comics as a whole. The three other titles that will branch off of this first chapter of an all new Spawn saga are reportedly each projected to sell just as many issues with the clear front runner of the group, King Spawn, to surpass the record breaking comic. If the numbers projected by Image Comics are accurate, Todd McFarlane will be on track to having four separate Spawn books each selling the record-breaking number of more than 200,000 copies all within six months of one another, breaking yet another record within the company’s history.
While this latest achievement is a great success for both McFarlane and the comic company he helped create, it isn’t his first time playing a role in comic book history. Prior to his time with Image Comics, McFarlane worked for both Marvel and DC Comics. McFarlane’s artwork was renowned by comic fans during his time with both of the comic industry giants, but his contribution to The Amazing Spider-Man is easily the most recognized. The Spawn creator also helped create one of Spider-Man’s greatest frenemies of all time, Venom, a character who would go on to have his own long-lasting comic title resulting in the latest Marvel crossover event The King In Black, as well as spawn a successful movie franchise.
Todd McFarlane’s success in the comics world doesn’t end with the last panel as he has found a way to literally bring beloved comic book characters to life. In 1994, just two years after the launch of his first Spawn title, Todd McFarlane established McFarlane Toys, a company focused on creating high quality, realistic, and comic accurate figures, earning a 2021 Toy of the Year Award. Now with the release of Spawn’s Universe #1, the mythos of Spawn’s universe will be just as expansive as its creator’s successes. Image Comics will release Spawn’s Universe #1 on June 23rd, with King Spawn available in August, Gunslinger available in October, and The Scorched available in December.