Created by Todd McFarlane, the character of Spawn found new life in pop culture with the HBO animated series. As of now, McFarlane is also working on a potential movie. But all this aside, one can't deny that Spawn revolutionized the representation of antiheroes in comics with its morally grey titular lead.
As evident from audiences on Reddit, Spawn yielded some iconic story arcs that are still beloved today. Most of these stories add a healthy dose of visceral violence. At the same time, the writing is supported by some challenging moral questions.
Beginnings - Spawn #01-05
Combining the stories "Justice" and "Questions", Beginnings is the perfect establishing origin story for Al Simmons who went on to become one of the strongest comic characters outside of Marvel and DC. In these five issues, readers find Simmons returning from the dead only to find himself as a powerful yet physically changed Hellspawn sent five years ahead into the future. Not only does it establish Simmons' recurring angst but it also serves as an excellent start for fans who are just getting into the comics.
As Redditor corsair1617 puts it, "...start from the beginning. It is the best way to know the character and his enemies/allies."
Armageddon - Spawn #150-164
Armageddon showed how wildly surreal the comic can be as Spawn engages in some major battles in the Afterlife. As his suit grows more intertwined with his body, Spawn takes on not only hellish forces but even the so-called "Divine Almighty".
Filled with enough action and spiritual introspection, Armageddon is largely considered one of the best Spawn arcs. Another reason for the popularity is that these issues kicked off David Hine's stint as writer, a role he held on till Spawn #184. To quote Saito07 from Reddit, "David Hine's run is the best, imo. " Another Redditor MylesBennettDyson618 added how the series "turned Spawn into a horror title which suited it very well".
Spawn: The Dark Ages - Miniseries
Set in the era of the Crusades, the 28-issue Image Comics series deals with the emergence of a fallen warrior reborn as a Hellspawn. As war continues to ravage the English countryside, this medieval Spawn battles a dilemma to choose between the innocent subjects of the kingdom or the evil forces that resurrected him.
The Dark Ages serves as a good break from the usual Spawn storylines. The inner psyche of the character is explored well along with moral questions on violence. "I enjoyed Spawn: The Dark Ages. It isn’t about Al Simmons, but I still enjoyed it." says Redditor Wewis113.
Satan Saga Wars - Spawn #256-262
As Wanda gets abducted by Satan, Al Simmons tries his very best to free her and eventually, fails. Despite its action-heavy name, Satan Saga Wars is one of the character's most introspective arcs as it covers his guilt. Even though he closes the Dead Zone, he ends up losing not only his wife but also his powers.
The Redditor TheDorkKnight8BG feels that even though the quality keeps on wavering from Spawn #100 to #200, the series finds its footing with this arc. "It starts to get really good again though with the Satan Saga Wars at issue #256 and it has stayed pretty consistent since."
Hellspawn - Miniseries
With over 16 issues, Hellspawn is an even darker and more disturbing approach to Spawn's violent adventures. The atmospheric setting was created by Brian Michael Bendis who is otherwise best known for writing Spider-Man and Avengers comic book issues in the 2000s. Spawn regular Ashley Wood supplemented the story with his artistically grotesque illustrations.
Hellspawn was praised for setting itself apart as a distinct spin-off much like the detective duo Sam and Twitch's own series. As Saito09 agrees, "Spin-off-wise; Sam & Twitch and Hellspawn are great."
Dark Horror - Spawn #276-283
Establishing the arc for Spawn's 300th issue, Dark Horror involves an older Al returning back to his Spawn form on Cyan Fitzgerald's request. The story involves the gates of Heaven and Hell being shut, allowing Earth's trapped evil souls to wander across the realm of the living. While Todd McFarlane resumes comic writing duties, it is Jason Shawn Alexander's art style that makes the storyline stand out.
As an anonymous Reddit user's comment simply sums it up on a Dark Horror discussion board, "this current arc is impressive".
History Of Spawn - Spawn #296-297
Set within the larger storyline Vengeance, History of Spawn is a suitable tribute to the character's legacy so far. The two issues recall the character's origins by looking through his turbulent past as a soldier and his afterlife as a Hellspawn. Redditors often recommend the book for new readers who are getting into the Image comics series and need a quick flashback.
To quote TheDorkKnight8BG, "It’s a great trade to pick up if you want to jump into a more current state of the comics because it’s mainly a recap of everything that has happened so far".
Angela - Spawn #9
It's a whole other story that Neil Gaiman had a legal dispute with Todd McFarlane in the early 2000s but Spawn #9 continues to be a beloved title among readers. It is common knowledge that legendary comic book writers like Frank Miller, and Alan Moore have served as guest writers on the original run. Gaiman was one of them as he introduced the Hellspawn-hunting angel known as Angela in the storyline.
Angela proves to be a formidable foe as she engages in combat with the present Spawn. "I liked Spawn growing up. Mostly for the artwork, but it got pretty good when Neil Gaiman wrote an issue.", says Reddit user ifeelok.
Spawn/Batman - One-Shot
Intended as a crossover between Spawn and Batman comic issues of the 1990s, Spawn/Batman was released in two issues. One was a storyline under Image comics which was authored by Frank Miller and illustrated by McFarlane while the other one was published by DC but didn't end up being that memorable. Miller's story involves the lead heroes indulging in violent battles only to unite against a common enemy eventually.
While it might not be the absolute best of the lot, people seem to like it for its humor and some iconic moments such as the panel in which Batman strikes Spawn by throwing a batarang on his face. As FistFootFacer explains, "The batarang to the face is one of my first favorite splash panels. I distinctly remember bringing this to school to show off." Referencing Miller's other Batman-centric work, TheRear1961 notes, "You really see where Miller gets his All-star Batman from reading this issue."
Gunslinger Spawn - Spawn #175-175
A two-part arc set in the American West from two centuries ago, Gunslinger Spawn deals with the titular character's pursuit of vengeance. He is originally introduced as a pastor who along with Al Simmons' great-grandfather bears the brunt of a racist lynching. When Mammon offers the pastor a chance for revenge, he willingly dies and gets reborn as the Gunslinger Spawn, a character that would later appear in his own miniseries.
Because of its two-issue arc, it is also a perfect read for the ones who can't waste much time in reading up on Spawn's diverse mythology. "All the new side stories like King Spawn and Gunslinger are pretty beginner friendly. Gunslinger would be easiest with only 2 issues in so far. " says Reddit user beergainz.