The iconic Spawn swings into history with a hallmark anniversary celebration and a new edition of the long-running series.
Spawn becomes the longest-running, creator-owned global comic series this year. To celebrate, creator Todd McFarlane has gathered a group of acclaimed artists, himself included, to contribute to the special, 72-page book.
Spawn No. 300 will be illustrated by award-winning artist Greg Capullo (Batman), returning to the franchise. Capullo previously crafted issue No. 16 through its landmark 100th issue. While Capullo will be the primary featured artist, McFarlane will pick up his pencil for the first time since 1995 to design the interior artwork for the character he first created in high school.
“I created Spawn back when I was a teenager hoping to someday break into the comic book industry,” says McFarlane, president at Image Comics, in a statement. “Now, over 40 years later, not only was I able to have a career drawing and writing comics, but Spawn has been by my side for most of that journey. Even more exciting, Spawn is becoming the longest-running, creator-owned comic in the world!”
McFarlane continues, “The group of creative folks helping out on this historic Spawn 300th issue is something that I hope thrills the ‘inner 15-year-old’ in all of us. Plus, to have Greg Capullo come back to this title after so many long years, is what has me most excited as I personally consider him to be the top talent drawing in our industry today.”
In addition to McFarlane and Capullo, Image Comics has assembled an all-star team to help create this hallmark book. The title will include 12 covers from an impressive collective of artists, including a black-and-white “Artist Edition” cover showcasing McFarlane and Capullo’s original illustrations.
Current artist Jason Shawn Alexander, fan-favorite J. Scott Campbell (Danger Girl, Spider-Man), upcoming star artist Jerome Opeña (Uncanny X-Force, Seven to Eternity), and best-selling writer Scott Snyder (Batman, Metal, Wytches) will help usher in Spawn’s next generation of stories without forgetting the series’ iconic history.
“The birth of Image Comics in 1992 was an exciting time, but there are few moments I remember more vividly than getting my hands on the first issue of Spawn,” says Eric Stephenson, publisher and chief creative officer at Image Comics, in a statement. “Todd was already a comics superstar at that point — but Spawn vibrated with an energy all its own and I think everybody knew it was destined not only to be a hit but to stand the test of time. The fact that we’re approaching issue 300 nearly 30 years later is a testament to its impact not just on Image, but the industry as a whole. Go, Todd!”
The 72-page, full-color Spawn No. 300 comic book will be available in stores on Aug. 29 for $7.99.
Photo: Image Comics
