Get ready to enter Spawn’s Universe. Todd McFarlane, the co-founder of Image Comics and creator of Spawn, is getting ready to expand the franchise. Several new books are set to debut beginning this summer. Now, as reported by Comicbook.com, the legendary comic book creator has shared new details on his plans.
As was previously revealed, several new titles will be spun out of next month’s Spawn’s Universe #1. This includes Gunslinger Spawn and King Spawn, as well as a new team book. In the pages of Spawn #318, an interview with McFarlane laid out some of what we can expect from these books.
“I should have done something like this years ago,” McFarlane says. “In 1992, the original founders (of Image) all talked about possibly sharing our characters in some bigger playground. That never came to be, but I never stopped wanting to see some kind of universe put together. But as time passed and a couple of the original founders left Image Comics, it became apparent that all of us getting together wasn’t going to happen.
“So, I tucked the idea away in the back of my brain talking about it off and on over the years. Then once I was nearing issue #300 of the SPAWN comic, I thought it might make a perfect catalyst to actually put something together,” McFarlane added. “So, this is what I am calling the Spawn Universe (which will get a name change down the line so it will be a more encompassing of a brand not centered exclusively around Spawn-type characters).”
Here is the synopsis for Spawn’s Universe #1.
“A double-sized issue that begins a storyline so huge that three NEW SPAWN-related monthly titles will spill out from it, including… A new SPAWN title. GUNSLINGER SPAWN monthly. And a new TEAM book bringing a handful of these characters together in their own book. With this one-shot…the world of SPAWN changes forever! New heroes. New villains, and more importantly, new titles coming to a comic shop near you.”
Additionally, McFarlane explained why Gunslinger Spawn is the right character to lead a new title. In the end, it comes down to the character’s cool look.
“First off, he just looks cool,” McFarlane said. “Comics are a visual medium (unlike novels) so the look of a character can play a huge part in why some readers respond to any hero or villain. Obviously, Gunslinger with his tall hat and bullet straps and his long trench coat, all give off a pretty tough guy vibe. Then add in that he is capable of defending himself with an assortment of guns and weapons and you have the making of a classic ‘loner’ type character that many fans seem to be attracted to.”
“I think that his popularity is only going to grow bigger as readers see more pages about him and his past,” McFarlane added. “And just wait until they get to see what Brett Booth and Kevin Keane are doing with him artistically. He has the potential to be a huge breakout character. That’s why he will be getting his own monthly title soon (coming in October).”
Meanwhile, McFarlane is still trying to get his R-rated Spawn movie reboot off the ground. Jamie Foxx is on board to star in the lead role, with Jeremy Renner also attached. Blumhouse Productions is on board to produce the film. McFarlane wrote the script and intends to direct.
Spawn’s Universe #1 hits shelves on June 23.
What do you think? Are you excited for these new Spawn titles? Do you plan on reading along? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
