Spawn has, quite literally, entered the record books. As reported by Bleeding Cool, creator Todd McFarlane is officially being inducted into the Guinness World Records book in honor of Spawn #301. The landmark issue of his Image Comics series makes it the longest-running creator-owned superhero comic book series ever. McFarlane will be honored with a ceremony at New York Comic-Con this weekend.
“Any record that is based on longevity, is made on the backs of dozens of people,” said McFarlane. “As much as I am proud to be receiving this award, I gratefully accept it on behalf of all those who helped me the past 27 years on this journey.”
McFarlane is one of the co-founders of Image Comics, who created the company after doing some groundbreaking work with Marvel and DC, most notably on Spider-Man. McFarlane Launched Spawn in 1992 and the first issue went on to sell more than 1.7 million copies. Guinness World Records adjudicator Claire Elise Stephens will present McFarlane with his award.
“I’m incredibly honored to be presenting this GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title to Todd McFarlane in honor of SPAWN 301 at an event that celebrates creators with such enthusiasm," Stephens said. "Todd McFarlane displays immense passion, a key value of our mission and this achievement is a recognition of Todd’s nearly three-decade career.”
Here's the official synopsis for Spawn #301
"TODD McFARLANE returns to pencil and ink SPAWN #301-with GREG CAPULLO, JASON SHAWN ALEXANDER, CLAYTON CRAIN, JEROME OPE A, and FRANCESCO MATTINA, and even more surprises to come in the record-breaking, longest-running creator-owned comic book in history!"
Outside of the pages of Image Comics, Spawn was brought to the big screen in the infamous 1997 film adaptation, which stars Michae Jai White as the titular character. HBO also produced an animated series. The film was trashed by critics at the time and McFarlane was famously unhappy with it. That's part of the reason a reboot hasn't happened yet in the current golden age of comic book movies in Hollywood.
However, McFarlane has been actively trying to get a new R-rated take on Spawn going. He cut a deal with Blumhouse Productions a couple of years ago for a new movie, which will see Jamie Foxx star in the title role, with Jeremy Renner also signed on for a lead part. McFarlane wrote the script and, despite having no experience, is set to direct. But getting the project fully financed has proved to be an issue, which is why filming hasn't kicked off.
Who knows? Maybe this record will help bring some attention to the movie? For those who will be at New York Comic-Con and would like to see the presentation, The panel will be taking place in Room #1A10 from 5:45- 6:45 P.M.
So what do you think? Will any other comic be able to pass Spawn in the future and claim this record? Sound off in the comments!
