One of Image’s launch titles was Spawn, by Todd McFarlane — and it’s still one of the publisher’s flagship characters with decades of history behind it. And with that long run also comes a daunting number of chapters. If you have put it at the bottom of your wishlist because of that, now’s the time to take it out. We’ve selected the essential Spawn starting places with comics for every type of fan.
After impressing people with McFarlane’s incredible artwork, Spawn quickly became a smash hit. Spawn is not only an indie hero that rivals Marvel and DC but an astounding classic on its own. As the universe grew with side characters and crossovers, so did Spawn’s number of fans. But now we can say that was only the beginning.
In 2021, Todd McFarlane changed the franchise forever with Spawn’s Universe #1. He transformed the incredible series into an ever-expanding franchise, releasing new spin-offs every year. You can see a new side of his story through the lens of various characters and creators. Whether you want an overdose of ’90s coolness or an Avengers-like book, there’s something here for you.
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Spawn
Writer: Todd McFarlane
Artist: Todd McFarlane
We couldn’t start this any other way, right? Even with its 300+ chapters, Spawn is an explosion of style and vibrant art from start to end. The comic sets itself apart by having an array of incredible guest writers, such as Alan Moore and Grant Morrison. And if you’re looking for a specific place to start, your best bet is to pick up the first two Spawn Origins collections from Image. Volume 1 collects issues #1-#6, while Volume 2 collects #7-9 and #11-14, including stories by Moore and Frank Miller. That should get you started off right!
Get Spawn Origins, Vol. 1 on Amazon
Get Spawn Origins, Vol. 2 on Amazon
Sam and Twitch
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Angel Medina
It’s always interesting to step back and see what normal people live through in a superhero-filled world. Sam and Twitch give us exactly that in this gloomy detective story with a touch of supernatural.
Get Sam and Twitch Origins on Bookshop
The Scorched
Writer: Todd McFarlane, Sean Lewis
Artist: Stephen Segovia
An exciting team-up book featuring Jessica Priest, deadly assassin turned She-Spawn, and many other characters while they try to solve their problems instead of beating each other up. It’s very engaging to watch the Scorched go from an incoherent group to a successful squad of allies and friends.
Get The Scorched, Vol. 1 on Bookshop
King Spawn
Writer: Sean Lewis, Todd McFarlane
Artist: Javier Fernández
Described by Todd McFarlane as what Detective Comics is for Batman, this is the best entry point for a modern take on Spawn’s adventures. It’s a breakout hit with every fan for its incredible writing and more horror-leaning storytelling.
Get King Spawn, Vol. 1 on Bookshop
Gunslinger Spawn
Writer: Todd McFarlane
Artist: Brett Booth
Gunslinger is a cowboy Hellspawn from the American West from about 200 years ago. Now he’s lost in our present and has to find a way back while wrapped around a much larger conflict with Spawn and the Scorched. The story gives a needed nuance to the character, making his past even more intriguing.
Get Gunslinger Spawn, Vol. 1 on Bookshop
Rat City
Writer: Erica Schultz
Artist: Ze Carlos
In the futuristic world of 2111, Peter Cairn, an ex-soldier, finds a new war to fight as a Hellspawn after losing everything. Cyberpunk is a pretty novel concept for the series, which only makes this comic even more interesting.
Get Rat City, Vol. 1 on Bookshop
Medieval Spawn
Writer: Rory McConville
Artist: Marco Itri
If you are not a fan of the supernatural but love dark fantasy, Medieval Spawn might be great for you. Coming out on April 23, the long-awaited series will reveal one of the most popular Hellspawn’s past.
Pre-order Medieval Spawn #1 on Amazon
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