Official Press Release

NEW YORK – On February 25th, 2006, the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, in association with Reed Exhibitions and the McFarlane Companies, unleashes a retrospective exhibit showcasing the art and career of legendary artist Todd McFarlane.

Widely recognized as one of the most influential comic book creators of the last two decades, McFarlane is best known as the creator of Spawn. That title's hugely popular 1992 debut sold an amazing 1.7 million copies – an unprecedented feat in independent comics. A whirlwind of growth and expansion followed: more comics, action figures, film and award-winning animation.

The multimedia exhibit will include original artwork and artifacts from private collections and McFarlane Companies archives, including original comic art pages stretching back to his childhood and work for Marvel and DC on such titles as Spider-Man and Coyote, all the way through the Image years. Also on display will be original animation cels, character designs and layouts, as well as toy designs and prototypes. The exhibit officially opens with a gala fundraising reception to be held on Saturday evening, February 25 and will run through May 1, 2006.

These gritty and groundbreaking works will also be available as a online tour and an audio tour for the exhibit - conducted by McFarlane himself - that can be downloaded for free at www.spawn.com.

OPENING RECEPTION AND PREVIEW NIGHT

The retrospective opens in conjunction with Todd's appearance as a guest of honor at the New York Comic Con, February 24-26 at the Jacob Javits Center. McFarlane will personally appear at the opening reception for the exhibit, which begins at 8:00pm on Saturday, February 25, at MoCCA's SoHo gallery. Tickets for the opening may be purchased at MoCCA's NY Comic-Con booth (#114 -- conveniently located right next to McFarlane Toys booth #116).

McFarlane will also appear in person at a special private preview on Friday, February 24. Although this event is only open to professionals, exhibitors, and other trade attendees of NYCC, Reed Exhibitions has generously set aside fifty (50) free tickets for the general public, available for the first 50 fans who sign up at MoCCA's NYCC booth (#114).

SPAWN #1 in 3D

This special New York Comic-Con limited-edition 3D version of Spawn Issue #1 was created exclusively for the 2006 McFarlane retrospective at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) in New York.

Written and drawn by Todd, this 32-page book has a cover price of $5.95 and includes red/blue 3D glasses! This special book will be available as a Donor Premium (in recognition of donations of $6 or more) from MoCCA beginning Feb. 24 at their NY Comic-Con booth (#114)

About MoCCA

The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, located at 594 Broadway in SoHo, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts education organization dedicated to promoting greater understanding and appreciation of comic and cartoon art. The Museum celebrates the unique creative achievements of graphic storytelling through study, discussion, preservation and exhibition of comic and cartoon artworks.

WHAT: TODD McFARLANE: A RETROSPECTIVE

An exhibit showcasing Todd McFarlane's art and 20+ year career!

WHEN: Friday, February 24 VIP and Media Preview 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, Public Reception 8:00pm

WHERE: MoCCA

594 Broadway (between Houston and Prince), Suite 401

New York City By subway: Best trains to MoCCA: B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette or R & W to Prince Street of 6 to Bleecker Street.

WHO: Todd McFarlane, in person!

COST: $15.00 for non-MoCCA members; $5 for members