When "Spawn" launched in 1992, series creator and Image Comics founder Todd McFarlane came out to Los Angeles to sign copies at the legendary Golden Apple Comics in Hollywood. Nearly 20 years and 200 issues later, McFarlane made that trek once again, signing copies for the huge group of fans that came out to celebrate the momentous occasion.
The evening began around 4:00 PM, when McFarlane arrived with Stan Lee to do a flurry of press, which included at stop at CBR Studios, located directly above Golden Apple Comics. While I was supposed to interview Todd myself, when I saw Stan Lee arrive with him, I figured it was time to step aside and take advantage of the opportunity. Todd graciously agreed to talk with Stan on camera, and the resulting interview -- nearly 25 minutes long -- was a fascinating look at the long careers of both men. I want to give big thanks to both Todd and Stan for participating and we'll have that interview online for you in a couple of weeks.
Once they were finished speaking, the duo made their way downstairs to a tented VIP event held behind the store. Numerous comic creators, celebrities, even more press and friends showed up to celebrate the release of "Spawn" #200, including "Spawn" Actor Michael Jai White and Director Mark A.Z. Dippe.
Once the party was over, it was time to meet with the fans. Todd was joined by Jim Lee at 6:30 for the signing, the line for which was over a block long! Throughout the evening, more fans showed up and Todd was joined by fellow Image founding fathers Rob Liefeld and Marc Silvestri, a big surprise for most of those in attendance.
While the event was only scheduled to last until 8:00 at night, no one was going to let the fans be disappointed. At one point, Lee and Liefeld went outside and signed comics in line, while McFarlane stayed at Golden Apple until 11:30, making sure every last fan got what they came for!
It was a great event and a moment deserving of celebration. Relive it below in pictures, all courtesy CBR Staff Photographer Pinguino Kolb.
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| Golden Apple employee Chris is ready to get this party started, Spawn Merlot style! | Famous Stars and Stripes (clothing company) artists with Stan Lee and Todd McFarlane |
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| McFarlane & Lee | McFarlane & Lee with Danny Miki |
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| Now the duo is joined by Allen Martinez and Danny Miki | Stan Lee & Todd McFarlane share a moment. |
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| Todd McFarlane begins his video interview with Stan Lee in the CBR Studios. | More from the interview. |
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| I can't resist the opportunity for a photo with these guys. | Allen Martinez and Danny Miki |
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| Michael McMillian ("True Blood"), Deborah Ann Woll ("True Blood") and Mel Caylo |
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| Christine Dinh, Elena Salcedo (Both from Top Cow), Luke Lieberman, Mrs. Lieberman and Filip Sablik | Filmmaker Adi Shankar |
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| Lots of media at the event. Here's Todd getting grilled. | Tone Rodriguez |
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| BFF's Tone Rodriguez and Joshua Dysart | Reunion hug! Todd McFarlane and "Spawn" star Michael Jai White |
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| Back together again! | The line for the signing itself was more than a block long and remained that way for a long time. |
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| Jim Lee | Todd McFarlane & Jim Lee |
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| Chase Masterson (Leeta from "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine") | Mark A.Z. Dippe (Director "Spawn") |
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| Jim Lee signs. | Todd McFarlane signs. |
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| Todd & Jim | So strange to see an iPad getting signed |
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| Todd talks with a fan. | I know we've got Luke Lieberman and Deborah Ann Woll, but who else is in this photo? |
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| Chase Masterson and James Kerwin | Eric Wallace ("Titans" writer, "Eureka" writer) |
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| Enjoying the party | Tom Pinchuk ("Hybrid Bastards" writer), Bryan Daggett and Christine Dinh |
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| Rob Liefeld joins the guys, but what are they looking at? | Liefeld Family |
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| A seriously bad ass Joker being drawn by Jim Lee in a copy of "Jim Lee: Icons" | Todd & Jim |
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| Marc Silvestri has arrived! | Marc & Todd have a moment. |
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| The gang is really all here! | Marc Silvestri signs |