Spawn is easily the most memorable character from the founding era of Image Comics, and he's currently experiencing a comeback. Starring in multiple books and breaking modern comics sales records, Al Simmons is taking things back to the '90s with his rediscovered. Of course, Todd McFarlane's creation wasn't the only Image Comics launch book, and another title is just as ripe for a resurgence.
Savage Dragon was another launch title from the company, and the long-running series is the brainchild of writer/artist Erik Larsen. Taking things in a more adult direction while still emphasizing superhero fun, the book has much of the same creative DNA as other bloody superhero tales that have become successful. This gives Savage Dragon the potential to punch his way to success not only in comic books but beyond.
Savage Dragon Was Essentially an R-Rated Version of The Hulk
An amnesiac alien who finds himself in Chicago becomes known as the Dragon (due to his green skin and somewhat reptilian appearance). He would go on to join the Moribund City police force. Armed with superhuman strength and a tough, tenacious hide, Dragon became the #1 weapon against the Windy City's rising threat of the many amorphous "super freaks." This problem only becomes worse as many resident superheroes met their end, forcing Dragon to mete out justice with the super-strong arm of the law.
Bombastic and full of action, the Savage Dragon series would feature fairly basic superhero stories, albeit through a much bloodier filter. Blood, guts, and gore fly frequently, with the effects of superpowers portrayed in a far more realistic (and humorous) fashion than in more mainstream comics. Dragon is essentially a look at what effect someone with the strength of The Hulk would really have in a big city, and the result is many times disastrous.
Beyond Dragon himself, there were several spinoff books and heroes that also dotted the universe, including the cyborg Captain America stand-in SuperPatriot, as well as the superhero team Freak Force. That's not even mentioning some public-domain characters that have become part of the cast, including the original Golden Age Daredevil. Dragon's son Malcolm is the current protagonist, with many more humorous (and raunchy) stories involving his life with his wife and their many children. It's an excellent example of how a non-static superhero narrative can evolve, but it also allows the franchise the opportunity to offer different types of stories and even books.
Savage Dragon Has the Same Potential as Todd McFarlane's Spawn
Though he might lack the chains and pouches, the grim and gritty '90s character Savage Dragon is very much in the same vein as characters like Spawn and the various creations of Rob Liefeld. This more gruesome, somewhat irreverent take on superheroes is equally similar to Garth Ennis' The Boys and Robert Kirkman's Invincible series, both of which have become huge hits via their adaptations on Amazon Prime Video. Savage Dragon could achieve the same things in a new, bloody and bold cartoon on the streaming service, but the comics could also get an upgrade.
At the moment, there are five Spawn titles being published by Image Comics, but only one Savage Dragon book. This could be expanded by a similar push for Larsen's creation, continuing Malcolm's adventures in the main Savage Dragon book, while a spinoff flashes back to his dad's glory days. Likewise, books showcasing the Freak Force and other heroes could be excellent ways to expand, all while having the all-star talent to attract new readers. This, along with Spawn, would help to create more self-contained superhero universes for older fans, existing as jumping on points if an animated or live-action adaptation is made. Thus, while Savage Dragon might not currently have the same clout as Al Simmons, he could easily get to the same level with more books, rereleases of older adventures, and perhaps another big break outside the comics.