Hailed as one of the most innovative and daring independent comics of its day, Spawn by Todd McFarlane showed the gory and often horrific sides of being a hero. What began as former mercenary Al Simmons' quest for revenge against the employer that left him for dead turns into a quest for redemption. When he makes a pact with the devil to grant him extraordinary powers in exchange for his soul, he doesn't realize the repercussions of making such an unholy accord.
Spawn would go on to inspire a feature film in 1997, as well as dozens of issues, pairing the vigilante hero with some of the most famous superheroes in recent comics. True fans of Spawn embrace his surly demeanor and honor his quest to redeem himself in the eyes of his loved ones, and look forward to the new film starring Jamie Foxx and produced by Todd McFarlane.
10 SPAWN DIRECTOR'S CUT BLU-RAY
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Though it didn’t turn into the profitable superhero franchise it was intended to launch, Spawn was an attempt to bring to cinematic life the gritty and bloodthirsty narrative of one of the most popular anti-heroes in recent decades. For an independent comic, Spawn was incredibly popular, but the tale of the former mercenary betrayed by his government supervisor and hellbent on seeking revenge just didn’t find the right movie-going audience.
Intended as a blockbuster, for 1997 it still sported some truly amazing special effects that were ahead of its time. Special features on this special edition Blu-ray director’s cut include featured commentary by creator Todd McFarlane, interviews, deleted scenes, and more.
9 TODD MCFARLANE'S SPAWN: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION
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Though the movie Spawn wasn’t as popular as everyone hoped, Todd McFarlane’s Spawn lived on in an animated series produced by HBO that ran for three seasons. Included in this Ultimate Collection are Spawn, Spawn 2, and Spawn 3: The Ultimate Battle.
After Al Simmons, corrupt assassin, gets betrayed by his former government supervisor and left for dead, he makes a deal with the devil to be resurrected as a “Hellspawn” and get revenge. Highly praised for its dark, adult themes that stayed close to its source material, this series of 4 discs comes with several interviews, storyboards, and featurettes as part of its special features.
8 SPAWN ORIGINS COLLECTION 1
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To truly appreciate the impact of Spawn, go back to what started it all in Todd McFarlane’s epic Spawn: Origins Vol 1, in full color. Spawn became one of the most successful and popular independent comic franchises of all time, thanks to its dark narrative about revenge, redemption, love, and loss.
This volume includes Spawn #1-6 and follows the story of Al Simmons, the betrayed assassin left for dead by his old unit who makes a pact with the devil to get revenge. In exchange for his soul, he will be granted amazing and horrific powers, which he uses for good and against evil (Violator, the Malebolgia).
7 MCFARLANE TOYS SPAWN: REBIRTH COLLECTIBLE FIGURE
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Besides being well known for creating Spawn, Todd McFarlane has also made a name for himself with toy manufacturing, producing some of the most detailed figurines available to collectors. This Mcfarlane Toys Spawn: Rebirth Collectible Action Figure is no exception and a fitting way for Spawn to be reimagined after ten years without a new figurine.
Spawn stands 7 inches tall, and wears his trademark black and white costume, spiked gauntlets, and massive red cape. He wields an assault rifle and pistol, is fully articulated, and stands atop an officially licensed base for easy display.
6 SPAWN COMPENDIUM VOLUME 1
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For the ultimate fan of the Spawn comic and legacy, the Spawn Compendium Volume 1 includes, for the first time, all the highly detailed black and white drawings of Todd McFarlane’s anti-hero Spawn. From his time as human Al Simmons to the moment he is resurrected as a “Hellspawn” after being left for dead by his former employer, to stalking the streets of New York City as its protector, every thrilling moment is contained inside.
Todd McFarlane collaborated with industry giants like Alan Moore (Watchmen), Frank Miller (Sin City) and many others to bring unique perspectives of his popular character to life. This massive volume is a beast at 1,136 pages.
5 SPAWN MUTATIONS: MALEBOLGIA ACTION FIGURE
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No collection of Spawn figurines could be complete without this mutated version of the Malebolgia, conveying all the slobbering menace of one of Spawn’s greatest foes. Part of McFarlane Toys Series 23, it features the Ruler of Hell as he appeared in an alternate reality mythos of Spawn.
Nearly defeated, it consumes the flesh of the Phlebiac brothers and is able to mutate into an even more twisted version of itself. One of the most detailed figures released yet by McFarlane Toys, the mutated Malebolgia has bull hooves, six eyes, spikes, massive claws, and a gaping maw that splits the top of its head in two.
4 SPAWN THE ALBUM
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While the movie may have been a bust, the soundtrack certainly isn’t. It calls together all the greatest artists of ‘90s techno and alternative rock, including Filter, Crystal Method, Metallica, Korn, Orbital, Prodigy, Henry Rollins, Marilyn Manson, Incubus, and Slayer, among others.
This soundtrack has a definitive sound of metal blended with electronica and industrial, mixing the most popular artists in each genre together to make something pulse-pounding and unique. Not all of it holds up over time, but quite a few tracks on the album were and are classics to be enjoyed again and again.
3 SPAWN SUPER WALL POSTER
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Make any boring wall in your house instantly come alive with this massive super poster of Spawn! Whether it’s for your home office, movie room, bedroom, or den, it will be hard to tear your eyes away from the image of Spawn prowling a rooftop’s edge, surrounded by a flurry of bats at twilight.
This high-quality reproduction print is made up of 8 separate panel sections, that when fully assembled are 46.7 inches by 33 inches. This image of Spawn, in his signature black and white suit, spiked gauntlets, billowing red cape and glowing green eyes is printed on thick satin paper for a unique wall decoration sure to liven up any space.
2 SPAWN GRAPHIC T-SHIRT
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While there doesn’t exist much in the way of Spawn swag to wear, you can still show your allegiance to your favorite undead superhero with this Spawn Mask T-Shirt courtesy of Rivebella. This novelty tee has a pre-shrunk fit, so it will never be too baggy, hugging your shape in a comfortable fit.
Spawn stares out from the front of the shirt, eyes narrowed like he means business. Its understated graphic design means it’s perfect to wear to the gym, out on errands, or even under a more formal jacket. Best of all, it comes in a variety of colors!
1 SPAWN/BATMAN
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Often compared but rarely paired, the Dark Knight and Spawn join forces in this special graphic novel by legendary Batman writer (The Dark Knight Returns) and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. The Caped Crusader tracks developers of illegal weapons being engineered for the military to New York City, where he collides with the Hellspawn, and two unlikely purveyors of vigilante justice must team up.
Frank Miller’s Batman is old and gruff, and McFarlane’s Spawn is young and arrogant, and together they are more similar than they’d like to admit. Batman belittles Spawn at every turn, and while the two do a fair amount of fighting, he forges a begrudging respect for him in the end.
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