The world of Spawn is about to grow even larger.
During the Annual ComicsPRO Conference, Todd McFarlane unveiled his plans for a "multi-character, interconnected comic book universe" centered around his infamous antihero. McFarlane plans to launch four new comic book titles throughout 2021, with three of those titles slated to become ongoing series. Spawn's Universe will launch in June, with King Spawn following in August. Rounding out the titles are a Gunslinger Spawn book launching in October and a team book called The Scorched.
McFarlane also plans to recruit a roster of all-star creators to help expand this universe. Among the list of creators are Greg Capullo (Dark Nights: Death Metal), Donny Cates (King in Black, Crossover), Jim Cheung (Young Avengers), Marcio Takara (Irredeemable) and David Finch (New Avengers, Aphrodite IX). McFarlane's fellow Image Comics founder Marc Silvestri will also be part of developing the new Spawn Universe.
"The simple question is this: DC Comics started a shared universe in the late 1930s. Marvel Comics began theirs in the early 1960s… so, can lightning strike a third time beginning in 2021? I personally do not have the answer to that question right now, but the only way to get an answer to that question is to make the attempt in the first place, " McFarlane said during his presentation. "This is a long-intended plan that will need the help of dozens and dozens of creators to help create hundreds and hundreds of characters. And then to reward those creators if any of their ideas pay off in a big way outside of the comic industry."
He continued, "The quest isn't to have our ideas exclusively live in the comic book industry but to have merit and value outside of that industry as well. My character Spawn has been an example of what can happen with creation… so, what are the possibilities if hundreds of creations are brought together? Marvel and DC Comics have shown us that a collective group of characters, together, in a shared universe can resonate globally. I think it is time for David to attempt to join the same arena as the Goliaths of the world."
McFarlane first created Spawn in 1992, and recently saw a milestone when Spawn #300 debuted in 2019 — with Spawn #301 setting a world record for the longest-running independent comic. Spawn has also appeared in other media, including a live-action film in 1997 and as a guest character in Mortal Kombat 11.