Spawn

[Decepticons_Rule]

I picked up the new issue today, and I am completely lost.

The Angel is basically naked, can't be killed on Earth, but Clown can torture her to the point that he basically kills her?

And what happened to Al?

Is he dead or something?

I loved the art, very spooky.

[ElDuderino456]

I picked up the new issue today, and I am completely lost.

The Angel is basically naked, can't be killed on Earth, but Clown can torture her to the point that he basically kills her?

And what happened to Al?

Is he dead or something?

I loved the art, very spooky.


I'm with you man. The new direction has been very cryptic. Thats why i'm just gonna start from the beginning of Spawn and work my way back to the ongoing.

[ElDuderino456]

Then again I may just stop after ive finished Hines run. I really don't have an invested interest in a new Spawn.

[Greg Anderson]

I don't even understand why they're doing this Origin thing. They should have just finished the last trade collections they were putting out until they reached Hine's run. But now they're starting all the way back from the beginning before they even finished collecting the last issues before Hine came in. What's the point?

I just REALLY hope they collect the rest of Hine's run very soon. I need to own those trades.

[ElDuderino456]

Most of the older Spawn trades are expensive.

[Greg Anderson]

Most of the older Spawn trades are expensive.

I'm referring to the trades that collects like... about 20 issues of them. I thought those were great. At least finish collecting those before doing this Origins thing.

[ElDuderino456]

Yeah they don't make it easy to catch up with Spawn. How far did they get with the most recent trade collection?

[Greg Anderson]

Yeah they don't make it easy to catch up with Spawn. How far did they get with the most recent trade collection?

I believe a little bit after 100. They should have at least got to 150.

[ElDuderino456]

I believe a little bit after 100. They should have at least got to 150.

Would you recommend just picking those up instead?

[Greg Anderson]

Would you recommend just picking those up instead?

I believe those specific trades that collects about 12 issues in each book, etc, would be a better deal, but that's just me.

[michaeljsmith]

Hey Brik do you know anything bout the new Spawn origins trades? Worth it or should i try to track down the older tpbs?

If you do not have any of the past Spawn issues or trades you could start with the Spawn Origins trades but the downsize is they are releasing one every other month and they contains 6 issues each. That means in a years time they will release 36 issues total. If you figure they are on issue 191 now that means it will take just over 6 years to catch-up.

With that said one good way to get a lot of Spawn for your dollar is the Spawn Collections. They have released 6 of them (and unfortunately does not look like there will be a seventh). They typically have 24 issues in them and you can find them online (www.instocktrades.com or www.amazon.com) for about $20 each.

[ElDuderino456]

If you do not have any of the past Spawn issues or trades you could start with the Spawn Origins trades but the downsize is they are releasing one every other month and they contains 6 issues each. That means in a years time they will release 36 issues total. If you figure they are on issue 191 now that means it will take just over 6 years to catch-up.

With that said one good way to get a lot of Spawn for your dollar is the Spawn Collections. They have released 6 of them (and unfortunately does not look like there will be a seventh). They typically have 24 issues in them and you can find them online (www.instocktrades.com or www.amazon.com) for about $20 each.




The only prob is that Vol 1 is out of print. Unless you know where i could find it at a reasonable price.

[michaeljsmith]

I have seen them pop up on ebay frequently. Below are links to all of the first six collections that are on sell right now. I am not sure what #1 typically goes for but you could watch this auction to get a feel. If nothing else you could do the Spawn Origins trades for a while until you can jump to the collections.

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/mckamy1?_nkw=spawn&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3911.m270.l1313&_odkw=&_osacat=0

The other thing that TMP has announced is in 2010 they will be releasing hardback editions of the book in groups of 12 and 24 issues.

[Greg Anderson]

Of the Spawn Collections I only own Vol. 1. Need to get the others and maybe sale some of my floppies.

[michaeljsmith]

Of the Spawn Collections I only own Vol. 1. Need to get the others and maybe sale some of my floppies.

As somebody that owns just about every single (I am missing three variants) that is just crazy talk :tongue:

[Greg Anderson]

As somebody that owns just about every single (I am missing three variants) that is just crazy talk :tongue:

Haha! If I do decide to sell them, I'm keeping a few gems, of course. Issue #9 and 10, of course. #118 since it has my first ever published letter in it. All of Hine's issues. And one issue I have that is signed by Michael Jae White.

[michaeljsmith]

always bringing up 118 aren't you :biggrin:

[Greg Anderson]

always bringing up 118 aren't you :biggrin:

I'm actually quite embarrassed by the letter. :redface:

[stingerman]

I'm in #11 :tongue: .

[Greg Anderson]

I'm in #11 :tongue: .

My first issue. :biggrin:

[michaeljsmith]

I guess I am the only uncool kid :redface:

[MattyB]

I'm actually quite embarrassed by the letter. :redface:

Why though?

[stingerman]

I'm actually quite embarrassed by the letter. :redface:

You should read mine, I rip Marvel a new one, lol!

And someone who wrote in about "too many words" or something.

-"fellow irishman" :wink:

lol!

[Greg Anderson]

Why though?

It's sorta like when you're a writer or artist and you look at your past work when you were younger or a kid. :redface:

[Greg Anderson]

You should read mine, I rip Marvel a new one, lol!

And someone who wrote in about "too many words" or something.

-"fellow irishman" :wink:

lol!

Ha! Which issue was that?

[defcityla]

Started reading Spawn again when Whilce came on board. I am loving the new direction.

[michaeljsmith]

It is still hard to tell where the new direction is taking us - this ENDGAME story arc is taking way too long. This should have been a 4 issue story arc to set the stage for things to come. I think a lot of readers lost patients already :frown:

[Greg Anderson]

It is still hard to tell where the new direction is taking us - this ENDGAME story arc is taking way too long. This should have been a 4 issue story arc to set the stage for things to come. I think a lot of readers lost patients already :frown:

Heh. Heh heh...

[stingerman]

Ha! Which issue was that?

#11, check it out!

[stingerman]

It is still hard to tell where the new direction is taking us - this ENDGAME story arc is taking way too long. This should have been a 4 issue story arc to set the stage for things to come. I think a lot of readers lost patients already :frown:

Not sure if that is true, #191 just sold out:

SPAWN'S ENDGAME REACHES ITS STARTLING CLIMAX WITH A MASSIVE SELL OUT IN TIME FOR THE LONG AWAITED COLLECTION! (http://cosmicbooknews.com/news/spawn191news)

McFarlane says (slow build up) that was the plan all along, lol.

[michaeljsmith]

Not sure if that is true, #191 just sold out:

SPAWN'S ENDGAME REACHES ITS STARTLING CLIMAX WITH A MASSIVE SELL OUT IN TIME FOR THE LONG AWAITED COLLECTION! (http://cosmicbooknews.com/news/spawn191news)

McFarlane says (slow build up) that was the plan all along, lol.

He has claimed from the start that it this arc is like a movie and each issue is like a 10-15 moment in a 2 hour movie. Slow build is what he was shooting for... but I would have preferred a different approach.

[Greg Anderson]

wtf? :confused:

[michaeljsmith]

wtf? :confused:

little more vague please :rolleyes: - what? :confused:

[stingerman]

Maybe he meant because of this, lol!

SPAWN #191 - 19,805

BBH!

[michaeljsmith]

Maybe he meant because of this, lol!

SPAWN #191 - 19,805

BBH!

Yes, saw that too - very sad days are ahead I am afraid. :frown:

[Greg Anderson]

Don't mind me. I just don't get it.

[Greg Anderson]

Damn spawn boards been acting up for past few days now.

[michaeljsmith]

Damn spawn boards been acting up for past few days now.

I haven't been able to get on since Saturday :mad:

[ElDuderino456]

Yes, saw that too - very sad days are ahead I am afraid. :frown:

Could Image realistically ever cancel Spawn? Or would it be like Marvel cutting Amazing Spider-Man or DC axing Batman? Those sales are pretty bad but i also know Spawn has stayed afloat all of these years with sales similar to that.

[michaeljsmith]

Could Image realistically ever cancel Spawn? Or would it be like Marvel cutting Amazing Spider-Man or DC axing Batman? Those sales are pretty bad but i also know Spawn has stayed afloat all of these years with sales similar to that.

Even at 19,000 per month Spawn is the second highest selling Image book each month only behind The Walking Dead. It is up to McFarlane if they cancel. Image would only suggest stopping the book if the sales were around 2,000 per month because then the costs would outweigh the distribution hassle.

[GRANT!]

I'm wondering what the numbers are going to be like on Haunt.

[Beto_Machado]

I've always loved the Spawn design, but hated the comic itself.

I would regularly check the comic to see if the writing had improved. While Todd did get better during his run as a writer, it never became actually "good". Not until David Hine finished the Armaggeddon and started his amazing horror-oriented run. I became addicted to those issues. Loved them.

Then McFarlane whined about the sales and dropped Hine like a sack of potatoes... and the book became mediocre again. I stuck around through this whole Endgame arc, and it was painfully boring. If this was a movie, it was a pointless movie that led nowhere. I can't even believe this is the same book once written by Hine.

It was self-centered drivel that served no point, had no message and suffered from bad pace and bad inking (Todd, stop with the digital inking). To make matters worse, Todd kept cropping and replacing Whilce's panels left and right, even re-using panels in multiple issues.

Terrible, just terrible.

[michaeljsmith]

I'm wondering what the numbers are going to be like on Haunt.

My guess is first issue will be around 25,000 :frown:

I've always loved the Spawn design, but hated the comic itself.

I would regularly check the comic to see if the writing had improved. While Todd did get better during his run as a writer, it never became actually "good". Not until David Hine finished the Armaggeddon and started his amazing horror-oriented run. I became addicted to those issues. Loved them.

Then McFarlane whined about the sales and dropped Hine like a sack of potatoes... and the book became mediocre again. I stuck around through this whole Endgame arc, and it was painfully boring. If this was a movie, it was a pointless movie that led nowhere. I can't even believe this is the same book once written by Hine.

It was self-centered drivel that served no point, had no message and suffered from bad pace and bad inking (Todd, stop with the digital inking). To make matters worse, Todd kept cropping and replacing Whilce's panels left and right, even re-using panels in multiple issues.

Terrible, just terrible.

I have collected Spawn since issue #1 and the David Hine run was without question the most well written, engaging portion of Spawn EVER!!! He had big plans for the book through 200 and got the rug pulled out from under him. I never was crazy about Haberlin's art in the book but it was getting better. I do miss Hine's writing :frown:

[GRANT!]

I think the new Spawn has potential. I like the little weird mysteries and the Jim character is much less broody and more proactive then Al ever was. And Whilce pencils are nice. I'm not wild about the digital inks and I think the story could pick up the pace.

[michaeljsmith]

I think the new Spawn has potential. I like the little weird mysteries and the Jim character is much less broody and more proactive then Al ever was. And Whilce pencils are nice. I'm not wild about the digital inks and I think the story could pick up the pace.

I don't hate the new direction of Spawn but it is a departure from Hine's incredible take on the book. I feel like we are not accepting a lesser version of what was pretty darn amazing.

[Jimmy'sFriend]

I have always been interested in Spawn. Only reading a little bit hear and there over the years, I thought you all would be good people to ask the following...

Where is a good jumping on point?
If I start now, how many back issues do you recommend?
What trades are essential?

Thanks for the help in advance.

[Greg Anderson]

I have always been interested in Spawn. Only reading a little bit hear and there over the years, I thought you all would be good people to ask the following...

Where is a good jumping on point?
If I start now, how many back issues do you recommend?
What trades are essential?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Yo, Jimmy's Friend. Good to have you around. The recent run going on is Endgame. We're at 192 right now, I believe. The first trade of the first parts of the Endgame have been released, if you're interested in checking out the most recent story line. The recent story line started at 185.

I myself feel that you should hands down pick up the Armageddon trades or collection that collects all of the Armageddon issues then pick up New Flesh Collection and Neo Noir. Basically any of the trades with David Hine's name on it is a buy.

[michaeljsmith]

I second what Greg just said

[Beto_Machado]

I would say skip Armaggeddon too. I started with it, after years of not following the comic, and i couldn't understand even half of it.

Just read Hine's 166-184. They're easy to follow, more or less self-contained and damn good. In trades, New Flesh and Neo Noir trades (which have up to 175).

[Greg Anderson]

I would say skip Armaggeddon too. I started with it, after years of not following the comic, and i couldn't understand even half of it.


Wow, really? I know tons of folks who haven't checked it out in years and loved the Armageddon arc.

[GRANT!]

It was kind of a cool story but I wasn't wild about Phillip Tan's art.

[Greg Anderson]

It was kind of a cool story but I wasn't wild about Phillip Tan's art.

Wow. :eek:

[GRANT!]

Wow. :eek:

He's not a bad artist. I think there's a little too much detail in his pages. Sometimes it's hard to discern what's going on.

[michaeljsmith]

I have heard more critics of Tan's work lately... especially with his GL run. I am a fan and love what he has done to this point but I do understand what everyone is saying about hi (I just know they are dead wrong and will burn for those opinions :tongue: )

[NickGuy]

philip tan was meh to me after having such exciting visual style on the book...todd, greg, angel...tan didnt really go with that mold.

[michaeljsmith]

His work on Godslayer was perfectly suited - the book just never caught on :frown:

[Andrenn]

All right, time to set all you kids straight!

Hine's run was undeniably incredible, the man was clearly a fan of the franchise and loved writing every issue and when a writer loves what their writing then chances are it will make for a great read.

Tan's artwork started out weak to me, but by the 4th chapter of Armageddon I was loving it and he fit nicely. His final issue, 164, was drawn so beautifully even though it had zero real action. His work on Godslayer remains his best in my eyes, no disrespect to his current stuff on GL and I am hoping he does well on Batman and Robin. He's an incredible artist in my mind and if one day he where to return to Spawn, either as the main series artist or reunite with Holguin or Hine on another Spin off that would be great to me.

Endgame has been a slow burning story I can't deny that but it's been worth it as of recently. I was pissed when at the 4th chapter we still didn't see our Spawn in action but chapter 5 sold me on Endgame and made me love the story. Sure it hasn't been perfect....and yeah....Hine is sorely missed but I'll always love Spawn one way or another.

I love how Violator seems to be the biggest villain so far in this story. I really hope he becomes the main villain and sticks as it as this is the best he's been in so many years. I'll say it here, i hated how Violator was portrayed in the opening arc of the Hine/Haberlin horror oriented arc. It was frustrating to see my favorite villain turned into such a mediocre joke.

But now he's back and better than ever!

I am happy that Sam and Twitch are back once more. Though I am worried that McFarlane only brought them back for familiar faces and is not really going to make them worthwhile characters in the story like they where back in the older days of Spawn.

I cannot wait for Spawn #193, the new preview has me more excited than a 5 year old on Christmas.

[prismablue]

Newsarama just put up a 5 page preview of spawn 193. It's nice to have Greg back, but that's not even near what he was doing when he left spawn. It looks very rushed and the photoshop airbrush and pencil tool just does not give the line quality of a good old fashioned pen and brush.

http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?aid=28559

[NickGuy]

yeah, knowing gregs skill level, this looks like he did it on a bus ride. it looks amazingly rushed and half-assed. I do dig the pencil and airbrush look, it's something other comics arent doing, and i like it. this looks too much like rough pencils atm. It will be interesting to see what it looks like colored.

[prismablue]

yeah, knowing gregs skill level, this looks like he did it on a bus ride. it looks amazingly rushed and half-assed. I do dig the pencil and airbrush look, it's something other comics arent doing, and i like it. this looks too much like rough pencils atm. It will be interesting to see what it looks like colored.


The opening splash looks killer, except for the marker like look of the buildings, but as the pages progress it's a mess. The proportions are really weird looking. Drawing in photoshop just doesn't work for an artist who has a more organic style. Just really sloppy looking for Greg. I hate to be a critic because I love his artwork and want him to come back, but it doesn't seem like his heart is in this. Or maybe it's just the tools he is currently using, cause the splash is really cool. I think Whilce is doing alot more inspired work on Spawn right now.

[prismablue]

All right, time to set all you kids straight!

Hine's run was undeniably incredible, the man was clearly a fan of the franchise and loved writing every issue and when a writer loves what their writing then chances are it will make for a great read.

Tan's artwork started out weak to me, but by the 4th chapter of Armageddon I was loving it and he fit nicely. His final issue, 164, was drawn so beautifully even though it had zero real action. His work on Godslayer remains his best in my eyes, no disrespect to his current stuff on GL and I am hoping he does well on Batman and Robin. He's an incredible artist in my mind and if one day he where to return to Spawn, either as the main series artist or reunite with Holguin or Hine on another Spin off that would be great to me.

Endgame has been a slow burning story I can't deny that but it's been worth it as of recently. I was pissed when at the 4th chapter we still didn't see our Spawn in action but chapter 5 sold me on Endgame and made me love the story. Sure it hasn't been perfect....and yeah....Hine is sorely missed but I'll always love Spawn one way or another.

I love how Violator seems to be the biggest villain so far in this story. I really hope he becomes the main villain and sticks as it as this is the best he's been in so many years. I'll say it here, i hated how Violator was portrayed in the opening arc of the Hine/Haberlin horror oriented arc. It was frustrating to see my favorite villain turned into such a mediocre joke.

But now he's back and better than ever!

I am happy that Sam and Twitch are back once more. Though I am worried that McFarlane only brought them back for familiar faces and is not really going to make them worthwhile characters in the story like they where back in the older days of Spawn.

I cannot wait for Spawn #193, the new preview has me more excited than a 5 year old on Christmas.

I have no idea why Tan didn't click with Spawn. The guy is amazing when you see his pencils. If any artist should be reproduced from pencils he is it. I'd love to see what a collab between Phillip and Isanove would look like.

No matter how good the story is on a book like spawn, if the art isn't right it's not gonna work.

[Andrenn]

I have no idea why Tan didn't click with Spawn. The guy is amazing when you see his pencils. If any artist should be reproduced from pencils he is it. I'd love to see what a collab between Phillip and Isanove would look like.

No matter how good the story is on a book like spawn, if the art isn't right it's not gonna work.

I half disagree with the comment about art working or not working for the story. Greg Capullo's opening issues weren't exactly all that great but the stories where still great.

[prismablue]

I half disagree with the comment about art working or not working for the story. Greg Capullo's opening issues weren't exactly all that great but the stories where still great.

Comicbooks are a visual medium and stories are only as good as the execution. Period. The reason Alan Moore is considered such a great author in comics is because more often than not he worked with visual artists who were insync with the tone of the particular story Alan wished to tell.

Of course as a hardcore comicbook reader I recognize David was writing some really intresting stuff but I'm saying it could have been alot better. I'm not saying Phillip wasn't a good artist,he is infact an art monster, he just didn't click with the book from my point of view as a reader during his time on it. Or maybe it was the change in color quality or inking and not Phillip at all. The bottom line is that the final product didn't click with alot of readers.

I would have loved to see David continue working in the Spawn universe and I really wish David had gotten an artist like Capullo who matches the Spawn world to tell his stories in visual form.

[Greg Anderson]

I seem to be the only one who felt Haberlin was perfect for Hine.

[GRANT!]

I seem to be the only one who felt Haberlin was perfect for Hine.

I haven't bought those trades yet but his art looked pretty spiffy to me.

[michaeljsmith]

I seem to be the only one who felt Haberlin was perfect for Hine.

Yes, yes you are :biggrin:

[prismablue]

Yes, yes you are :biggrin:

Brian is a great fit for a vertigo book but not so much for spawn.

[bushboy]

Yay, Freak's back!

[Andrenn]

Comicbooks are a visual medium and stories are only as good as the execution. Period. The reason Alan Moore is considered such a great author in comics is because more often than not he worked with visual artists who were insync with the tone of the particular story Alan wished to tell.

Of course as a hardcore comicbook reader I recognize David was writing some really intresting stuff but I'm saying it could have been alot better. I'm not saying Phillip wasn't a good artist,he is infact an art monster, he just didn't click with the book from my point of view as a reader during his time on it. Or maybe it was the change in color quality or inking and not Phillip at all. The bottom line is that the final product didn't click with alot of readers.

I would have loved to see David continue working in the Spawn universe and I really wish David had gotten an artist like Capullo who matches the Spawn world to tell his stories in visual form.

I totally agree with comics being a visual medium and I love a good artist as much as the next but for me Spawn has always been about the story and characters personally. Though great art like Capullo and Tan certainly helped my enjoyment :biggrin:

I did enjoy Haberlin's later artwork after the first story arc. I did not like the skinny version of Clown and while his Violator looked awesome, seeing it for all of 3 pages didn't help.

If I ever meet Haberlin at a con and he where to be doing sketches, I'd love a sketch of Nyx from him.

[NickGuy]

I seem to be the only one who felt Haberlin was perfect for Hine.

i didnt like haberlin on spawn at all

[Beto_Machado]

Tan was terrible. I had no idea of what was happening 90% of the time, and when i did, it was dissapointing. His work in Godslayer was much better (even if still a bit stiff).

I seem to be the only one who felt Haberlin was perfect for Hine.

You're not.

Cappullo and McFarlane can make Spawn look "cool" (in a "super-hero" way), but their versions weren't menacing or disturbing like Haberlin's. He finally made Spawn what McFarlane has been talking about from day one - a horror book.

Sadly, i don't think the book will ever be that good again.

[Greg Anderson]

Awesome sketches from Tan and Haberlin.

Haberlin...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h29/xeero0/RedeemerbyBrianHaberline.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h29/xeero0/MammonbyBrianHaberlin.jpg

Tan...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h29/xeero0/SpawnandZerabyPhilTan.jpg

[michaeljsmith]

I still don't like Greg for his latest Hablerin sketch - just saying he is a punk :mad:

[Greg Anderson]

I still don't like Greg for his latest Hablerin sketch - just saying he is a punk :mad:

:biggrin: :biggrin: :tongue:

[prismablue]

Tan was terrible. I had no idea of what was happening 90% of the time, and when i did, it was dissapointing. His work in Godslayer was much better (even if still a bit stiff).



You're not.

Cappullo and McFarlane can make Spawn look "cool" (in a "super-hero" way), but their versions weren't menacing or disturbing like Haberlin's. He finally made Spawn what McFarlane has been talking about from day one - a horror book.

Sadly, i don't think the book will ever be that good again.

I'd still prefer Todd Mcfarlanes vision since it is his character. Greg held true to that vision while raising the bar as far as the art went.

[Beto_Machado]

I'd still prefer Todd Mcfarlanes vision since it is his character. Greg held true to that vision while raising the bar as far as the art went.

Do you believe what Todd says or not? Because he said that that (Haberlin's) was what Spawn was always supposed to be. But then again, he says one thing and does another entirelly (kick Hine out and bring the awful Holguin back). If we get down to it, McFarlane has no "vision". Read what he said when Hine was announced as the new writer and compare with what really happened (less than a year later!).

After that, read the letters section at the beggining of Endgame. Todd says himself that he can't consider what he's done before, which is french to "i don't give a shit".

[bushboy]

I still think there are better depictions of Spawn as a horror figure than H&H's work. The stuff between Armaggeddeon and Endgame felt like horror, but it didn't feel like Spawn. I prefer Paul Jenkins' work on the various spin-offs like the Blood &s and The Undead. My opinion, of course.

[Greg Anderson]

I still think there are better depictions of Spawn as a horror figure than H&H's work. The stuff between Armaggeddeon and Endgame felt like horror, but it didn't feel like Spawn. I prefer Paul Jenkins' work on the various spin-offs like the Blood &s and The Undead. My opinion, of course.

I still really need to pick up the Undead and Sam and Twitch books. I have a big feeling those are more in what I'd prefer in a Spawn book.

[prismablue]

Do you believe what Todd says or not? Because he said that that (Haberlin's) was what Spawn was always supposed to be. But then again, he says one thing and does another entirelly (kick Hine out and bring the awful Holguin back). If we get down to it, McFarlane has no "vision". Read what he said when Hine was announced as the new writer and compare with what really happened (less than a year later!).

After that, read the letters section at the beggining of Endgame. Todd says himself that he can't consider what he's done before, which is french to "i don't give a shit".

1. I don't care what he said Spawn should be, only what it was. I've been reading since issue 1 and I liked what Todd has done with the character.

2. You misunderstand what todd said in the letters column. He is saying like he did in countless interviews that he has no intrest in repeating himself and what he has already done. Not that he disowns his previous work.

3. If you think Todd has no vision why are you reading spawn? He created it. It's not a character that has gone through generations and has become part of pop culture. Just like Stan Lee knows what Spider-man is, so Todd knows Spawn. That doesn't mean everybody else sucks, it just means Stan knows what a Spider-man story should be better than anyone else because he created the character. And since Todd owns Spawn, he can choose the direction he wants.

[michaeljsmith]

I am just curious where this book is going - when the name OPRAH is used in a solicitation to talk about Spawn becoming a public figure that sure is different than any vision I have hear about in the past.

[GRANT!]

I am just curious where this book is going - when the name OPRAH is used in a solicitation to talk about Spawn becoming a public figure that sure is different than any vision I have hear about in the past.

I wonder if Spawn is making a Doctor Phil appearance.

[michaeljsmith]

I wonder if Spawn is making a Doctor Phil appearance.

You are not the first person to wonder that one either :wink:

[stingerman]

I am just curious where this book is going - when the name OPRAH is used in a solicitation to talk about Spawn becoming a public figure that sure is different than any vision I have hear about in the past.

Wait, what's that? Oprah? WTF?

[michaeljsmith]

Wait, what's that? Oprah? WTF?


http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo327/brikhed21/Spawn/Solicit196.jpg

[prismablue]

Okay then.....Cool cover pencils

[michaeljsmith]

Okay then.....Cool cover pencils

Unfortunately the note on the solicit says that won't be the final cover

[bigbluntz]

I've been away from Spawn for years so let me see if I got this right. Al Simmons blows off brains out essentially killing himself. Then moments later some guy named Jim is brought out of his coma and is the new Spawn.

So the new Spawn was made from a live person? I thought someone was offered the Spawn powers after their death (or maybe that was just AL). That might depend on your definition of some one in a coma being truly alive.

[michaeljsmith]

I've been away from Spawn for years so let me see if I got this right. Al Simmons blows off brains out essentially killing himself. Then moments later some guy named Jim is brought out of his coma and is the new Spawn.

So the new Spawn was made from a live person? I thought someone was offered the Spawn powers after their death (or maybe that was just AL). That might depend on your definition of some one in a coma being truly alive.

Jim became Spawn but we do not know much more than that... he might have been alive or might have been dead. We do know that Jim originally appeared in Spawn in a very early issue when Al became a white guy checking dog licenses. That white guy is Jim :confused:

[bigbluntz]

So Al shape shifted into Jim? or Jim was created when Al turned into him? Wow seems like Todd is just as bad and Marvel and DC now lol

Is Jim's costume the same K-7 Leetha that AL wore(I realize it looks alot different)? Also wat issue did Jim 1st appear in (when Al became a white guy)?

[stingerman]

Jim became Spawn but we do not know much more than that... he might have been alive or might have been dead. We do know that Jim originally appeared in Spawn in a very early issue when Al became a white guy checking dog licenses. That white guy is Jim :confused:

Is that confirmed the why guy is Jim? I thought it wasn't...

[michaeljsmith]

So Al shape shifted into Jim? or Jim was created when Al turned into him? Wow seems like Todd is just as bad and Marvel and DC now lol

Is Jim's costume the same K-7 Leetha that AL wore(I realize it looks alot different)? Also wat issue did Jim 1st appear in (when Al became a white guy)?

We don't really have those questions answered yet. The issue was in the first 9 issues but I cannot remember for the life of me (embarrassed) I will need to look it up.

Is that confirmed the why guy is Jim? I thought it wasn't...

No, Wanda confirmed it when she ran into Jim about 3 issues ago. There was a flashback scene and everything.

[bushboy]

I think the white guy thing was issue 3. Gotta look it up tho.

[michaeljsmith]

I think the white guy thing was issue 3. Gotta look it up tho.

I was thinking issue #3 as well but for some reason I started to doubt myself and then thought a little higher :frown:

[LEADER DESSLOK]

I was a huge Spawn fan in the 90s but jumped ship over personal reasons that had nothing to do with the comic book itself. I was gone for about ten years until I recently watched my old Spawn videos and caught The Spawn Fever again! I read the final Al Simmons issues and the APOCALYPSE graphic novel.

What's my opinion so far?

1, I'm glad Spawn finally left that stupid alley.

2. The Apocalypse Graphic novel was erratic and confusing. For instance, if Todd and his people had done their homework, they would have known that "God" would never refer to Himself as "God". That's something we humans call Him. The nearest He came to addressing Himself in the Old Testament is "I am that I am. Tell Pharoah that "I am" has sent you." I don't remember the verse number but it's in Exodus. Little things like that bothered me in addition to the postage stamp artwork where I couldn't tell what was going on. Still, the ending was a shocker and saddening. I was definitely intrigued.

3. Al Simmons is gone. But his story was over and anything else would have been anticlimatic and routine. (Can you imagine Spawn running around catching bank robbers and car thieves?)

4. The new Spawn is looks good but I really want to see how they explain his "first" appearance in SPAWN #3 and how it relates to Simmons...at least explain it without sounding "comic booky".

Conclusion: So far, other than BATMAN CHRONICLES, SPAWN is the only "super-hero" comic that I still bother with on a semi-regular basis. I think McFarlane is one of the smartest guys to work ever work in comics and the Spawn reboot just proves my point. He doesn't just think outside of the box, he builds his own!

[stingerman]

No, Wanda confirmed it when she ran into Jim about 3 issues ago. There was a flashback scene and everything.

Oh, cool...? Was it, lol?

I haven't been picking up Spawn.

[GRANT!]

Damn! Capullo has still got it. He even looks good with the Digital Inks.

And it looks the Spawn costume is finally looking like it's oldself. The story was pretty fun too. It's still taking it's sweet time but I'd dug the interaction between Violator and Sam and Twitch.

But lets step up the action some more Todd. I want to see new Spawn behead some demons and vampires.

[michaeljsmith]

Damn! Capullo has still got it. He even looks good with the Digital Inks.

And it looks the Spawn costume is finally looking like it's oldself. The story was pretty fun too. It's still taking it's sweet time but I'd dug the interaction between Violator and Sam and Twitch.

But lets step up the action some more Todd. I want to see new Spawn behead some demons and vampires.

I was a little disappointed that Capullo tried so hard to imitate Portacio's style in this issue but I respect him for doing it to keep consistent through this run. I was really hope to see Greg in all of his glory.

I thought The Clown scenes in the beginning were as fun as anything I have seen written for his character. I do think the McFarlane is trying to be too smart for his own good in this story line and we ALL would like to see more ACTION.

[Andrenn]

Spawn #193 rocked. the art was great and the story was equally awesome.

Seems they changed the cover to #194 from that awesome Capullo image! What the hell? :frown:

[Jimmy'sFriend]

What issue is a good jumping on point? I,m willing to go back a few arc if needed. My buddy loves Spawn and I want to start reading it.

[Greg Anderson]

What issue is a good jumping on point? I,m willing to go back a few arc if needed. My buddy loves Spawn and I want to start reading it.

I'm gonna recommend the Armageddon Collection, New Flesh and Neo Noir.

[Jimmy'sFriend]

I'm gonna recommend the Armageddon Collection, New Flesh and Neo Noir.

Will that catch me up to the current issues? Thanks.

[Greg Anderson]

Will that catch me up to the current issues? Thanks.

For the current series: Spawn: Endgame Vol. 1

[Jimmy'sFriend]

For the current series: Spawn: Endgame Vol. 1
Thanks for answering my questions. I think I pick some up when I get my comics today.

[michaeljsmith]

Thanks for answering my questions. I think I pick some up when I get my comics today.

If you are looking current story arc and since relaunch then Spawn: Endgame Volume One is the place to start.

[GRANT!]

From the SDCC Image Panel (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/070924-sdcc-Image.html) Todd's drawing Spawn 200 and I guess in the spirit of Image United is trying to get the rest of the guys to help out.

The panel shifted back to MacFarlane who mentioned the hallmark issue of Spawn #200—comparing his series to the likes of Cerebus because of its prolific run. He then revealed that he would also be penciling and inking the entire issue of #200 for his fans and that he hoped to bring in the other Founding Fathers of Image for pieces of flashback material.

Don't know about the Cerebus comparison but still pretty cool news.

[Greg Anderson]

I guess...

[MattyB]

Speaking of Neo Noir i just read it, and it was fantastic.

[Greg Anderson]

Speaking of Neo Noir i just read it, and it was fantastic.

I'm hoping they release the rest of Hine's run. Seems they're only concerned now of the old issues.

[SpideyZERO]

Will Hine's remaining runs to be collected? The Endgame tpb is already out

Whatever happens to the Godslayer tpb?

[JohnnyC]

It may not be released, seeing as how Todd doesn't seem to be a fan of that run. I haven't heard him say this in those words, but he's alluded to it several times (saying how the book was declining in quality and that's why he came back on).

[Armadillo]

What's the reason for Issues 9-10 not to be collected in Spawn origins 2?

I mean, Moore, Gaiman, Miller and more in one vol could be so awesome.

[JohnnyC]

What's the reason for Issues 9-10 not to be collected in Spawn origins 2?

I mean, Moore, Gaiman, Miller and more in one vol could be so awesome.

Gaiman and Sim are the reasons. Todd doesn't have the rights to those issues. More specifically, the rights to the characters that appear in those issues.

[JohnnyC]

Anybody read #194? It was pretty good, I guess, but I was hoping Jim would have a confrontation with Clown. Maybe next issue? Wonder what that ending will lead to, as well.

[michaeljsmith]

It is still taking WAY TOO LONG to get to the point... looks like Jim can turn it on and off now though

[JohnnyC]

It is still taking WAY TOO LONG to get to the point... looks like Jim can turn it on and off now though

While I want to agree that the pace has been too slow, I think this event warrants a decompressed story arc. I mean, there's a new freaking Spawn now. While a twelve parter seems excessive, it probably should be. The fanbase needs to be convinced that Jim is a worthy successor.

[michaeljsmith]

I think the first arc should have been 4 issues and introduced us and had some action... I think the second arc should have been 6 issues and more intrigue like we have now. It is like meeting a girl - you first notice her because she is hot then you get to know her

[JohnnyC]

I think the first arc should have been 4 issues and introduced us and had some action... I think the second arc should have been 6 issues and more intrigue like we have now. It is like meeting a girl - you first notice her because she is hot then you get to know her

I don't know what you're talking about. I notice personality in a girl.


No, but seriously, you're right.

[michaeljsmith]

I was hoping that McFarlane had grown into a better writer but he is making a lot of the same mistakes. I am sticking with the book through 200 and then judging it from there. I have had rumors, and I do not believe them, that 200 could be the last issue anyway :eek:

[Greg Anderson]

WACK WACK WACK, FUCKING WACK! Glad I didn't buy this!

[michaeljsmith]

WACK WACK WACK, FUCKING WACK! Glad I didn't buy this!

if you no longer BUY the book you may no longer comment on the book :wink: :eek:

[Greg Anderson]

if you no longer BUY the book you may no longer comment on the book :wink: :eek:

Ha! As if. I have a right to be heard as a Spawn fan who's bought many issues, etc for years even if I'm Bryne-stealing that baby. :cool:

[Vintage Crime]

It may not be released, seeing as how Todd doesn't seem to be a fan of that run. I haven't heard him say this in those words, but he's alluded to it several times (saying how the book was declining in quality and that's why he came back on). If that's true then Todd is truly an idiot. The book was boring before Hine came on board. For so long it just seemed like an emo whine fest where Al would complain about not being with Wanda. Bringing Armageddon to fruition was a great concept. If Hine had not come on board it probably would have been alluded to and teased for another 10 years while Al would pine over Wanda. Instead Mr. Hine brought Armageddon and moved the story forward.

Now David Hine is gone it seems like the story is back to moving at a snale's pace again.

[Vintage Crime]

I haven't commented in here in months so I thought I would throw in my two cents since I'm now caught up on the current storyline. I recently read about 6 of the Endgame issues in a two day sitting. I have started reading more Wildstorm titles so Spawn was sitting collecting dust for a while. I'm now caught up and I'm sitting on the fence as to whether I like it.

Getting rid of Al will move the story forward, but it seems like they are not doing much with Jim. I would like to see more action and less dialogue. I like that Violator is gathering troops to fight both Heaven and hell, but lets see the Battle begin. Violator running roughshod with a group of demons and vamps versus other demons and angels is something I would pay to see. Its nice that there is a mystery around Jim's "benefactors" the guys paying his hospital bills, but I would like to see that move forward also. I like mystery, but this arc has almost gone on for a year and it seems like we have very little answers.

I love Whilce Portacio's art (I think I misspelled his name) but the story NEEDS to move forward.

[JohnnyC]

If that's true then Todd is truly an idiot. The book was boring before Hine came on board. For so long it just seemed like an emo whine fest where Al would complain about not being with Wanda. Bringing Armageddon to fruition was a great concept. If Hine had not come on board it probably would have been alluded to and teased for another 10 years while Al would pine over Wanda. Instead Mr. Hine brought Armageddon and moved the story forward.

Now David Hine is gone it seems like the story is back to moving at a snale's pace again.

It was in one of the recent letter sections (I think), but I remember him saying something to the effect of "coming back on and getting the book back to where (I think) it needs to be in terms of quality".

[MattyB]

It might be slow paced but in my opinion it is an enjoyable ride from the first issue of endgame. Can't wait to read the new one.

[Beto_Machado]

If that's true then Todd is truly an idiot. The book was boring before Hine came on board. For so long it just seemed like an emo whine fest where Al would complain about not being with Wanda. Bringing Armageddon to fruition was a great concept. If Hine had not come on board it probably would have been alluded to and teased for another 10 years while Al would pine over Wanda. Instead Mr. Hine brought Armageddon and moved the story forward.

Now David Hine is gone it seems like the story is back to moving at a snale's pace again.

Agreed 100000%.

Man, Hine was just soooo good. The sad part is that it seems most fans hated the Hine run because of the art. :rolleyes:

Endgame is a whole bunch of nothing. Todd may like Bendis, but he needs to realize he can't write dialogue like Bendis does. Seriously, you have to be really good to write a decompressed comic and make it compelling.

I read Endgame and i just don't care about any of the characters or the plot. There's just nothing there.

[michaeljsmith]

I think most of us agree that Hine had a way of taking Spawn and turning the book, the character, and the mythos of Al Simmons into something bigger. We went from a CIA hitman picked to be a hell spawn to generations of people being put in place to create the perfect killer. There was forethought and creativity. Hine was able to tie together continuity and build new storylines that blended with the old in a very similar way that Johns has with Green Lantern and Morrison did with Batman.

If you look at Spawn before this is very similar to what we have seen on slow developing plot lines and dialogue overkill. I recently recorded a podcast for The Comic Addiction (http://www.thecomicaddiction.com/) website called The Image Addiction (http://www.thecomicaddiction.com/podcast/2009/7/30/image-addiction-episode-9.html). We read old Image books and talk about them once per month. Spawn #12 was one of the books we talked about and it was PAINFUL to get through the overwriting and I found myself thinking that it is the same thing McFarlane is doing now. I think he could plot an incredible story but he needs somebody to take that plot and put dialogue and context to keep it in a manageable form. I keep thinking that we are going to turn that corner.... yet to get there :frown:

[NickGuy]

picked up the endgame volume 1 trade... every single page of every single issue has been redone in this book, and to be honest, i dont like it.

I actually hadnt noticed until i got to the end and saw the pages that were pointed out. The double page splash of jim falling looked much better in the single issue. The colors have been retouched on every page. EVERY PAGE. for comparison, i pulled out the single issues and compared them page by page. int he case of the jin han colored issues, some of the touch ups are appreciated, but then when we get to the later issues, its the reverse. todd, you brought in jay fotos to replace jin han, but then youre going over fotos' colors? and not in a good way, where fotos had rendered depth in the scene, it was replaced by flat colors (most notably the scene where clown confronts the dog raising guy). Clown no longer has a mouth on the first page of 186.

The story, read all at once, shouldnt be titled endgame, it should be titled "WHO IS JIM DOWNING?" since thats the only question answered through the whole thing. and even when its revealed, it has no impact. OMG RANDOM GUY FROM ISSUE 3!!! who really didnt matter one bit whatsoever in the long run.

anyways, i enjoyed it for whilce, as he is stellar as always, but watch it with the recoloring there, todd. youre crossing into george lucas terriory with redoing art.

[Andrenn]

While I've been enjoying Endgame I found #194 to be an abysmal gigantic waste of space. So frustrating to see McFarlane making rookie mistakes like this. Portacio's art got a disservice by not getting to do anything interesting.

I will probably never drop Spawn but it's getting hard not to consider it...

[stingerman]

picked up the endgame volume 1 trade... every single page of every single issue has been redone in this book, and to be honest, i dont like it.

I actually hadnt noticed until i got to the end and saw the pages that were pointed out. The double page splash of jim falling looked much better in the single issue. The colors have been retouched on every page. EVERY PAGE. for comparison, i pulled out the single issues and compared them page by page. int he case of the jin han colored issues, some of the touch ups are appreciated, but then when we get to the later issues, its the reverse. todd, you brought in jay fotos to replace jin han, but then youre going over fotos' colors? and not in a good way, where fotos had rendered depth in the scene, it was replaced by flat colors (most notably the scene where clown confronts the dog raising guy). Clown no longer has a mouth on the first page of 186.

The story, read all at once, shouldnt be titled endgame, it should be titled "WHO IS JIM DOWNING?" since thats the only question answered through the whole thing. and even when its revealed, it has no impact. OMG RANDOM GUY FROM ISSUE 3!!! who really didnt matter one bit whatsoever in the long run.

anyways, i enjoyed it for whilce, as he is stellar as always, but watch it with the recoloring there, todd. youre crossing into george lucas terriory with redoing art.

He re colored the work :rolleyes: . Man, this post sums up why I dumped this after End Game issue #1.

Bring Back Hine. :frown:

[Greg Anderson]

Yeah, I'm very close to sending a letter to McFarlane about all this. It's really pissing me off. If only we could gather everyone else who isn't enjoying this and could possibly send letters at the same time.

[1990]

sorry, not a huuuuge spawn fan, but I saw some cover the other day with frank miller, mcfarlane and grant morrison's name on it?

was I tripping?

[Greg Anderson]

sorry, not a huuuuge spawn fan, but I saw some cover the other day with frank miller, mcfarlane and grant morrison's name on it?

was I tripping?

Frank Miller issue
http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/4/33440-4937-37341-1-spawn_super.jpg

Grant Morrison issues...
http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/4/34228-4937-38221-1-spawn_super.jpg
http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/4/34442-4937-38470-1-spawn_super.jpg
http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/4/34578-4937-38622-1-spawn_super.jpg

[Greg Anderson]

Frank Miller cover

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/4875/172499-4937-83180-4-spawn_super.jpg

[michaeljsmith]

All is going to be well - he has Rob Liefeld doing a cover for issue #200 :rolleyes:

[GRANT!]

All is going to be well - he has Rob Liefeld doing a cover for issue #200 :rolleyes:


I think he's doing a few pages too.

If Todd is inking it, it could look pretty cool.

The series has been hit or miss. I remember seeing the previews where Whilce drew an army of Frazettasque demonic warriors (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xTtgJmXS7bo/SknWmW1KlAI/AAAAAAAAAaU/Oza0hJQ2Ptc/s1600-h/SpawnPromoSPREAD.jpg) and when I read the book I'm wondering "Where the f*** are those guys?" I'll probably stick around until issue 200 but lets step it up a notch.

[michaeljsmith]

I think he's doing a few pages too.

If Todd is inking it, it could look pretty cool.

The series has been hit or miss. I remember seeing the previews where Whilce drew an army of Frazettasque demonic warriors (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xTtgJmXS7bo/SknWmW1KlAI/AAAAAAAAAaU/Oza0hJQ2Ptc/s1600-h/SpawnPromoSPREAD.jpg) and when I read the book I'm wondering "Where the f*** are those guys?" I'll probably stick around until issue 200 but lets step it up a notch.

He is doing a few panels as flashbacks - I will stick around until 200 as well but that is the point that Todd will need to defecate or decamode :evilangry:

[stingerman]

All is going to be well - he has Rob Liefeld doing a cover for issue #200 :rolleyes:


Oh boy!

[The Lobster]

Frank Miller cover

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/4875/172499-4937-83180-4-spawn_super.jpg

I love Frank Miller's art and Spawn, but hadn't saw this cover until now; thanks for posting it. :biggrin:

[michaeljsmith]

Oh boy!

I am holding out hope through issue #200. I figure I have put up with some bad times before with this book so I will give McFarlane 15 issues (more than a year) to get his crap together. That is more than generous but if by then things have not improved then I will have to join the rest of you that jumped ship.... which is sad because if you go back to the start of this thread I was so hyped about this book I offered to pay people to read it :frown:

[Alexrules]

I love the New Mutants covers that Todd inked over Rob, including the first appearance of Cable. WOW!

Those were cool.

[NickGuy]

i just read 192 and 193....and im kinda scratching my head going "huh?"

192 i really enjoyed the art. whilce is getting better and better. I totally love this guys art.

193, greg rocked. nice to see him come back.

but the colors...is this a grim and gritty book, or a brightly colored book? the colors look flatter than they did back when greg was drawing this book before!

[Beto_Machado]

I dropped the book at 191, IIRC. But after a couple months the Cappullo issue came out, and i wanted to see it, so i grabbed it. Grabbed the last one too. The Cappullo issue was the only readable issue of Endgame.

Otherwise is just LOST-style hocus-pocus writing... without the (frequent) LOST pay-offs.

Todd says Endgame is a movie, well, we're on the last 15-20 minutes and nothing has happened! Endgame has been almost as bad as early-day Spawn. I almost wish i hadn't found out about the Hine run. Would've saved a lot of dissapointment nowadays.

To add insult to the injury, the colors are dull and the digital inking looks lifeless. Compare Todd's inking on Spawn to his inking on the Image United samples. Night and day!

Nothing in this achieves its purpose (to raise sales and attract readers to Spawn). Where's the amazing coloring? The incredible inking? Those were two points where Spawn was above every other comic!

Yeah, I'm very close to sending a letter to McFarlane about all this. It's really pissing me off. If only we could gather everyone else who isn't enjoying this and could possibly send letters at the same time.

I'm down, even if it's just the two of us.

Anyone here is registered at Spawn.com? Please start a thread about it, the more people the better. They're hating the comic as much as we are (which is funny, becasue Todd prints a buncha praising letters, saying "thank God Hine is gone" and so on - who are those people?).

Do you wanna wait until Endgame is over, or maybe after the thread at Spawn.com has a good number of replies?

[michaeljsmith]

Anyone here is registered at Spawn.com? Please start a thread about it, the more people the better. They're hating the comic as much as we are (which is funny, becasue Todd prints a buncha praising letters, saying "thank God Hine is gone" and so on - who are those people?).

Do you wanna wait until Endgame is over, or maybe after the thread at Spawn.com has a good number of replies?

There is A LOT of verbal hatred going on at the Spawn Forum regarding the current direction of the book. The only positive I can offer is that this is Todd's book and if this is the direction he wants to take it more power to him... he will be taking it there without me.

[stingerman]

The only positive I can offer is that this is Todd's book and if this is the direction he wants to take it more power to him... he will be taking it there without me.


That's positive? lol.

How long can he take it in this direction if people continue to complain....just wondering. Though does he listen to fans at all, lol?

[michaeljsmith]

That's positive? lol.

How long can he take it in this direction if people continue to complain....just wondering. Though does he listen to fans at all, lol?

Honestly I read enough comments from people saying they love the new direction to offset those of us that are not crazy about it. I am still of the mindset that I will give the entire Endgame arc time to play out but really 12 issue arc to start off the series? Give me 3 or 4 fast issues of Jim in a bunch of action packed "oh crap" moments and then give me 8 issues of figuring out the details :evilsmile:

[bushboy]

At least we're seeing some progress with Jim and the suit/powers. Art's been okay, Capullo was nice but still fit the arc's atmosphere. I kinda like the slower yet packed pacing.

[michaeljsmith]

This slow pacing is consistent with what McFarlane and company did back in the early 100's but it just seems to be dragging along. Maybe I am just impatient but I feel like Todd is almost scared to give us any details in case he wants to change his mind later or something

[Boy Constrictor]

Hine ruined everything. We were perfectly satisfied with crap stories but now it's too hard to go back to the status quo knowing that Spawn can actually be good.

[michaeljsmith]

Hine ruined everything. We were perfectly satisfied with crap stories but now it's too hard to go back to the status quo knowing that Spawn can actually be good.

ha ha - that is the truth.... i loved vanilla ice cream, until i found out about mint chocolate chip :biggrin:

[prismablue]

This slow pacing is consistent with what McFarlane and company did back in the early 100's but it just seems to be dragging along. Maybe I am just impatient but I feel like Todd is almost scared to give us any details in case he wants to change his mind later or something

The slow pacing is indicitive of Mcfarlane writing since issue 1 of Spawn and he slowed with almost every issue right through until Houglin took over and began to tell single issue stories in the late 70's until 100. Which is odd because his Spider-man books were paced rather briskly.

[prismablue]

Hine ruined everything. We were perfectly satisfied with crap stories but now it's too hard to go back to the status quo knowing that Spawn can actually be good.

If Greg Capullo drew those books they would have been great.

[Beto_Machado]

If Greg Capullo drew those books they would have been great.

Endgame would've been bad any way. But if you meant the Hine books... they were already great.

[bushboy]

Endgame would've been bad any way. But if you meant the Hine books... they were already great.

Post-Armageddon art didn't sit well with some people, me included. Neither did pussified Al.

[michaeljsmith]

Post-Armageddon art didn't sit well with some people, me included. Neither did pussified Al.

I would agree that Hine made Al a wimp after Armageddon but I believe he was leading us somewhere. He had up through issue #200 mapped out as well...... much different than what we see now

[bigbluntz]

Al blowing his own head off is worse than Spider-Man making a deal with the devil. Hey kids if all of your problems in life seem to much to handle you can always KILL YOURSELF!!! Great message Todd!! Thanks so much!!

[Beto_Machado]

Post-Armageddon art didn't sit well with some people, me included. Neither did pussified Al.

Al had every reason for holding back. It was all in the writing.

Sometimes i think people don't read comics, they just look at the pretty pictures.

But hey, you prefer to have Al sitting in the alley watching the homeless guys having a spitting contest, knock yourself out!

[bushboy]

Al had every reason for holding back. It was all in the writing.

Sometimes i think people don't read comics, they just look at the pretty pictures.

But hey, you prefer to have Al sitting in the alley watching the homeless guys having a spitting contest, knock yourself out!

Wrongful assumptions are an amazing thing, aren't they? :wink:

The writing was good by itself, but the point of something being a comic rather than a serialized novel, is the combo of writing and art. And the style just didn't do it for me.

I have absolutely no problem with change itself, and I'm always early in line when I think things get stale. But the most important thing to me is characterization. The problem I have with Hine's run is how he handled Spawn. If it was anyone else, fine. But this is Al Simmons we're talking about. Not only show him rising above the self-pity, which was understandable but should've been dealt with earlier, but show some defiance and spirit. It's fine if Al has his "woe is me" moments, but part of his character is snapping out of it and taking care of what needs to be taken care of, without having the supporting cast do it for him.

I'm not saying Hine's run was bad or that you should think like I do. It was good, but not as good for me as it was for y'all. God forbid I have a different opinion :rolleyes:

[stingerman]

Al blowing his own head off is worse than Spider-Man making a deal with the devil. Hey kids if all of your problems in life seem to much to handle you can always KILL YOURSELF!!! Great message Todd!! Thanks so much!!

http://www.bringbackwendell.com/spawnomd.jpg

[Boy Constrictor]

Haberlin wasn't technically as good as other Spawn artists but he fit the atmosphere of the story better than others.

And Hine's run had Gunslinger and War Spawn; great art and with better storytelling than anything that came before or after.

[Greg Anderson]

Wrongful assumptions are an amazing thing, aren't they? :wink:

The writing was good by itself, but the point of something being a comic rather than a serialized novel, is the combo of writing and art. And the style just didn't do it for me.

I have absolutely no problem with change itself, and I'm always early in line when I think things get stale. But the most important thing to me is characterization. The problem I have with Hine's run is how he handled Spawn. If it was anyone else, fine. But this is Al Simmons we're talking about. Not only show him rising above the self-pity, which was understandable but should've been dealt with earlier, but show some defiance and spirit. It's fine if Al has his "woe is me" moments, but part of his character is snapping out of it and taking care of what needs to be taken care of, without having the supporting cast do it for him.

I'm not saying Hine's run was bad or that you should think like I do. It was good, but not as good for me as it was for y'all. God forbid I have a different opinion :rolleyes:

Having read all of Hine's issues in one sitting, I sorta feel as if we were going to get a bad-ass Al Simmons again who was beginning to rise from all that "woe is me" phase. For one, Al was finally discovering things about himself among other things and also he was starting to be looked upon as a bit of a God from people affected by the White Light. I feel that would have probably played to the fact that maybe he actually is doing some good for people and then you had Nyx who despite everything stood by his side till the end. I think in the end, all his supporting cast that was being built up was going to push Al to finally getting some sort of redemption and allowing himself to be happy.

When I was talking to Hine about his Spawn run, I recall him telling me one of his plans was to in fact finally decide to move over Wanda and become serious with Nyx, thus sorta helping him move on from being mopey and actually... well... enjoy something for once.

[michaeljsmith]

I would have hoped Al would have returned to a stage of redemption and power because we were to the point that NYX was more powerful than AL and that should not be the case. I think there was so much story to tell with AL's daughter that just got swept under the rug as a "surprise, we were just kidding" :eek:

[GRANT!]

You know, I wasn't that impressed with Armageddon (which I have the trade for). I've been meaning to check out the later issues with Haberlin though.

[Greg Anderson]

I would have hoped Al would have returned to a stage of redemption and power because we were to the point that NYX was more powerful than AL and that should not be the case. I think there was so much story to tell with AL's daughter that just got swept under the rug as a "surprise, we were just kidding" :eek:

Yeah, it seem as if the Nyx plot of her being stronger was building up also. There was emphasis at how she got stronger when Mammon returned her powers and it seem as she got stronger, Al got weaker. So who knows what would have eventually happen.

[Boy Constrictor]

It sucks that those last few Hine issues were so rushed because those new twists in Al's life could have and should have had more of an impact.

I wonder if Morana will be used again in anyway anytime soon, if at all.

[michaeljsmith]

It sucks that those last few Hine issues were so rushed because those new twists in Al's life could have and should have had more of an impact.

I wonder if Morana will be used again in anyway anytime soon, if at all.

I have a feeling in Todd's mind it never happened :evilangry:

[NickGuy]

Post-Armageddon art didn't sit well with some people, me included. Neither did pussified Al.

i couldnt stand post armageddon spawn. those 10-15 issues or whatever where it was haberlin drawing...ugh. not my taste. i prefer endgame, even though i dont like endgame as much as armageddon.

[michaeljsmith]

i couldnt stand post armageddon spawn. those 10-15 issues or whatever where it was haberlin drawing...ugh. not my taste. i prefer endgame, even though i dont like endgame as much as armageddon.

you are no longer a real person to me :rolleyes: kidding - i hated Haberlin's art but the stories were really good in post armageddon...

[Boy Constrictor]

I have a feeling in Todd's mind it never happened :evilangry:

Yeah it's what I figured, I mean the transition from Hine's run to Endgame doesn't even make sense. It was so pointless for Al to travel to that discarded soul dimension place in search of retribution for like 5 minutes before coming back to Earth and killing himself.

[Greg Anderson]

you are no longer a real person to me :rolleyes: kidding - i hated Haberlin's art but the stories were really good in post armageddon...

It pains me when I see people say how much they disliked Haberlin's art. It was probably my favorite due to the stories we were getting.

[SpideyZERO]

I like the Haberline's art. Sometimes the movements of character do feel weird, but I like the dark atmoshpere and creepy feeling of it.

I really want a figure of Haberline's Spawn!

[Greg Anderson]

I like the Haberline's art. Sometimes the movements of character do feel weird, but I like the dark atmoshpere and creepy feeling of it.

I really want a figure of Haberline's Spawn!

Oh yes, definitely. I'd also love a figure of when Al was face to face with the symbiote when it was going crazy right before the whole Morana stuff. When Al was in military attire and all. Those were some of my favorite art pages by Haberlin.

[SpideyZERO]

Having read all of Hine's issues in one sitting, I sorta feel as if we were going to get a bad-ass Al Simmons again who was beginning to rise from all that "woe is me" phase. For one, Al was finally discovering things about himself among other things and also he was starting to be looked upon as a bit of a God from people affected by the White Light. I feel that would have probably played to the fact that maybe he actually is doing some good for people and then you had Nyx who despite everything stood by his side till the end. I think in the end, all his supporting cast that was being built up was going to push Al to finally getting some sort of redemption and allowing himself to be happy.

When I was talking to Hine about his Spawn run, I recall him telling me one of his plans was to in fact finally decide to move over Wanda and become serious with Nyx, thus sorta helping him move on from being mopey and actually... well... enjoy something for once.

I think I read from somewhere (probaby Spawn's board) that Hine posted his original plans of his Spawn runs until #200. Anyone knows where it is?

Anyway, I finally bought the Endgame Vol.1 tpb. It was an interesting concept, a new Spawn (but personally I think it's just Al in another's body, probably a back up he created in the past) and fresh new start. But everything drags on too damn long. We have dialogues, characters discussing somethings, subplots, secret conspirations, and more conspirations. I was like "huh" when I finished the whole volume. Everything can be easily fitted into 3 issues. There's too much unnecessary craps inside it. And there's barely any fights!

I love a new Spawn, but this Endgame is really pushing it. I don't want some people talking about their secret plans with some secret people. I want action damn it!

[michaeljsmith]

It pains me when I see people say how much they disliked Haberlin's art. It was probably my favorite due to the stories we were getting.

I didn't enjoy his style all that much where he draws it on the computer and then inks it by hand. Plus beyond Haberlin, the coloring during that run was terrible and times. Remember there was a whole issue that Marc Simmons looked WHITE :eek:

[Greg Anderson]

I think I read from somewhere (probaby Spawn's board) that Hine posted his original plans of his Spawn runs until #200. Anyone knows where it is?


A general response: we were setting up a lot of long-term concepts and The Church of the White Light was one of the things that would have kept running in the background. We would also have delved into the idea that there would be a word-wide memory of Spawn as a Savior, something that Al would have found hard to deal with, as he doesn't see himself that way.

We certainly planned to follow up on the Simmons brothers, Ab and Zab, Mambo Suzanne. Morana would have been massive. Al would have gone up against the collective might of the past Spawns. We would have found out what is going on in Heaven. The point is though, that Todd allowed us to create a scenario where all that is put on hold. Mammon and Morana are still trapped in a holding spell. All the other characters are still waiting in limbo. That's not to say Todd intends to revisit them, but never is a long time and none of the possibilities have been eliminated.

He also told me at the NYCC that Al was finally going to move on from Wanda and have sex with Nyx and really push forth their relationship and that all he pretty much needed was "sexual healing." :biggrin: Among a few other plot ideas, some I can't quite remember too clearly.

[SpideyZERO]

Al and Nyx having sex...kinda hard to imagine that, must be gross :tongue:

It seems like Endgame totally ignore Hine's run, such as all Angels and Demons are supposed to be thrown back into Heaven and Hell and the doors locked

[michaeljsmith]

Al and Nyx having sex...kinda hard to imagine that, must be gross :tongue:

It seems like Endgame totally ignore Hine's run, such as all Angels and Demons are supposed to be thrown back into Heaven and Hell and the doors locked

He was in human form :biggrin:

[Greg Anderson]

Al and Nyx having sex...kinda hard to imagine that, must be gross :tongue:


Heh, well, remember Nyx was helping Al gain a bit of his humanity back. I think as the story progressed, he would have developed a more human form and maybe gotten stronger. A bit of like how one's person's immune system gets weaker when they're in a bad mental state. I feel that was being pushed for Al. The more depressed and negative he got, showcased his power.

[prismablue]

Sometimes i think people don't read comics, they just look at the pretty pictures.


Sometimes I don't think people know how to read comics, they just read the dialogue.

I liked the stories, didn't like the books overall though.

[Boy Constrictor]

Writing mos def comes before art for me. And even still, Haberlin might not have been that good but he very much fit the atmosphere of the story during that run.

It is pretty rare that mediocre/crappy art really kills a book for me if the story is good. Batman RIP is probably the main exception though.

[prismablue]

Writing mos def comes before art for me. And even still, Haberlin might not have been that good but he very much fit the atmosphere of the story during that run.

It is pretty rare that mediocre/crappy art really kills a book for me if the story is good. Batman RIP is probably the main exception though.

Pictures are part of the writing in comics so how can writing come before art?

[Boy Constrictor]

Pictures are part of the writing in comics so how can writing come before art?

Doesn't matter how pretty the pictures are if they do not serve the purpose of communicating the story that the writer crafted well enough or if the script itself is just plain bad. Yes, both pictures and words should work in sync, but I'm not going to buy a comic that looks amazing though I don't care to read.

[Harrison781]

fantastic pic thanks for sharing

[Vintage Crime]

Yeah, I'm very close to sending a letter to McFarlane about all this. It's really pissing me off. If only we could gather everyone else who isn't enjoying this and could possibly send letters at the same time.
That's a good idea. I've never written to the Spawn letters page, but I keep thinking about Palmiotti and Gray and Paul Dini writing done in one issues for Jonah Hex and Detective Comics. One issues stories are not as common anymore, but other writers could tell 12 different stories in the time it takes Todd to write one story.

I don't have major complaints about the story itself, but it could be decompressed more to have multiple plots move as history and mysteries are revealed.

[Vintage Crime]

Heh, well, remember Nyx was helping Al gain a bit of his humanity back. I think as the story progressed, he would have developed a more human form and maybe gotten stronger. A bit of like how one's person's immune system gets weaker when they're in a bad mental state. I feel that was being pushed for Al. The more depressed and negative he got, showcased his power.
Since Wanda shares the name of Todd's wife my guess is that Todd never wanted Al to move on from Wanda.

[michaeljsmith]

SO THERE IS HUGE NEWS....

Spoiler

Al Simmons is the bad guy in Image United

End Spoiler

[stingerman]

SO THERE IS HUGE NEWS....

Spoiler

Al Simmons is the bad guy in Image United

End Spoiler

Wow, really? Where did you hear that one?

I think that is pretty good!

[michaeljsmith]

Kirkman announced this at the retailer summit

[SpideyZERO]

SO THERE IS HUGE NEWS....

Spoiler

Al Simmons is the bad guy in Image United

End Spoiler

:mad:

Thanks for ruining him even further

[michaeljsmith]

:mad:

Thanks for ruining him even further

I think this concept has some potential - Spawn, the comic, has been spinning its wheels through this whole ENDGAME storyline. This has the potential to re-ignite some energy back into the title coming out of Image United. I personally am excited.

[bushboy]

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/1/18863/992040-iu_spawnmeterteaser_2__super.jpg

Interesting :smile:

[DarienA]

I think this concept has some potential - Spawn, the comic, has been spinning its wheels through this whole ENDGAME storyline. This has the potential to re-ignite some energy back into the title coming out of Image United. I personally am excited.

Maybe so but after Al went through it seems like making him the big bad is just more of a slap in the face.... well it worked for Hal Jordan....

[michaeljsmith]

Maybe so but after Al went through it seems like making him the big bad is just more of a slap in the face.... well it worked for Hal Jordan....

Unfortunately the Parallax thing is the first thing that comes to most of our minds. I am cautiously optimistic that this will be really cool.

[DarienA]

Unfortunately the Parallax thing is the first thing that comes to most of our minds. I am cautiously optimistic that this will be really cool.

I have to be honest... I dropped Spawn a few issues after Al blew his head off... I just wasn't ready to let go of Al the character, and just buy in to this new Spawn... especially being a long time reader and knowing what Al ended up going through all those issues... this may bring me back because I'm so attached to the Al character... whether it's a long term or permanent return to the Image Universe I guess it tied to how long Al will be back...

[michaeljsmith]

I was willing to give the entire ENDGAME storyline a chance but it has been dragging along that I was about to drop the book after collecting it since day one but if there is a bigger story there and Al has a shot at being back then my curiosity is peaked enough to see what happens

[bushboy]

I was willing to give the entire ENDGAME storyline a chance but it has been dragging along that I was about to drop the book after collecting it since day one but if there is a bigger story there and Al has a shot at being back then my curiosity is peaked enough to see what happens

You're letting them win :wink:

[Deviancy]

Spawn = Al Simmons

Spawn + new guy = not Spawn

Spawn - Al Simmons = no thanks

I mean sure, anyone can wear the outfit, but the lead character is what drives the title, not the costume. And the new guy is booooooring.

Hopefully Al will kill him in Image United, then come to his senses and somehow end up as Spawn again.

But I'm not holding my breath.

[michaeljsmith]

Great teasers and behind the scenes stuff coming from Image United

[Boy Constrictor]

this does seem like a kick in the pants

i want to be optimistic, but i still have the bad taste of endgame

[michaeljsmith]

this does seem like a kick in the pants

i want to be optimistic, but i still have the bad taste of endgame

For me there is one major difference between Image United and Al and Endgame and Al.... KIRKMAN

[michaeljsmith]

Finally the wait is over, out today.....

SPAWN
MONTHLY SERIES
ISSUE 195 | OCTOBER 2009 (http://www.spawn.com/comics/comic.aspx?bookid=1-195-13-0)



http://www.spawn.com/comics/Spawn/monthly/images/spawn_comic_cover_195_cl.jpg

The new Spawn takes matters into his own hands, and becomes vicious in doing so. Unexpectedly, Jim's acts of violence are caught on film, and the once hidden antihero emerges from the shadows into the spotlight. Reporter Marc Rosen discovers Jim's powers are beyond those of a mere mortal, and investigates further into Jim's background

[Boy Constrictor]

that's an awesome cover

too bad i probably won't pick it up

[stingerman]

I picked it up, wasn't bad.

I dropped it when New Spawn started but decided to give it another try.

Art seems a lot better.

[Vintage Crime]

The last issue was my last. I dropped the book as well. Endgame dragged on too long for me. I'm following Mr. Hine over to FVZA. Took Spawn off of my pull list and replaced it with FVZA. If David Hine ever returns to this title then I'll follow Spawn again, but even the Image United twist doesn't interest me.

I liked this comic for a long time, but it just hasn't appealed to me since David Hine left. I love the artwork, but the story hasn't been worth the price of the comic.

[michaeljsmith]

As I read this issue I came to two conclusions and I think most people have stated both facts so I am echoing them and really putting them together in one overall thought.

First, Endgame has not been at all what I wanted to see or hoped for coming out of the gate for the new direction of the book. I have said this before but it could have been broken up into a quick three issue arc about the hospital blowing up and then a 6 story arc about Jim's power manifesting while Violator is trying to gain footing. Long story arcs like this are not inviting to new fans and make it hard for somebody to find a place to jump on board.

Second, this issue was better than most we have seen in this story arc. I agree that I miss the bold colors of Spawn past. I also miss the pages being black instead of the stark white that we get now. I found the Sam & Twitch/Virginia cop stuff to be my favorite part of the story. Marc the reporter is just a waste of pages for me and really has brought nothing to the overall story. I did find it interesting the Jim could force himself to become Spawn as he was running up the stairs to the roof (but how did he end up in the backseat of the car?). I enjoyed the art other than the coloring but would prefer if we are going to see Todd and Greg then go back to the Todd and Greg of early Spawn.

I would give this issue 7 out of 10.

[stingerman]

First, Endgame has not been at all what I wanted to see or hoped for coming out of the gate for the new direction of the book. I have said this before but it could have been broken up into a quick three issue arc about the hospital blowing up and then a 6 story arc about Jim's power manifesting while Violator is trying to gain footing. Long story arcs like this are not inviting to new fans and make it hard for somebody to find a place to jump on board.



Three issues does not a trade make, lol.

[Boy Constrictor]

who said only three issues had to be in the trade?

three issues is fine for exposition, especially if it is just the first part of an encompassing story arc

think batman and robin

[michaeljsmith]

who said only three issues had to be in the trade?

three issues is fine for exposition, especially if it is just the first part of an encompassing story arc

think batman and robin

trying to forget Batman and Robin

[bushboy]

As the only person who seems to consistently enjoy Endgame, this was another good issue for me, just think they could've packed in a little more like they've been doing. Not liking how Jim's costume already looks like Al's after the first upgrade way back when, wish they could do something different with that.

[Greg Anderson]

I liked the issue more than the last few ones. Still not enjoying the overall story, but this issue wasn't bad.

[michaeljsmith]

As the only person who seems to consistently enjoy Endgame, this was another good issue for me, just think they could've packed in a little more like they've been doing. Not liking how Jim's costume already looks like Al's after the first upgrade way back when, wish they could do something different with that.

You aren't the only person..... Todd is enjoying it to, at least I hope he is :confused:

[starkoryan81]

I just read the latest issue, and it was TERRIBLE. Like the 90s all over again. And that color? Yuck.

[michaeljsmith]

I just read the latest issue, and it was TERRIBLE. Like the 90s all over again. And that color? Yuck.

I agree 100% that the muted color tons are terrible... I however did not get that 90's vibe from the book, in all honesty I would have welcomed that vibe with the bright vibrant colors and over the top spandex action

[Labor]

Ughhhhhhhh, the Spawn.com comics forum are saying Rob Liefeld is drawing issue 196, the last part of Endgame.

If true, I'm out...

[michaeljsmith]

Ughhhhhhhh, the Spawn.com comics forum are saying Rob Liefeld is drawing issue 196, the last part of Endgame.

If true, I'm out...

He is filling in on one issue in some capacity

[Greg Anderson]

You know, I'm a lil' curious in seeing how this'll turn out. I don't think I've seen a Liefeld Spawn.

[michaeljsmith]

You know, I'm a lil' curious in seeing how this'll turn out. I don't think I've seen a Liefeld Spawn.

I am also curious.... not optimistic but curious

[Beto_Machado]

Judging from the Spawn fans', it's pretty obvious how this will go.

If the issue looks good, they'll say it's thanks to Todd's inks. If the issue is bad, they'll say it's thanks to Rob's pencils.

The worst part is that Rob's style is made for lively colors. And Endgame has a dull, brownish look.

[stingerman]

I am also curious.... not optimistic but curious

I'm curious as well. Could be cool, so we'll see.

[michaeljsmith]

Judging from the Spawn fans', it's pretty obvious how this will go.

If the issue looks good, they'll say it's thanks to Todd's inks. If the issue is bad, they'll say it's thanks to Rob's pencils.

The worst part is that Rob's style is made for lively colors. And Endgame has a dull, brownish look.

I for one will not be throwing praises to Todd's ink if it looks good because honestly to this point his inks have been inconsistent throughout Spawn and Haunt. I go agree that if this is going to work they really need to brighten up the pallet and start using reds instead of browns.

[bigbluntz]

Any word if and when issue 196 is out !?

[michaeljsmith]

#195 just came out so I would say start of December due to the holiday

[MartinRedmond]

The story is okay, it's just missing interesting things to read. I've been reading since the first part. I still have no clue what's going on. Is there a plot or a mystery?:confused:

The art looks great. This has been some of my favorite Whilce Portacio work since X-Factor all the waaaay back then. I can't wait to see Rob and Todd together! I like the muted colors, they've picked a nice palette and they're sticking to it. I'd like to see Whilce colour an issue. Loved his Stormwatch work. Then again, I think Whilce is a genius no matter what he does.

[michaeljsmith]

As I have struggled with ENDGAME as a whole I thought instead of just making Jim the new Spawn it would have been interesting to see him to be recruited and earn it. I know this will sound a little "Battle of the Cowl"-like so excuse the comparisons but I would have liked to seen some of the evil doers fighting to be the next Spawn since Al reached a point he had rid Earth of heaven and hell. He dies and then all of the sudden the doors open again and many of the people from either the Spawn Legion (that survived) or past people like violator are now fighting for the power of the Spawn.

[Destro777]

Rob Liefeld on 196 is a joke right? Why in the world would they bring him in for the final part of the huge Endgame arc. Awful news. Just let Portacio finish it off, who cares about a delay, honestly.

Theres alot of strange decisions out of spawn camp lately. What the heck is going on? Hey I love the book and ive been around since issue 1 but I think Todd just needs to accept that Spawn wont be a top selling book anymore. Its solidly a niche title.

[michaeljsmith]

i am reserving judgment until i see the issue - i don't think it was really a TMP choice on Whilce though because he has been posting Hulk pages so I think he just got a better deal and had to follow it... i believe he is back for 197 and that is his last issue though

[stingerman]

i am reserving judgment until i see the issue - i don't think it was really a TMP choice on Whilce though because he has been posting Hulk pages so I think he just got a better deal and had to follow it... i believe he is back for 197 and that is his last issue though

Yeah, its really a no brainer for Portacio to do Hulk.

Liefield's Spawn should be interesting. Hey at least we will all get to pick it apart if its not to our liking. :tongue:

[Black Francis]

Spawn is the perfect character for Rob to draw because you really don't have to have any knowledge of anatomy too make him look cool. If all else fails he can cover it up with the cape LOL

[michaeljsmith]

i just hope we don't have 2 months between issues again

[michaeljsmith]

i just hope we don't have 2 months between issues again

I take this statement back... I wish we would have ONLY had 2 months between issues. If Spawn #196 comes out this month it will be 2 issues in 7 months. On David Hine's watch the book put out 34 issues in 36 months :evilangry:

[ElDuderino456]

Damn its been awhile since I have seen the Spawn thread. Endgame is incurring 90's levels of lateness.

[michaeljsmith]

Damn its been awhile since I have seen the Spawn thread. Endgame is incurring 90's levels of lateness.

When you have 3 to 4 months between issues the threads seem to disappear :tongue:

[MattyB]

Damn its been awhile since I have seen the Spawn thread. Endgame is incurring 90's levels of lateness.

Yeah I want the Spawn title back not this Image United nonsense.

[Alexrules]

Of the original Image titles I remember Spawn as being probably the one the was the least late. Maybe I'm wrong about that, but I seem to remember Todd put his comics out more consistently than others. As for this, I think it's just going to be a while before it gets back on a schedule with a regular artist.

[michaeljsmith]

Of the original Image titles I remember Spawn as being probably the one the was the least late. Maybe I'm wrong about that, but I seem to remember Todd put his comics out more consistently than others. As for this, I think it's just going to be a while before it gets back on a schedule with a regular artist.

Yes and No. It had a lot of issues but Todd also had a period that he was releasing Spawn every other week as well with split art duties between Greg Capullo and Tony Daniels. I think I figured it out once, before End Game stated, and Spawn averaged every 5.5 weeks if you go all of the way back to the start. Regardless, the past three issues have been painful. Issue #200 was supposed to be out in February and here we don't have 197, 197, 198 and 199.

[MartinRedmond]

Yeah, its really a no brainer for Portacio to do Hulk.

Liefield's Spawn should be interesting. Hey at least we will all get to pick it apart if its not to our liking. :tongue:

I'd rather he had stayed on Spawn.

[michaeljsmith]

..at this point they could get my 5 year old daughter to draw it, I just want #196 to finally come out :frown:

[Beto_Machado]

Rob Liefeld + Todd (196):

http://www.spawn.com/news/images/spawn2010_preview_photo_01_dp.jpg

Apart from his right leg (which i'm not sure it's Liefeld's fault - Todd did the exact same thing on a spread on issue 195, which he pencilled himself), it looks pretty good.

Whilce (197):

http://www.spawn.com/news/images/spawn2010_preview_photo_02_dp.jpg

I don't think he's even trying anymore.

New artist from 201 on:

http://www.spawn.com/news/images/spawn2010_preview_photo_04_dp.jpg

I assume the interiors won't look like this, but hey...

A great Spawn book would be so nice to have. The one example we got of that (Hine + Haberlin) was too short.

Erik Larsen will drawn 199. I hope Todd's inking. We have already seen what Spawn pencilled and inked by Larsen looks like, after all.

http://www.spawn.com/news/news2.aspx?id=13671

[michaeljsmith]

While I appreciated TMP putting out all of these teasers and letting us know that #196 will be out March 3rd, they still did not address the issue that they have now solicited past 200 and they are 5 to 6 issues behind. :frown:

[Beto_Machado]

http://www.brokenfrontier.com/columns/p/detail/spawning-a-legend

Todd talks issues 196-201.

Good to know he'll be inking Erik. Should be interesting. His inking on Rob is very over-powering, unlike his inking on Portacio. Can't wait to see issue 199.

[GRANT!]

That might be just Todd over Capullo's roughs. Rob only did six pages of 196. The art looks good though.

[Schmakt]

this is pretty cool... I'm looking forward to seeing these issues now.

they should not, however, have kept soliciting issues past 200 when they're so far behind. I got tired of pre-ordering when they already had my money for 5 issues that weren't even in sight, so I dropped the title after 200. I only picked it up again b/c I was excited that Todd was back, but this was all incredibly weak.

Don't at all feel like getting back into the pre-orders now; maybe if the run up through 200 is good, I'll search the next issues out of the dollar bind in a few months.

[michaeljsmith]

this is pretty cool... I'm looking forward to seeing these issues now.

they should not, however, have kept soliciting issues past 200 when they're so far behind. I got tired of pre-ordering when they already had my money for 5 issues that weren't even in sight, so I dropped the title after 200. I only picked it up again b/c I was excited that Todd was back, but this was all incredibly weak.

Don't at all feel like getting back into the pre-orders now; maybe if the run up through 200 is good, I'll search the next issues out of the dollar bind in a few months.

I have complained left and right on Spawn.com forums about the ridiculous nature of solicitations and pre-orders right now :mad:

[Beto_Machado]

That might be just Todd over Capullo's roughs. Rob only did six pages of 196. The art looks good though.

I'm going by the official site, where the black and white page is listed as being Rob + Todd. It wouldn't surprise me if it were a mistake, though.

[MartinRedmond]

Is 196 in stores now? It seems to be according to diamond...

[michaeljsmith]

Is 196 in stores now? It seems to be according to diamond...

My shop says it is in today

[MartinRedmond]

Hot, waiting 4 tonite who oh oh so Spawn 196 can be in my aaaarrmmss.

[Greg Anderson]

So spoilers. What the heck happened? What was finally revealed if anything? yadda yadda?

[michaeljsmith]

So spoilers. What the heck happened? What was finally revealed if anything? yadda yadda?

Turns out that Jim is Al's kid from an affair he had with Jason Wynne's wife. Wynne found out that the kid was not his and started experimenting on him to torture the kid, hence the coma. Since Wynne didn't want anyone to know about it they started referring to him as Patient 47. Downing was his wife's maiden name that is why Jim's last name is Downing not Simmons.

Hope that all helps..... and yes that is 100% made up, go buy the issue yourself Greg


:tongue:

[Greg Anderson]

Turns out that Jim is Al's kid from an affair he had with Jason Wynne's wife. Wynne found out that the kid was not his and started experimenting on him to torture the kid, hence the coma. Since Wynne didn't want anyone to know about it they started referring to him as Patient 47. Downing was his wife's maiden name that is why Jim's last name is Downing not Simmons.

Hope that all helps..... and yes that is 100% made up, go buy the issue yourself Greg


:tongue:


Damn you, Brik! :mad:

I will find the answers to my questions through other means. I will not tarnish my hands with this filth.

*Types spawn.com and visits board...



:redface: