it — J Scott Campbell and Greg [Capullo] and [Jerome] Opeña — then they go, ‘What do you want the covers to look like?’ And I go, ‘Close your eyes, remember your 15-yearold self. That’s when you all started collecting comic books, and draw the cover that would f—ing be the coolest to that kid.’” “I’m not giving you any more direction than that,” he adds. “If you can channel that, I’ll love it.” While creating comics is always a team effort, these big, historical issues are some of the most collaborative projects yet for McFarlane and his team of creatives. While Spawn is ultimately his creation, it’s important to McFarlane that the team is enjoying what they’re doing — and truly working together. McFarlane noted that as a writer, he looks to what his artists are interested in or like drawing and then he’ll write the story around that. “If you say, ‘I like elephants, trees, and rocketships,’ give me a couple pages and I’ll come up with some kind of story that’ll have all three of those elements,” he says. “I’ll make sure the rocketship crashes in Africa with a bunch of trees near some herd of elephants or something, … we’ll get there.” This sort of work flow is just another benefit of the comic being creator-owned. It’s special attention that you couldn’t get from
a bigger publishing company. It keeps the creative team interested in the books, which is important — especially for a story that’s 300 issues in. By keeping the staff, and himself, engaged, McFarlane ensures that he’s producing content that will keep Spawn fans coming back for more. “I’m still the guy who created him in issue one, and I’m still the guy writing at issue 300,” McFarlane says. “And this is where I’m gonna get a little selfish: For me, Todd McFarlane, to still be excited to continue doing Spawn comics, I have to entertain myself and evolve the character along the way because if I keep writing the same five stories I did in [the first five] issues then the repetition — at least for a guy like me — is going to drive me stark-raving mad.” So, what’s next for Spawn? “We’re going to hit a bit of a turning point here at 300,” McFarlane says. “He’s gonna have a very, very focused mission of what he’s about to do. I would say that up until issue 300 — especially all the way almost up to 250, but for sure all the way up to 300 — he’s been sort of a passive participant in his life for the most part, he just wants to be left alone, … but he’s now at the point where that’s going to flip.” One thing is for sure: Al Simmons’ journey isn’t ending anytime soon. ✪
SPAWN AT SDCC Fans at Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) can join in the celebrations, too. At the Road to Historic Spawn 300 & 301 panel, fans can get up close and personal with McFarlane and other members of the creative team as they take a look into Spawn’s past, reveal new artwork, offer giveaways, and more. The panel, hosted by Image Comics, will take place in Room 5AB from 1:45-2:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 21. Plus, fans can get a sneak peek into the launch of the new Spawn merchandise program, which is an event exclusive program for this year. Visit the Image Comics Booth No . 1915 for a first look. The line includes pretty standard merch fare, such as T-shirts, lapel pins, and hats. It also includes a Spawn figure, but it’s unlike the intricately detailed figures you’re used to seeing from McFarlane Toys, the product branch of McFarlane’s brands. “[It’s a] little cute, little fat, little dumpy Spawn. I’ve done 20 of the well-proportioned ones, [this is a] little, cute, adorable one,’” McFarlane says.