The last several years have witnessed a rapid expansion of theSpawnfranchise, andaccording to creator Todd McFarlane, he “should have done it sooner.“McFarlane also acknowledged that the multiplication ofSpawnspin-offs were “inevitable,” considering it stands as the longest running, and arguably most successful, indie superhero comic of all time.
In an interview with CBR, McFarlane spoke at length about hisrationale for growing theSpawnuniverse, which he explained was necessary to keeping the franchise going, as well as attracting new readers.
Spawnhas been in publication for over three decades, and in many ways, its longevity is remarkable; now, McFarlane is seemingly planning a long, prosperous future for the franchise, by adding “a variety of options” alongside classicSpawn, in the hopes of widening his characters' fanbase even further.
Todd McFarlane Explains Why Now Is The Time For Multiple Spawn Spin-Offs
The Franchise’s Creator On Expanding Its Reach
WhileSpawnhasn’t been completely without spin-offs and crossovers during its thirty-plus year run, it is surprising that the growth of the franchise beyond just its eponymous hero and flagship title has been so unrushed. It wouldn’t be unusual to think that the mid-to-late 1990s would have been the boon period forSpawn’sexpansion, but in fact, that time is now. Creator Todd McFarlane explained what finally prompted theproliferation ofSpawn-related titles, stating:
I think the expansion was inevitable. I probably should have done it sooner. I waited almost 30 years to do it. And the reason is because at some point, you have to be realistic. You have a character and his name is Spawn. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea. If you don’t like Spawn, then you can basically ignore what I’m doing. But I don’t want that, so how do I get somebody to pay attention? And the answer is, I have to give them a variety of options. The expansion of the universe is so that not only can I do more superhero stuff – that’s easy – but to try and do detective stuff, a little comedic stuff, some sci-fi stuff, maybe some horror stuff, some mystery stuff.
In other words,McFarlane has officially opened the doors to a much wider range of stories in the world ofSpawnmoving forward.
[Todd McFarlane’s] goal is to make theSpawnuniverse even more immersive – and hopefully, in turn, more appealing to a greater share of the comic book-reading audience.
McFarlane’s promise of the more diverse genre potential afforded by spin-offs is a sign that, while the originalSpawntitle isn’t slowing down, the series' creator acknowledges that there is more to do with his fictional universe than what he can manage if he is restricted to one central protagonist. From the sound of it, his goal is to make theSpawnuniverse even more immersive – and hopefully, in turn, more appealing to a greater share of the comic book-reading audience.
Todd McFarlane Wants To Incorporate Other Genres Into TheSpawnUniverse
Speaking with CBR about his latest push to do new, exciting things with his signature IP, Todd McFarlane elaborated further:
WithMedieval Spawn, maybe people want to read something that has more of a historical bent to it, and they’re not into the superhero spandex, punching each other in the face [stories]. That’s sort of your typical superhero comic book. They want something a little bit different in their reading diet. I think my job is to say hey, I’m going to expand this thing called theSpawn Universe. There are lots of different stories to be told. It’s incumbent upon me to present those options and then to let people know that if you don’t like this flavor of comic book, I’ve got lots of other flavors. You don’t have to like it all. I don’t expect that out of any fan.
This is a particularly insightful comment from the author and artist, displaying his sagacious understanding of the comic book industry, which he has been a prominent fixture of for the majority of his career. If McFarlane’s goal had been purely to capitalize on his successful creation by creating a myriad of spin-offs, that would have come much earlier. Instead, this is a move to ensure the franchise’s success in perpetuity.
After 30+ Years, Spawn Still Stands as One of Comic’s Greatest Heroes And We Know Why
Spawn’s enduring legacy is as a dark hero with a penchant for delivering his own justice, redefining comics with stories that have timeless appeal.
That is to say, McFarlane knows that, now more than ever,comic book readers encompass a much larger demographicthan just superhero fans. His dark, demonic take on the genre madeSpawna smash-hit, and carved out his enduring legacy as a creator;now, it is time to ensure that legacy, and recognizing the potential for other genres to thrive within the world he created is an essential steptoward making sureSpawnremains one of the greatest comic book franchises ever.
