Comics - Spawn 77: Todd McFarlane Brings His Original 1977 Spawn Concept to Life in a New Event Miniseries

By Mulder, 18 june 2026

Nearly fifty years after sketching the first version of a character that would eventually become one of the most iconic figures in independent comics history, Todd McFarlane is preparing to unveil a fascinating new chapter in the Spawn mythology with Spawn 77. Announced by Image Comics and the Spawn Universe team, the three-issue miniseries is far more than a nostalgic look back at the past. Instead, it represents a remarkable journey into the origins of a creative vision that has shaped modern comics for decades. For the first time ever, readers will get to see the original Spawn design that Todd McFarlane created as a sixteen-year-old high school student in 1977. Long before Spawn #1 shattered sales records in 1992, before the acclaimed HBO animated series, before the expansive toy empire and the ever-growing Spawn Universe, there was a young artist filling sketchbooks with ideas that would one day evolve into one of the most recognizable creations in comic book history. Nearly half a century later, those earliest concepts are finally stepping into the spotlight.

The story behind Spawn 77 is inseparable from the extraordinary career of Todd McFarlane himself. After revolutionizing the comic book industry through his groundbreaking work on The Amazing Spider-Man and helping redefine the visual identity of Marvel's Spider-Man during the late 1980s, Todd McFarlane became one of the founding partners of Image Comics in 1992. The release of Spawn #1 remains one of the most significant moments in modern comic book history, selling more than 1.7 million copies and establishing Spawn as the most successful creator-owned superhero title of its era. Yet behind that success was a much older idea. Years before he became one of the industry's biggest stars, McFarlane had imagined a dark, mysterious figure whose visual DNA would ultimately inspire Spawn. The original design, created in 1977, remained largely unseen by the public for decades. With Spawn 77, that forgotten piece of comic book history finally receives its official debut, allowing fans to witness the earliest incarnation of a character that would eventually become a global phenomenon.

The new series is co-written by Todd McFarlane and acclaimed horror artist Mark Spears, introducing an entirely new character and storyline rooted within the broader Spawn mythology. Rather than simply revisiting familiar territory, the creative team is using the original 1977 design as the foundation for a fresh narrative that explores the dangers of forbidden knowledge and the consequences of uncovering secrets that perhaps should have remained buried. This approach is particularly intriguing because it transforms what could have been a simple nostalgia project into a meaningful addition to the ever-expanding Spawn Universe. Over the past several years, the franchise has grown significantly through titles such as King Spawn, Gunslinger Spawn, and The Scorched, proving that the mythology still has enormous creative potential. Spawn 77 appears poised to add another compelling layer to that mythology while simultaneously honoring its earliest origins.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the involvement of Mark Spears, whose reputation has skyrocketed thanks to his acclaimed horror artwork and the success of Mark Spears Monsters. While many comic fans know Spears primarily through his striking cover illustrations, Spawn 77 marks his debut as an interior artist within the Spawn Universe. Every page of the series will be fully painted, giving the book a visual identity unlike anything currently available in the Spawn line. Fully painted comics remain relatively rare in mainstream publishing due to the enormous amount of time and craftsmanship required, making this creative choice particularly ambitious. Early previews suggest an atmospheric and richly detailed visual experience that combines the horror sensibilities of Spears with the dark supernatural themes that have always defined Spawn.

The collaboration also carries a deeply personal significance for Mark Spears. Throughout his career, Spears has frequently cited Todd McFarlane as one of his greatest artistic inspirations. According to Spears, he studied every comic, every drawing, and every panel McFarlane produced, using them as a blueprint for his own artistic development. Working alongside the creator who inspired him to pursue comics in the first place brings a unique emotional dimension to the project. In many ways, Spawn 77 feels like a full-circle moment, pairing one of the industry's most influential creators with an artist whose career was directly shaped by McFarlane's work. Their partnership promises to blend decades of experience, passion, and admiration into a project that feels both personal and creatively ambitious.

The launch of Spawn 77 #1 will be equally impressive from a collector's standpoint. Scheduled for release in September 2026, the oversized debut issue will feature 64 pages and carry a cover price of $6.99. As has become tradition for major Spawn releases, readers will have a wide variety of cover options to choose from. Several variants will spotlight the original 1977 Spawn design, including a newly redrawn and recolored version created by Todd McFarlane specifically for the series. Fans will also have the opportunity to acquire a cover featuring McFarlane's original 1977 artwork, offering a rare glimpse into the creative mind of a future comic book legend during his teenage years. Additional incentive editions, retro-logo variants, foil covers, and signed collector editions featuring the signatures of Todd McFarlane and Mark Spears further underscore the importance being placed on this historic release.

Beyond its immediate appeal to collectors and longtime Spawn fans, Spawn 77 arrives during a particularly vibrant era for the franchise. More than three decades after its official debut, Spawn remains one of the few creator-owned comic properties from the 1990s that continues to thrive and evolve. While countless characters and universes from that era have faded into obscurity, Spawn has maintained its relevance through constant reinvention, expanding mythology, and a loyal global fanbase. Whether through comics, action figures, animation, or ongoing discussions surrounding a potential feature film adaptation, Spawn continues to occupy a unique place within popular culture. The arrival of Spawn 77 demonstrates that even after decades of storytelling, there are still untold stories and hidden chapters waiting to be explored.

Perhaps most importantly, Spawn 77 stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and imagination. Few creators ever have the opportunity to revisit ideas conceived during their teenage years and transform them into fully realized projects nearly fifty years later. By bringing his original 1977 creation to life, Todd McFarlane is not only offering fans a fascinating piece of Spawn history but also celebrating the artistic journey that transformed a high school sketch into one of the most influential independent comic book franchises ever created. In an industry increasingly interested in honoring its past while building its future, Spawn 77 already feels like one of the most unique and personal comic book events of 2026, providing readers with a rare chance to witness the true origins of a modern comic book legend.

• Cover A by Mark Spears - UPC: 70985304854100111
• Cover B by Mark Spears and Todd McFarlane - UPC: 70985304854100121
• Cover C original 1977 update variant by Todd McFarlane - UPC: 70985304854100131
• Cover D by Emma Ríos - UPC: 70985304854100141
• Cover E Blank Sketch - UPC: 70985304854100151
• Cover F 1:25 copy incentive retro logo variant by Todd McFarlane - UPC: 70985304854100161
• Cover G 1:50 copy incentive variant by Todd McFarlane - UPC: 70985304854100171
• Cover H 1:100 copy incentive original 1977 variant by Todd McFarlane - UPC: 70985304854100181
• Cover I 1:250 copy incentive foil variant by Todd McFarlane, with McFarlane signature - UPC: 70985304854100191
• Cover J 1:500 copy incentive foil variant by Mark Spears and Todd McFarlane, with Spears and McFarlane signature - UPC: 70985304863300111

(Source : press release)