Image Comics touted their upcoming Spawn’s Universe #1 is a hot ticket item with huge sales numbers for the publisher.
In a press release, Image Comics claims the first issue has already sold “well over 200k units.”
On top of that they claim the book is their “top selling, first issue comic book of the 21st century.”
The book was announced back in February at the Annual Comics PRO Conference by McFarlane where he revealed that the goal of the book is to create his own “multi-character, interconnected comic book universe.”
McFarlane is not just trying to create a comic book universe, but Image Comics detailed, “the long-term goal is that Spawn will become but one of many characters that will succeed not only in the comics industry but in many mediums across the globe.”
“The simple question is this: DC Comics started a shared universe in the late 1930s. Marvel Comics began theirs in the early 1960s… so, can lightning strike a third time beginning in 2021? I personally do not have the answer to that question right now, but the only way to get an answer to that question is to make the attempt in the first place,” said McFarlane.
McFarlane also promised he hopes to really build out the world of Spawn from this book.
He explained, “I’ve waited almost 30 years to be able to get to this moment. To deliver on ideas, I hope they will grow from this initial seed called Spawn’s Universe #1 into a fully formed world populated with hundreds and hundreds of characters in the near future.”
“The stage will be set with this book, and soon I’ll be launching into new monthly titles for the first time since 1992. I can’t wait to show comic readers all the crazy ideas in my head as well as opening up the floodgate to so many talented creators that have said they’d like to join me on this journey,” he added.
As for Spawn’s Universe #1 it will be a 52-page one-shot book that will launch this shared universe. The book will feature four chapters focusing on Spawn, She-Spawn, Medieval Spawn, and Gunslinger Spawn respectively.
The four chapters will feature four different artists. McFarlane is teaming up with artist Jim Cheung and colorist FCO for the Spawn chapter. Artist Brett Booth provides his talents for Gunslinger Spawn.
Stephen Segovia will take on art duties for Medieval Spawn and Marcio Takara will prove the art work for the She-Spawn chapter.
Image Comics explained the issue highlights “different Spawn characters from the past and present as well as the introduction of new villains.”
As for the spin-off titles they include King Spawn, Gunslinger Spawn, and The Scorched.
King Spawn will arrive in August. It will be followed by Gunslinger Spawn in October.
Finally, The Scorched will be a team book that will feature Spawn, Redeemer, Gunslinger, Medieval, and She-Spawn. However, Image Comics notes that “McFarlane promises a rotating cast of heroes over the coming months to keep the roster of heroes fresh.”
Not only that, but Image Comics notes, “He also said that he will be bringing in new major villains into the fold, too.”
McFarlane does recognize the enormity of his vision and notes it will require lots of creators, who he hopes to reward if their creations become successful.
He explained, “This is a long-intended plan that will need the help of dozens and dozens of creators to help create hundreds and hundreds of characters. And then to reward those creators if any of their ideas pay off in a big way outside of the comic industry.”
“The quest isn’t to have our ideas exclusively live in the comic book industry but to have merit and value outside of that industry as well,” he elaborated.
“My character Spawn has been an example of what can happen with creation… so, what are the possibilities if hundreds of creations are brought together? Marvel and DC Comics have shown us that a collective group of characters, together, in a shared universe can resonate globally. I think it is time for David to attempt to join the same arena as the Goliaths of the world,” McFarlane declared.
Some of the creatives announced for this Spawn Universe include Art Adams, Jason Shawn Alexander, Carlo Barberi, Brett Booth, J. Scott Campbell, Greg Capullo, Donny Cates, Jim Cheung, Mike del Mundo, Javier Fernandez, David Finch, Jonathan Glapion, Kevin Keane, Aleš Kot, Puppeteer Lee, Sean Lewis, Sean Gordon Murphy, Ben Oliver, Stephen Segovia, Paulo Siqueira, Marc Silvestri, Marcio Takara, and Frank Quitely.
Spawn Universe #1 arrives on Wednesday, June 30th.
The original Spawn book has sold over 100 million copies in more than 120 countries since it first debuted back in 1992.
Do you plan on checking out the Spawn Universe?