Nearly fifty years after Todd McFarlane created the original Spawn design as a teenager, that early vision is finally coming to comics.
McFarlane will bring the concept to the page in Spawn 77, a new three-issue Spawn Universe miniseries. He will co-write the series with Mark Spears of Mark Spears Monsters. Spears will also provide fully painted interior artwork, marking his Spawn Universe interior debut.
Before Spawn #1 launched in 1992, before the record-breaking comic series, toys, animation, and expanded mythology, McFarlane had a character concept. He created it in 1977 while he was still in high school. That idea eventually helped inspire one of comics’ most recognizable characters.
The Original Spawn Comes to the Page
Spawn 77 takes its name from the year McFarlane first created the original Spawn design as a 16-year-old.
The three-issue series marks the first official comic book appearance of that design. It gives fans their first chance to see the earliest version of Spawn brought to life in sequential art.
Developed by McFarlane and Spears, the series introduces a completely new character and story rooted in Spawn mythology. The story explores the danger that can come from knowing too much.
A Major Cover Lineup for the Debut Issue
The debut issue will launch with an extensive cover lineup from McFarlane, Spears, and Emma Ríos of Anzuelo and Pretty Deadly.
Several covers will spotlight McFarlane’s original 1977 design. The lineup includes a newly redrawn and recolored version of the original artwork by McFarlane. It also includes an incentive variant featuring McFarlane’s original 1977 piece and a special retro logo incentive cover.
Collectors will also have additional editions to choose from. Those include a foil variant signed by McFarlane and a double-signed foil edition signed by both McFarlane and Spears.
Mark Spears Brings a Painted Look to Spawn
Spears will paint all interior pages for the series.
His artistic vision and character concepts will give the Spawn Universe a visual approach rarely seen in the line. Spears has become one of the industry’s hottest cover artists. With Spawn 77, he brings those skills into full interior storytelling.
“Going back to my roots of when I first developed Spawn as a high school kid, when I was just beginning to feel deeply passionate about collecting comics, and being able to use some of those ideas now 50 years later is really a personal treat for me,” said McFarlane. “To be able to do this miniseries alongside the super-talented Mark Spears will only make my enjoyment that much more special. Mark has been on the top of many fans’ wish lists to see more of his artwork, and we are all excited to show the readers what we have been looking at, from Mark, this past year. I promise you he will not disappoint anyone who is a fan of quality, sophisticated artwork.”
Spears Steps Into the Spawn Universe
Spears is known for acclaimed horror work and sought-after cover art. In Spawn 77, he steps into a new role as both co-writer and interior artist.
Working with McFarlane, Spears brings his own interpretation to the original design. He also helps shape a story that expands the mythology around Hellspawns.
Spears added: “Getting to work with Todd McFarlane is the main reason I wanted to work in comics. I read every book, watched every video, and studied every panel he created. He inspired me to become both a writer and an artist, and with Spawn 77, everything feels like it has come full circle. Creating new characters within the Spawn Universe is something I’ve dreamed about ever since I picked up Spawn #1 off the rack at my local comic book store. I can’t wait for readers to see what we have in store.”
Spawn 77 #1 arrives in comic shops and on digital platforms in September 2026. The extra-length debut issue will run 64 pages and will be available for $6.99.
