Spawn

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Todd McFarlane Talks About Jim Lee Challenging Him at Baseball…and Failing

by Stentor April 21, 2021

written by Stentor

This video and article was originally published February 18, 2015 by our founder Manny Popoca. We’ve taken the liberty of updating it.

If you are a fan of comic books at all, then you might well know the names Todd McFarlane, the creator of Image Comic’s Spawn, and Jim Lee, the Publisher and Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics.

If you are not familiar with these two men, they were once rock stars of Marvel Comics. Then the two became part of the fabled seven that left the big house (Marvel) to begin the unknown venture of trying to create their very own independent comic book company. Anyhow, that’s a tale to tell another day. What we are here to talk about is that very time period when the Image creators were still a band of brothers hanging out doing their crazy antics that not many people even know of today.

Well that’s why PopCultHQ is here! The insider information and the ‘I did not know that’ content with which we will always come at you.

Here is the video I shot years ago at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. I believe this was 2008 when the original Image Comics founding fathers were reunited (minus Jim Lee) once again to tell their dazzling stories.

What dazzling story do we have for you today? Well how about the time Jim Lee tried to outshine Todd McFarlane at a game of batting cage hitting only to end up holding Todd McFarlane’s very own balls!!! Check out my video below…..I’m so sorry for the bad quality, It was shot off a digital camera like eons ago but it’s worth watching till the end!!

April 21, 2021 0 comment

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Comic Books

The Continuing Legend of Stan Lee

by Christian Kern November 14, 2018

written by Christian Kern

He was born Stanley Martin Lieber on December 28, 1922 and on November 12, 2018, at the age of 95, Stan Lee died.

If you were involved with comics, whether it was through cartoons, movies, or comic books themselves, you knew the name. Stan Lee was an icon in comic books, just as big as the characters he created and wrote about! While Stan Lee’s road to success is paved with debate, one thing for certain is that he was the face of the comic book industry for over 50 years.

I don’t want to discuss his professional history or life. Those are parts of his life which have been talked about and discussed thousands of times. He was born, he was raised, he first worked for Timely/Atlas Comics, and was promoted to editor at the age of 19. These aren’t important, they’re embedded in almost everyone’s mind in this industry. Unlike other professionals who, upon retirement. is rarely mentioned, Stan never faded away. If anything, he lived by one of Freddie Mercury’s mantras, “It’s better to burn out than to fade away!” Stan Lee may have officially retired from writing comic stories, but he worked up to the bitter end of his life. Doing what he loved best, creating vivid characters, and telling amazing and complex stories. Signature_of_Stan_Lee

There is an entire Stan Lee which no one really knows about. The independent creator who, when pushed to retire from Marvel Comics, didn’t want to sit back and grow old. He continued onward, blazing his way, leaving his mark everywhere he went.

During his time at Timely/Atlas Comics he helped transform them into the Marvel Comics we know today. He helped by taking all the then-popular comic genres such as western, romance, and horror tales and dragged them into the new age of superhero comics. The characters he created, wrote and breathed life into are well-known today and can be seen on the big and small screens alike.

Stan Lee had an effect the comic industry for well over 50 years his passing will impact it for years to come. You know his influence was strong.

When startup companies, such as Image Comics, credit Stan Lee as their inspiration and a series such as Spawn dedicated their first issue to Stan ‘The Man’ Lee, then you know the man has accomplished great things. To commemorate his 65 years with the company and all he did for them, Marvel published a series of one-shot comics starring Lee as a character meeting and interacting with many of his co-creations, including Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, the Thing, Silver Surfer, and Doctor Doom.

Stan Lee’s impact on the comic world continued long after he parted ways from Marvel Comics in 1998. The new incoming Editor-in-Chief had let Lee go because they couldn’t justify his salary as simply being a Marvel Comics figurehead. Lee had been the figurehead of Marvel Comics from the 1970s until the late 90s. Until his departure, every issue of a Marvel Comic began with “Stan Lee presents [INSERT NAME OF SERIES]” The removal in 1998 was a hard pill for fans to swallow, However, it didn’t stop The Man! He took his retirement with a smile but didn’t let them send him to pasture.

In 1998, Stan Lee created ‘Stan Lee Media,’ this with the help of some partners morphed into POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment which developed into publication, film, television and animation. One notable animated creation was “Stripperella” for Spike TV, a sexy superheroine who appearance was based on Pamela Anderson, who also voiced the role. Another well-known, albeit short lived, show was a reality TV game show competition called “Who Wants to be a Superhero” on the SciFi Channel (a show that this writer did indeed audition for the first season!).

Around 2002, Stan Lee did the unthinkable…he wrote a comic series for DC Comics. The project was called ‘Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating…’ It was Stan giving major DC characters the ‘Marvel’ treatment. It was a look at how Stan Lee would have envisioned these characters if he created them. There were 13 books in the series which could be read separately or together as an arc. The series consisted of Aquaman, Batman, Catwoman, Crisis, Flash, Green Lantern, JLA, Robin, Sandman, Shazam!, Superman, Wonder Woman and of course like most DC series at the time, a Secret Files and Origins book. In 2004, he wrote a full issue of DC Comics Presents Superman; this wasn’t a huge hit, but is still a hidden gem in the back-issue bins of comics.

Stan would frequently return to Marvel to work on various projects. In 2002, he wrote the comic book adaption of the first Spider-Man movie.

Although nothing ever became as huge as his original characters from the 1960s, Lee never stopped writing comics or creating characters. He continued to work and create up to a year before his death with countless TV, movie, and multimedia streaming projects. In 2010, Stan Lee helped found a charity organization called The Stan Lee Foundation, which focuses its time and resources on literary education and the promotion of culture and arts.

In closing, I’m going to steal a line Tweeted earlier by Chris Evans; “There will never be another Stan Lee.” Simple words which hit one right in the would-be feels, punching you in the gut.

Spider-Man mourns

Goodbye Stan, thanks for all the hard work, and may you find a new creative spark in the afterlife.

EXCELSIOR!

November 14, 2018 2 comments

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[Comic Book Review] SPAWN #288 from Image Comics

by Christian Kern August 1, 2018

written by Christian Kern

PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of SPAWN #288 from Image Comics. Available Wednesday, August 1st, the creative team for this series features writing from Todd McFarlane, art from Jason Shawn Alexander, colors by Lee Loughridge, and lettering from Tom Orzechowski.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s review of…

Spawn #288 – Cover A by Francesco Mattina

Spawn #288 – Cover B by Francesco Mattina

Spawn #288 – Cover C by Francesco Mattina & Todd McFarlane

SPAWN #288

Writer: Todd McFarlane
Artist: Jason Shawn Alexander
Colors: Lee Loughridge
Letters: Tom Orzechowski

Cover Artist: Francesco Mattina
Variant Covers: Francesco Mattina, Todd McFarlane

Published: August 1, 2018
Age Rating: T

Digital : $2.99
Print: $2.99

Spawn, the escaped felon, goes on national television to expose his enemies.

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
SPAWN #288

Today I was tasked with writing about this week’s Spawn 288; whether or not that was a reward or a punishment remains to be seen. I was in high school (9th grade to be exact) when Todd McFarlane announced he would be leaving the series Marvel generated for him, Spider-Man. His final issue was number 16 but he only did 15 issues as Erik Larson stood in for him on issue 15. It was a sad day and the book was never the same however, on the heels of Rob Liefeld leaving X-Force and creating Youngblood for the Image imprint of Malibu Comics (yeah, Image started as an imprint) Todd announced Spawn in March of 1992. I remember taking my copy of Previews with Spawn on the cover to school. The thing is, I was impressionable at that young age. As I grew older, I noticed that newer characters didn’t really survive. The fact that Spawn has been around for 288 issues overwhelms me. When it reached issue 100 I was surprised and the same was said when it reached 200 and now we are 12 issues short of 300. My question has always been in the last few years is this, is Spawn still relevant? Not to say that the comic hasn’t given us some decent characters since the begining, namely Sam & Twitch as well as Angela, but does the comic still shine as a gem like it did in the 90s?

Well, let’s look at issue 288, shall we…

Writing:

Writing Spawn currently is Todd McFarlane himself. Sadly his storytelling has never been one of stellar proportions. Come to think of it, I can name one story he wrote which was extremely memorable and that was the first 5 issues of his Spider-Man series. The 1st 7 issues of Spawn were also interesting (at best) although extremely slow burns.

This issue is not good for a newbie to just jump into. It picks up in the middle of a storyline which even with the “Previously in Spawn…” fill, it’s still hard to find your footing. However, there are a few things I have gleamed from this issue and they aren’t good.

For ages, McFarlane has spoken about reworking Spawn as a type of ‘Boogeyman,’ something which would have very little interaction and impact on the actual stories. Back in 1999, the first Spawn Annual was released. The story was set to a much darker tone with much darker artwork than usual. It was a story about why Spawn was drawn to the one alley he hung out in and an apartment floor in a building which is next to that alley. It was about lost souls and lies and actually ended with someone hailing a taxi, believing they had escaped their fate only to discover Spawn dressed as the cabbie and flipping the meter ‘To Hell’ and driving off. Spawn seems to serve a purpose such as that in this issue.

The story so far, Spawn is known as the masked man from New York City. He has been captured by the United States government, only to be thrown in a hole to be forgotten. He escapes only to come back and mockingly hangs himself. This causes a riot and gives Spawn time to haunt the halls of the prison he is in until he can find a prisoner whom he needs to question. Except this inmate has no tongue, no thanks to Spawn.

Spawn has been reworked time and time again. He was first introduced as a superhero when Image Comics began in 1992. Not too soon after, the title was used as a platform for telling stories which paralleled the comic industry. The most notable being issue 10 written by Dave Sim of Cerebus fame. Eventually he was reworked into some sort of dark, horror comic not unlike the titles DC Comics had during the 1970s. Eventually, everything we knew about Spawn was altered, even the main character who was Spawn was changed from Al Simmons to Jim Downing with Al now ruling Hell and being a villain. This eventually shifted and Al Simmons was returned to his original Spawn roots. Which is who we are left with today.

No doubt the book has been constantly reworked, but to what end? Spawn started with an amazing sales record, yet McFarlane was never happy with his product, his attempt to strive for something…more, something…unique has almost alienated the people who read the book as much as he has alienated his fellow creators in the past. The reasons why Angela had been replaced with another angel of Heaven or how Chapel being the killer of Al Simmons was replaced with the female assassin Jessica Priest.

As this story seems to be on the heels of yet another reinvention on the horizon, it’s only a matter of time before we see what Spawn evolves into next as a character and with his story. When I sat down to read this, I couldn’t help but wonder if all the old tropes still applied; dying, going to Hell, coming back from a deal with the Devil for love. That sort of thing.

Even as a media res issue, the writing in this book is so terrible, Each piece of dialogue is very teeth-grinding-nails-on-a-chalkboard and you have to wonder where on Earth or anywhere in fiction do people talk like that to one another? It just makes you wonder where Spawn might be today if Todd McFarlane would just sit back and let it run on its own steam under other creative teams.

Art:

Jason Shawn Alexander, while his work is mainly independant work, he worked on DC’s Gotham Central. His notable work is for Dark Horse Comics’ Ape Sapien: The Drowning, Tales of the Vampires, and the covers of Conan and the Midnight God, to name a few. His Conan covers did indeed rival that of Frazetta and Vallejo, but his work on Spawn is a bit dark. Not just dark in tone but literally dark, using the most of his shading and that old slogan from Wally Wood, “When in doubt, black it out!” Words of wisdom which have carried comic artists for years. His work reminds me of Larry Stroman but a bit more cleaner. His art certainly fits the tone which McFarlane wishes to force into Spawn with every book he has written since 2001.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

How this series remains relevant still eludes me. The fact it reached issue 288 this week makes me wonder that even if the sales slipped lower than usual, would McFarlane continue to publish the comic? I remember in the beginning, McFarlane claimed to have created Spawn back in the 1970s. If you track the sales figures, the series has had ups and downs but as of 2011 (after issue 200), Spawn no longer ranks on the top 300 top-selling comics recorded by Diamond Comic Distributors. Spawn can survive another 288 issues, but it requires a strong hand to guide it and sadly Spawn‘s creator is not that hand. If you examine the issues, stories, and trades of Spawn which have made impact or sales records, most of them are not written by McFarlane, usually they are drawn by him. No one denies Todd McFarlane’s artistic abilities, the man has made his career off placing his own spin on Spider-Man in the 80s. However, his writing leaves a Hell of a lot to be desired. Issue 288 here reads as if he understands the flow of the narrative in his mind but it wasn’t articulated well on paper.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

1.5 out of 5 Stars

PopCultHQ Rating – 1.5 Stars

That’s right, this book is an utter wash. Unless you already read Spawn and are a fan for some reason of this character, there is nothing in this book. It’s not newbie-friendly, it’s not exciting. It’s darker than a Warner Bros. DC film in a bad way. I couldn’t recommend this series to anyone who didn’t already A) like Spawn, or B) appreciate McFarlane and everything he does. Remember the 1990s when everyone blindly bought anything this man did? I do, I was one, I bought Conan the Barbarian #241 simply because he drew the cover! So yeah, I’m guilty as well but what can I say, I enjoy the man’s art but his writing is miserable.

SPAWN #288 can be pre-ordered on ComiXology and at
your local comic shop and online retailers Wednesday, August 1st!

Be sure to follow the creative team!

Writer – Todd McFarlane

Artist – Jason Shawn Alexander

Colorist – Lee Loughridge

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Letterer – Tom Orzechowski

Publisher – Image Comics

August 1, 2018 0 comment

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Comic Books independent Comic

[Comic Book News] Image Comics Expands “Image Firsts” Line to Help Retailers & New Readers

by Jason Bennett March 22, 2018

written by Jason Bennett

WE’VE PUBLISHED THE BEST, NOW SELL THE BEST

Image expands Image Firsts lines—a crucial hand-selling tool
for retailers to grow readership

In response to recent feedback from direct market retailers, Image Comics has just announced the expansion of the popular “Image Firsts” editions—printings of the first issues of popular series that only cost $1. Perfect for readers interested in trying out a variety of new series without feeling the effects on their wallet, five popular titles will have their Image First editions brought back to print while seven additional bestselling series will get Image First editions this April. These new releases will be available in stores on Wednesday, April 25th—just in time for retailers to stock up for the influx of new customers on Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 5th.

The final order cutoff deadline for retailers on all three is Monday, April 2nd.

New Image Firsts to be added to the line:

AFAR #1 by Leila Del Duca & Kit Seaton (Diamond Code FEB180593)
In a fantastical post-industrial desert, 15-year-old Boetema suddenly develops the ability to astral project to other planets while she sleeps. When she accidentally gets a young man hurt on a planet light-years away, she must figure out a way to project back to save him. On her own world, Boetema’s two parents have temporarily left her and her 13-year-old brother, Inotu, to make a living as salt shepherds. Left to their own devices, the two siblings must flee across a dangerous desert when Inotu gets into trouble with a threatening cyborg bodyguard. As Boetema visits amazing planets and encounters vibrant cultures, she must confront her mistakes and learn to trust in Inotu as she navigates her newfound abilities.

CURSE WORDS #1 by Charles Soule & Ryan Browne (Diamond Code FEB180595)
A wizard has appeared in present-day New York! His name is Wizord, and he’s here to save us all from dark magical forces bent on our destruction. He’s the best wizard of all time! Or…he’s not, and he’s lying to everyone, and secretly is the dark magical force, but wants to hang out in our world for a while because it’s so much nicer than the hellhole he comes from. Secrets, and spells, and talking koalas—CURSE WORDS is a gonzo dark fantasy from Charles Soule (Daredevil, Letter 44, Star Wars) and Ryan Browne (GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS).

FEAR AGENT #1 by Rick Remender, Tony Moore & Jerome Opeña (Diamond Code FEB180596)
The critically acclaimed hit series FEAR AGENT returns to Image Comics. Newly recruited fans can experience the whiskey-soaked, laser-scorched life of Heath Huston, the galaxy’s last Fear Agent. When down-and-out alien exterminator Heath Huston stumbles upon an extraterrestrial plot to commit genocide against the human species, he must put down the bottle and resume his role as a peacekeeper…the last Fear Agent!

MOONSHINE #1 by Brian Azzarello & Eduardo Risso (Diamond Code FEB180597)
From writer Brian Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso—the Eisner Award-winning creative team behind the crime classic, 100 Bullets—comes a brutal new series that puts a horror twist on a classic gangster tale! Set deep in Appalachia during Prohibition, MOONSHINE tells the story of Lou Pirlo, a city-slick “torpedo” sent from New York City to negotiate a deal with the best moonshiner in West Virginia, Hiram Holt. Lou figures it a milk run, but what he doesn’t figure is that Holt’s just as cunning and ruthless as any NYC crime boss. Not only will Holt do anything for his illicit booze operation, he’ll stop at nothing to protect a much darker, bloodier family secret.

MOONSTRUCK #1 by Grace Ellis & Shae Beagle (Diamond Code FEB180598)
Werewolf barista Julie and her new girlfriend go on a date to a close-up magic show, but all heck breaks loose when the magician casts a horrible spell on their friend Chet. Now it’s up to the team of mythical pals to stop the illicit illusionist before it’s too late. The first chapter of the brand-new, all-ages, magical, coffee-laden adventure from Lumberjanes creator Grace Ellis and talented newcomer Shae Beagle.

REDNECK #1 by Donny Cates & Lisandro Estherren (Diamond Code FEB180599)
The Bowmans are vampires who have quietly run the local barbecue joint in their small town for years, living off cows’ blood. Their peaceful coexistence ends as generations of hate, fear, and bad blood bubble to the surface—making it impossible to separate man from monster! Critically acclaimed writer Donny Cates (GOD COUNTRY) and artist Lisandro Estherren serve up the tale of a different kind of family just trying to get by, deep in the heart of Texas.

STREET ANGEL #1 by Jim Rugg (Diamond Code FEB180600)
Jesse “Street Angel” Sanchez is the Deadliest Girl Alive! Follow this punker and fall for her rebellious spirit through a series of standalone adventures available now: STREET ANGEL: AFTER SCHOOL KUNG FU SPECIAL, THE STREET ANGEL GANG, STREET ANGEL: SUPERHERO FOR A DAY, and the forthcoming STREET ANGEL GOES TO JUVIE in stores this May. And don’t miss this year’s Free Comic Book Day title: STREET ANGEL’S DOG.

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Popular Image Firsts coming back to print:

AGE OF BRONZE #1 by Eric Shanower (Diamond Code FEB180594)
Daring heroes, breathtaking women, betrayals, love and death—the most spectacular war story ever told: The Trojan War. When a lustful Trojan prince abducts the beautiful Queen Helen of Sparta, Helen’s husband vows to recover her no matter the cost. So begins the Trojan War. From far and wide, the ancient kings of Greece bring their ships to join the massive force to pledge their allegiance to High King Agamemnon. Featuring the greatest of the Greek heroes: Achilles, Odysseus, and Herakles, along with a cast of thousands. AGE OF BRONZE: A THOUSAND SHIPS reveals hidden secrets of the characters’ pasts, serving up joy and sorrow, leading up to the brink of war, and foreshadowing the terror to come. AGE OF BRONZE has been nominated for numerous Eisner Awards.

THE FADE OUT #1 by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips (Diamond Code FEB180601)
Brubaker and Phillips’ hit series, THE FADE OUT is an epic noir set in the world of noir itself, the backlots and bars of Hollywood at the end of its Golden Era. A movie stuck in endless reshoots, a writer damaged from the war and lost in the bottle, a dead movie star and the lookalike hired to replace her. Nothing is what it seems in the place where only lies are true. THE FADE OUT is Brubaker and Phillips’ most ambitious project yet.

FATALE #1 by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips (Diamond Code FEB180602)
Secrets, lies, horror, lust, and monsters from the time before time all collide in FATALE: DEATH CHASES ME. In present day, a man meets a woman who he becomes instantly obsessed with, and in the 1950s, this same woman destroys the lives of all those who cross her path, on a quest for… what?

MAGE #1 by Matt Wagner (Diamond Code FEB180603)
Kevin Matchstick was a lonely, disaffected everyman until events beyond his control conspired to prod him into becoming the hero he never wanted to be. Accompanied by a mysterious wizard and a crew of loyal friends, the reluctant hero must discover the courage to accept his true power and defeat the dark powers that threaten reality itself.

SPAWN #1 by Todd McFarlane (Diamond Code FEB180604)
Al Simmons returns from Hell to become the anti-hero known as SPAWN. SPAWN’s hugely popular 1992 debut sold an amazing 1.7 million copies—an unprecedented feat in independent comics. A whirlwind of growth and expansion followed: more comics, action figures, film, and award-winning animation. The SPAWN comic went on to become an Emmy Award-winning animated series on HBO and a live-action feature film from New Line Cinema that grossed $100 million. A new SPAWN movie is currently in development with Blumhouse Productions.

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Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

March 22, 2018 0 comment

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independent Comic

[Comic Book News] Image Comics Unveils 7 of 14 Exclusive Virgin Wraparound Covers for New Campaign

by Jason Bennett January 26, 2018

written by Jason Bennett

IMAGE COMICS LAUNCHES #WEBELIEVE CAMPAIGN,
CELEBRATES ARTISTS WITH EXCLUSIVE VIRGIN WRAPAROUND COVERS

Image Comics has revealed the first seven of 14 exclusive virgin wraparound covers in celebration of artists and the importance and impact they have in defining the comics medium. We Believe in Artists will be the first of many initiatives throughout Image’s planned #WeBelieve 2018 campaign highlighting the important, lately overlooked components of the comics industry.

Comics is a visual storytelling medium with artwork as the driving force behind the narrative, tone, and spirit of a comic book’s sequential narrative. Image Comics hopes to cast a spotlight for fans and members of the comic book community on the momentous significance a piece of artwork can have to sell these stories to readers.

Without titles, endorsement quotes, names, logos, or jacket copy, these wraparound covers feature solely the masterpiece artwork that fans won’t want to miss out on experiencing.

The following bestselling series will feature one of these exclusive, undressed, breathtaking collectors’ covers.

Available on Wednesday, March 7th, final order cutoff deadline on Monday, February 12th:

EXTREMITY #12 (Diamond Code JAN180743) by Daniel Warren Johnson
I HATE FAIRYLAND #17 (Diamond Code JAN180756) by Skottie Young
THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #34 (Diamond Code JAN180654) by Jamie McKelvie
WITCHBLADE #4 (Diamond Code JAN180875) by Roberta Ingranata

EXTREMITY #12

I HATE FAIRYLAND #17

THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #34

WITCHBLADE #4

Available on Wednesday, March 14th, final order cutoff deadline on Monday, February 19th:

CURSE WORDS #12 (Diamond Code JAN180722) by Ryan Browne
DEADLY CLASS #32 (Diamond Code JAN180624) by Wes Craig
MAESTROS #6 (Diamond Code JAN180797) by Nicholas Pitarra
VS #2 (Diamond Code JAN180842) by Esad Ribić

CURSE WORDS #12

DEADLY CLASS #32

VS #2

Available on Wednesday, March 21st, final order cutoff deadline on Monday, February 26th:

KILL OR BE KILLED #17 (Diamond Code JAN180793) by Sean Phillips
MONSTRESS #15 (Diamond Code JAN180801) by Yoshi Yoshitani
RUMBLE #4 (Diamond Code JAN180820) by David Rubín

Available on Wednesday, March 28th, final order cutoff deadline on Monday, March 5th:

BEAUTY #21 (Diamond Code JAN180700) by Jeremy Haun
SPAWN #284 (Diamond Code JAN180831) by Todd McFarlane
EAST OF WEST #37 (Diamond Code DEC178255) by Nick Dragotta

“Simply put, without artists, there would be no comics. The success of the comics industry ultimately hinges on well-told stories, but because comics is by definition a visual medium, artists are integral to that storytelling,” said Eric Stephenson, Publisher at Image Comics. “Image has always believed in the importance of artists—our company was founded by artists, after all—and we are proud to celebrate the fact that artists of all stripes—from pencilers and inkers to colorists, letterers, and graphic designers—continue to make this wonderful medium so vital, vibrant, and unique.”

Stay tuned for the remaining seven virgin variants once they’re released.

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS:

January 26, 2018 0 comment

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Comic Previews independent Comic

[Preview] A Look at All of October’s Revealed THE WALKING DEAD Variants at Image Comics

by Jason Bennett September 8, 2017

written by Jason Bennett

IMAGE COMICS CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY
WITH B&W VERSIONS OF THE WALKING DEAD VARIANT COVERS

Image Comics is pleased to announce black & white versions of the highly anticipated month of THE WALKING DEAD variants and reveal four more of the planned variant covers.

This final month of 25th anniversary theme variants will pay tribute to some of the hottest, most jaw-dropping moments from Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard’s long-running, and industry-changing series THE WALKING DEAD which went on to become a pop culture phenomenon.

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 4th
(Final order cutoff deadline Monday, September 11th):

ELSEWHERE #3 by Jay Faerber & Sumeyye Kesgin,
cover by Kesgin & Riley (Diamond Code AUG170648)

ELSEWHERE #3 by Jay Faerber & Sumeyye Kesgin,
B&W cover by Kesgin & Riley (Diamond Code JUL178860)

EXTREMITY #7 by Daniel Warren Johnson,
cover by Johnson (Diamond Code AUG170650)

I HATE FAIRYLAND: I HATE IMAGE SPECIAL EDITION by Skottie Young,
cover by Young (Diamond Code AUG170569)

I HATE FAIRYLAND: I HATE IMAGE SPECIAL EDITION by Skottie Young,
B&W cover by Young (Diamond Code JUL178851)

POSTAL #23 by Bryan Hill & Isaac Goodhart,
cover by Goodhart (Diamond Code JUL178342)

POSTAL #23 by Bryan Hill & Isaac Goodhart,
B&W cover by Goodhart (Diamond Code JUL178861)

REGRESSION #5 by Cullen Bunn & Danny Luckert,
cover by Luckert (Diamond Code AUG170713)

SOUTHERN CROSS #13 by Andy Belanger & Becky Cloonan,
cover by Cloonan (Diamond Code JUL178341)

SOUTHERN CROSS #13 by Andy Belanger & Becky Cloonan,
B&W cover by Cloonan (Diamond Code JUL178862)

SLOTS #1 by Dan Panosian,
cover by Panosian (Diamond Code AUG170588)

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 11th
(Final order cutoff deadline Monday, September 18th):

BIRTHRIGHT #27 by Joshua Williamson, Adriano Lucas & Andrei Bressan,
cover by Bressan & Lucas (Diamond Code AUG170606)

BLACK SCIENCE #32 by Rick Remender & Matteo Scalera,
cover by Harren (Diamond Code AUG170614)

BLACK SCIENCE #32 by Rick Remender & Matteo Scalera,
B&W cover by Harren (Diamond Code JUL178856)

ROYAL CITY #6 by Jeff Lemire,
cover by Lemire (Diamond Code AUG170721)

ROYAL CITY #6 by Jeff Lemire,
B&W cover by Lemire (Diamond Code JUL178854)

THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #32 by Kieron Gillen & Jamie McKelvie,
cover by McKelvie (Diamond Code AUG170772)

Rob Liefeld’s YOUNGBLOOD #6 by Chad Bowers & Jim Towe,
cover by Liefeld (Diamond Code AUG170775)

Rob Liefeld’s YOUNGBLOOD #6 by Chad Bowers & Jim Towe,
B&W cover by Liefeld (Diamond Code JUL178850)

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 18th
(Final order cutoff deadline Monday, September 25th):

CURSE WORDS #9 by Charles Soule & Ryan Browne,
cover by Browne (Diamond Code AUG170633)

CURSE WORDS #9 by Charles Soule & Ryan Browne,
B&W cover by Browne (Diamond Code JUL178858)

DESCENDER #25 by Jeff Lemire & Dustin Nguyen,
cover by Nguyen (Diamond Code AUG170643)

DESCENDER #25 by Jeff Lemire & Dustin Nguyen,
B&W cover by Nguyen (Diamond Code JUL178852)

GENERATION GONE #4 Ales Kot & André Araújo,
cover by Araújo (Diamond Code AUG170654)

GRRL SCOUTS: MAGIC SOCKS #6 by Jim Mahfood,
cover by Mahfood (Diamond Code AUG170662)

HORIZON #15 by Brandon Thomas, Juan Gedeon & Mike Spicer,
cover by Gedeon & Spicer (Diamond Code AUG170668)

KILL THE MINOTAUR #5 by Chris Pasetto, Christian Cantamessa, Jean-Francois Beaulieu & Lukas Ketner,

cover by Ketner & Beaulieu (Diamond Code AUG170686)

MANIFEST DESTINY #32 by Chris Dingess, Matthew Roberts & Owen Gieni,

cover by Roberts & Gieni (Diamond Code AUG170695)

THE REALM #2 by Seth M. Peck & Jeremy Haun,

cover by Jeremy Haun (Diamond Code AUG170710)

THE REALM #2 by Seth M. Peck & Jeremy Haun,

B&W cover by Jeremy Haun (Diamond Code JUL178853)

ROCKSTARS #8 by Joe Harris & Megan Hutchison,

cover by Hutchison (Diamond Code AUG170718)

SPY SEAL #3 by Rich Tommaso,

cover by Tomasso (Diamond Code AUG170739)

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 25th
(Final order cutoff deadline Monday, October 2nd):

ANGELIC #2 by Simon Spurrier & Caspar Wijngaard,
cover by Wijngaard (Diamond Code AUG170604)

COPPERHEAD #15 by Jay Faerber, Drew Moss & Ron Riley,
cover by Godlewski & Riley (Diamond Code AUG170627)

COPPERHEAD #15 by Jay Faerber, Drew Moss & Ron Riley,
B&W cover by Godlewski & Riley (Diamond Code JUL178857)

CROSSWIND #5 by Gail Simone & Cat Staggs,
cover by Staggs (Diamond Code AUG170630)

GASOLINA #2 by Sean Mackiewicz, Mat Lopes & Niko Walter,
cover by Walter & Lopes (Diamond Code AUG170652)

HACK/SLASH: RESURRECTION #1 by Tini Howard, Celor, K. Michael Russell,
cover by Rugg (Diamond Code AUG170559)

HACK / SLASH #1: RESURRECTION #1 by Tini Howard, Celor, K. Michael Russell,
B&W cover by Rugg (Diamond Code JUL178855)

THE HARD PLACE #3 by Doug Wagner & Nic Rummel,
cover by Rummel (Diamond Code AUG170666)

SPAWN #279 by Todd McFarlane,
cover by McFarlane (Diamond Code JUL178340)

UNDERWINTER: A FIELD OF FEATHERS #1 by Ray Fawkes,
cover by Fawkes (Diamond Code AUG170596)

UNDERWINTER: FIELD OF FEATHERS #1 by Ray Fawkes,
B&W cover by Fawkes (Diamond Code JUL178859)

WAYWARD #24 by Jim Zub & Steven Cummings,
cover by Cummings & Royce “Fooray” Southerland (Diamond Code AUG170769)

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS

*** info courtesy of Image Comics

September 8, 2017 0 comment

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Comic Books Comic Reviews independent Comic

PopCultHQ Comic Book Review: SPAWN #277 from Image Comics

by Joshua Winchester August 31, 2017

written by Joshua Winchester

PopCultHQ received a review copy of SPAWN #277 from Image Comics. Available August 30^th, 2017, the creative team for this series features writing from Darragh Savage, art from Jason Shawn Alexander, and lettering from Tom Orzechowski.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

Cover B by Jonathan Hickman

Cover A by Jason Shawn Alexander

SPAWN #277

Writer: Darragh Savage
Artist: Jason Shawn Alexander
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski

Cover Artists:
Jason Shawn Alexander
Jonathan Hickman

In Shops: August 30^th, 2017
SRP: $2.99

“DARK HORROR,” Part Two – Tokyo: A ring stolen leads Spawn into a web of kidnapping and murder. He confronts a super-powered gangster who looks to turn Spawn’s own weapons against him.

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
SPAWN #277

“Dark Horror” Part 2

Writing:

Darragh Savage continues to take on the task of chronicling more of Todd McFarlane’s dark superhero…and boy does he crush it! Although the plot does beget more questions then answers while Spawn is in Japan, it’s clear this case is one that will have a serious impact on his life and career as an anti-hero.

Art:

Jason Shawn Alexander’s art is fantastic. It’s got such a dark edge to it, perfect for a character like Spawn and his world of demons and monsters. There’s such shadow to Spawn’s figure, one could almost see the shadows swimming off him. The world of a Japan that has its own monsters, demons and myths is painted beautifully here, woven into a backdrop of life, crime and ordinary people.

Tom Orzechowski proves yet again he knows how to do the lettering for Spawn comics. Especially the lettering for Spawn himself. It’s got a grit to it, both in the word balloons and text boxes. Readers will be able to hear the gravel in Spawn’s voice, the mood of his internal musings. Let’s hope Tom will keep doing lettering on Spawn for a while now, he knows his stuff and keeps knocking it out of the park.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

Spawn continues his adventure in Japan as the case takes a strange twist. Plus an encounter with a being who may prove to be a match for this dark hero. Tune in and read this issue and be prepared for action, mayhem and a stellar cliffhanger!

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

5 Out of 5 Stars

SPAWN #277 can be purchased on ComiXology
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers now!

Be sure to follow the creative team!

Writer – Darragh Savage

Artist – Jason Shawn Alexander

Letterer – Tom Orzechowski

Publisher – Image Comics

August 31, 2017 0 comment

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independent Comic

To Meet Demand, SPAWN #1 25th Anniversary DIRECTOR’S CUT to Receive FOIL ENCORE EDITION Reprint

by Jason Bennett May 27, 2017

written by Jason Bennett

SPAWN DIRECTOR’S CUT A HIT
RUSHED BACK TO PRINT FOR FOIL ENCORE EDITION

Image Comics is pleased to announce that the special SPAWN #1: DIRECTOR’S CUT EDITION by comics legend and Image Comics President, Todd McFarlane, is being fast-tracked for a special reprint.

The cover C by McFarlane will receive a foil treatment and will be rushed back to print for SPAWN #1 25TH ANNIVERSARY DIRECTOR’S CUT FOIL ENCORE EDITION in order to keep up with overwhelming customer demand.

The DIRECTOR’S CUT includes the original artboards of SPAWN #1, commentary from McFarlane himself on each page, and bonus, never-before-seen art!

SPAWN #1 25TH ANNIVERSARY DIRECTOR’S CUT FOIL ENCORE EDITION

Writer: Todd McFarlane
Artist: Todd McFarlane

Item Code: APR178627

In Shops: Jun 28, 2017

SRP: $4.99

SPECIAL FOIL ENCORE EDITION!

2017 marks the 25th anniversary of SPAWN, created by TODD McFARLANE. Spawn debuted to the public, selling 1.7 million copies in 1992 and is on track to be the longest running independent comic ever.

Director’s Cut edition of SPAWN #1 includes:

– Original SPAWN #1 art boards
– Page commentary by TODD McFARLANE.
– Vintage surprises from the early days of SPAWN

In the summer of 1992, famed comic book artist Todd McFarlane shook up the industry when he unleashed his very own comic creation, SPAWN to the world. Published by the newly formed Image Comics, the debut issue of SPAWN would also be the very first publication for the company co-founded by McFarlane himself. 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of SPAWN—which sold 1.7 million copies in its debut year and is currently on issue #275, keeping pace to become the longest running independent comic ever when it reaches issue #301.

The inaugural issue of SPAWN began the saga of Al Simmons who was once the U.S. government’s greatest soldier and most effective assassin. Mercilessly executed by his own men, Simmons was resurrected from the ashes of his own grave in a flawed agreement with the powers of darkness, he was reborn as a creature from the depths of Hell. Now Al Simmons is locked on Earth fighting the evil that is locked with him. Unable to save the love of his life, Wanda, he makes it his mission to save her daughter, Cyan.

The reprint, SPAWN #1 25TH ANNIVERSARY DIRECTOR’S CUT FOIL ENCORE EDITION (Diamond Code APR178627), will be available in comic stores on Wednesday, June 28th. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, May 29th.

For more information about SPAWN fans can visit http://www.mcfarlane.com.

Image Comics: SPAWN #1 Returns w/ Director’s Cut by Todd McFarlane for 25th Anniversary

ABOUT TODD MCFARLANE PRODUCTIONS
Todd McFarlane, Image Comics President, is widely recognized as one of the most influential comic book creators of the last three decades, McFarlane is best known as the creator of Spawn. That title’s hugely popular 1992 debut sold an amazing 1.7 million copies – an unprecedented feat in independent comics. http://www.mcfarlane.com.

*** info courtesy of Image Comics

May 27, 2017 0 comment

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independent Comic

Image Comics: SPAWN #1 Returns w/ Director’s Cut by Todd McFarlane for 25th Anniversary

by Jason Bennett May 15, 2017

written by Jason Bennett

SPAWN #1 IS REBORN WITH A
SPECIAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY DIRECTOR’S CUT EDITION,
COVER AND INTERIOR PAGES REVEALED

In celebration of the Hellspawn’s silver anniversary, a special Director’s Cut Edition of SPAWN #1 by comics legend and Image Comics President, Todd McFarlane, will hit stores this week. The Director’s Cut includes the original artboards of SPAWN #1, commentary from McFarlane himself on each page, and bonus, never-before-seen art.

The SPAWN #1 25th Anniversary Director’s Cut will feature original art board pages from Spawn issue #1, with three cover variations, showcasing art from McFarlane, Ashley Wood, and Clayton Crain. This special anniversary edition hits comic stores on Wednesday, May 17th, and will have a retail price of $4.99.

“Seeing all that came from Spawn is pretty incredible,” said McFarlane. “I enjoyed going back and working on SPAWN #1 again, and am excited to share the thought process of how Spawn came to be with the fans. They are the ones that really helped us reach 25 years and hopefully continue on for lots more!”

For more information about SPAWN fans can visit http://www.mcfarlane.com.

*** info courtesy of Image Comics

May 15, 2017 1 comment

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Comic Previews independent Comic New Comic Book Day

Preview Image Comics 5/17 Release: GOD COUNTRY #5

by Jason Bennett May 15, 2017

written by Jason Bennett

This Wednesday, Image Comics has the latest from Donny Cates & Geoff Shaw‘s mega-hit GOD COUNTRY. It’s SOUTHERN BASTARDS meets AMERICAN GODS in a high-stakes fantasy series that is packed with high-octane action and jaw-dropping worldbuilding. In GOD COUNTRY, salvation is a double-edged sword.

Here’s a look at the covers, storyline and preview pages for this week’s new release from Image Comics on New Comic Book Day…

IN STORES THIS WEEK

New Release for the week of May 17th, 2017

~~~~~

God Country #5 – Cover A by Geoff Shaw

GOD COUNTRY #5

Writer: Donny Cates
Art: Geoff Shaw

Cover Artists:
Geoff Shaw
Gerardo Zaffino

Cover Price: $3.99

A new storm rumbles on the horizon. Those left standing in its wake will long remember the day the God of War came to West Texas. The time for talking is done. The battle for Valofax begins here.

VARIANT COVERS

God Country #5 - Cover B by Gerardo Zaffino

God Country #5 - Spawn Month Variant by Gerardo Zaffino

God Country #5 - Spawn Month B&W Variant by Gerardo Zaffino

Select praise for GOD COUNTRY:

“There’s a solidness and relatability to this book (despite the space monsters) that gives the narrative some weight even despite the no-frills plotting. There’s something special about God Country.” —Newsarama

“Fresh, and original, and Emmett is simply awesome.” —Graphic Policy

“If this book was a gymnast it wouldn’t just stick the landing, it’d throw in a couple of extra flips and fucking shatter the Earth as it landed… If I could give God Country #1 six out of five stars I would… It’s definitely a book that you need to read, so make sure you get your LCS to order it for you, you would be a fool not to.” —Comic Bastards

“It’ll be the book that makes everyone say, ‘Whoa, where did this come from?!’ It’s a truly stunning debut.” —Nerdist

“Stunning.” —Horror Talk

PREVIEW PAGES

*** info courtesy of Image Comics

May 15, 2017 0 comment

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Spawn

EXCELSIOR!

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review: SPAWN #288

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

1.5 out of 5 Stars

Be sure to follow the creative team!

WE’VE PUBLISHED THE BEST, NOW SELL THE BEST

Image expands Image Firsts lines—a crucial hand-selling tool for retailers to grow readership

New Image Firsts to be added to the line:

~~~~~

Popular Image Firsts coming back to print:

IMAGE COMICS LAUNCHES #WEBELIEVE CAMPAIGN, CELEBRATES ARTISTS WITH EXCLUSIVE VIRGIN WRAPAROUND COVERS

IMAGE COMICS CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH B&W VERSIONS OF THE WALKING DEAD VARIANT COVERS

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 4th (Final order cutoff deadline Monday, September 11th):

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 11th (Final order cutoff deadline Monday, September 18th):

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 18th (Final order cutoff deadline Monday, September 25th):

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 25th (Final order cutoff deadline Monday, October 2nd):

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review: SPAWN #277

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

5 Out of 5 Stars

SPAWN #277 can be purchased on ComiXology and available at your local comic shop and online retailers now!

SPAWN DIRECTOR’S CUT A HIT RUSHED BACK TO PRINT FOR FOIL ENCORE EDITION

For more information about SPAWN fans can visit http://www.mcfarlane.com.

SPAWN #1 IS REBORN WITH A SPECIAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY DIRECTOR’S CUT EDITION, COVER AND INTERIOR PAGES REVEALED

For more information about SPAWN fans can visit http://www.mcfarlane.com.

VARIANT COVERS

Select praise for GOD COUNTRY:

PREVIEW PAGES

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
SPAWN #288

Image expands Image Firsts lines—a crucial hand-selling tool
for retailers to grow readership

IMAGE COMICS LAUNCHES #WEBELIEVE CAMPAIGN,
CELEBRATES ARTISTS WITH EXCLUSIVE VIRGIN WRAPAROUND COVERS

IMAGE COMICS CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY
WITH B&W VERSIONS OF THE WALKING DEAD VARIANT COVERS

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 4th
(Final order cutoff deadline Monday, September 11th):

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 11th
(Final order cutoff deadline Monday, September 18th):

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 18th
(Final order cutoff deadline Monday, September 25th):

Available in stores on Wednesday, October 25th
(Final order cutoff deadline Monday, October 2nd):

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
SPAWN #277

SPAWN #277 can be purchased on ComiXology
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers now!

SPAWN DIRECTOR’S CUT A HIT
RUSHED BACK TO PRINT FOR FOIL ENCORE EDITION

SPAWN #1 IS REBORN WITH A
SPECIAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY DIRECTOR’S CUT EDITION,
COVER AND INTERIOR PAGES REVEALED