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Another Guide To Help New Readers
Are you new to the amazing world of comic books? If so, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed looking into what to read. With so many titles and characters to choose from, I understand that it can seem like a huge barrier to entry into this wonderful hobby. This is the purpose of this weekly article series.
I want to introduce new readers of all ages and interests to this amazing community we call comic books. The community can only grow if we make the fandom accessible to new and old readers alike. So I’ve made it my mission to expand this community with helpful tips and a little bit of positive energy sprinkled on top.
A Beginner’s Guide To Spawn
In the early 90s a group of young comic book artists and writers, who were fed up with how they were being treated at the bigger companies started their own. What Marvel and DC lost in those years ended up becoming Image Comics. In a short time, Image became a powerhouse that actually threatened to take over the top spots from Marvel and DC.
Read: A Beginner’s Guide To Comic Books | Batman
Read: A Beginner’s Guide To Comic Books | Spider-Man
Image was putting out new stories and new more diverse characters than what was the norm at the time. There was one character, however, that rose to the top of this new crop of characters. One with a dark, vulgar, violent story filled with demons and hell spawn. This new character was Spawn. A former soldier turned mercenary, betrayed by his employers, and resurrected by the powers of hell itself. Here are my top 3 reading recommendations for new readers when it comes to Spawn.
Spawn: Origins Collection
- Written By: Todd McFarlane
- Artwork By: Todd McFarlane
- Release Date: 1992 (Original Print Date, Re-Printed Regularly)
Spawn: Origins Collection is exactly that, a collection of the original Spawn run starting in 1992. And because this series of trade paperbacks is so popular, they are re-printed on a regular basis and in large numbers. This makes Spawn stand out a bit, as he is one of the few characters that continuously get their origin story re published again and again. So if you’re brand new to the character it’s easy to find the beginning of his story.
Former government agent Al Simmons is betrayed and killed by his own men on a mission. 5 years after his untimely demise, he is resurrected from the depths of hell itself, as the warrior known as Spawn. While guarding the forgotten alley ways and homeless citizens of New York, he struggles to regain his memories from his former life. As well as dealing with this new “agreement” he has been unwillingly entered into with the powers that control Hell.
Spawn’s Universe
- Written By: Todd McFarlane
- Artwork By: Todd McFarlane, Stephen Segovia, and Jim Cheung
- Release Date: 2021
Much like Marvel and DC, Image has their fair share of extended universe content. Oftentimes a story or a character needs something new to spark new excitement once in a while. Spawn’s Universe #1 is a one-shot story that acts as a jumping off point for 3 brand new series within the Spawn mythology.
There is a battle about to be waged between Heaven and Hell. Spawn is caught in the middle of this struggle between gods and demons. With tensions about to ignite between dimensions, new heroes and new villains alike are about to reveal themselves for the first time. The jumping off point to 3 new monthly series in the Spawn universe is here. Be sure to check this out if you’re looking to get into his most recent comics.
King Spawn, Gunslinger Spawn, and The Scorched
- Written By: Todd McFarlane
- Artwork By: Various Artists
- Release Date: 2021
Yes, I suggested 3 different series for the last recommendation. After reading Spawn Universe #1, there are 3 other stories that come out of the events of that book.
King Spawn: There is a growing presence of Hell, Heaven, and Heroes appearing on Earth, and an old threat thought long gone has returned. While this old foe is attempting to corrupt and consume as many souls as possible, Spawn must also deal with the ever growing chaos between the forces of good and evil.
Gunslinger Spawn: Showcasing the Hell Spawn known as Gunslinger, beginning in the 1800s old west. Following his story until the present day in the 21st century, and beyond, will the Gunslinger Spawns’ 200 years of history catch up with him? Or will he find a way to navigate the strange new era to him that is the 21st century?
The Scorched: Spawn, Redeemer, Gunslinger, Medieval Spawn, and She-Spawn must join forces to face the greatest threat any of them have ever encountered. The Forces of Heaven, Hell, and Earth are about to collide, and many more new heroes may be needed to overcome what is next.
The Future Of This Article Series
Next week we will be looking back at Marvel Comics for another classic character. The last time this series took a look at Marvel, we gave you some outstanding Spider-Man recommendations. For the next, we’ll let that be a surprise for everyone.
Remember everyone, this series is for the uninitiated. These articles are designed to help brand new comic book readers dive into our amazing hobby without feeling overwhelmed at their local comic book store. Be sure to leave a comment with a request for a character or genre you would like to see us cover next!
Until next time everyone be safe, be kind, and take it easy.
