(Courtesy of Complex/Blueprint)
In the latest episode of Blueprint, Todd McFarlane opens about his career as a comic book artist for Spider-Man and creating the Spawn character. Hot off the news from San Diego Comic-Con, check out why audiences are excited for the upcoming undead superhero flick from Blumhouse.
To comic book fans and art lovers, Todd McFarlane became an instant comic book superstar due to his work on Marvel’s Amazing Spider-Man franchise. After working his way to the top of Marvel’s artist roster, McFarlane and a group of other prominent comic artists went on to form Image Comics. Through Image Comics, McFarlane published Spawn, which sold 1.7 million copies of the first issue. Spawn’s popularity led to the formation of McFarlane Toys, which is responsible for the creation of action figures from The Walking Dead series.
Check out our 5 thoughts on Todd McFarlane’s interview in Blueprint:
5) The Meaning Behind Blueprint
New episode of #Blueprint featuring @Todd_McFarlane.
MONDAY. 2PM EST. pic.twitter.com/a6jL4Q6Q4k
— Complex (@Complex) July 23, 2017
In each episode, Complex Chief Content Officer Noah Callahan-Bever sits down with the most impactful creative directors, inventors, and artists for an in-depth discussion. This is an exploration of the key moves in their illustrious career and how their impact stays with pop culture.
4) Is It Lonely Being On Top?
The Image Comics entrepreneur reveals the lifestyle of an artist, “It’s a lonely occupation.” McFarlane explains his hard work and dedication, “If you can’t get through 12 hours a day with what it is your work is, you’re going to drive yourself insane. Who was I entertaining everyday? I gotta tell ya, me.”
3) The Artwork
What I love about the in-depth interview is the showcasing of McFarlane’s early illustrations. Even though the drawings are incomplete sketches, you see so much potential in just a doodle. Notice how if you follow your passion, it’s the little details that strike out with audiences.
2) Make It Sexy
McFarlane changed the status quo and followed his imagination, even though editors became upset with him at times. The editors kept telling him to stop making Spider-Man’s eyes so big, making his costume so dark, and the spaghetti webbing. Because he went outside the norm, those drawings are still recognized and admired to this day.
1) I Cannot Wait For The Spawn Remake!
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jason Blum and Blumhouse Productions, responsible for Get Out and Split, are developing McFarlane’s directorial debut. Back to basics, Spawn will be a low-budget horror and will be R-Rated, much like in the veins of Logan and Deadpool.
Todd McFarlane’s interview in Blueprint can be seen on Complex here.
– By Jorge Solis