Spawn Origins Collection, Volume 4

Spawn Origins Collection #4

by Todd McFarlane (Writer/Illustrator), Marc Silvestri (Illustrator), Greg Capullo (Illustrator)

Todd McFarlane's Spawn smashed all existing records and became the most successful independent comic book ever published. Revisit classic characters and unforgettable Spawn stories written by Todd McFarlane in Spawn: Origins Volume 4. Collects Spawn #21-26.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Horror, Fiction, Ebooks, Comic Book, Fantasy

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Todd McFarlane is a Canadian comic book artist, writer, toy manufacturer/designer, and media entrepreneur who is best known as the creator of the epic occult fantasy series Spawn.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, McFarlane became a comic book superstar due to his work on Marvel Comics' Spider-Man franchise. In 1992, he helped form Image Comics, pulling the occult anti-hero character Spawn from his high school portfolio and updating him for the 1990s. Spawn was one of America's most popular heroes in the 1990's and encouraged a trend in creator-owned comic book properties.

In recent years, McFarlane has illustrated comic books less often, focusing on entrepreneurial efforts, such as McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane Entertainment, a film and animation studio.

In September, 2006, it was announced that McFarlane will be the Art Director of the newly formed 38 Studios, formerly Green Monster Games, founded by Curt Schilling.

McFarlane used to be co-owner of National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers but sold his shares to Daryl Katz. He's also a high-profile collector of history-making baseballs.

Reviews

[Jayson · Rating 3 out of 5]

(B+) 76% | Good
Notes: Edit issues notwithstanding, action parts and art's commanding, still demanding (lots of talk), can't stick the landing.

*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #21-23 ◦ Issues #24-26

[Gianfranco Mancini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vote: ☆☆☆-☆☆☆1/2

The Capullo-McFarlane-Silvestri artist team is a real dream one, the Simpsons' Smithers easter-egg was funny and the Sam and Twitch "BLARFF!!!" gag made me laugh a lot but, besides a good issue #26, this volume's storylines were just not as good as the ones in the previous wrote by Morrison... and that too was uninspired to say the very least.



If you are going to read it, just remember Alan Moore's Violator mini-series is connected and set before it.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this was decent. Like most Spawn volumes these are fun 90's adventures. Nothing more or less.

So the story here begins with Spawn hurt and getting fixed up. Something to do with Batman or something? I dunno they don't tell you much and it's a odd place to start. Anyway next 4 issues begin the "Hunt" which has basically put Terry, Spawn's friend, in the middle of a all out war and everyone wants him done. Spawn ain't gonna take that shit is he? Then the last one is kind of a weird one about Spawn seeing a different outlook on things and maybe not being a complete dick to everyone he meets all the time.

Good: I enjoyed the stories even if they ended to easily. I actually enjoy seeing Spawn go against his nature as a hellspawn now and trying to help people. The last arc is also fun and seeing him verse someone and not try to kill him was different and interesting. I also think Spawn is a funny asshole a lot of the time.

Bad: The big long talks with the demons are the worst. Like sometimes they have whole pages filled with nothing interesting and demons telling tales and shit. Also the story tries to be more complicated than it needed to be with a simple payoff.

Overall Spawn volume 4, like the last 3, is good old fun time but it shows it's age. I'm wondering if it gets better as it goes along or if it always stays just "Good". A 2.5/3 out of 5.

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know if I've ever had to call a 160 page comic "grueling" before, but here we are. I literally can't believe this is the same comic I've been reading. I'm almost as shocked that someone put this to page and thought it was a quality product.

How many fucking times can we repeat the EXACT SAME INFORMATION FOUR VOLUMES INTO A COMIC?! We all know who and what Spawn is. We're 25 issues in and you're still writing PARAGRAPHS about Al Simmons as if the reader has never heard the name.

Then, you bring in new characters to act as exposition to say the same shit YOU JUST FILLED A FULL PAGE DESCRIBING.

I just read this whole volume and there are about 8 total panels of Spawn fighting. And one of those panels is a normal dude attacking a cyborg assassin by shoving a dumpster into his back to trip him. At one point these hobos get mad and call Spawn a loser to his face because he didn't help one of them with a custody battle. Not a joke. What an absolute toilet volume.

[The Wintermute System · Rating 4 out of 5]

I basically have the same issue: this gets streamlined, in a good way, once it feels like it finds where it's going, and it's not quite yet. It's inching there, but it still feels like it's thinking out the relationships between Al, the homeless people he lives amongst, Burke and Twitch, Terry, Wanda and Cyan mostly, although there are other players as well.

So the world still feels like it's being fleshed out, which means I feel like it's progress along with the storylines, even though it definitely feels like it's building to something more cohesive and just better.

[Arturo · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first issue begins with Spawn getting stitched up after his battle with Batman, so it lets you know this takes place right after the Batman / Spawn crossover PF. Included is the 4 part Hunt story that deals mostly with Terry and Wanda, ..Terry's involvement in something or other.
Finally issue #25 is drawn by Marc Silvestri, Spawn fights Tremor which isn't bad, But overall not recommended.

[Brady Precourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

still a solid spawn book, but he doesn't really do anything in this one.

[Gav451 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes the writing is still a hint exposition full and the demon a hint too architypey but the plot in this volume moved along nicely, there were some developments I was not expecting and the book was really helped by the fact that not every story was world ending. I think a lot of Superhero books could learn from the focus on the smaller stuff. If you focus on a 'nobody' or a little issue you have far more options as to where the story can go.

Also the four stars reflects the lovely art. What a pleasure to look at. Sumptuous and idiosyncratic at the same time. A true labour of love with some amazing full panels.

So while it still is a bit too talky, while there are hints that could be improved in my mind this is a comic series fully deserving of the 4 starts. It is lovingly created and it is a pleasure to read.

[Sarospice · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 This volume turns the heat up on Terry Fitzgerald, Spawn's buddy and hubby to his ex wife, and father to her baby. Seems the cops FBI mob and cyborgs all want a part of Terry, then suddenly they don't, once Spawn hands out files to everyone. We don't get to see what's in the files. I assume it's dick pics.

[Judah Radd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously it was good.

The Overt-kill arc was ok. I’ll be honest, I find him a tad boring... but the end was still pretty cool.

My favorite issue was actually the last one of the collection. Todd McFarlane reveals so little that whenever he lets us peak at the big picture, it’s very exciting. I love seeing Malebolgia and listening to Count Cogliostro. It advances the lore, and that’s the shit I like the most.

Besides badass moments, there was some enjoyable drama.

The art is fucking great, whether it’s Marc Silvestri, Todd McFarlane or Greg Capullo. This is the best the 90s had to offer, art wise. The colors and inks pop. It’s beautiful, engaging and awesome.

I’m gonna keep reading until I’ve read every issue of Spawn ever, and right now, that’s still an exciting prospect!

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, just another action packed but somewhat stale storyline. I loved the final issues in this volume with Cogliostro, it felt meaningful and interesting. I wish more issues were like that.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first thing you need to know is that Spawn #19 and #20 from the last volume actually came out after issue #24. McFarlane fell way behind on the book while doing the crossover with Batman. Rather than resolicit the books like a normal person he skipped them and gave them to his letterer to write and Greg Capullo to draw who has already been stepping in here to keep McFarlane on schedule. Back in the day some of these Image books would take a year to get an issue out and then still be garbage.

The first four issues are about all these factions, the CIA, the mafia, Overtkill, etc. mistakenly going after Terry. Then issue #25 was this cool thing Image did where all the original Image artists switched books for a month and Marc Silvestri does the art. (I think McFarlane drew Cyberforce that month. I found a CBR article about the switch.) Issue #26 is more setup.

McFarlane still loves to drone on and on with tons of exposition. Issue #26 even has a page that starts "The exposition continues." All of these exposition pages are single images. I wonder, looking back, if it was a way for McFarlane to keep the book more on schedule. Anyway the book still looks terrific even if the story is dry.

[Spencer Heffernan · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, I think I decided that I hate Todd McFarlane's writing. Spawn is one of my favorite characters in all of fiction, and Todd's artwork is amazing, so I'll definitely keep reading this series. HOWEVER, how this is written drives me crazy.

In the medium of comics and graphic novels, authors have more of an opportunity to "show, don't tell" than in any other kind of book writing. This dude Todd does not trust the reader at all. He spends at least half of every single issue using blocks taking up entire pages explaining to the reader what happened in previous issues that we've already read. It's like his target audience are goldfish and expects the reader to forget every single thing that we've already read in previous issues.

I also don't like that Spawn has, so far, spent the majority of his time fighting with like mobsters. Spawn has otherworldly cosmic super powers, and he's waisting his time fighting guys who would be more suited for like The Punisher. Theoretically, Spawn could wipe out the entire mob in a second, so I don't know what we're doing here, Todd Father!

(You're still my guy, Toddie, just some friendly feedback)

[Robert Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know if Capullo had a big influence on McFarlane, but this run of issues features artwork that is far more controlled and easier to read than others. Honestly, though, the conspiracy theorist in me thinks that issues 22-24 are coming to us via a ghost penciler doing their best McFarlane impression.

The writing is hot garbage. This is where the first "arc", featuring such amazingly bland primary characters as Tony Twist, Jason Wynn, Terry Fitzgerald and Wanda Blake, comes to a climax, after years and two dozen issues (plus spinoff material) of Al Simmons splitting his time between moping in alleyways and getting attacked by various weirdos for no particular reason every other issue. Glad to see it all come to a close, I guess, but man, it is incredibly hard to try to get through reading it. And don't worry, folks -- Al will continue to mope in alleyways and get attacked by various weirdos for no particular reason for years to come!

[James G. Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a solid collection. We get a bit more world building through the lens of the mafia and the government agencies. We get a better look at how the homeless people are beginning (or have) seen Spawn for a bit as well as the players being moved and interacting (heaven and hell and what I'll call the outside forces).

Overall, I'd say it was a solid reading. It wasn't anything crazy in terms of fights or new revelations, but it was a solid piece of both character and world building. 4/5 for me, but as always, read it yourself. You are your own judge. Do not let others influence sway you too much, either towards or away from something.

Happy reading.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the story of The crossfire between Terry, the mafia, CIA, FBI, and the police was incredible! Great plot and action! Kept me on the edge of my seat! The story of Malebolgia’s intent with Spawn was not my favorite. The images were so busy that I can’t see what’s going on. Still a little confused with Malebolgia’s intention with Spawn. Either way, he just wants Spawn to be ruined either way. Well we will see what happens in the next one.

[Lucas Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just so much fun to read.

Ok, it's de 90's. And ok, Todd Mcfarlane believe his a god for Spawn, but still, it's great to read this. And Mcfarlane is a monster with a pen (although beem exagerated some times) he's a good writer. That last chapter, with the talk about "the Love of Money" it's very good.

Anyway, Spawn is a important part on the comics history. Even if you don't like the 90's, the Image revolution and thinks Rob Liefield is a whack, this is a must.

[Deepak Chaudhary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume really good, spawns backstory is being fleshed out, his humanity is showing up, more so then the TV show version and the art is amazing. When Todd writes he has a habit of writing walls of text and everyone else who has complained about it, I don't like it, but aside from that the story is something I want to continue reading.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m in awe of Todd McFarlane. It almost doesn’t seem possible that someone could be so multifaceted and multitalented. The art defines an entire era of comics — perhaps the last true golden age we’ll ever see in the medium. The writing harkens back to the noir stories of old and the script is SO dense. This guy mustn’t have ever stood up from his desk. It’s scary good.

[Pedro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lo bueno: los nodos de conflicto, las ilustraciones. Lo regular: el ritmo, el tratamiento de los personajes secundarios, los diálogos internos. Lo malo: no conecta y no te hace preocuparte por los personajes. Solo si eres fan o completista de Spawn.

[Eric Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spawn reread train continues Choo-chooing down the track with another great collection! Crisp inks, colors vibrant and enhanced reading digitally narrating- makes it a more enjoyable experience- thanks to Hoopla and a trusty Library Card!

[Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up I had about 8 or 9 Spawn comic books and the Spawn SNES game. Regardless, Spawn was one of my favorite characters. Still is. It has action and a pretty good story. Spawn just always leaves me wanting more (so far).

[Alex Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spawn explodes a car with his dick in this one. The number of words per page is still completely bananas but I've discovered one simple trick to make the comic bearable: you don't have to read most of the words.

[Sacha Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won't lie, this is dragging a little bit for me. I understand we are setting the table here...but I'm hungry man. I'm still waiting for that moment where things finally feel ramped up. Still well illustrated and well written enough, but feeling a little repetitive for sure.

[Edric Unsane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another darn good volume of Spawn. There's quite a bit of story development which happens, but where exactly will it lead? No clue, but I really enjoyed the volume's story and art.

[Timo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too wobbly offering from McFarlane factory. The four part "Hunt" is a really good story and after that comes one of the curses of McFarlane: Just way too much inner monologue.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Not too enamored, but it's natural to burn out of a series. 3/5.

[josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I like this comic series

I was reading Spawn ever since I was a little kid I fell in love with the comic after the first issue and I'm just rereading it to get all caught up

[Marco Antonio di Forelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

La historia está yendo a trompicones :S

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
I like McFarlane’s garishly 90’s art style, but it’s bogged down by (often literal) walls of text.