Marvel and DC

Todd McFarlane's first published work appeared in Coyote (1985). He then served as a regular artist on a series was in DC's Infinity Inc, where he was brought in after the sudden death of artist Don Newton collaborating with author Roy Thomas, After two years on Infinity he moved to brief runs illustrating DC's Batman and Marvel's Incredible Hulk under the great Peter David. After his run on Hulk McFarlane joined the team of The Amazing Spider-Man. With the help of veteran writer David Michelinie he created one of spider-man's worst fears, Venom and mixed him with photographer Eddie Brock in "Amazing Spider-man" 298-300. He stayed with the title for 28 issues and managed to become a real super-star of the field. McFarlane changed the web-slingers's appearance, making him more spider-like with wiry limbs and large eyes. His work would influence those of many subsequent Spider-Man artists.

His style became so popular that in 1990 he was given the opportunity to not only draw but also write in a new book titled " Spider-Man" which he continued for 15 issues.The most famous story lines include Torment, Masques and Perception featuring the Mutant Wolverine .

Image

McFarlane left Marvel over creative differences to help found Image Comics (along with Erik Larsen, Jim Valentino, Marc Silvestri, Whilce Portacio, Jim Lee, and Rob Liefeld) and his own publishing firm Todd McFarlane Productions. Under Image McFarlane introduced Spawn, his demonic anti-hero who quickly became one of the most popular independent comic book characters in history. The first issue sold 1.7 millions copies making it the highest selling independent comic. McFarlane wrote and inked the series's first 70 issues and he penciled the first 24 (except from issues #16-20). He also collaborated with some of the industry's greatest talents such as Alan Moore, Frank Miller Neil Gaiman, Dave Sim, and Grant Morrison. In 1994, he participated in a tribute to the great Jack Kirby by launching a Spawn/Batman epic which he illustrated and was written by Frank Miller.

The Spawn franchise being a big commercial success gained its own major motion picture and animated series on HBO which lasted for 3 seasons. The series won two Emmys.

McFarlane Toys (originally called Todd Toys) was established in 1994 and went on to produce meticulously sculpted Spawn action figures which changed the entire industry by focusing on more mature consumers and non-traditional action figure inspirations like musicians, classic movie stars, horror flicks, and sports figures. Todd McFarlane's Entertainment studio has made contributions to the albums and music videos of numerous musicians over the years including Korn, Pearl Jam, and Disturbed. McFarlane directed the music video for Korn's "Freak on a Leash" and as a result won a Grammy. He also co-directed the music video for Pear Jam's "Do the Evolution."

McFarlane faced two law suits, one of which was from Neil Gaiman who claimed that Medieval Spawn, Angela, and Cogliostro belonged to him. The other was from hockey player Anthony Twist who stated that he used his name for character, Tony Twist, without permission. McFarlane lost both of them.

McFarlane also created Haunt with writer Robert Kirkman. McFarlane provided inks for the first eighteen issues. In 2012 it was also revealed that he was actually writing the Spawn series under the nickname of Will Carlton since issue 201. McFarlane also stated that he will go on writing the book beginning with issue 220 under his regular name. In February 2016, McFarlane announced he had finished the script for the new Spawn film. The movie will be rated R, and McFarlane wishes to direct and produce the feature.

McFarlane Toys

Initially created to produce Spawn action figures, McFarlane Toys has since grown in size and popularity. The company has worked with a number of high profile licenses from across the world of pop culture, including sports, comics, TV, film, video games and anime. Notable licenses McFarlane Toys has produced figures for include Mortal Kombat 11, Naruto, My Hero Academia, Fortnite, The Walking Dead, The Witcher, Stranger Things, Game of Thrones, Metal Gear Solid, Soulcalibur II, Call of Duty, Cuphead, Assassin's Creed, Destiny, Borderlands, Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Harry Potter, Doom Eternal, Tokyo Ghoul, Guitar Hero, Madden NFL, Attack on Titan, Tenchi Muyo!, Akira, Warhammer 40,000, Halo, Friday the 13th, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Five Nights at Freddy's, The Fly, Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Hellraiser, Escape from New York, Cyberpunk 2077, Hello Neighbor, Steven Universe, Dune, and even DC Comics. After taking over the DC Multiverse license from Mattel, McFarlane even designed his own take on some of the characters. McFarlane has even done toys of musicians and bands such as KISS, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, Iron Maiden and Elvis Presley. Famous athletes from the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL like Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Wayne Gretzky have also had figures made by McFarlane.

Characters Created By Todd McFarlane

• Angela
• Artemis Crock
• Billy Kincaid
• Bobby
• Bootsy
• Chroma
• Cogliostro
• Cyan
• Cy-Gor
• Doctor Midnight
• Eddie Brock
• Garryn Bek
• Granny Blake
• Haunt
• Hourman (Richard Tyler)
• Icicle
• Jason Wynn
• Jake Fitzgerald
• Jessica Priest
• John Doe
• Katie Fitzgerald
• Malebolgia
• Man of Miracles
• Medieval Spawn
• Mekanique
• Mercy
• Mr. Bones
• Nyx
• Ogress
• Overtkill
• Redeemer
• Sam Burke
• Soul Crusher
• Spawn (Downing)
• Spawn (Simmons)
• Terry Fitzgerald
• Tiffany
• The Curse
• The Freak
• Tony Twist
• Tremor
• Twitch Williams
• Venom
• Violator
• Wanda Fitzgerald