Spawn's True First Appearance | SpawnWorld (2024)


						SPAWN'S TRUE FIRST APPEARANCE
						SPAWN'S TRUE FIRST APPEARANCE

New and Improved!

This newly updated article, timeline, and checklist are the results of years of research. I've personally gone through nearly every comic-related publication from 1991-1992 page by page, looking for any reference to Spawn.

Those familiar with the old list will notice that some of the "firsts" have changed due to new information (and more thorough research). For more info, see the FAQ at the end of the timeline.

Latest revision: 1/21/2024

What Makes a First Appearance?

In the past, the question of a comic character’s first appearance was a simple one. The first comic with the character was also their first appearance: Such as Superman in Action Comics #1, or Batman in Detective Comics #27.

As time has gone on, the answer has gotten a little more nuanced: For example, Wolverine had a small cameo appearance in Incredible Hulk #180, but his first “Full” appearance was in Incredible Hulk #181. Which is his true first appearance?

The question gets even more complicated across various media. Harley Quinn, for example, first appeared on the television series “Batman: The Animated Series”, but her first appearance in a comic book was Batman Adventures #12.

Factions in the comic collecting community have developed. Purists might say X-Factor #6 is Apocalypse’s first appearance because it meets the traditional definition, whereas a completionist might say that his brief 1-panel cameo in X-Factor #5 is his first appearance. Who is correct?

I contend that the modern answer of a character’s first appearance must be qualified: “First Cameo Appearance”, “First Full Appearance”, etc.

When it comes to Spawn, a search online for Spawn’s first appearance will yield all sorts of strange results: Malibu Sun #13, Rust #1, Rocket Ranger #4...so, to put an end to the confusion once and for all, I bring you this deep dive into Spawn’s True First Appearance(s).

Spawn's Origin Timeline

Follow the timeline of Spawn’s origin below, and decide for yourself which is his “true” first appearance!


					1977

					Todd McFarlane first designed the character called “Spawn” as a high school student in 1977. He completed an entire fanzine issue, in which Spawn was a sci-fi hero, battling in outer space. But notice that very early on, the enormous cape was already in place, and the logo already had the skull on the ‘A’.

					- First Concept

					Additional Images:



					1983

					Todd creates "Blood", part of a superhero group including Blood, Sweat, and Tear. The character design would later be renamed "Bludd", and then finally renamed to Tremor when produced as an action figure and a character in Spawn.


					McFarlane submits 6-page samples of Spawn to Marvel, DC, and other publishers, but is rejected by all of them.



					1990

					Rob Liefeld, Jim Valentino, and Erik Larsen have dinner with Malibu Comics publisher Dave Olbrich and ask if he would consider publishing some books of theirs: He says yes.



					Last week of July, 1991

					Advertisem*nts for "Comic Book Greats", a new video series from Stan Lee and Stabur entertainment, appear in both Advance Comics and Previews this week. The ads feature art by Todd McFarlane, and show the character Spawn for the very first time in print (although the character is not named in the advertisments).


					The artwork, drawn while he was still at Marvel, is the first piece of Spawn art that Todd drew as an adult. The art was eventually dubbed “Spawn:The Beginning” (when it was made into a statue years later).

					- First Visual Appearance in a Publication (tie) - First Use of "Spawn: The Beginning" Artwork (tie)

					Additional Images:



					August 9, 1991

					Todd McFarlane retires from Marvel Comics with intentions to raise his young child and produce a series of Professional Hockey trading cards.



					August 14, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide 928 includes a front page article discussing the new 'Comic Book Greats' videos, with volume 1 set to feature Todd McFarlane.



					September 11, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide #932 has an ad for Rob Liefeld's "Executioners" comic, set to be published by Malibu. The ad features Liefeld's imprint logo, "Image Comics". This is the first public use of the name "Image Comics", and also the first use of the text-based logo. There is also an ad for Todd's Comic Book Greats video.

					Additional Images:



					September 18, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide 933 has a full-page ad for 'The Comic Book Greats' with Stan Lee and Todd McFarlane

					Additional Images:



					September 1991

					The first round of filming for the video series 'The Comic Book Greats' takes place with Stan Lee, Todd McFarlane, Rob Liefeld, and Sergio Aragonés. (Volumes 1-4) Rob Liefeld faces extreme pressure from Marvel to cancel his upcoming "Executioners" comic and strikes a deal with Malibu Comics to publish a title called “Youngblood” as well as an art book entitled "Extreme: The Art of Rob Liefeld". Youngblood is to be the first in a line of Liefeld-Universe titles. Over the next several weeks, the imprint is sometimes referred to as either Image Press, Image Universe, Image Comics, or Liefeld Universe.



					October 2-9, 1991

					On October 2nd, Comic Buyer's Guide 935 includes a full-page ad for a release party and signing by Stan Lee for the first volume of 'The Comic Book Greats' on VHS.


					On October 9th, Comic Buyer's Guide 936 includes the same ad in a smaller format, as well as a holiday ad for Volumes 1 & 2.

					Additional Images:



					October 15, 1991

					Volume 1 of the video series 'Comic Book Greats' is distributed for the first time. The video features Stan Lee and Todd McFarlane on set with a drawing table, discussing various aspects of making comic books and drawing. The box art features Spawn in full color for the first time (notice his eyes are red at this stage). "Spawn: The Beginning" art, as well as Todd's high school designs, are visible during the video behind McFarlane (in black and white). Spawn is never mentioned or named, however.

					- First Color Appearance - First Cover Appearance


					The same day, a promotional poster for the Comic Book Greats series is mailed out to retailers. The poster, like the video itself, features "Spawn: The Beginning" artwork in color, along with art for other volumes of the series. Note: the exact release date for this poster is a best estimate based on available data. Photo courtesy of Bkov.



					October 16, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide 937 includes retailer advertising for "New Graphics Express" that features the holiday ad for 'Comic Book Greats'.

					Additional Images:



					October 20, 1991

					The Golden Apple Comics release party and signing event with Stan Lee for the first volume of "Comic Book Greats" takes place in Los Angeles.



					October 23, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide 938 includes the holiday ad from "New Graphics Express". This issue also has an ad for Rob Liefeld's "Extreme: The Art of Rob Liefeld", and mentions the character 'Cougar', as well as Youngblood. This may be the first published mention of Youngblood.

					Additional Images:



					October 30, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide 939 includes the holiday ad from "New Graphics Express".

					Additional Images:



					November 1, 1991

					Wizard Magazine Issue #4 includes the same holiday ad seen previously but prominently featured on the inside front cover.

					Additional Images:



					November 5, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide 940 includes the holiday ad from "New Graphics Express".

					Additional Images:



					November 13, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide 941 includes the holiday ad from "New Graphics Express".

					Additional Images:



					November 27, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide 943 includes the holiday ad from "New Graphics Express". This issue also has a full-page, color ad for Youngblood.

					Additional Images:



					Last week of November, 1991

					Advertisem*nts for Comic Book Greats Vol. 4 appear in both Advance Comics and Previews this week.


					The ads feature the character "Overkill" created during the video, and a precurser to the character "Overt-Kill"

					- First Printed Appearance of a Supporting Character (prototype) (tie)

					Additional Images:



					December 1, 1991

					McFarlane attended a signing at Curious Comics in Victoria BC, and mentioned plans for an upcoming comic project, despite having been “retired” since Spider-Man.



					December 2, 1991

					Up’N Coming! #13 uses the art for Youngblood #1, and in so doing, becomes the first public use of the Image "i" logo - although it was redesigned before Youngblood (or Spawn) were released.

					- First Image Comics "i" Logo (prototype)



					December 11, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide 945 includes the holiday ad from "New Graphics Express".

					Additional Images:



					December 18, 1991

					According to the "Official Image Timeline", this is the day McFarlane agreed to join Liefeld in forming Image Comics.



					December 20, 1991

					On this day, the fateful meeting between some of the founders of Image Comics, and Terry Stewart of Marvel took place. It was in this meeting that McFarlane and the others relayed their plans to leave the ‘big two’ and form their own company.



					December 24, 1991

					Comic Buyer's Guide 947 also includes the holiday ad from "New Graphics Express".

					Additional Images:



					January 22, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide 951 includes an ad from "New Graphics Express" that now has the art for Overkill.

					Additional Images:



					January 29-February 1, 1992

					The second round of filming for the "Comic Book Greats" video series takes place, with McFarlane, Liefeld, Jim Lee, Whilce Portacio, and others. After filming, the first "Image Founders' Meeting" takes place in Malibu at Marc Silvestri's home. Together, they crafted and released a press statement announcing the creation of Image Comics publicly for the first time.



					February 3, 1992

					Just 2 days after the industry got word of the new company, copies of the Canadian distribution catalogue Up’N Coming! #15 were mailed, announcing McFarlane’s new title called “Spawn” in an article, and showing the “Spawn:The Beginning” art with a logo for the first time. "Spawn" is descibed as being part of an "Image Comics Universe".

					- First Time Named in Print - First Spawn Logo (prototype)

					Additional Images:



					February 5, 1992

					Comics Buyer’s Guide #953 was mailed, announcing McFarlane’s title “Spawn” to US audiences (describing it as a mini-series), and showcasing the “Spawn: The Beginning” art on the cover. Inside, the article shows the cover artwork for Spawn #1 for the first time (in black & white, and without a logo). In Comic Shop News 241, Spawn is mentioned, but not shown.

					- First Cover Appearance in a Publication - First use of the Spawn #1 Cover artwork

					Additional Images:



					February 12, 1992

					CBG #954 is mailed out, featuring a small portion of the "Spawn: The Beginning" artwork repurposed into a full-page ad. This is the first time Spawn art is shown with the Image "i" logo (prototype). Additionally, there is an advertisem*nt for "Comic Book Greats" vol. 4, with art for Overkill on the cover.


					Comics International has a front page article about the Image creators leaving Marvel, and inisde, features art for the Spawn #1 cover (in black & white)


					Comic Shop News #242 hit stores and features a large article about the formation of Image, and includes the Spawn #1 cover art (in black & white). They refer to Spawn as being a mini-series.

					Additional Images:



					February 15, 1992

					On this date, the Spawn copyright was officially registered with the Library of Congress.


					Volume 4 of the video series 'Comic Book Greats' is distributed for the first time. The video features Stan Lee, Todd McFarlane, and Rob Liefeld collaborating on the creation of a character they call "Overkill". Overkill became the basis for "Overt-Kill" when he appeared in the Spawn comics.


					Copies of the video were sold with a limited edition lithograph featuring Overkill.


					A very rare version of the lithograph included signatures by Stan Lee, Rob Liefeld, and Todd McFarlane. Fewer than 20 copies were produced.


					- First Color Appearance of a supporting character (prototype)



					February 17, 1992

					The repercussions of the birth of Image hit the mainstream, as an article in Barron’s discusses an exodus of Marvel's top talent (and a number of other issues that reflect poorly on Marvel). Their stock price plummets.



					February 19, 1992

					The LA Times runs a large article about the Image founders leaving marvel to form Image.


					Comic Buyer's Guide 955 features Overkill on the cover, and includes a large 2-page ad for Spawn.

					Additional Images:



					February 20, 1992

					Liefeld, Silvestri, and Valentino are interviewed by CNN about their split from Marvel and the birth of Image.



					February 25, 1992

					Jim Valentino holds a press conference at Capital City Distribution (for retailers only) to discuss their plans with Image.


					Comic Values Monthly #70 features an ad for Previews on the back cover that features Spawn on the cover. Note: the exact release date for this issue is a best estimate based on available data.

					Additional Images:



					February 26, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide 956 includes a large 2-page ad for Spawn, as well as an ad from "New Graphics Express" with an image Overkill.

					Inside, an article discusses some of Spawn's key character traits, including a limited power supply. The article also includes new artwork - an image that would go on to become the poster included inside Spawn #1 (shown here in black & white).


					- First Use of Spawn #1 Poster Art - First Description of Spawn Character Traits
					Additional Images:



					Last week of February, 1992

					Advance Comics 41 includes a 2-page ad for Spawn. Both Advance Comics 41 and Previews Vol 2 No 3 list Spawn #1 as orderable for the first time, and the listing shows cover art for Spawn #1 that includes a logo in the masthead for the first time. Additionally, the orderbook for Advance Comics also shows the Spawn #1 cover art with (prototype) logo.


					- First Spawn #1 Cover Art w/ Logo in the Masthead (tie)
					Previews Vol 2 No 3 features Spawn in full color on the cover, and lots of images within - Notably, it shows new artwork of Spawn in profile. There is also a fold out glossy poster of Spawn, with multiple images, and one side in full color.


					There were two separate covers for this issue of Previews. The first has Spawn, and this one has "Unity" (the contents are the same).


					- First Color Appearance in a Publication - First Spawn Poster - First use of the "Spawn Profile" art - First Color Logo (prototype)
					Additional Images:



					March 2, 1992

					Up’N Coming! #16 is mailed out, featuring Spawn on the cover in full color (still with red eyes, and using the ‘old’ logo).

					Inside, the article features the first use of the Spawn artwork that later became the cover for Wizard #11.
					- First Use of Wizard #11 Cover Art

					Additional Images:



					March 4, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide 957 features a full color ad for Spawn on the inside front cover, as well as an ad for Previews that uses Spawn art.

					Additional Images:



					March 11, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide 958 features Jim Valentino on the cover discussing plans for Image. There is a large, color ad for Spawn on the inside cover.

					Notably, it also inlcudes a congratulations article for Youngblood’s pre-sales numbers, which is the first use of a newly revised Image logo.
					- First Revised Image Comics Logo

					Additional Images:



					March 13, 1992

					The first Image Comic book goes on sale - sort of. A limited number of Youngblood #1 “Ashcan editions” (2 versions) are released at the New York Comic-Con. These are the first publications to officially bear the Image Logo.



					March 17, 1992

					On this day, 'Entertainment This Month' begins running advertisments that include a small image of Spawn in a variety of different comic books by multiple publishers. Note: I won't be listing all issues with the advertisem*nt. There were over 700 comic books that came out between this date and the release of Spawn #1, and any number of them could have the ads inside. This particular image is from Excalibur #51 by Marvel Comics.

					Some of the ads do not show Spawn himself, but do include a color version of the (prototype) Spawn logo. This particular image is from X-Factor #79 by Marvel Comics.


					The 'Entertainment This Month' catalogue was also released this day. It features Spawn in color on the cover, and multiple images inside as well as on the back cover.

					Additional Images:



					March 18, 1992

					Comics International (April Issue) is shipped with a large color Spawn image on the front cover, as well as a Previews ad on the back cover that uses Spawn art.

					Additional Images:



					March 18, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide 959 features the first published parody of Spawn, a cartoon entitled "Spend". There is also an advertisem*nt that uses the 'Overkill' artwork.
					- First Parody of Spawn

					Additional Images:



					March 20, 1992

					An enterprising young high-school journalist in Richfield, Ohio managed to get himself an interview with McFarlane about Spawn and the formation of Image. The article appeared in Volume 39, Issue 8 of the “Revere High School Lantern” and featured art for the cover of Spawn #1.



					March 23, 1992

					Comics Scene 26 features one of the many instances of the 'Entertainment This Month' advertisem*nt, included here due to it's prominent position on the back cover.

					Additional Images:



					March 25, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide 960 features two images of Spawn inside an advertisem*nt for retailer "Saturn Comics".


					Comic Shop News 248 includes an article about Spawn with an image, and discusses some attributes of the character, as well as the upcoming comic book itself (such as the inclusion of pinups).
					Additional Images:



					March 27, 1992

					Wizard Magazine #9 includes multiple images of Spawn. In a photo of Todd McFarlane, a newly revised version of the Spawn profile art can be seen hanging behind Todd as he sits at his drawing table.
					- First Use of Revised Spawn Profile Art

					Additional Images:



					March 30, 1992

					Up'n Coming 17 includes a couple different firsts. Within an article is the printed image of the Spawn #2 cover art (in black and white). Within that art, is the first printed use of the revised Spawn logo. It's not yet in it's final form, but it's beginning to look like the logo we all know. Additionally, there is an advertisem*nt that uses the Wizard #11 cover art.
					- First Use of Spawn #2 Cover Art - First Use of Revised Spawn Logo

					Additional Images:



					Last week of March, 1992

					Advance Comics 42 lists Spawn #2 as being orderable for the first time. Inside,thereare multiple Spawn images used.


					Previews Vol 2 No 4 also lists Spawn #2 as being orderable for the first time. Both Advance Comics and Previews include an advertisem*nt for Wizard #11, that marks the first time Spawn is shown with green eyes. An article in Previews mentions The Violator for the first time.
					- First Spawn with Green Eyes (tie) - First mention of The Violator (Previews)

					Additional Images:



					March 1992 (exact day unknown)

					Famous Comic Book Creators Trading Cards are released, and card #57 features Todd McFarlane. (parodying a famous Jose Canseco shirtless baseball card).

					On the back of the card is info about Todd and Spawn, including an image of the Spawn #2 cover art.
					- First Spawn Trading Card



					April 1, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide 961 includes a full page inside cover ad for Spawn #2. There is also an advertisem*nt that includes Overkill art.

					Additional Images:



					April 14, 1992

					Entertainment This Month 32 contains multiple images of Spawn throughout.

					Additional Images:



					April 15, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide 963 has an ad for Image in which we see the first printed image of the Spawn #3 cover art. There is also another Overkill ad.
					- First Use of Spawn #3 Cover Art

					Additional Images:



					April 16, 1992

					Youngblood #1, the first comic from Image Comics, is officially released.



					April 17, 1992

					Rust #1 kicks off an advertising campaign in which Spawn appears in comics from Malibu's "Adventure" line of comics. Note:Therearetwo comics with Spawn ads that have March cover dates (Robotech and Torg) but they were actually released to stores after Rust. More info below.


					There were two versions of Rust #1 released, including this "Special Limited Edition" with a foil logo.
					- First Visual Appearance in a Comic Book (advertisem*nt)

					Additional Images:



					March 22, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide #964 uses the 'revised' Image Comics logo for the first time (with a broken left shoulder). This is the version that will appear on the cover of Spawn #1

					- First Revised Image Logo (2nd Revision)



					April 23, 1992

					Comics Scene 27 has a small image of Spawn on the cover, and a large article with multiple images inside. There is also an ETM ad on the back cover with a Spawn image. Within the article, we see printed images of interior pages from Spawn #1 for the first time (Spawn #1 pages 4 and 6)
					- First Use of Spawn #1 Interior Art

					Additional Images:



					April 24, 1992

					Five different comics from Malibu imprints ("Adventure Comics" and "Eternity Comics") were released on this day with Spawn ads inside. Re-Animator: Dawn of the Re-Animator #2 has a 2-page Spawn ad inside.


					Robotech: Invid War #1 has a 2-page Spawn ad inside.


					Rocket Ranger #3 has a 1-page Spawn ad inside.


					The Southern Squadron: The Freedom of Information Act #4 has a 2-page Spawn ad inside.


					Torg #2 has a 2-page Spawn ad inside. This book is was not released in March despite having a March cover date. It's one of two comics that have a March cover date with Spawn ads inside, but they were late hitting the stands.
					Additional Images:



					April 29, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide 965 features Spawn on the cover and lots of images within. The cover image is the first use of the Spawn #1 splash page. Note that the logo design here has been updated, it includes the 'drop shadow' double lettering for the first time, but the skull has gone missing. In the article, there are multiple images, including 2 Spawn #1 interior pages for the first time (pages 7 & 12) as well as the Spawn 'orb' icon design.
					- First Use of Spawn #1 Splash Page Art - First Use of Spawn #1 pages 7 & 12 Art - First Use of the Spawn 'Orb' Icon Design

					Additional Images:



					Last week of April, 1992

					Diamond Dialogue May 1992 declares Spawn to be the best selling independant comic of all time. There is also a Spawn image shown within an ad for Previews.


					Previews Vol 2 No 5 uses images of the cover for Spawn #3 in the listings.
					Additional Images:



					May 1, 1992

					Wizard #10 has many images of Spawn inside, including our first look at the Spawn Trading Card that is to be included with Wizard #11.

					Additional Images:



					May 4, 1992

					Malibu Sun #13 features Spawn in full color on the cover (although he still shows red eyes), and many images inside. One image is a small Spawn head icon that goes on to be used as part of the logo for "Spawntastic Apparel".

					There are two versions of Malibu Sun #13. One has a standard "red" color scheme on the back cover.

					The other has an inverted "green" color scheme on the back cover.
					- First Use of Spawn Head Icon


					Up'n Coming #18 uses art for Spawn #3 in the listing.

					Additional Images:



					May 6, 1992

					Comic Buyer's Guide 966 features a large ad for Image comics that includes some Spawn art, as well as an ETM ad with a Spawn image.


					Comic Shop News 254 features a large 2-page ad for Spawn.

					Additional Images:



					May 8, 1992

					Evil Ernie #5 from Eternity Comics includes a large 1-page ad for Spawn.

					Additional Images:



					May 12, 1992

					American Entertainment 25 features Spawn on the cover and uses an updated logo with a gradient color applied, and the skull restored to the 'A' (although the 'drop shadow' secondary lettering has gone missing) Note: The exact release day on this is estimated based on available data.

					Additional Images:



					May 13, 1992

					Comic Shop News 255 features Spawn on the cover in color (still with red eyes) and one image inside.


					Robotech II The Sentinels Book 2 #13 was released on this day (despite showing March on the cover) This is the 2nd of two comics with Spawn images inside that have March cover dates, but were actually released later on. Inside, there is a large 2-page ad for Spawn.

					Additional Images:



					May 15, 1992

					Comic Book Greats Volume 6 shows the 'Overkill' artwork hanging behind McFarlane during the video.



					May 20, 1992

					Amazing Heroes 202 has an in-depth article discussing Spawn and many of his attributes. It also includes a couple images.


					Comic Shop News 256 has a large 2-page ad for Spawn.

					Additional Images:



					May 27, 1992

					Comic Shop News 257 features multiple images of Spawn inside, including some interiors from Spawn #1.

					Additional Images:



					May 29, 1992

					Three 'Adventure Comics' issues were released on this day with Spawn ads inside. HP Lovecraft In Full Color #4 has a large 2-page ad for Spawn inside, notably it's in color this time.


					There are two versions of Strange Sports Stories #1 that were released. One has a werewolf / football cover.


					The other has an alien / baseball cover. Both versions include trading cards attached to the cover, and a 1-page Spawn ad inside.

					Additional Images:



					Last week of May, 1992

					Both Advance Comics 44 and Previews Vol 2 No 6 include art of "Spawn in the Grass" for the first time. This art was intended to be the original cover for Spawn #4 but was not used. They both list Spawn #4 as being available for order and include images.


					Additionally, they both make use of the final Spawn logo design for the first time. This is the logo that will appear on the cover of Spawn #1 (although it is shown here in black and white)
					- First Use of "Spawn in the Grass" Art - First Use of Final Spawn Logo Design (black and white)

					Additional Images:



					June 1, 1992

					The debut issue of Inside Comics features articles about Image Comics, and discusses Spawn. There is an ad on the back cover for Previews that uses Spawn art.

					Additional Images:



					June 3, 1992

					On this date, Spawn #1 arrived in most comic book outlets, but was not officially meant to be sold until the next day, June 4th.


					Wizard #11 was released and includes the first offical Spawn Trading Card. The Magazine features Spawn on the cover in full color (with green eyes). Inside, there is an interview with McFarlane, and many images of Spawn, including the art that will go on to be used as the first Spawn retailer promotional poster. There is also a fold out Spawn poster included (with the Wizard 11 cover art)
					- First Use of Spawn Promo Poster Art

					Additional Images:



					June 4, 1992

					Here it is! On this day, Spawn #1 was officially released to the world for sale. In addition to lots of new interior artwork, this is also the first use of the final logo in full color, as well as the Image Comics logo with Spawn inside.

					- First Full Appearance - First Final Logo in Color - First Image Logo with Spawn Inside

The Complete Spawn-before-Spawn checklist

A checklist for every image of Spawn prior to the release of
Spawn #1. How many do you have?

Spawn-Before-Spawn Checklist.PDF

FAQ

So what’s the answer? What’s Spawn’s first appearance?

Well that’s just it - the world of comic collecting is so nuanced now, I don’t think there is a “right” answer for everyone.

How can you be sure you didn’t miss anything?

With recent revisions, I've gone to every effort to make sure this list is accurate and complete for everything between March 1991 and June 1992.

Previously, I had limited my search to Dec 1991 and later, because there is a quote in the Spawn #1 Director's Cut stating that McFarlane drew the "Spawn:The Beginning" artwork on the same day as the infamous meeting between McFarlane, Jim Lee, Marvel, and others (to inform the "Big 2" that they were quitting). Unfortunately, this is not accurate - the image was used for solicitations dating back to July 1991 (5 months before the meeting). I've now ignored that quote and adjusted my search range accordingly.

All that said - It’s very difficult tracking down some of these archival magazines and newspapers. I'm certain that there are probably some minor appearances that I’ve missed. I'll be happy to make any necessary adjustments or corrections if anyone has any new information.

What resources are you missing?

There are likely things that I don't know about at all, but here are some of my
"most wanted", if anyone has access to these please let me know:
- Advance Comics #32
- American Entertainment Catalog #21, 23
- Comic Book Marketplace #3-5, 7-8
- Comic Buyer's Guide #950, 968
- Comics International March 1991-February 1992
- Comics Retailer #2
- Diamond Dialogue March 1991-June 1992 (except May 1992)
- Entertainment This Month Catalogs #24-29
- Up'n Coming #19

But I heard (Malibu Sun, Previews, etc.) was the first appearance?

Odds are, whoever told you that was trying to sell you something.

I thought Robotech / Torg came before Rust?

I previously had those books listed as March 1992 books (like they say on their covers), but I've learned that these two books were released late, and came out in later months.

What about the Spawn Ashcan?

This comes up a lot - there actualy isn't a Spawn #1 Ashcan. There are two books that are often mistaken for one: A Spawn small-sized comic called "Crusade of Comics Presents: Spawn #1", but not only is it not the same as Spawn #1, it was released several months after Spawn #1. There is also a "Spawn Mini-Comic #1" - this one actually is a Spawn #1, but it wasn't released until 2007.

What is a good price for _____?

As always, I stay away from listing or speculating on prices. Your best price guide typically will be ‘sold’ prices on eBay...not ‘asking’ prices.

What resources did you use to figure this out?

I spent years scouring the Earth looking for any industry/collecting/trade publications from 1991-1993, looking through comics, and contacting people in the industry. Spawn debuted in a (mostly) pre-internet world, so all discussion about its upcoming debut was limited to publications such as these, and word of mouth. Everything in the bibliography below has been personally verified.

Bibliography

Advance Comics #31-47 (excluding #32)
American Entertainment Catalog 20,22,24-25, Summer 1992
Alien Nation: Public Enemy #2-4
Amazing Heroes #193-202
The Art of Todd McFarlane: The Devil in the Details
Comic Book Greats Video Series Vol #1-9
Comic Book Greats Promotional Poster
Comic Book Marketplace #6, 9-13
Comic Buyer’s Guide #919-970 (excluding #950, 968)
Comic Shop News #210-265
Comic Values Monthly #61-71
Comichron
Comics International Mar-May 1992
Comics Interview #94, 98-110, Super Special 1991
Comics Journal #142-150
Comics Retailer #1,3
Comics Scene #19-28
The Dark Age: Grim, Gritty, and Gimmicky Post Modern Comics
Demonic Toys #4
Diamond Dialogue May 1992, October 1992
Entertainment This Month #23, 30-39
Entertainment This Month ads (investigated dozens of different titles, various issues)
Evil Ernie #5 (Eternity)
Evil Ernie Special Limited Edition
Famous Comic Book Creators Trading Cards
Flesh Gordon #1-4
The History of Image Comics (So Much Damage)
Image Comics: The Road to Independence
Inside Comics #1-2
Inside Image #1-2
The Image Revolution
Interview with Matthew Weiss (of Revere High School)
Interview with Paul Burke (of the Comic Book Greats Video Series)
Logan’s World #5-6
Lovecraft in Full Color #1-4
Like Hell I Won't
Malibu Sun #10-31
Mike’s Amazing World of Comics
Miss Fury #3-4
Non-Sport Update Vol 3 #1-4
The Official Image Timeline
Paranoia #3-5
Pendulum #3-4
Planet of the Apes #20-23
Planet of the Apes: Blood of the Apes #3-4
Planet of the Apes: Sins of the Father #1
Previews March 1991 - September 1992
Re-Animator #3
Re-Animator: Dawn of the Re-Animator #1-4
Robotech II The Sentinels Book 2: #13-14, Swimsuit Special 1992
Robotech Invid War #1-2
Robotech Genesis #1, 1 Limited Edition, 2
Robservations Podcast
Rocket Ranger #2-4
Roger Wilco #1-3
Rust #1-2
Rust Special Edition #1
Southern Squadron: Freedom of Information #3-4
Spawn #1-54
Spawn #1 Director’s Cut
Spawn #117
Spawn Vault Edition #1
Starburst Magazine #157, 159-160
Starlog #169-171, 173
Strange Sports Stories #1a/b
Tarzan the Warrior #2
Torg #1-4
Up’n Coming! #6-9, 12-18
What's New? April 1992
Wizard #1-16
Wizard Image Comics Special Edition
Youngblood #1-4
Youngblood #1 Ashcan

Last updated 1/21/2024