The Todd McFarlane debate... amazing legend... or "one note" creator???

[turnbolt]

This is tough because for my generation this will bring up alot of strong feelings...

Todd McFarlane.

Is he REALLY that AMAZING? I used to think so. Back when he first drew Spiderman and changed him forever I was as infatuated as anyone! When he created Spawn... I saw the similarities to Spiderman in the look of the character... but felt like that was a wink to his past career. I was also caught up in the exciting historical significance of the creation of Image and starry eyed at the amazing talent pool they took with them.

Now he's brought us Haunt... <sigh>... and I'm starting to wonder if he could ever design a hero that DOESN'T look like Spidey... I mean maybe he should just go back and draw Spiderman!

While I think the story of Haunt sounds cool... I don't find Todd's work interesting anymore and wonder who else might see this too... or who thinks I am a fool.

Share your thoughts in this thread... let's try to keep it clean. I just want intelligent arguments.

Here's a picture for reference... Hey, Todd! Try and do something DIFFERENT why don't you?

[cbikle]

Although I'm not really a fan of his art, I get why other people are.

In a way, McFarlane reminds me of John Byrne; both were wildly successful in their day and were/are too easily distracted with pissing matches with others in the industry.

Haunt may be Todd's attempt to re-energize himself and/or generate quick cash for his company.

In addition to his toy company, the guy still owns the rights to all the old Eclipse characters (except maybe not Miracleman) and I don't believe he's done anything with those properties yet.

McFarlane needs to hook up with a good writer (like he's done in the past) who will provide new blood and/or perspective.

[turnbolt]

Well, he's doing Haunt with Rob Kirkman so plenty of talent there! While he may own the Eclipse characters... he didn't design them. That's my problem. His designs are all the same. It's kind of weak.

[basil81]

I don't know much about The Haunt character, but I certainly hope that's not what I think it is spewing out of his fingers...

[cbikle]

I don't know much about The Haunt character, but I certainly hope that's not what I think it is spewing out of his fingers...

No it's not webbing, it's semen.

Haunt shoots "ghost-Semen" from his fingers.

[turnbolt]

No it's not webbing, it's semen.

Haunt shoots "ghost-Semen" from his fingers.

Yup! Cbikle's right... it's semen. See? You were all worried it was webbing! PSSSH!

[dfbovey]

I think McFarlane was one of the iconic artists for Spiderman. He had his technical flaws, but he kinda redefined how the character could be drawn and brought excitement to that book.

Seeing him do creator owned stuff to me is like comparing Michael Jordan when he was with the Bulls winning championships, to the Michael Jordan who closed out his career playing for the Washington Wizards. One was great, one was just ordinary... or even forgettable at times.

[turnbolt]

I think McFarlane was one of the iconic artists for Spiderman. He had his technical flaws, but he kinda redefined how the character could be drawn and brought excitement to that book.

Seeing him do creator owned stuff to me is like comparing Michael Jordan when he was with the Bulls winning championships, to the Michael Jordan who closed out his career playing for the Washington Wizards. One was great, one was just ordinary... or even forgettable at times.

David, you couldn't have said it more perfectly. Jordan is EXACTLY who I would compare him to. Bums me out. I'd rather have just kept the great memories.

[NickRocks]

McF IS LEGEND TORMENT WAS THE TRUTH!!! I remember being like 8 years old and amazed that spiderman was actually getting his costume ripped!! I actually knew the lizard from torment first, so when i saw normal lizard i was like wtf why is he talking haha.

Spawn was that shit too, it's a shame that series turned into a mess =[

Bottom line, he reminds me of Joe Mad. You wouldn't hold either one up as an example of technically perfect illustrators but they bring that excitement and verve to comics that the new guy lack.

[scmarooney]

Although I'm not really a fan of his art, I get why other people are.

In a way, McFarlane reminds me of John Byrne; both were wildly successful in their day and were/are too easily distracted with pissing matches with others in the industry.

Haunt may be Todd's attempt to re-energize himself and/or generate quick cash for his company.

In addition to his toy company, the guy still owns the rights to all the old Eclipse characters (except maybe not Miracleman) and I don't believe he's done anything with those properties yet.

McFarlane needs to hook up with a good writer (like he's done in the past) who will provide new blood and/or perspective.

I agree with the Byrne comparison, at least to some extent. Both took on iconic, well-established characters and revamped them, making them wildly popular again (Mcf-Spidey, Byrne-Superman, FF). But I think Mcfarlane ultimately did more for the industry by striking out on his own and creating a new company in Image Comics and allowing the creators of a property to take home more of the profits. It's true that Spawn started off on fire and has sort of devolved into a mess, and I know next to nothing about Haunt, and am not all that interested. I do agree that he has tended to stay fairly close to the things that "made" his name, though, and it would be interesting to see him take on something really different.