The Jordan Harbinger Show Todd McFarlane | Reinventing Spider-Man and Spawning an Empire
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Jun 4, 2024 
Todd McFarlane, the visionary behind Spawn and co-founder of Image Comics, dives into his groundbreaking journey in the comic book industry. He shares the challenges he faced while reinventing Spider-Man and creating Venom at Marvel, as well as his innovative strategies for negotiating better deals. McFarlane emphasizes the importance of quality and creativity in both comics and toys, revealing insights on his successful toy company that caters to overlooked audiences. His story is an inspiring testament to challenging the status quo and pursuing artistic integrity.
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Spider-Man Redesign
- Todd McFarlane reinvented Spider-Man by emphasizing the "spider" aspect, changing the webbing, and adding more black to the costume.
- Despite resistance from Marvel, McFarlane's changes led to increased sales, proving the value of challenging the status quo.
Venom's Creation
- McFarlane created Venom because he refused to draw Spider-Man in the black costume, proposing a new character to take it.
- This "happy billion dollar accident" highlights the unexpected benefits of standing by one's creative vision.
Originality over Imitation
- Don't blindly imitate successful predecessors; strive for originality to differentiate yourself in competitive fields.
- Avoid being a "great Norman Rockwell imitator"; forge your own path and establish your own identity.
