A.V. Pull List: Why everyone should be reading Spawn

Let’s talk about Spawn for a second. It’s not just any comic; it’s one of the best deals in the entire industry. While Marvel and DC have been steadily hiking their prices, Todd McFarlane’s Spawn has held the line at an almost absurd $2.99 per issue. And it’s not like this book is cutting corners to hit that price, either. It’s packed with quality from cover to cover, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice either your paycheck or the integrity of a good comic.

Marvel and DC’s typical books start at around $4.99, and if you want a fancy cardstock cover with all the bells and whistles, expect to pay $5.99 or even $6.99. That’s right, nearly double the price of a Spawn comic. You’d think that with all that extra cash, the quality would be stellar. But no, Marvel and DC are giving us thin, flimsy paper and, sometimes, lackluster art. This is especially noticeable in the Star Wars titles. Every time I pick one up, I’m honestly surprised at how subpar the artwork can be, with paper quality so thin it’s like they’re daring you to rip it by just turning the page.

Of course, Marvel and DC are locked into pleasing their stockholder overlords and maximizing profits at any cost, which apparently includes cutting corners on quality while ramping up prices. But McFarlane? He and Image Comics are busy pleasing fans, and that’s clear from every $2.99 issue of Spawn. He’s in this to build a loyal fanbase, and he’s said before that he’d rather have more people reading his work at a lower price point than just a few people paying premium prices. Imagine that, an artist who prioritizes accessibility and doesn’t just treat his readers like an ATM. It’s revolutionary in today’s profit-driven market.

And it’s not just Spawn. Many Image Comics titles are priced at $3.99, like Transformers, G.I. Joe, Void Rivals, Rook Exodus, and Hyde Street, some of my absolute monthly favorites. Being an Image fan means not breaking the bank and getting true quality in return. There’s no need to blow your budget to enjoy great comics, and Spawn shows exactly how it’s done. Spawn is the cheapest comic in the industry. $2.99 and printed on cardstock! That’s a rare gem, and every comic fan should be adding Spawn to their pull list, if only to support a creator who actually values his readers.

So, consider this your official heads-up. Go support McFarlane and Image. Add Spawn to your pull list, and show the comic industry that quality and fair pricing matter. Marvel and DC may have the more popular brands, but Spawn is bringing the value, and that’s something worth voting for with your dollars.

-Brad McBoom