Spawn Toys - article by Whimsical Wire Articles

Spawn Toys

The comic book series of Spawn has captivated its fans for many years. It is a dark, menacing world that has also produced an animated television series and a movie. Dedicated followers of the stories also like to collect the vast amount of merchandise available. The first Spawn toys and action figures went on sale in 1994 under license form McFarlane Toys.

The story tells the tale of a former CIA agent called Al Simmons who discovers the corrupt practices of his boss, only to be murdered by him. Simmons is dispatched to hell but makes a deal for his soul as he misses his wife so much. He returns to the land of the living as hellspawn.

Spawn was the brainchild of cartoonist Todd McFarlane, who had made his reputation on Spider-Man comics. He also went on to form the manufacturing company whose first creations were the Spawn toys. This gives McFarlane creative control and his products set a new standard in toy production. They are more detailed than competitors and meticulous in both the sculpting and painting.

The range soon became collector's items and fans were delighted with the comic that came with each character. The first series of products was launched with Medieval Spawn in Blue Armor and Nectoplasm Spawn in translucent, green material. They were accompanied by the villains, Tremor, a Gold Clown, a Gold Violator and Overtkill. The versatile range includes many series, including Dark Ages, The Viking Age, Mutations, Regenerated, Evolutions and Other Worlds Spawn toys.

A live action movie version was released in 1997 and Todd McFarlane was involved in the story. It starred Michael Jai White as Spawn and John Leguizamo as Clown/Violator. There is an action figure set that depicts the graveyard scene from the movie with Spawn and Clown.

New products keep the fans happy and McFarlane has announced launch dates for retail and online outlets for 2007. Summer sees a one off, limited edition vinyl doll, which has been developed by a Japanese toy company under license. There are various Spawn toys promised in the fall, including themes such as Manga, Samurai, Pirate and the ever popular Necroplasm.

The TV series, which ran from 1997 - 1999 is said to return in 2007 with Keith David voicing Spawn once again. The original series won an Emmy award and its animation was widely praised. Fans will be hoping for more Spawn toys as a result of its return.

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