The Life and Death of the Image Universe
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- Опубликовано: 14 май 2024
- In 1992, seven of Marvel's best-selling artists left to form a brand new company. Image Comics offered comic book fans a brand new shared universe, headlined by heroes such as Spawn, Youngblood, Savage Dragon, and WildC.A.T.s. Now, 30 years later, Josh from Panels to Pixels takes a look at the life and death of the Image Comics Universe.
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0:00 Intro
1:31 Part One: Life
5:56 Part Two: Death
11:09 Final Thoughts
13:14 Outro
#ImageComics #Spawn #PanelstoPixels
Special thanks to Matt Draper, Doug from For Every Kind of Geek, and Evan from Luck Stat, for lending their voices to this video. Check out their channels at the links below!
Matt Draper: / mattdraper
For Every Kind of Geek: / foreverykindofgeek
Luck Stat: / @luckstat 
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NGL, this is my first video that I’ve seen from you, and it did not disappoint. You have earned yourself a new subscriber.
Ah, thanks so much. Welcome to the party!
i love that invincible sort of became the self-contained image universe. sure other series continued like spawn, the nobles and savage dragon. but the over-arching story was contained to invincible because it appealed to the most people. so while it didn't save the image universe, it definitely ressussitated it.
The Massive-Verse is doing something similar, what with Medieval Spawn appearing briefly in Supermassive #2.
Bro, walking dead really held image around
@@ea4878 yeah, financially. I'm talking about their shared-superhero universe bro.
McFarlane actually made a good point: Something I've noticed particularly with Batman comics is that even though they take place in the larger DC setting they tend to behave as if they're set in their own little independent universe. Seriously, stuff goes down in Gotham that should absolutely get the other heroes involved, with alarming frequency. You can't tell me guys like Superman or Flash wouldn't intervene if an insane clown turned an entire major city into a lawless war zone ruled over by gangsters and super villains, with just a handful of non-powered vigilantes there to do anything about it. That basically requires them to allow innocents to suffer just for the sake of staying off Batman's turf. But they _have_ to leave Gotham to Batman and his supporting heroes because that's the whole point of Batman comics.
That's just DC doing a bad job maintaining a believable shared universe. It's not some flaw intrinsic to shared universes.
Besides, I'm pretty sure the headcanon for that kind of stuff is always that the other heroes are 'too busy elsewhere' in those moments-presumably with the stuff that is going on in their own comic issue from that month.
Erik Larsen continues to be the only Image founder that writes, pencils, inks and consistently publishes his titular character, Savage Dragon. His ideas and artwork may not be everyone's cup of tea, but you have to respect that level of hard work and commitment to his creation.
His run on Spider-Man was exquisite. I liked him even more than Todd. However, his work on Savage Dragon started getting sloppy.
I never read a Savage Dragon comic, but I did watch the animated series that aired on USA back in the 90s as a child. I definitely respect his commitment to his character.
Savage dragon is incredible, but he NEEDS to release a compendium. Trying to find the original comics is a nightmare.
@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 😁They're in my closet, in a shoe box.
He's lazy and one note is all
I was 12 years old when Image hit and I was all in on the Image Universe. I loved that era.
You, my good sir, are a veteran.
4 years before I was born I was born in 1996 company was founded in 1992 I get a lot of company was founded though but that's also part of the reason why characters enter and leave this universe left and right hell the TMNT used to be part of it
Damn i read all Chaos Comics stuff These even made sense when Lady Death appears in evil Ernie, hellwitch, purgatory..... top cow was also good in These like Angela making a Single Comic after appear as a Villain in the Darkness These where designed to fit together also witchblade. And all was gone after a huge funny Banger that really was funny🤣🙈overkill! witchblade, the darkness vs Alien and Predator. This actually where even my last Comics, even today i sometimes retrieve them out of the deep Storage and read them carefully.
I honestly think if the creators would have come back, tie up lose ends, and keep going, they would have rival DC and marvel comics and even make movies. After seeing invincible on Amazon, I strongly believe image can make a combat. Just imagine Marvel, DC, and image going at it. History would be made
Bro, a movie about Pitt or Ripclaw would be bad to the azz......
@@iceonthesun8880 dudde there's more characters than them😂😂. Spawn, supreme, glory, savage dragon etc. I mean you forgot about them
@@KingWolf101 I didn't feel like listing them all. I loved Spawn until it went off the deep end.
@@iceonthesun8880 well you listed the wrong ones first time
@@KingWolf101 the wrong ones, lol. It's subjective. And my favorite 3 are Spawn, Pitt, and Cyber Force. I didn't even care that much for Savage Dragon or the MAXX. Wild C.A.T.s and Strike Force were cool to a lesser extent, as was BadRock and the YoungBloods. But, those first 30 issues of Spawn are some of my favorite comics ever.
Also the problem that exists with creator owned is that they lack editors to push artists and writers to put out work on time, image had infinite issues with keeping things together, they needed a Jim shooter to kick them into gear
I completely agree. "Total creative freedom" sounds good on paper, but the truth is that most writers and artists need a solid editor to keep their storytelling tight and concise, and to keep them producing on schedule. Most of those early Image titles were a disaster in terms of storytelling, readability, and meeting deadlines. I'm a fan of all those first Image creators; I look back on the excitement of that era with a lot of nostalgia. But the fact is, Image Comics also helped usher in the mid 90's comic market crash.
With Radiant Black expanding into its own universe, part of me wonders if the creators plan on crossing over with any other Image heroes, and I’m honestly conflicted on if I want that or not.
Savage Dragon's son made a background cameo on a TV but that's probably a inuniverse show or movie and the rest of image are like an MCU type inuniverse movie universe
Personally a Radiant Black/Invincible one-shot would be really cool. Not as anything completely canon but seeing them interact or fight would be potentially awesome.
I noticed when a purchased a haul of Image comics four years ago, it was clear to me (after reading the books) that the Image universe was disjointed. Todd was doing his own thing and Spawn seemed way different to Youngblood and Wildcats as far as trying to maintain that overall universe common look. Savage Dragon also seemed like another universe altogether as well. The art was slick and storyline was interesting but all titles seemed to be in its own bubble.
Well of course it is. Image literally prides itself on creator owned comics , meaning the creator owns all rights to their character(s).
Gen 13 is probably my favourite thing to come out of the Image Universe.
Spawn was the first comic I read way back in the early mid 90s. My parents never managed or cared to get them in order so I'd have issue 5 issue 10 and a bunch of other random issues and I never knew what was going on. Then the marvel x men cartoon came out and I traded all my spawn, and poggs for the x men trading cards, and loved pulling a card out whenever that character was on screen. Pre Internet was a wild time for comics. There was no online, my town didn't even have a comic shop
To me, seeing Youngblood & Spawn, Medieval Spawn & Witchblade and The Darkness& Witchblade crossovers always excited me as much as Marvel/ DC ones! Love the artwork, the action and fun they offered! It'll be an era I'll never tire from!❤
I do vaguely remember that from interview with Comic Tropes, Robert Kirkman said that Erik Larsen likes it when crossover has not much rhyme or reason and it just, happens because creators wanted to make it happen lol (it's about Battle Pope and Savage Dragon cameo, I think?). but if that's the case, I guess it's harder to manifest Image Universe as exited in 90s because probably no creators feel that close or get along anymore, or something. also they're in completely different place in the industry.
I read a lot of them for a decade. Still collect Savage Dragon (2 long boxes, spin offs included), and went out of my way to reacquire stuff like Pitt, Wildstar, Trencher and Cyber Force. I lament my lost Spawn and Maxx collections, and the early issues of Invincible I had simply by extension of being a Savage Dragon reader. I remember digging Wetworks, Grifter, Gen-13, Weapon Zero and Prophet for awhile too.
As someone who bought "IMAGE UNITED" (the shared Image universe crossover event featuring Spawn, Youngblood, Savage Dragon, Shadowhawk, etc, with ALL the major artists contributing) and bought issues # 0, 1, 2 and 3 of Image United, I was VERY confused as to why issues # 4, 5, and 6 were so late (Spoiler: issues # 4, 5, and 6 NEVER came out). I was pretty angry when I found out that issues 4, 5 and 6 were never coming out because of a bunch of behind the scenes bullcrap drama.
Absolutely loved this video, dude. This is a really complex and strange story, told so well by you. And that shirt. Unbelieveable!
I've always liked the idea of taking the founding core characters from Image Spawn etc and doing an Ultimates style reboot.
Great videos man! Every one too! I'm a 90's kid and its everything I want in a RUclips video, great topics, great editing, and an awesome host. Thanks man!
*Sees "Life" in relation to the Image Universe*: Oh no.
*Sees "Death" in relation to the Image Universe*: Oh yay!
Great work as always Josh, the way invinsible tackled the share-universe in image was really cool, even tho didnt last that long or was very relevant in the story
I didn't know Rex Salazar was image comics
just watched this video now and I back every word on it. Spot on.
Discovered this channel from this video. So good to see such a fine well produced content and also have such a cute presenter for said content too. Great work, Josh! Also, wink wink.
Another excellent upload. Can't wait to see the rest if this years Image-based content!
Thanks!
I also really liked Wetworks, Pitt and the Maxx.
Loved Image, bought the first Spawn, Savage Dragon, Pitt etc.
Well done video, dude👍
Great content bruh keep it up just earned yourself a subscriber!
That seamless book spinning shot is just... chefs kiss! Love the topics you always cover on here
Thanks Nick! Getting the timing right on that spinning shot was a huge pain in the butt.
My introduction to Image was when i was 13 and I picked up the first issue of each Brigade/Bloodstrike crossover that kicked off the first, I think 10 books for each team. It was brutal and beautiful. I was also a huge Savage Dragon fan.
no wonder ive always been such an image fanboy. it was all new. it never felt like i was missing out. theyre still some of my all-time favorite characters/books.
I was working in a comic book shop during the Spawn comics height of popularity..it was dope.
A great detailed watch as usual.
Thanks
Wildstar!!! This video helped me remember that old school Image book. Man, I loved Image comics.
the ending was great! The Tombstone and then you dropping down the flowers! Lol!
Also a 90's Image Superfan (particularly, Jim Lee). Appreciated this video, well done!
This was a great and informative video. I love your channel. Keep up the great work here.
Thanks so much!
Awesome work, Josh. I only wish this was longer!
Thanks. Don’t tempt me. 😩
That what she said
Love the music in this.
This channel is so very good!!
My favorite Image books were Pitt,Darkness,Weapon Zero.
Hmm... Image slipped passed me in the 90's - Think I'll check them out.
Many thanks, Josh.
Stay well, my Dude. :)
10:50 You forgot my favorite one DISCO SPAWN
Wow. Mind blown! Did not know that. Great vid! I’m a 90s kid too.
Loving the presentation
Nice work Josh. Great video. Since you love to cover 90's comics, would you mind cover the history of Valiant Comics (from its inception, the Unity crossover, Jim Shooter's exit and everything after Acclaim bought the company). It could take 2 or many videos to cover the whole story. Anyway, I will be waiting for your next video.
One of my first Image Comics publications was Brandon Graham and Simon Roy's Prophet run, and OH MY GOD is the Imageverse important to that series. I missed out on so many references and character backgrounds/mentions due to my unfamiliarity with the shared universe. It was still a phenomenal read, and I cant wait to revisit it once I have my bearings.
The seven studios should have made independent universes at the very start with an annual collabs/crossovers.
“It is what it is” is a good quote for this situation.
I loved image comics and still do, they had some of the best characters.
Great analysis man on image comics especially the rise and fall of this once potential comic universe.
Very informative with almost everything in a nutshell video. My personal opinion is that their egos also played a big part of their demise of that particular universe.
I was waiting for a video on the image universe. It’s something that should be acknowledged more than a half baked Wikipedia page.
Awesome video
I loved this video. I've never read any of the 90s image comics. My only knowledge of Image is a bit of The Walking Dead that I've read and the first couple of trades from Invincible. I just bought the first Spawn Compendium for a great price because of this video! Also, quick question. Would you ever make a video going over your comic shelf in the background? I'd love to see what you have in that collection!
Nice! Those Spawn compendiums are the best deal in comics, IMO. So much bang for your buck. Shelf tour is a good idea, I’ll see what I can do. Thanks!
Great video. Image rocks.
Awesome, thanks Josh. I'd still like to read Prophet and Cable, but it's a want not a need.
Great video essay!! Can't wait to see the Milestone video! 😊
There was a lot of great comics in Image Comics. I have so many of them. Funny thing is Spawn is still going strong. Even if Todd Mcfarlane doesn't draw. But it's well over 300+ Issues.
Sick breakdown of image! That whole era of 90s independent comics has always been a black hole in my brain. And all the shoulder spikes and super grittiness isn’t my thing but I enjoyed hearing about the creation of and ideals of image
Your RUclips channel rocks
Thank you! I appreciate that.
This was a good video. I still miss The MAXX.
good video. i understand the community post now
Hearing Matt Draper narrate was awesome. One of my favorite RUclipsrs speaking for McFarlane was pretty sweet
Haha, I always get MD to do McFarlane quotes because I know how much he hates Spawn. 😈
@@PanelstoPixels that's pretty hilarious actually. Shows how cool he is to go along with a joke like that
I got all the early Pitt and Gen 13 stuff, i really liked some of image's stuff
I loved image comics, in the beginning. One thing I didn't know. That top cow was with them, learned a lot. 👍👾
Idk how they thought they could call this a connected universe when Erik Larson was the only one really writing a story that had any meat on the bone.
Awesome work mate wish your videos were much longer but hey can't be picky! Image as a company that functions so left field compared to Marvel and DC that after 30 years and still going strong just proves why those amazing artists left the big two firms in the first place. I don't think we will ever get that kind of hype in comics like it did in the 90s, it may of been over the top but it sure produced some amazing art and style that even today artists are trying to replicate it. Can't wait for the next video looking forward to it!
Wait, Topcow has an interconnected universe of Magdalena, Necromancer, Witchblade, The Darkness and Angelus. They even were connected to Michael Turner's Fathom and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider when they liscenced/owned the books.
another banger🔥🔥
Thanks!
I feel like in order for a shared universe of comics to work is for all creators who want to be involved to sign a contract to ensure the shared universe is in effect. Once the contract is up or about to expire, you can either renew or write comic writing other characters from outside one's comic out of the picture. While crossing over with others, one writer should have the writer of who they're crossing over as a consultant to ensure the story is good and up to both sides' standards. I think there should be a fine print where every crossover they do even ones with another series having an important role should remain canon with both ends. So any film adaptation or TV show should have everything the comics did. Basically to prevent continuity issues and confusion like in the Spawn movie.
This is how I believe a shared universe of independent comics could work.
Will you do one on the Life and Death of the Valiant Universe?
The company was also huge in the 90s. Then the bubble popped and many tried to sell off their Valiant comics.
I'd love to see a shared or Multiverse crossover of Image properties (Invincible, Spawn, Savage Dragon, The Walking Dead, The Darkness, Radiant Black, The Old Guard, exc.).
would love a video on invincible/ invincible's universe
Love that Matt Draper voiceover 👌
He's the best in the biz.
In trying to gain the rights to their own characters and be able to do whatever they wanted with said characters in a shared universe, they kind of proved why companies like Marvel and DC have to own the rights to every character in their shared universe.
I like the idea of more movies, shows, and animated projects centered around the 90s image characters; and under a studio banner similar to Marvel or DC Studios, but they dont have to connect. I just want more.
I was today's years old when I found out that Image Comics was supposed to be a shared universe.
Where does Franki Miller and his departure from marvel fit in? I would love to see a video about that.
remember the time they switched up creators and characters? me neither, except for jim lee's take on savage dragon, which looked amazing!
McFarlane and Silvestri trading places on Spawn/Cyber Force was the highlight for me. I'd recommend those issues.
Larsen said after Liefeld's leaving that regardless the characters had shown up in Dragon's comics.
Also - you forgot Maes Attacks the Image Universe (and Savage Deagon) which tried to clean up the mess of Liefeld leaving by having Youngblood become a casualty of that attack.
Also: where the vid about Larsen being the longest running writer-artist in western comics? (Gerhard already joined Sim on #65 of Cerebus.)
And this is exactly why the DC and Marvel universes have lasted for nearly a century, while the Image and Ultimate universes imploded on themselves.
Could you do something on continuity comics
I think (IMAGE Comics) company deserves to have a shot at having their stories made into cartoon shows, and have their own network to show them on.
Well spawn did get a cartoon show. And witch made I think got a movie and an anime. The movie sucked
Image TV
holy FUCK why this video so good?
Are you going to do a video on Malibu comics second attempt at a new superhero universe, except taping the top artist, they tapped the upcoming writers known as The Ultraverse?
The most amazing thing about this video is that shirt 👀
I always felt it was cool to see other big names pop up in the books i collected but never felt like i HAD to follow every story. If Fairchild from GEN13 popped up in witchblade, cool. But i didnt have to suddenly go buy both titles to catch up.
The Gaiman verses McFarlane fight over Spawn characters was Epic!! 😜🤘🏻🤣
I plan on working for image in thr future, and ill bring it back to life bigger than ever.
Imagine comics needs an animated cinematic universe
How would that work when every character is creator owned
I REALLY LIKE THAT ERIK LARSEN EXPLANATION.
I'd prefer they don't cross over.
I'm a completionist so if I'm reading Spawn and all of a sudden Bedrock is just there helping out all of a sudden to return a favour that took place in a comic I never read that apparently took place since the last issue, I find that incredibly irritating rather than exciting.
Jokes on you
I was all in on Image comics when they started, and collected almost every book from 1992 to about 1997 when life just overtook me and I had to stop comic collecting (I luckily restarted around 2012). To this day I still remember how amazing it was while it lasted, just amazing stuff, so much better than what Marvel and DC were doing at the time.
I dreamed of Cybrid meeting Spawn!!!
after tjet closed what happened to spawn and etc? selling to other like marvel or dc comics?
As someone who loved Image, the late issues and varying quality of writing, art and even the pages themselves, you knew when you’re favorite issue would be delivered, worst of these was Wetworks, an amazing writer BRANDON Choi, the paper was high quality, but you stop caring about all that when you haven’t seen an issue in four months. Savage Dragon and Spawn were the only regular shippers, so that’s the ones I read the most
Ah, if only more execs/writers shared McFarlane's linenof thinking 😢
only spawn interested me from the image line up , er was supreme from these guys too ? i checked a few issues of that out also
This video really captures the excitement and subsequent disappointment that Image generated with their crossovers! Really well done!
I vaguely recall that the Savage Dragon and WildCATS cartoons crossed over. I'm not certain they did, but if so, any thoughts on that?
Also, the toybox... It didn't have any pouches? Or belts? or belts with pouches? Or pouches with belts?😂
I know that Savage Dragon and Wild C.A.T.S. crossed over in the comics. Erik Larson's take was pretty funny because he kept using *acronyms* throughout the issue 8-P