Spider-Man to Spawn, How Todd McFarlane Became the Biggest Comic Book Artist Ever | Blueprint

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  • Опубликовано: 23 июл 2017
  • Todd McFarlane opens up about his career as a comic book artist that includes making Spider-Man cooler and creating the Spawn character. He also shares his blueprint to launching Image Comics and McFarlane Toys.
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Комментарии • 2,5 тыс.

  • @MrMcMillan912
    @MrMcMillan912 5 лет назад +1001

    The knowledge he’s giving away can apply to anything you passionately want to do.. love it

    • @EnCrypticon23x
      @EnCrypticon23x 5 лет назад +19

      I was thinking the exact thing through the whole video. His knowledge and wisdom is universal. This is definitely a video anyone and everyone should see to get inspired.

    • @ajshim
      @ajshim 4 года назад +13

      Absolutely. The skills & habits of success are universal. Regardless of the field of work.

    • @yucatansuckaman5726
      @yucatansuckaman5726 4 года назад +7

      Definitely... I know what I need to do.

    • @MrLCGO
      @MrLCGO 4 года назад +8

      To paraphrase him: "People who look at how to become rich are just reverse engineering the process. Just do what you love and work from there".

    • @TonyReznik
      @TonyReznik 2 года назад +1

      Exactly, very useful tbh

  • @kalkella8822
    @kalkella8822 5 лет назад +842

    Marvel: don't make his eyes big, don't make his suit so dark, and stop the spaghetti webbing.
    Those are literally the top 3 things I remember about Spidey from the comics as a young child.

    • @AllenFreemanMediaGuru
      @AllenFreemanMediaGuru 4 года назад +33

      kal kella I think I know the secret. The editors move up the ladder to become editors from non-creative jobs sometimes. They don’t know art. But all of a sudden they are in charge of it. Big mistake.

    • @gabbar51ngh
      @gabbar51ngh 4 года назад +8

      They never realy gave writers and artists much.

    • @livingthedream0527
      @livingthedream0527 4 года назад +12

      Funnily enough my favourite art style of Spidey too.

    • @ajshim
      @ajshim 4 года назад +2

      As well as what Asian comics do now when they draw Spiderman.

    • @davidgn40
      @davidgn40 4 года назад +6

      @Joe Dick ok clown

  • @NAGLEWORKS
    @NAGLEWORKS 5 лет назад +310

    I worked with Todd on action figures back almost 20 years now .he paid very well and on time .great time in my life .THANKS TODD MC .my name is SHAWN NAGLE

    • @Lighting-ee9pf
      @Lighting-ee9pf 5 лет назад +13

      Congratulations Sean that truly is a blessing in a nice success story to work with a creator of such magnitude. No Doubt for him to work with you. means that most definitely contribute something of Value & worth to him. thumbs up 4 sharing that with us in the comment section.

    • @Allergic2StupidAchoo
      @Allergic2StupidAchoo 4 года назад +29

      No one remembers how crap action figures were before Todd came along. He legit revolutionized the whole industry. Crazy thing is, all the old guard condescended him and told him what he was trying to do could never happened, so he said screw it and started his own company. Flash forward to now and McFarlane Toys is still one of the most respected names in the industry.

    • @tylersegelstrom7459
      @tylersegelstrom7459 4 года назад

      @@Allergic2StupidAchoo 11dw1

    • @mygumshurt5193
      @mygumshurt5193 4 года назад +3

      I NEED a spawn figure

    • @rg5951
      @rg5951 4 года назад +3

      @@mygumshurt5193 buy one online lol

  • @20sNup
    @20sNup 5 лет назад +104

    The creative adult is the child who survived.... 😢

    • @ffejpsycho
      @ffejpsycho 4 года назад

      Got news for ya...
      No child survives growing up... thank god

    • @Revan-eb1wb
      @Revan-eb1wb 4 года назад +5

      cringe

  • @alpal3158
    @alpal3158 5 лет назад +438

    “Your business is selling comic books” someone tell modern Marvel editors.

    • @johnvillarin7410
      @johnvillarin7410 5 лет назад +35

      Yes and also tell the new Star Wars trilogy heads....

    • @miguelitoantonio1950
      @miguelitoantonio1950 4 года назад +13

      Sometimes giants need to die off so new life can emerge from their rotting corpse.

    • @xabierperez
      @xabierperez 4 года назад +6

      My theory? In 2024 Marvel goes bankrupt.

    • @ajshim
      @ajshim 4 года назад

      It wouldn't go through their heads.

    • @nunyabizwacks6711
      @nunyabizwacks6711 4 года назад +5

      @Guld thats a damn good point. Its just like watching netflix. Ultimately you spend more time browsing than you do watching, and part of the time end up watching nothing. Comics are the best they have ever been right now, but there is so much to choose from its hard to get a focus on what you really want to read, especially if youve been outta the game for a couple decades

  • @varsett1046
    @varsett1046 5 лет назад +330

    Shout-out to the interviewer for actually seeming to know his stuff when it comes to Comic Books/Comic Art as a whole. Props.

    • @andrewreeves1250
      @andrewreeves1250 4 года назад +8

      Grae seriously, he looks like a male Rogue too! 🔥💀

    • @guilhermeferraz9954
      @guilhermeferraz9954 3 года назад +8

      Yeah, it makes me mad when the interviewer knows nothing about the people he's interviewing

    • @Heat3YT2
      @Heat3YT2 Год назад +3

      Yes. He was very prepared. Great interview!

  • @soundgods9875
    @soundgods9875 4 года назад +645

    i swear this guy is a legend... i would like to see Christian Bale play him in a movie

    • @DanielForrest
      @DanielForrest 4 года назад +23

      I always thought Bale would play him good too

    • @landyalmond7742
      @landyalmond7742 4 года назад +33

      Damn man...He would be perfect. Now that I think about it...Bale is probably the only actor, at this point in time, that could pull it off. Because we know Todd has such a personality....so open and animated, with such a flow when he is speaking...it would take a strong talent to pull it off.

    • @alexanderhoffmann944
      @alexanderhoffmann944 4 года назад +10

      OOOOOrrr John Turtutto...

    • @JONNYSORENSEN_AU
      @JONNYSORENSEN_AU 4 года назад +17

      Fuck that. McFarlane can play McFarlane

    • @Revan-eb1wb
      @Revan-eb1wb 4 года назад +1

      Bale just needs to learn to write with his left hand then ^^

  • @JaxBlade
    @JaxBlade 4 года назад +196

    19:49 Another reason I have the utmost respect for him, his realness, A lot of people have those thoughts & try to skirt around the question & act like they are so morally above others like they never once have those thoughts etc but he's open and honest about it. Got nothin but respect for that.

    • @Neyonius
      @Neyonius 3 года назад +15

      And that was years back, imagine how strongly he feels about what's going on now with all the light being shed on organized pedophiles rings.
      Nothing but respect for Todd, got my first issues of Spawn from a yard sale at 10. Been a lifelong fan ever since.
      Big fan of yours too.

    • @MerlinTheCommenter
      @MerlinTheCommenter 3 года назад +2

      @@Neyonius big fan from way back when, love to see genuine people expressing themselves

    • @jadentorres4878
      @jadentorres4878 3 года назад +1

      What's popping Jax!

  • @jaredholt4582
    @jaredholt4582 3 года назад +32

    He’s mastered that “Thanos Snap”

  • @KevinHines
    @KevinHines 4 года назад +111

    This video inspired me beyond belief. Todd is a personal hero of mine. I have almost every issue of SPAWN! When I lived in half way homes for the mentally ill, while living off of social security, I had to sell all of my McFarlane action figures. It was heartbreaking. His art, impact, and drive has given me so much passion to have a great work ethic myself. I went from halfway homes living off of 3 dollars a day to being the most successful global speaker in the brain and mental health fields. Thank you for making this video it totally made my day. His story is incredible and I’m incredibly grateful for his inspiration, and your creation of this vid.

    • @Ustaleone
      @Ustaleone 10 месяцев назад +1

      very nice. if I were you I would buy back everything that I sold! If you got the money for it of course.

  • @rene-pedersen-music
    @rene-pedersen-music 4 года назад +61

    This guy is not being egotistic, he's a genius and he's telling you how and why! AND he makes it exciting at the same time. Respect Todd, love Spawn.

  • @mattyy2009
    @mattyy2009 5 лет назад +162

    I wish he would be more self-appreciating, he doesn’t seem to realise the impact he’s had over all these years. It may be simple ideas that he came up with but they were ideas people didn’t have or were too afraid to bring to life. He left the biggest comics franchise and stood toe to toe with them, giving chances to kids who probably never would’ve been paid to draw had it not been for him. The dude was revolutionary.

    • @natestarz7109
      @natestarz7109 5 лет назад +18

      I like that about him though. He could be very pretentious and have a big ego but doesn't. Makes him more likeable.

    • @viral_vile
      @viral_vile 5 лет назад +18

      No he’s humble just the way he should be

    • @liberispuritatem
      @liberispuritatem 5 лет назад +4

      He literally said "I'm still one of the better artists of my company". That seems pretti self-appreciating to me.

    • @reaver138
      @reaver138 5 лет назад +5

      @@liberispuritatem It's not his own art that he doesn't appreciate, he thinks his style and ideas aren't that extraordinary. To him, everything he has ever done was just common sense and not something profound. So emphasizing the more insect-like (Spider's aren't insects, I know) appearance of Spider-Man or making Mary Jane resemble someone like Pamela Anderson to him was a no brainer.

    • @StevesSwift
      @StevesSwift 5 лет назад +7

      I just think he’s really honest. He knows how big he is and what he’s worth, but at the same time doesn’t understand why anyone before him couldn’t have improved their work to match his.

  • @Marcus-ru1ht
    @Marcus-ru1ht 5 лет назад +531

    The wolf of Comic Street.

    • @jjlatinopedia
      @jjlatinopedia 5 лет назад +42

      He doesnt dip his nose in coke, he dips his pen in ink!

    • @lonewolf3314
      @lonewolf3314 5 лет назад +11

      Joshua Jung just simple fact wolf of wall street was made because it was everything about money drugs sex here they will not make a biography movie since this guy is all about moral hard work and finally after many years of patience his resilience pays off.

    • @ryanlinn5437
      @ryanlinn5437 5 лет назад +1

      @@lonewolf3314 i have the utmost respect for this. With that being said, i think its naive to assume that he never dabbled with drugs. Im not saying for sure he has, i obviously dont know, but i think it would be a fair assumption. Lol.

    • @lonewolf3314
      @lonewolf3314 5 лет назад

      Ryan Linn i dont know but at least even if he did it did not affect his life.

    • @lonewolf3314
      @lonewolf3314 5 лет назад

      Bek Coddington did he steal that style of drawing as well?

  • @ImDougDimmadome
    @ImDougDimmadome 6 лет назад +224

    This is lowkey better than Sneaker Shoopping, Complex Life, and Hot Ones

    • @nickmclean8043
      @nickmclean8043 6 лет назад +2

      The Peoples Elbow lol fuck yeah

    • @sonicx1298
      @sonicx1298 6 лет назад +5

      The Peoples Elbow nigga high key this and that logic interview w/ the science guy was pretty cool too.

    • @ricosalvaje8131
      @ricosalvaje8131 6 лет назад +1

      The Peoples Elbow your right it is. These are guys top of there fails explaining how they got there and teaching things

    • @lowlowseesee
      @lowlowseesee 6 лет назад +1

      high key haha

    • @sdprz7893
      @sdprz7893 5 лет назад +3

      HIGHKEY better than all of them combined

  • @SnakeFaceCobra
    @SnakeFaceCobra 4 года назад +90

    "If someone can't stop him from hurting the children, then me and another dad is gonna pay that guy a visit and stop him from hurting the children." Haha dude is awesome and it's why spawn was my all time favorite.

  • @pe1156
    @pe1156 2 года назад +47

    Everytime Todd does an interview, his passion jumps out so much and is great to see. He gives a great message here - don't ever let people tell you you can't do or achieve something.

  • @CinemaGuyTy
    @CinemaGuyTy 6 лет назад +573

    Honestly, this is the best Blueprint episode so far! He's dropping a lot of knowledge. I'm walking away with two pages worth of notes. I'm definitely adding this to my playlist.

    • @matthewsavoie1506
      @matthewsavoie1506 5 лет назад +19

      That was an amazing interview. I'm 38 and have been a Todd MacFarlane fan for 25 yrs...watching this has given me more insight and understanding of who he is, his business approach, and his thought processes than anything Ive ever seen before.

    • @captainathens1658
      @captainathens1658 5 лет назад

      iamtrmayesTV are you an aspiring comic book artist ?

    • @foxb5974
      @foxb5974 4 года назад +3

      I'm going to be a colorist

    • @foxb5974
      @foxb5974 4 года назад

      @Holy Hand Grenades I don't know man

    • @TheFutureLooksGrimm
      @TheFutureLooksGrimm 4 года назад +1

      Holy Hand Grenades Share your Evernotes people!

  • @jamesjhm1980
    @jamesjhm1980 6 лет назад +93

    “I’ll quit a free man” ...deep

    • @gmee123
      @gmee123 5 лет назад +6

      Man, that's something we should crave and desire for our lives!

    • @StevesSwift
      @StevesSwift 5 лет назад +4

      gmee123 Tomorrow is a good day to start that process.

    • @petew.7870
      @petew.7870 4 года назад +1

      A Salt Lamp #TODAY

  • @pgplaysvidya
    @pgplaysvidya 4 года назад +21

    11:43 omg that takes me back. Six of the best comic artists that ever existed and their friend Rob Liefeld

  • @mohammedhanif6780
    @mohammedhanif6780 4 года назад +62

    The interviewer crushed it! Best comics related youtube clip ever!

  • @busse_rl
    @busse_rl 6 лет назад +303

    im not even into comic books and i did not even know who this guy was, but this was very entertaining and is a good listen

    • @erickmontes1250
      @erickmontes1250 6 лет назад +7

      James Halliday his name is todd, fuckin hate when people mistake him for the godforsaken creator of family guy. his art is second to none and everyone should pickup his work.

    • @cosmokramer179
      @cosmokramer179 6 лет назад +7

      brian busse He's a great artist and writer. He's the one who revitalized Spider-Man and created Venom.

    • @21swords76
      @21swords76 6 лет назад

      watch the show.

    • @Greygoose391
      @Greygoose391 6 лет назад

      Super motivational. Great series by Complex and Noah kills it with those questions

    • @archvaldor
      @archvaldor 6 лет назад +2

      Me too. Very inspirational guy.

  • @LeGEndPAiNtBallER32
    @LeGEndPAiNtBallER32 6 лет назад +528

    Complex gets a W for today for this interview. Can't wait for the Spawn reboot!!!

    • @user-rb4cf5dy4p
      @user-rb4cf5dy4p 6 лет назад +4

      Spawn reboot?

    • @thirdmonkey
      @thirdmonkey 6 лет назад +7

      Toddy just got the green light for his Spawn movie, he's working with Blumhouse.

    • @researchbashio
      @researchbashio 6 лет назад +13

      Cody Henderson I wanted the animated series to come back

    • @nds20041
      @nds20041 6 лет назад +2

      nomia el winda I'm pretty sure with the reboot movie Todd will try to get the show going with it

    • @Modernart8
      @Modernart8 6 лет назад +2

      Raheam X would love to see Todd collaborate with Tarantino.

  • @carson21211
    @carson21211 4 года назад +17

    I wrote an essay back in 2006 on this guy. Legend. Spawn is the best comicbook character ever

  • @fuzinonzlot
    @fuzinonzlot 5 лет назад +147

    Great by the interviewer as he asked great questions, great by the interviewee as he gave great responses; great all around.
    I was literally stuck to the screen, and could be watching another 40 minutes of it _easily._

  • @RobertMarzullo
    @RobertMarzullo 6 лет назад +800

    Amazing interview. Watch this if you need to kick yourself in the pants about why you should be putting creativity FIRST!!

    • @rookyofficial
      @rookyofficial 6 лет назад +21

      Robert Marzullo Exactly! Success is a byproduct of creating something of value FIRST!

    • @difFamilyVlog
      @difFamilyVlog 6 лет назад +7

      So good!

    • @lowlowseesee
      @lowlowseesee 6 лет назад +10

      ive never ever had the problem of not putting the creativity first but im sure we all run into different problems on our personal missions.

    • @derekedwards7978
      @derekedwards7978 6 лет назад +3

      Robert Marzullo ABSOLUTELY 💯

    • @curtisbme
      @curtisbme 5 лет назад +6

      Actually what he repeated throughout was put deadlines first. Deliver what you said you are going to deliver when you said, consistently. But to do it for the love of creativity and let that be a lead over the financial aspects (but be sure to be strong there too).

  • @somewhatunderstandable4373
    @somewhatunderstandable4373 5 лет назад +189

    Im jealous of the freedom this guy has from corporations

    • @lowercase21
      @lowercase21 3 года назад +8

      I am too, but he deserves it he's a smart, honest, kind, hard working faithful family man if anyone deserves it its Todd.

    • @JR-ju3kj
      @JR-ju3kj 2 года назад

      You can have it,too if you become an entrepreneur.
      That's my goal,to start my own business and to be my own boss and work for no one but myself!
      And like Todd,I also want to start my own toy company!

    • @jamichealruiz8640
      @jamichealruiz8640 Год назад

      @@lowercase21 facts Todd mcfarlane is underrated 🔥

  • @danlopez3251
    @danlopez3251 2 года назад +4

    Todd is a very cool guy and good to me. I had a Comicbook store called Comic Town USA 🇺🇸 in Miami FL. He called me to Thank me for painting a SPAWN mural in my store that was in Hero illustrated. He even sent me 2 signed figures for me. Class act Love 💕 you Todd. He gave me inspiration to create and I even made my own comic book called SKEEMA sold through Diamond Distribution if it wasn't for him I don't Think I would have created that character or done my own book. Sadly my mom passed away and I fell into depression so only 1 book was released. Maybe one day I be able to finish the series and deliver the issues to the fans that were waiting for the next issue.

    • @osmanelmobarik
      @osmanelmobarik Год назад +1

      Sorry for your loss, I look forward to reading your work 🙏

  • @ME6ATURTLE
    @ME6ATURTLE 5 лет назад +15

    This man is the *definition* of *confidence.* He is truly an inspiration.

  • @xpanse
    @xpanse 6 лет назад +246

    I love Todd. He's always been a straight shooter

    • @RoyalKnightVIII
      @RoyalKnightVIII 5 лет назад +5

      Ashraf Ghori Well almost, ask Gaiman

    • @FangsFirst
      @FangsFirst 5 лет назад +1

      @@RoyalKnightVIII Or a variety of other people...

    • @RoyalKnightVIII
      @RoyalKnightVIII 5 лет назад

      @@FangsFirst XD I still like Todd in spite of it all but yeah he can be unfortunately petty

    • @FangsFirst
      @FangsFirst 5 лет назад +3

      @@RoyalKnightVIII Can't say I do. Never liked how he drew faces, at minimum. But Gaiman's far from the only person he was not only petty to, but lied to and about, cheated, and otherwise acted awful toward.
      Spaghetti webbing is great--but Michael Golden did it first, and Art Adams did it second, Todd just gets credit for it sometimes despite that, which is pretty well in keeping with his other business dealings, as already noted.

    • @RoyalKnightVIII
      @RoyalKnightVIII 5 лет назад

      @@FangsFirst damn, I still respect him for being part of the creation of image but yeah as a businessman he learned too well from Marvel

  • @jacobduncan958
    @jacobduncan958 6 лет назад +146

    This guy is like a combo between Michael Scott and Steve Jobs. So fascinating.

    • @skateboards5298
      @skateboards5298 6 лет назад +3

      no

    • @diegofortes5
      @diegofortes5 6 лет назад +3

      I saw Michael Scott too!
      He is a very talented artist and entrepreneur, but a little too much full of himself.

    • @JR-ju3kj
      @JR-ju3kj 5 лет назад +7

      Todd McFarlane has been that way for a long time now. As a big comic book fan, I was always aware that McFarlane has a massive ego(and anyone who isn`t a fan of comics and who has never heard of him before watching this interview can just hear and see the cockiness in him).
      But I never found that McFarlane`s arrogance reached the point where it was actually off-putting and repellent, like the arrogance and hubris of someone like Kanye West or Donald Trump or Gene Simmons(but I do know that just as McFarlane has his fans, he has his detractors and there are people who dislike him precisely because of his vanity).

    • @Marcus-ru1ht
      @Marcus-ru1ht 5 лет назад +3

      J R
      I get what you mean. Some people might be offended with the way he speaks. Well even if he is really cocky, its because he can hahaha. But I don't think he meant it that way. Like you said, its just the way he portrays himself. All the people I know that ever met him in person before, they all said he was super cool and nice. He seems super enjoyable to be around with, but intimidating at the same time lolol.

    • @goatnicholson
      @goatnicholson 5 лет назад +1

      or a dumbass. but i love todd.

  • @enokaaka1123
    @enokaaka1123 3 года назад +42

    41 minutes and every second was worth it. As a kid of the 90's that grew up collecting comics, this man has always been a legend. First time I ever got to see him speak. This might be one of my favorite interviews ever. Thank you for posting this.

  • @PyroNexus22
    @PyroNexus22 5 лет назад +27

    Todd McFarlane: "My goal in life is to outlast every one of my enemies."

    • @hulkbelowall9532
      @hulkbelowall9532 3 года назад +2

      he should have created Maestro alongside Peter David...he has the mindset

  • @JAYTHEARTIST2004
    @JAYTHEARTIST2004 5 лет назад +29

    I don't get it......
    How the hell can you dislike this video?
    The Man is pouring out his wisdom and knowledge, and people will spit on it.
    Good job sir thank you for your words of wisdom and knowledge.

    • @XxResident_PipsxX
      @XxResident_PipsxX 4 года назад +3

      Crabs in a bucket will pull the ones that are trying to get out back down.

  • @Enzoh685
    @Enzoh685 6 лет назад +267

    I really really enjoyed this interview. To those watching I recommend not skipping anything at all. That being said here are the time stamps so that you can go back for reference.
    *Part One: FOUNDATION **0:45*
    1.Find Your Passion 1:15
    2. Learn The Details 1:43
    3. Look For An Opening 2:09
    4. Be Persistent 2:52
    5. Make It Sexy 4:52
    6. Fight The Status Quo 5:02
    7. Know Your Weakness 6:00
    8. Hit Your Deadlines 6:36
    9. Entertain Yourself 7:59
    10. Make Business Serve Art 9:42
    *“I’m In business for one reason: to drive my art” **8:39*
    *“Come up with a good idea, do the thing you like, put it out there” **9:20*
    *Part Two: SECOND STORY **10:30*
    1. Know Your Value 11:32
    2. Watch Your Back 12:46
    3. Do The Math 13:37
    4. Empower The Artists 14:53
    5. Own Your Ideas 16:13
    6. Have A Sustainable Plan 16:49
    7. Create Stories You Don’t See 18:32
    *PART 3: RENOVATIONS **20:29*
    1. Find The White Space 22:12
    2. Demand Excellence 22:31
    3. Always Say Yes 28:28
    4. Diversify Your Brand 30:28
    5. Get Help When You Need It
    6. Learn From Pain 33:47
    7. Know Your Limits 33:34
    8. Finance Is Freedom 38:02
    9. Stay Immature 40:26
    *“Always spend your own money” **25:15*
    *"Time should teach you something” **33:57*
    SPAWN HBO Series 36:13
    *"Nirvana is: Finding The Space, Doing It Your Way, And It Works"* 38:20

    • @nickmclean8043
      @nickmclean8043 6 лет назад +7

      John Smith agreed he is giving so much amazing intel

    • @HowlingMoonCinemas
      @HowlingMoonCinemas 6 лет назад +2

      John Smith
      EXCELLENT! Thanks, man!

    • @sharstarg2414
      @sharstarg2414 6 лет назад +2

      John Smith Thank you

    • @manlikesally
      @manlikesally 6 лет назад +1

      You forgot 36:27 when says the new movie is coming

    • @theonlyansa
      @theonlyansa 6 лет назад +1

      John Smith thank you

  • @konghere
    @konghere Год назад +3

    I was a lost 22 yearold college kid when I stumbled on this interview. The two messages that stayed with me til this day are: be persistent and always say yes. These lessons have benefited me a lot in life. I am now 28, dont have it all figured out, but am happy to say I am doing better in life.

  • @sbongakhumalo1774
    @sbongakhumalo1774 4 года назад +10

    I love how the interviewer is asking the right questions

  • @adventurefilms
    @adventurefilms 5 лет назад +247

    The highlight of my "Art" major (no I never graduated), was a phone call from Todd McFarlane in early 1992, I had sent Todd a letter, (yes through the mail) to ask Todd if I could "re-draw a few of his images and use them in an art fair. While on the phone, he told me about a new character he was developing that was going to be a combination of Spider-man and Batman... that character was Spawn.
    It was a cool experience to talk with a Marvel comic book artist, and not any artist... it was Todd McFarlane!

    • @Josh-it6uy
      @Josh-it6uy 5 лет назад +12

      this didn't happen

    • @javimontana817
      @javimontana817 5 лет назад +8

      He said he drew spawn at 16 years old

    • @MichaelMyers-vj4wl
      @MichaelMyers-vj4wl 4 года назад +1

      This did not happen

    • @TheClassicWorld
      @TheClassicWorld 4 года назад +2

      I just watched Spawn today on DVD (I collect/watch DVDs). It makes me think of Knight, Batman, Spider-Man, Darkman, and Ghost Rider. Also, some Green Lantern in the cape which can do anything. Also, the 'Clown' makes me think of King's IT a bit, and some other elements. Spawn was quite a genius form and character, though not unheard of, still, fairly fresh, and did well for the 1990s. He threw everything to the wall and it all stuck! I grew up on that film, liked it a lot, along with The Crow, Watchmen, X-Men, and other great 1980s comics, and later, films. The cape is wonderful. He clearly likes that massive mist-cape idea (also seen in his Batman art, right). I like it a lot.

    • @why-zz5sz
      @why-zz5sz 4 года назад

      Yea right (sarcasm)

  • @nickhalloway6068
    @nickhalloway6068 6 лет назад +57

    Spawn got me into comic books. I owe my passion for drawing to Todd McFarlane & Greg Capullo.

    • @stonevillage2835
      @stonevillage2835 6 лет назад +3

      Are you interested in a writer/artist collab?

    • @imperiumgrim4717
      @imperiumgrim4717 6 лет назад +2

      Stone Village yo I'm trying to bring my art skills back since i was in my youth tho and trying to do writing aswell bro i jus need som practice tho

  • @omargonzalez8809
    @omargonzalez8809 5 лет назад +61

    As an artist, I am inspired by this guys conviction and passion in himself, what a great interview!

  • @yaboiiNESs
    @yaboiiNESs 4 года назад +28

    One of the most dopest and underrated interviews that have ever been made. Todd is freaking awesome his mentality and the way he go about things in uncanny. Todd is my Steve Jobs of the Comic Industry.

  • @rogformer
    @rogformer 6 лет назад +276

    This is an absolutely amazing episode.

    • @lowlowseesee
      @lowlowseesee 6 лет назад

      so amazing it went for a really long time. so incredible

    • @miamimagicians
      @miamimagicians 6 лет назад

      Great interview fascinating

    • @Video-Games-Are-Fun
      @Video-Games-Are-Fun 5 лет назад

      primarily because the interview guy does NOT talk! i hate interviews where the damn interview guy talks so much and cuts people off.

  • @JeremyForest
    @JeremyForest 6 лет назад +51

    Todd McFarlane is one of the greatest comic book illustrator of all time! I have always been a fan of his artwork when he created "Spawn." Him and Greg Capullo dominated the comic book industry in the late 1990s, because the detail characters was just mind-blowing.

  • @BigBoss-on7ff
    @BigBoss-on7ff 4 года назад +13

    I didn’t even realize this was 40 minutes whenever Todd starts talking I’m just pulled in/mesmerized.

  • @billvinson7859
    @billvinson7859 4 года назад +5

    That child like aspect is what made Einstein so good.

  • @12Saintsrow
    @12Saintsrow 6 лет назад +147

    This man is an icon to the comic book world.

    • @urmomisurdad5422
      @urmomisurdad5422 6 лет назад

      Mig1997 lol

    • @daredman
      @daredman 6 лет назад

      spaghetti webs....genius!!!

    • @90slifter90
      @90slifter90 6 лет назад

      This guy is awesome along with Sam Kieth.Stan Lee is good too but he's too old school and basic.

    • @sheep3370
      @sheep3370 6 лет назад +3

      90sLifter Show some respect young man

  • @kneeded2076
    @kneeded2076 6 лет назад +201

    put sexy in it. major key

  • @GeekedOutNeckbeard
    @GeekedOutNeckbeard 5 лет назад +4

    The first time an interviewer ACTUALLY let the person speak a FULL FUCKING SENTENCE *BEFORE* interrupting them! I hardly EVER see this! I got in-depth answers from him, and it was fluent and it was great. Thanks for this! THIS is how interviews SHOULD be!

  • @braveitor
    @braveitor 4 года назад +2

    How much wisdom there... It's quite difficult to see an artist that can do business as artist tend to be more on the "bohemmian" side of things and tend to oversee the finalcial side of life. This man is truly one of a kind.

  • @Skyler31000
    @Skyler31000 6 лет назад +44

    Oh man.... I'm not a comic fan at all... I just clicked on the video because I watch Complex videos every once in a while and I loved to listen to this man. Just pay attention and enjoy his words... such a creative, weird and beautiful personality.

  • @deshaunhayes5359
    @deshaunhayes5359 6 лет назад +301

    the goat himself yall gotta do Jim Lee next

  • @beowulf1563
    @beowulf1563 2 года назад +9

    This interview actually gave me cold chills. Todd is an amazing human being.

  • @Kgotso_Koete
    @Kgotso_Koete 4 года назад +13

    This is one of my favourite Complex interviews. Amazing to see the creative and financial independence that Todd McFarlane has achieved!

  • @SHONSL
    @SHONSL 6 лет назад +267

    i friggen love the spaghetti spider webs...

    • @762x69
      @762x69 5 лет назад +1

      sexy webbin ;p

    • @FangsFirst
      @FangsFirst 5 лет назад +3

      Then best to give credit to their originator--Michael Golden.

    • @GeekedOutNeckbeard
      @GeekedOutNeckbeard 5 лет назад +2

      Me too... HIS style is actually the one I loved the most, holy crap. The man created the best shit out childhoods EVER had and I didn't even fuckin know it!

    • @Projacked1
      @Projacked1 5 лет назад

      yessss web coolness

    • @Dellaluna13
      @Dellaluna13 5 лет назад +1

      Then you'll love Arthur Adams, because he drew those webs before McFarlane.

  • @bryantium6010
    @bryantium6010 6 лет назад +28

    Comics industry desperately needs someone like this right now

  • @cloane85
    @cloane85 4 года назад +2

    This dude had the FIRST show on HBO to have all of the disclaimers and it was a cartoon. This dude really is like the dark adult version of Walt Disney. So many firsts in his industry!

  • @zacphillips266
    @zacphillips266 4 года назад +4

    Just stumbled across this video...all i can say is WOW. You the man Todd!

  • @baldswagg79
    @baldswagg79 6 лет назад +27

    I collected so many McFarlane Toys I had to stop because I ran out of room to store them. He is LEGENDARY

  • @BI9MIK3TV
    @BI9MIK3TV 6 лет назад +40

    the best 41 minutes ive spent recently, appreciate yall and TODD!!

  • @sagewisdom1
    @sagewisdom1 4 года назад +14

    This is a compelling, realistic, informative assessment of what it takes to follow your dreams in the modern world. I respect this man.

  • @artisankatstudios7902
    @artisankatstudios7902 5 лет назад +7

    I remember that moment when Todd got Spider-Man. I worked at a comic book store and people were going nuts (In a good way and not-so-good way) about his Spider-Man: They either hated it ('Look at this stupid webbing! It's like spaghetti all over the ****** page!') or were blown away by it. Either way, it breathed new life into Spider-Man and the sales skyrocketed.

    • @EricAllenJett
      @EricAllenJett 4 года назад

      When I discovered Spider-man as a kid in the mid-80's the standard was the Romita Sr. style, which was amazing. But after venturing out and discovering McFarlane's bold influence (via editorial mandate, Alex Saviuk's "Web Of" work for example) and eventually his own issues, I was astonished and overly happy to embrace THIS ERA as my own, and with time having passed I've gained the ability to speak of that timeframe with a sense of joy and giving legendary praise of those times....!

  • @segastationx
    @segastationx 6 лет назад +21

    Todd is in my top 3. He helped make toy collecting as big as it is today.

    • @ricosalvaje8131
      @ricosalvaje8131 6 лет назад +2

      Juan and stuff your avatar is the batman sketch Todd McFarlane did.

    • @imperiumgrim4717
      @imperiumgrim4717 6 лет назад

      Rico Salvaje LOL nice eye sights tho

  • @luciangarcia2373
    @luciangarcia2373 5 лет назад +3

    Great Interview. I worked at a Toys R Us in Mesa Az, in ‘95-‘97. Todd would come in from time to time. Always stopping in the video game dept. never in the Toys section. After a while, I would get the head-nod of acknowledgment. I never mentioned that his toys didn’t last one day on the shelves. Good times.

  • @jonathanjoestar6455
    @jonathanjoestar6455 4 года назад +6

    Todd McFarlane is my favorite artist
    He inspires me to draw comic book heroes
    And I have some venom,spawn,and Spider-Man comic books that are created by Todd McFarlane

  • @jlsyoutube
    @jlsyoutube 5 лет назад +40

    I never expected to see such an insightful, down to earth and inspiring interview with Todd McFarlane. This is truly a great interview. And Todd is so cool. Definitely going in my playlist for sure.

  • @norsetexan809
    @norsetexan809 6 лет назад +40

    Where have I been?
    Spawn is still going?!
    Issue 300?!
    I remember when #1 came out.
    I remember when spaghetti webbing was new.
    Image was kicking ass back then!
    Spawn, Wildcats, Savage Dragon, Cyberforce... waiting for Wet Works to finally come out.
    I miss those days!

    • @charlesdegollado5970
      @charlesdegollado5970 5 лет назад +3

      Jim Lee, Jae Lee, Nick Manabat, Sam Keith... the list goes on and on, Image was on fire.

    • @ps5stuffguy
      @ps5stuffguy 5 лет назад +1

      Spawn is now white last time I checked at 100 or something lol

    • @rgranado1
      @rgranado1 5 лет назад

      Agreed. Those were some good times.

    • @BeerRunBandit
      @BeerRunBandit 5 лет назад

      Lol Wildcats

    • @grayman1
      @grayman1 5 лет назад

      you serious? I didn't know that

  • @jasonlloyd2057
    @jasonlloyd2057 4 года назад +10

    "I don't know, I'm just Tod", best line EVER!

  • @deadstar44
    @deadstar44 5 лет назад +29

    I love how McFarlane says he's an innovator rather than a creator. "Sexy" innovation. I love drawing and I'm like "everything has been done already, is it worth it?". You can't create everything out of the blue ex-nihilo like a pure genius, you just transform what's around you, filter through you and you happen to stumble on new ways through the process. Sometimes appropriating something derivative opens up your eyes to something artistically personal.

    • @mymom5213
      @mymom5213 9 месяцев назад +1

      You can never create something new, you can only remix already existing stuff into a new package

  • @ctake808
    @ctake808 6 лет назад +154

    If there is ever a movie about this guy then have Steve Carell play him haha

    • @grayman1
      @grayman1 5 лет назад +5

      I can see it

    • @davidhenrickson8476
      @davidhenrickson8476 5 лет назад +5

      I was thinking more like John Turturro to play him. Holy smokes.

    • @deebbensubramaniam7286
      @deebbensubramaniam7286 5 лет назад +8

      or even matthew mcconaughey

    • @THELIONGUY1981
      @THELIONGUY1981 5 лет назад +1

      More Bradley cooper or Noah Wyle for me.

    • @roberti8116
      @roberti8116 5 лет назад +1

      ....and make sure they cant say 'comic books' fluidly

  • @xaviersanchez7992
    @xaviersanchez7992 5 лет назад +56

    I just started collecting comics yesterday but I have 11 and am hooked

    • @Htownblokhedz
      @Htownblokhedz 5 лет назад +4

      More addictive than crack

    • @simonphilippov4946
      @simonphilippov4946 5 лет назад +1

      how do you know?

    • @matthewsavoie1506
      @matthewsavoie1506 5 лет назад +9

      Xavier its a great hobby...getting lost in comics is a great way to get rid of stress and it stimulates your creativity....have fun!

    • @rodney2x48
      @rodney2x48 5 лет назад

      I was like that at first. I mostly collect volumes and trades cause it's better than collecting floppies without any variant covers. Plus, you get more bang for your buck: more pages, better prices.

    • @carlreed3563
      @carlreed3563 5 лет назад +2

      Wow...thats the same age I was....you are in for an amazing journey !

  • @SleeperDarkside
    @SleeperDarkside 4 года назад +4

    I FELL THAT WAY WHEN I'M ALONE LOOKING BACK AT MY ART WORK AND NOW LOOKING 25 YEARS LATER I GET GOOSE BUMPS NOT SUCCESSFUL BUT PROUD OF HOW FAR AND STILL GOING THANKS TODD

  • @mikeyro7381
    @mikeyro7381 4 года назад +16

    This is an Amazing interview. I learned a lot about the Comics and Toy industries. I love how honest Todd is with his answers.

  • @sheflashedus
    @sheflashedus 6 лет назад +7

    @31:24 "oh it must be bigger better than Superman, not really" love his honesty

  • @rigo6866
    @rigo6866 6 лет назад +31

    Best 41 mins i ever spent on youtube! Todd is a G.O.A.T!!!
    Spawn was the reason i got into comics and the visuals are so dope. Great interview and can’t wait for new Spawn projects to come🤞🏼

  • @TylrTheDstryr
    @TylrTheDstryr 4 года назад +8

    Todd and Arnold Schwarzenegger are the human embodiments of consecutive wins in life

  • @mfspawn1474
    @mfspawn1474 4 года назад +6

    Everything tends to unfold as it should. I'm so glad that Todd had the balls to go indie, Spawn is my favourite comic series of all time.

  • @TheSvaneMan
    @TheSvaneMan 6 лет назад +111

    Crazy good episode.
    Thank you of the words of wisdom Todd, priceless information you shared; Out of pure generosity as well..
    Best of luck to everyone out there chasing their dreams, work hard and love your craft!

  • @oretim8473
    @oretim8473 6 лет назад +147

    If I gotta draw a Spider-Man comic imma make it look sexy

    • @deshaunhayes5359
      @deshaunhayes5359 6 лет назад +19

      Ore Tim hold this fucking W for the rest of your life

    • @lowlowseesee
      @lowlowseesee 6 лет назад +7

      yeah ....you get the big W for that one hahahaha. I pull up hop out air out.....and so on haha

    • @roscomcfarland204
      @roscomcfarland204 6 лет назад +5

      Hahahahahahahahaha this gold

    • @JR-ju3kj
      @JR-ju3kj 5 лет назад +3

      Best way to draw any comic book, in my opinion. Make it look sexy.
      Along with developed and compelling characters and a strong story-line and good writing, the art should indeed be sexy-that is attractive and it should leap off the page at you, like Todd McFarlane`s drawings in the Spider-Man comics in the late 1980s-early 1990s did.
      EVERYTHING about a comic book helps to sell it-and a big selling point(but not the ONLY selling point) of any comic book, in my opinion, is always the art.

    • @eddycolon1986
      @eddycolon1986 5 лет назад +2

      I think that's the reason why he looks almost naked i mean he looks like if doesn't wearing anything.

  • @Tripledashhh_
    @Tripledashhh_ Год назад +2

    I love Todd McFarlane and his work! Spawn is my favorite super anti hero of all time, his work in Spiderman is why I became a Spiderman fan in the first place! But this interview has alot of heart!! You can apply all this knowledge in other aspects in life and it works this guys passion shows that dedication and grit is all you need everything else just comes with it. It’s that dumb luck.

  • @TheBasqueWasp
    @TheBasqueWasp 4 года назад +5

    Love this interview! What Tod pretends to ignore is that, as an outsider, he alone raised the standards of the toy and comic industries to get a piece of the cake.
    It is not artists who decide these things usually, but businessmen whose sole interest is to sell. And higher standards mean less profit.
    Thanks to him we the customers won this once.

  • @victorvondoom7155
    @victorvondoom7155 6 лет назад +14

    Mr. McFarlane you are my hero can't wait for Spawn to hit the big screen again I still collect Spawn since 1992.

  • @zEDDIEmore
    @zEDDIEmore 6 лет назад +25

    Fascinating interview. Todd dropped so many gems in this. These interviews are the best thing from Complex, period!

  • @keaton_jb_meme_central
    @keaton_jb_meme_central 3 месяца назад +1

    Todd became successful because he’s a man of the people, he knows what the people truly want because he is like his supporters. He’s a comic book fan, he’s an action figure collector, he’s a movie critic, he’s a great businessman.

  • @andrewreeves1250
    @andrewreeves1250 4 года назад +7

    As an artist, this is the most inspiring video I’ve seen in years, thank you for being a great interviewer, the pro camera work and perfect graphics 🔥💀

  • @SogunXMike
    @SogunXMike 6 лет назад +389

    Please interview Jim Lee next 🙏🏽❤️

    • @bushipop
      @bushipop 6 лет назад +2

      Michael Nemorin yheaa

    • @JeremyForest
      @JeremyForest 6 лет назад +8

      Yes! Jim Lee is definitely an amazing comic book illustrator. WildC.A.T.S. was just a timeless comic book series. They should also interview Greg Capullo, Angel Medina, two underrated comic book illustrators.

    • @lokey416
      @lokey416 6 лет назад +9

      always felt his style is way better than McFarlane

    • @JeremyForest
      @JeremyForest 6 лет назад

      He is. I hope they interview Greg Capullo.

    • @rogueprince1341
      @rogueprince1341 6 лет назад +9

      I love Todd McFarlane as next as the next guy but Jim Lee was/is a better artist. He's run on Xmen was fantastic and his Batman is the best looking Batman ever.

  • @ViceroyAutoTrans
    @ViceroyAutoTrans 5 лет назад +12

    McFarlane molded my childhood with his imagination & talent.
    A living Legend. Love this guy!

  • @MrSAP1988
    @MrSAP1988 4 года назад +7

    Gosh Todd has a great mindset on not only business but being fulfill in life.

  • @RadRogue1
    @RadRogue1 5 лет назад +36

    Feed your inner child.

  • @sdjohnsononyoutube
    @sdjohnsononyoutube 5 лет назад +13

    I absolutely love this interview. Out of all my saved videos on health, entrepreneurship, sales, self-awareness, how-to (DIY), music, and others, it is 1 of the only ones if not the only 1 I come back to experience. It touches my heart like no other.

  • @saulsilver1930
    @saulsilver1930 6 лет назад +55

    MacFarlane is a GOAT, his toys and comic work is pure gold. He's up with Stan Lee

    • @Tio-Nino
      @Tio-Nino 6 лет назад +4

      Saul Silver what is that even mean?Does he makes noises like a goat? Or eat like one?

    • @evilgenius04
      @evilgenius04 6 лет назад +10

      GOAT = Greatest Of All Time

    • @MrYouarethecancer
      @MrYouarethecancer 6 лет назад +5

      Stan Lee didn't do shit though. You mean Jack Kirby.

    • @ezdraesparza4881
      @ezdraesparza4881 6 лет назад +3

      he is better than stan lee

    • @Koolgit
      @Koolgit 5 лет назад +2

      No kidding. Todd McFarlane is worth $300m. Stan Lee? $50m

  • @a.t.6322
    @a.t.6322 4 года назад +5

    Wow! Had no idea how cool Todd is, in that he's not afraid to share his secrets for success. Great interview!

  • @dgwebguy6815
    @dgwebguy6815 5 лет назад +7

    2018 - and this is still one of the best. This was awesome to watch. Well done team, for putting this together. And well done Todd-Father. Brilliant as always.

  • @AlexM-vt5pu
    @AlexM-vt5pu 5 лет назад +143

    He's like Michael Scott's artistic brother.

    • @herpallday1284
      @herpallday1284 5 лет назад +9

      i think you spelt autistic wrong.

    • @auto1nfanticid3
      @auto1nfanticid3 5 лет назад +15

      i think the autism was implied in the Michael Scott part.

    • @richarac81
      @richarac81 5 лет назад +7

      @@herpallday1284 I thought the same, I had to re-read it after and realize he said artisitc. But yeah,
      Michael Scott for sure

    • @herpallday1284
      @herpallday1284 5 лет назад +1

      Adam Rich I meant autistic cause it’s just a stupid joke lol

    • @joemcintire5649
      @joemcintire5649 4 года назад +2

      Oh my god I kept thinking the same thing... this guy is who Michael was modeled after

  • @ExpiredPants
    @ExpiredPants 6 лет назад +19

    you asked perfect questions sir

  • @IGRETRO
    @IGRETRO 2 года назад +1

    4 years since, I keep coming back to rewatch this interview. Still my favorite one

  • @raphaelp1216
    @raphaelp1216 4 года назад +6

    you can´t ask for more inspiration ! I am a SPAWN fan since issue 1 and i still am...thx for this blueprint.

  • @stevenrmatthews
    @stevenrmatthews 6 лет назад +15

    best one yet. 40 mins went by too fast. well done. kinda thought he was drawing the host on the pad during the interview. guess not.

  • @geekspeakmadechic4003
    @geekspeakmadechic4003 5 лет назад +21

    He did truly revolutionize the action figure industry. My only prob with his lines, as an action figure collector. Was the articulation. It was lacking, still is. But!!! His spawn animated series was/still is amazing! One of the best character representation of a superhero of all time.

    • @matthewsavoie1506
      @matthewsavoie1506 5 лет назад +4

      Totally agree with your comment but the lack of articulation is an acceptable trade off for the high level of detail in my opinion

    • @bengersbootlegs
      @bengersbootlegs 5 лет назад +2

      Your buying a statue not a figure that's why

  • @L4L1LuL3L0
    @L4L1LuL3L0 4 года назад +4

    The man is clearly something unique in the business. Very smart and talented.

  • @redrobotmonkey
    @redrobotmonkey 3 года назад +1

    I go back to this interview once in awhile. It is the best kick in your butt for motivation, no matter what you are passionate about.

  • @gambitwilson8623
    @gambitwilson8623 6 лет назад +25

    I still have the animated Spawn on V/H/S

    • @IntuitionIsClear
      @IntuitionIsClear 6 лет назад +3

      adult cartoon era

    • @LostChildbebo
      @LostChildbebo 6 лет назад +3

      Got it on dvd. After all these years i still wish they would've made more.