Todd McFarlane Interview: As I've Gotten Older, I Just Like Good Storytelling
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- Опубликовано: 23 дек 2020
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Todd McFarlane revolutionized Spider-Man, co-founded Image Comics, and his comic, Spawn, crossed 300 issues last year to become the longest-running creator-owned comic book. In this interview, Todd discusses his thoughts on storytelling and what it takes to be successful. We talk about how to maintain energy and focus, with Todd saying he believes he's only halfway through his career at this point. Todd also talks about what's next for him and for Spawn. 
Развлечения
Todd's the easiest guy in to interview.
Interviewer: Hi Todd
*Todd goes on rant *
Every Todd interview makes you want to go out an accomplish your dreams.
Todd did an appearance with us November 2019, our sales went up nearly 1000% since. I thanked him, he said we'd have done it with or without him. My favorite guy in comics.
Yes
Right
He is great at making people do things.
Todd mcfarlane is underrated 🔥
Don't worry, you aren't required to call him the Toddfather. Just kiss his ring and you're set.
69 likes... noice
It's fine if people don't call him The Toddfather.
He calls himself that enough for everyone! Ha! Ha!
😂
I’m a Todd fan for over 30 years now and now he’s getting older I’m not only a fan of his art any more but also of his character. Great guy he is. And Chris, keep up the good work.
I've been reading comic books ever since around the same time I learned how to read,so comics have basically always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember anything. I've been a Todd fan ever since his Spider-Man run in 1990 and he's a big inspiration for me now as an adult,just as he was for me as a kid!
His story is a big inspiration and motivator for me to want to work in the comic book industry and write my own comics.
Ugh, one of the worst human beings ever. Classic narcissist. Good artist but terrible storyteller and terrible toy maker. But it's all about him in his world.
Unreal. He got Todd McFarlane on the show. That is just super.
I like comics, but as an action figure collector I really enjoyed the part where Chris and Todd started talking McFarlane toys
Could've left a time stamp guy smh
@@raph3767 or you could just watch the video?
Really, his toys are probably the worst toys on the market.
@@archmage7813then make your own toys or stfu
Todd Macfarlane? Moving up man! Slamming “like” immediately out of respect
Decades ago there was a really big comic that came out and the writer was at one of the first conventions I ever attended. I was pretty sheepish about getting books signed but I waited in line for this one guy and when it was my turn I just said "Hey" and called him by his first name. He looked up to see if I was someone he knew, realized I wasn't and looked down at the comic, signed it, and shoved it off to the side. While famous in the medium this guy wasn't a fraction as famous as Todd. So how Todd treats fans really is worthy of praise, because there are a lot of lesser names that never adopted his philosophy.
Hes probably not Canadian
Wow, teared up a bit with Todd’s compliment to you at the end. You are an important part of the fandom. That was so nice and I I echo his sentiment. Thank you for this great interview.
X2... that was THE MOMENT!!!
Props to you, Chris. The channel keeps getting better and better. Todd's the effin' man.
Word!
I would say he is the Stan Lee of our time
@@thedude3692 I agreed. Heck, maybe there oughtta be a dollar bill that says "In Todd We Trust" under a spawn logo!
@@thedude3692 I wouldn't go that far.Let's not get carried away.
Keep in mind that Stan Lee created HUNDREDS of characters(some say he created over 1,000 characters but the number I generally hear is in the hundreds).
There's never going to be another Stan Lee(or Jack Kirby)in comic books and as awesome as Todd is,he's no Stan Lee and while I would never dare to put words in his mouth,I'm sure even Todd,himself would say as much.BUT...there will always be future great writers,artists and innovators in the comic book industry(which is how,just like anything else,it will continue to survive and keep going by new people coming into it)and Todd has definitely been that and he has definitely made his mark in the history of comic books and he and the other Image Comics Co-Founders paved the way for creator-owned comics and creators having power and ownership over the characters they create and being able to make money off of them.
But just as there will never be another Stan Lee,there will never be another Todd McFarlane(or another Jim Lee or another Erik Larsen or another Marc Silvestri or another Frank Miller or another Alan Moore and on and on).
@@thedude3692 Also,all of the characters that Stan created or co-created(just as is the case with Jack Kirby,Joe Simon,Bob Kane,Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster,Steve Ditko,Len Wein,William Moulton Marston,Bill Everett,Will Eisner and so on)are still here now and have outlived him and will continue to for many more years to come.
Like Todd was saying,hopefully,Spawn will outlive him,as was the case with Stan's characters(and of course,the great Walt Disney's,too).Bob Kane has been dead for over two decades and The Dark Knight isn't going anywhere,right? Same thing with Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel both being dead since the 1990s and Superman's still here and still going strong.William Moulton Marston has been dead longer than Todd(and my parents)have been alive and Wonder Woman's still here!
So,McFarlane is right,you want your creations to outlive you(just like how you want your children to outlive you).Whenever he passes away(and obviously,hopefully that won't be for decades to come),it will be interesting to see if Spawn will outlive him and if so,for how long.
That's the same goal I have in wanting to work in the comic book industry-that I create characters that will still be around long after I'm gone(and many of the characters that I'm going to be using are public domain characters and have been around since before I was even born,so a lot of the characters I'll be using will still be around long after I'm dead,anyways,since they're in the public domain and anyone can use them).
But since Todd OWNS Spawn and none of the people I mentioned(outside of Disney) owned the characters they created,I guess it's a little different.So I'm guessing Todd will pass the ownership and rights for Spawn maybe to a close friend or to one of his kids when he passes,similar to how Vince MacMahon said that when he dies(or retires),everything is in place so that people like his Son-In-Law,Triple H and his children will take over the WWE.
How about an interview with
Mike Mignola in 2021?
And have a Merry and safe Christmas Chris.🎄
Mignola is a super nice down to earth guy, I met him at Emerald City Comic con and we just talked hellboy for a while when I was only a few volumes in, he was so excited to have me read more, so great!!!
I second this! Would love that
That would be awesome!
I want to see him interview Jim Lee!
If he can get Todd McFarlane,he should be able to get Jim Lee to do an interview.
I would love to read a Hellboy & Spawn comic book! 😎👍
It's the most beautiful Christmas present this year! Thank you, Comic Tropes!
I appreciate how Todd keeps Spawn at $2.99. One of the very few left.
Because it's not selling
Because it's not selling
Wow. Todd the man himself. It must have been an exciting moment when he confirmed doing the interview. I'm so happy for you!
ruclips.net/video/RmLFGWAyajU/видео.html
Todd Mcfarlane is a huge inspiration for me and I love hearing interviews with him. He tells things how it is without any bullshit.
Spawn #1 was the first comic I "collected."
Unfortunately,my copy was stolen along with over half of my original collection 😡🤬😡
@@rockmanx6857 damn that sucks sadly I don't got any that's even worse I want spawn comics and toys frfr
A show about hardship in pursuing careers in the entertainment industry would be fascinating.
Check out the channel Film Courage. It's about that very thing! I'm a business owner and it's encouraged me through some brutal times during my first year.
I had the pleasure of meeting Todd McFarlane a half a decade ago at an Image Expo. I see him as an elder statesman of the comic book industry. He's just a naturally nice guy, humble, and when he gave Chris the props that was genuine Todd.
Happy Holidays to Chris and all the fans of Comic Tropes 🙂✌️🎄
Happy Holidays and Happy 10/10 avatar rating
Who has a better animated intro than comic tropes? nobody!
“What’s the end?” I feel that energy hell yeah 🤘🤝
Great interview! Todd's self assurance and drive comes through so openly. Also it's awesome to hear someone this famous/successful simply likes people and thinks we should just treat each other well. Thanks for this Chris
Great interview! Love that he's talking about the craft.
As a guy working on a comic script myself, there’s quite a lot of good pointers in here.
Good luck with your comic script!
I want to write my own comic books,too and I got a lot of good of pointers and inspiration from the interview! Anyone trying to break into the comic book industry should heed Todd's advice and listen to what he has to say.
He's successful,experienced,has been around a while now and he knows what works and what doesn't and what it takes to get to be where you want to be in life and accomplish your goals(and people can take that drive,focus and tenacity that Todd had to make it in the comic book industry and apply it to any area of life).
My only issue with the interview was that Todd didn't seem to like being known as ''The Spider-Man guy.'' I get that he wouldn't want to be associated with his epic run on the Spidey books forever but at the same time,honestly? That's not the worst thing in the world,it really isn't.
Being associated for the rest of your life with a great run on the Spider-Man books and helping revitalize and re-energize the character,isn't that bad.As long as people acknowledge everything else he's done,I don't see the problem with it.And even if some people don't acknowledge all of his other accomplishments and work and just see him as ''The Spider-Man' Guy'' forever ,I would compare it to how William Shatner and Sir Patrick Stewart both said that they're perfectly fine with being seen as Captain James T.Kirk and Captain Jean-Luc Picard and being associated with Star Trek for the rest of their lives,regardless of everything else that they've done in their long careers.
Even if people just remember you for one good thing,it's still something,right?
I met Todd and his daughter back in 1994 at Fort Hood, Tx. He is an amazing guy and has an addictive personality that motivates you.
Love to hear Todd talk! Also, glad you asked good questions Chris in that Todd doesn’t have to give his basic answers. This is good stuff!
It was an excellent interview and I really enjoyed it!
Very inspirational!
@@JR-ju3kj facts
This was a great interview. Todd McFarlane was truly a great person to have on your show. Not just for his work in the industry but just for being such an awesome person.
Marvel and DC should go to Mcfarlane’s lectures and learn from the man. It doesn’t matter how much he says: “when the crowd goes to the right, I go left’’, because while he’s doing it he always keeps at least one of his eyes on the fans. Always. He knows what the fans want and gives it to them. It’s a symbiosis, and his success is a clear proof of that.
every time i see todd's art i instantly become 8 years old and see myself pulling his spiderman book off the rack
The cover of the Hulk with Wolverine and the Hulk reflecting in his claws. And then that page where Wolverine impales the Hulk. And then the page of the Hulk healing, getting back up and over shadowing Wolverine. I have been a Macfarlane fan all the way after that book.
WOW THIS A REAL XMAS PRESENT!!!! that first anecdote describes very well Todd's great character and how close and loving he is with fans.... he always congratulates me on my birthday on fb for real! And that MAKES THAT WHOLE DAY SPECIAL... Love the guys so much! LEGEND
Todd is such an awesome guy.
Gotta buy more of his books
I will always treasure and highly appreciate todd mcfarlane especially his run on spiderman, it was huge and revolutionary especially the way he crafted his drawing with those organic and detail style..
McFarland is definitely a legend I really respect. He's such a blue collar guy vision is so large for his company. Very great advice in this interview a very good questions in the interview.
The Toddfather!! Amazing interview I could listen to him talk for hours.
I’m at work but will be watching later tonight! So excited, hope to hear news on the new Spawn movie he’s promoted!
Holy shi!. I've can't believe this. A god damn hero of mine
I have a lot of respect for Todd's work ethic as well as his family ethic. Gunslinger Spawn is badass!
I finally was able to finish this interview.
I love hearing him talk and how to the point he is. Growing up reading Spider-Man and Spawn, I loved his art, and I’m glad he’s made a solid career out of his art and vision.
This has definitely lifted my spirits, thank you.
Todd Mcfarlane if you're reading this buddy I just wanted to tell you that your writing is very much improved since the time I started reading Spawn.I started reading Spawn at issue 200 and have been on the ride since. I'm sure there are people that have read every issue since issue one. Gotta admit though sometimes your writing is totally out there and doesn't really come together but after reading issue upon issue as a reader I began to understand what you're trying to say and where you are trying to go with your comic book. I've learned your language, you seem to have a hard time articulating the awesomeness you see in your mind and have that completely translated into your comic. I have really seen a lot of improvement in your writing in your current arc of Spawn, more badass supporting characters, new characters, rewarding returns of characters for those who have read past issues and dare i say even improved dialogue! Not that Spawn has ever been completely abysmal in my opinion but sometimes it is a difficult read and I commend you for honing and improving upon you writing skills and realizing how important the story is. I'm sure you always knew that and have been trying to find a way to articulate it which is not as easy to you as penciling and inking. We all know you're a master at that. What I respect the most about the Spawn comic books is the unwillingness to reboot or rebrand just to sell comics to new readers who don't even really care about comics. That's why I started reading Spawn in the first place I was FED UP with marvel comics. I have been and will be purchasing every issue of Spawn till the very end and am anxious to see you improve your storytelling more and more to match your drawing skills and passion. Keep being a bad ass and sharing your world with us.
Such a legend. Great interview!!
McFarlane, Capullo, and Liefeld were huge influences on me in 92 and 93. I was around 10 years old at the time and I didn't like the way I read so I didn't read comics much but I collected them and emulated the art. The world it created in my mind was massive, but I don't know if I missed out because I didn't actually read the stories. To this day I still like symbolism over literal story. I don't watch movies but I can get lost in pictures. I wish I would have been able to hear Todd as a kid.
Great interview! He's full of gold and you spun it out. ;-}
Again, great work Chris, I’ll be sharing to all and sundry, I’m a huge fan of Todd McFarlane, Spawn was my intro into the work of this man, i won’t go into detail but there are many reasons why I have a deep affection for that series, a huge thank you to Todd for that alone! Keep up the stellar work Chris, and thank you 🙏🏽
I loved the creepy fairy tale and Wizard of Oz toys Mcfarland designed that I was always bummed there was never a tie-in comic.
I’ve watched scores of your videos and have enjoyed 95% of them. I don’t know how I missed this one. Thank you for this. Todd is a hero of mine.
Great interview Chris. Have a great Christmas.
Gotta love Todd. He seems incoherent to most, but if you really follow closely he makes absolute sense. It's like he's stuck on an acid trip from his youth. 😄 A rebel and a hustler who made comic book history multiple times. Again, you've gotta love Todd McFarlane. By the way great interview, Chris! You're really shooting to stardom with your new content! Keep it up bro!
Sure,some see him that way.But who cares,right?
I never thought Todd seems incoherent or stuck on an acid trip from his youth. I see him as being eccentric,quirky,driven,passionate about what he does and as a rebel and hustler and a successful artist/writer and businessman/entrepreneur.
He blazed his own path and accomplished his goals and aspirations(and is still going strong),we should all be so lucky in whatever it is that we want to do in life(for me,it just so happens that I also want to make it in the comic book industry and become an entrepreneur,so hopefully,it will work out for me,too).
I've never seen him as incoherent at all. He is well-spoken and intelligent as far as I can tell. If anything, I think he might do cocaine. Just a hunch. I could be wrong
@@nickangelo116 Agreed.I don't know what the person defines as ''incoherent'' but I don't think Todd is incoherent at all.Not too get to political here but I would say that he's more coherent than the guy who currently has the Nuclear Launch Codes(at least until January 20th)and like you said,he is well-spoken and intelligent,as far as I can tell.
I don't know,maybe some people are projecting onto him what they think he is.As I said before,I just think he's eccentric and quirky(which is easier to be when you're rich,by the way).
Expanding the publishing side!? I’m so freakin excited. I used to get all the stuff he’d put out. What ever he puts out, I’m in!
Todd The Bomb Macfarlane, what a boss, and a fun interview, I can't help but be motivated, way to go Chris, Merry Christmas!!!
I could listen to Todd talk for hours. Fascinating guy.
As soon as I saw a new ComicTropes episode I was excited. Seeing Todd McFarlane is the special guest? What an absolute surprise to end this year on.
Chris, thank you for making this all happen. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones.
It's amazing how much your show has grown. You must be so (rightfully) proud.
This interview is underrated
Great show Chris. Keep them coming.
hollyshit hes famous famous ... this is awesome you deserve interviews like this
Really enjoyed this one, Chris!!! Kudos for this interview!!!
That beginning animation was great and I absolutely love the turtles arcade behind you. That’s my childhood good right there.
Even listening to Todd ramble aimlessly about minutiae is pretty fascinating. He's obviously still incredibly engaged and excited about comics even after like 40 years of success.
That was a great interview. Thanks.
Great conversation. Thank you.
Another great one. Thanks for doing it.
Love this type of content! Keep this up
Bravo! Thanks for the pep talk.
Todd is right, your channel (and other’s like yours) is a great tool , and may I add an incredible enjoyable tool to promote, expose and encourage people to keep reading or maybe even just to try comics. You make it super fun to be a comic fan. Thank you. Keep up the great work.
Chris, great interview! Amazing content as usual! Keep up the great work, and have a safe and Merry Christmas!
This was so awesome that you got to talk to Todd. Love watching your channel grow.
Chris, this was great. Thanks to both you and Todd
great interview chris!!
Awesome guest. Thank you, Chris
I like how Todd is showing Chris respect and actually saying his name every time he's talking to him.
It shows that Todd sees him as an individual
Rather than just another interview to go ahead and move along as quickly as possible.
Todd McFarland may be super successful and Rich but he hasn't let it go to his head.
he has good heart
And he knows the majority of his fan base are the average Joe
And without them he wouldn't be at the level of success he is today.
The way he talked abt his family life made me think that too. Seems like a really cool dude
Holey Moley, a celebrity finally acknowledged how people go overboard over celebrities simply doing stuff that average people do everyday! I've become a Todd McFarlane fan all over again.
What a great Christmas gift for all of us fans! Thanks Chris for facilitating such an interesting conversations. Todd's praise of you and your channel near the end of the interview were very much deserved!
Awesome!! It's been amazing watching you grow so!, In hard times, your content has been a lifesaver.
Thank you for your work Chris!
What an amazing gift from Comic Tropes and Todd. This was another great interview. Happy Holidays
Wow, what a great interview on both sides of the conversation. Thanks for making this available.
Chris you are the best guy thank you for this, this was so sweet i'm going to support you on patreon even tho i never supported anyone
Merry Christmas to you and your family
id listen to todds podcast once a week...he was most.inspiring to me personally this year, during a hard year. thank u
Great interview. I really enjoyed it!
This channel never fails me, awesome work Chris
I met Todd at a surprise comic signing in Asheville a couple years ago. He was more than gracious, took the time to meet all the fans, of which hundreds showed up. His talent is only matched by his enthusiasm for what he does.
Amazing video, you are seriously a great interviewer
My god Chris, thank you for this interview... i really love Todd and his hard work... constant... and advices, and also love all your content!!! Keep it up!!!
Thanks for putting the work in and sharing this video. I've been listening to Todd jabber nearly all my life and I still love it. The guy is inspiring.
Thanks for your work chris, and Merry Christmas to you!
Very insightful interview! Thank you for this, just the inspiration I needed to start writing myself
Amazing! Great episode. Chris your questions were compelling. Thank you
Really enjoyed the interview and you got to bring out some interesting ideas from Todd that haven't really heard in other interviews before. Congrats!
You are an exceptional interviewer, Chris! This was extremely interesting. Thanks a lot!
Todd's praise of you at the end was really wholesome and well deserved, you do great work Chris! Wish you well in the new year.
Chris, you're spoiling us!! It was an absolute joy to see todd interview you ❤
Excellent episode!
he's such a fascinating guy, been fallowing him for years. Good interview.
Gotta love Todd, great interview as always, Chris!
I recently discovered this channel. Great interview. Lovely to hear Todd talking about his family and how he puts family first and still is ultra succesful. Big change from the conventional narrative that a family would hold you back. Pretty inspiring.
Seeing your comments and analisis of comics history is really a pleasure.. the love just shows through... hope you can keep doing what you do spreading comics culture for years to come..
Todd is awesome. Great interview. This channel is so underrated.
Great interview Chris! Glad Todd is only 1/2 way through his awesome career so we can look forward to more great stuff! 😎👍
Todd is such a king 🤧
Great interview! I could listen to Todd talk shop all day. Got to love his competitive drive.