This week’s installment of LRM‘s Retro-Specs comes to you from Tim Nardelli: I hope quarantine life is treating you all, and your families, well, and that you are all safe in these unsettling times. As we all continue to endure this time of self-quarantine we are all trying to find content in which to binge watch these days to take our minds off the current state which impacts us all. In which case, if you are looking for something to watch, you’re in luck because today’s Retro-Specs entry will revisit another oldie, but goodie, for you to binge. This 1997 animated show is based on a popular creator-owned comic book series: HBO’s Spawn!
Not Your Typical Animated Series
Prior to this show’s official debut on HBO, there has always been a huge misconception in which animation content, be it film or television, is strictly meant for children. While this particular show is in fact animation, HBO’s Spawn is most certainly NOT for a younger demographic. In fact, each episode opens with a warning of the show’s very mature content that even Todd McFarlane, creator of Spawn, suggests that it is the first show HBO including a warning for viewers.
It certainly goes without saying that HBO does their due diligence to ensure that the beginning of each episode, within the series entirety, has the necessary warnings to ensure the show does not falsely advertise the content to a younger audience.
Make no mistake, there have in fact been a vast array of animated features strictly aiming towards a more mature audience. HBO’s Spawn shows that such mature content can be adapted into animation while finding a home on HBO. HBOs Spawn is not the first of its kind. However, the show is the first TV animation show to air on a syndicate television network such as HBO.
For those unfamiliar, the show is a direct adaptation of Todd McFarlane’s comic book series. Baring the same name as the main character, the comic book has an original 1992 release. Part of the reason why I have such fond memories of this particular show is my love of the character. Spawn is still among my top five favorite comic book characters. Also, back in 1997, there are no VOD or DVR’s. You could only watch the show when it came on at midnight. This makes the show more intriguing to watch. Combine this with the dark nature and the show airing Sunday nights at midnight makes it all the more captivating.
Comic Book Accuracy
The narrative in which the story of Spawn is shown is within the two different mediums. They do differ between the comic book and television show. However, everything that makes the character both groundbreaking and unique is present within HBO’s adaptation.
Another reason why I am so fond of the show is because of my older brother, Rob. He introduced me to the character through the comics. Rob also let me watch it with him. I may have been too young to watch because of its TVMA rating. But, he knows how much I love the character. While our parents may disagree with me seeing it at the time, let’s face it, it’s the 90s…back then you prove you are one of the “cool kid” if you could watch HBO without your parents knowing.
Not So Kid Friendly
The show’s mature subject matter was hardly seen as content for children. It makes you feel like you are still watching a traditional high-quality HBO show.
What particularly makes this show distinguishable is the story. There is no sugar-coating or censorship. This would make it more appropriate for children. Allowing the story of Spawn to be told in the manner creates an elevating narrative. McFarlane discusses this in an interview upon the character’s growing popularity, and success, in 1992. He remembers a children’s animation television company wanting to adapt the character into a Saturday morning cartoon. McFarlane stands firm though stating the character is not similar to preestablished comic book heroes. He is not like your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Amazing Voice Acting
The main character of the series Spawn, aka Al Simons, needs a powerful voice. Spawn comes to life by the voice of extraordinary actor, Keith David. Many may remember him from various John Carpenters films. David provides his vocal talents and breathes life into the character.
Keith David’s voice performances of the character are so iconic. He literally establishes the embodiment of the character. He does so creating the personality through his voice alone in a way similar to how Kevin Conroy became “THE VOICE” of Batman.
The Impact Of Animation
The story of this show touches on specific themes. Topics such as redemption for past misdeeds, the mafia, corrupt government officials, criminal cover-ups, and even biblical elements such as the eternal conflict between Heaven & Hell can be seen. Animation is a platform that brings such topics to life. In fact, our own LRM contributor Emmanuel Gomez has an article discussing the power in animation. The article covers how Batman voice actor, Kevin Conroy, has a huge impact on the life of a little girl living in the projects (which can be found here).
It goes without saying, anyone that says comic books can’t have a personal impact on our lives is incorrect. Manny’s article shows this. We are able to personally connect with these great characters.
This article is not meant to compare the similarities between the two dark figures. However, it’s worth noting that some of the talent involved in BTAS is in the production of the animation of Spawn. The level of maturity between the two shows are radically different. Regardless though there is no denying the two have plenty of similarities.
Lasting Character
The HBO’s Spawn concludes in 1999. Season Three is the ending installment. However, a Season Four in 2005 made it to pre-production. Regrettably, though, nothing ever materialized. Todd McFarlane discusses the series in his 2012 book, The Art of Todd McFarlane. He states that part of the reason why HBO put a halt on Season Four is that the show’s expensive production costs. In 2005 there is still a demand, and an audience for future seasons despite the cancelation. Such reasoning is understandable in producing high-quality tv shows for HBO. However, ask yourself this question: do you think Game of Thrones is inexpensive to make?
While nothing ever accumulated beyond Season Three, the character has in fact left an everlasting impression on fans. Even to this day as the character reaches a new historical landmark in hitting issue 300 in 2019. Such a landmark is groundbreaking for a series to reach such a milestone that is not part of Marvel or DC Comics. In addition, back in March, Spawn is a playable character in Mortal Kombat 11. This is part of their DCL pack. Players are able to take control of the hell Spawn within Mortal Kombat. Keith David returns to reprise his role as Spawn as he provided his voice for the character.
ALSO SEE: The Mighty Ducks Still Totally Rules! | LRM’s Retro-Specs
Do you remember HBO’s Spawn series? Would you like to see a return? Leave your thoughts in the usual place! I hope this latest entry of Retro-Specs has given you something new to watch as we all wait for this pandemic to end, but until then, be well and safe everyone!
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