WEPA, Crusaders! Comic book history is about to step out of the shadows, tighten the cape, rattle the chains, and remind everybody why Todd McFarlane remains one of the most important creative forces in comics.

Todd McFarlane returns to the Comic Crusaders Podcast for a brand new conversation centered on Spawn 77, the upcoming three-issue Spawn Universe mini-series co-written by McFarlane and Mark Spears, with Spears delivering fully painted interior artwork. This is not just another Spawn project. This is the first official comic book appearance of McFarlane's original 1977 Spawn design, a concept he created as a teenager long before Spawn #1 changed the comic book industry in 1992.

That alone makes this one a major moment for fans, collectors, retailers, and anyone who loves seeing a creator revisit the original spark that started a universe. Nearly fifty years after that first design came to life in a young artist's imagination, Spawn 77 brings that early vision into the modern Spawn mythology with a new character, a new story, and a fully painted visual approach from one of the hottest artists in comics today.

During this episode, Al Mega sits down with Todd to dig into the origins of the 1977 design, what it feels like to revisit that teenage creative energy decades later, and why now is the right time to officially bring this version of Spawn to the page. The conversation also explores Todd's collaboration with Mark Spears, how painted interiors change the tone of a Spawn story, and what fans can expect from this new corner of Hellspawn mythology.

Of course, this being Comic Crusaders, we are also going beyond the press release. Al asks Todd about the growing Spawn Universe, the balance between mystery and expansion, the collector energy surrounding the massive cover lineup, the legacy of creator-owned comics, and yes, the long-awaited Spawn movie conversation. Because let's be real, fam — if Todd McFarlane is in the building, the people want to know what is going on with King Spawn.

Spawn 77 #1 arrives in comic shops in September 2026 as an oversized 64-page debut issue. The book features covers by Mark Spears, Todd McFarlane, and Emma Ríos, along with multiple incentive and signed foil editions for collectors looking to lock down a piece of Spawn history.

This is the kind of interview longtime Spawn fans will want to hear, but it is also a must-listen for creators. Todd's journey is a reminder that the wild idea you sketch at sixteen, the character you keep coming back to, the concept nobody else understands yet, that thing might become your legacy if you keep building.

So pull up, Crusaders. The original Spawn is finally stepping onto the comic book page, and Comic Crusaders is taking you right into the fire.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmmOmL1b-f8

Check out the Spawn '77 #1 Preview

Check out all things Spawn at:
https://mcfarlane.com/
Follow Todd on X: @Todd_McFarlane / Instagram at @ToddMcFarlane | WhatNot

The Crusade never ends! WEPAAAAAAA!

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We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

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@TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Main Site:
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Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

On this episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, Al Mega welcomes National Emmy-winning investigative reporter Chris Papst of Fox45 and Project Baltimore to discuss his explosive book, Failure Factory: How Baltimore City Public Schools Deprive Taxpayers and Students of a Future.

After years of investigating Baltimore City Public Schools, Papst digs into one of the most disturbing education stories in America: a system with a massive budget, devastating academic outcomes, and serious questions about data, accountability, school safety, grading practices, and where the money actually goes.

This conversation goes beyond Baltimore. It is a warning for parents, taxpayers, teachers, and communities across the country. How do school systems hide failure? What should parents look for? What questions should taxpayers ask? And what happens when bureaucracy becomes more important than students?

Grab the book, follow the work, and get ready for a conversation that pulls no punches.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDS9ICLH0s8

www.chrispapst.com
X:
https://x.com/chrispapst
FB:
https://www.facebook.com/chris.papst.7

Thank You for Watching / Listening!
We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook:
@TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet:

Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders

YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld

Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop:
comiccrusaders.shop

Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at:
comiccrusaders.us

Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​

Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

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WEPA! The Comic Crusaders Podcast is going back to school but this time, the field trip comes with half-baked superpowers, supernatural chaos, and one very serious reminder that extra credit should come with a liability waiver.

On this episode, Al Mega sits down with Eisner, Ringo, and GLAAD-nominated colorist/writer Lee Loughridge and Brooklyn-raised illustrator/comic artist Marz Jr. to talk about their Comixology Originals series, The Adequates. The comic follows a group of awkward freshmen at Savannah High who gain unusual powers after a haunted field trip and soon find themselves caught between school bullies, social cliques, personal insecurities, and a demonic threat lurking much closer than expected.

What makes The Adequates stand out is not just the supernatural hook—it is the emotional honesty underneath the chaos. These are not polished heroes with perfect costumes and billion-dollar headquarters. They are kids trying to survive high school, figure out who they are, and maybe save the day without completely embarrassing themselves in the process. That balance of comedy, horror, heart, and underdog superhero energy makes the series feel fresh, funny, and deeply relatable.

During the interview, Lee and Marz discuss the origin of the series, the creative collaboration behind the book, the 90s flavor that shapes the world, the importance of flawed powers, the role of school cliques, and why awkward characters often become the most memorable heroes. They also dig into how comedy and horror share timing, how digital comics allow room for experimentation, and what readers can expect as The Adequates continues to unfold.

If you love misfit teams, supernatural school stories, offbeat superhero concepts, 90s nostalgia, and comics that lead with personality, The Adequates deserves a spot on your reading list.

Watch/listen to the full interview with Lee Loughridge and Marz Jr. on the Comic Crusaders Podcast, then go read The Adequates and support the creators bringing this wonderfully weird world to life.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZxNoT4Iv-A

The Crusade Never Ends!

Read The Adequates on Comixology/Amazon: https://amzn.to/49RT55S and check out Comic Crusaders' coverage and review.

Follow Lee on Instagram at
@leeloughridge
Follow Marz on Instagram at
@marzjr

Visit Comixolgy at
https://amzn.to/3PQGYzi

Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share the Crusade!

The Crusade Never Ends!

Thank You for Watching / Listening!
We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook:
@TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet:

Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders

YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld

Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop:
comiccrusaders.shop

Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at:
comiccrusaders.us

Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​

Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega