Todd McFarlane Dr Fate sketch (1986)

Done Dec 31, 1986 at Chad Smith's "Siege Perilous" 8th Ave SW, Calgary of blessed memory. I loved that store! Todd was doing a signing and had just started "Hulk." Wasn't too happy with his inker at the time. He seemed a bit shy, but a friendly guy. Looking at this sketch, some "Spawn" elements already seem to be in place.

Why Dr Fate? I loved "All-Star Squadron," and his issue there was what (at the time) I most associated him with.

This was a $15 commission - he added the blue line sorcery 'zap' to try and spiff it up. I think he felt guilty, since his usual rate was $10 and I wanted something special.

It is.

I have never followed "Spawn," nor have I been a big fan of his since. That said, you can't deny he's doing what he wants - and the way he wants. That is the definition of success I would use.