Spawn’s Universe 2021 Toys Wave 1 In-Hand Gallery – The Toyark

Modern articulated Spawn figures are here!  Over the last several years we’ve got little nuggets here and there from McFarlane Toys, a Spawn here and a Spawn there, all slowly working in their modern technology and design styles (Check our galleries for them here).  In 2021 the Spawn’s Universe initiative on the comics side has bled into the toys with a full new series of Spawn action figures.  Wave 1 consists of 3 different size classes and 5 figures.

• Mega Scale Violator
• Deluxe Scale Clown
• 7 Inch Redeemer (+ Chase)
• 7 Inch Raven Spawn
• 7 Inch Gunslinger Spawn (Target Exclusive)

We’ve run all these for a set of pics – basic, comparison, some fancies, and even a quick set for Vintage Violator II.  Read on to check it all out, get an overview on Spawn’s Universe, and some additional thoughts!  Thanks to McFarlane Toys for sending these through to check out!

Spawn’s Universe Recap

First let’s start with an overview of the Spawn’s Universe initiative on the comics side.  Let’s assume you are in a similar boat as I was – read early on, saw the HBO show, saw the movie, popped in and out for a while after that.  Around issue 185 or so – Al Simmons was free of being Spawn, human again, and blew his head off.  A new Spawn is born, Jim Downing.  He was active until about issue #250 – where Al Simmons is resurrected as Spawn proper.  Thus began the road to 300.  In 2019 – the Spawn comic book hit issue 300, and then 301, breaking the previous record for longest running comic book by an independent publisher.   This set in motion events that would expand the Spawn universe beyond just the main Spawn book.

Al Simmons goal is to stop being a pawn in the war between Heaven and Hell, he’s down to fight for Earth, for human kind.  So it’s now a three way battle.  Without getting too specific – he runs that famous power meter on the suit down to zero, triggering a cosmic level explosion that spreads the symbiote the suit is made of all around the world AND opens a rip in the fabric of space and time.  This allows for new Spawn-like beings to come into existence with parts of the symbiote, and allows for previous era Spawns to come into modern times.

This culminated in Spawn’s Universe #1, which dropped last month.  This was kind of an official kick off point for the new era with all the new characters and fan favorite previous era Spawns all coming into the modern day continuity, together.  In a more permanent way, as far as comics can be permanent.  Gunslinger Spawn, Medieval Spawn, etc – all hanging out with Al Simmons.  Or at least around, ready to interact with him.

It was also the first #1 issue Spawn book since the original’s launch.  And the starting point for more, as we are getting King Spawn, Gunslinger Spawn, and The Scorched – 3 new ongoing series set in the Spawn Universe.  Think Batman / Detective Comics / Justice League.  All separate books, but technically happening somewhat concurrently.

The goal of all this was to build out the Spawn lore to include more than just one character, beyond cameos and short run appearances as it has been.  Over time, the goal seems to be to build out a full roster like a Marvel or DC has, with OG Spawn as the core.

If you want to catch up – Todd McFarlane mentioned this method: Spawn #250 (Al Simmons Returns), Spawn #276 (Current Artist Starts), Spawn #296 and #297 (Recap of everything so far).  Then I did #300 and #301, and then Spawn’s Universe #1.  You could really go #300 forward for some good modern stuff leading into the new era.

And now, we have toys for this modern era of Spawn.

2021 Spawn Toys

Technically this new line of Spawn toys is not titled Spawn’s Universe.  It does however feature figures that are prominent in it.  Gunslinger Spawn, the new Violator form, modern Redeemer are all based on recent looks.  Raven Spawn hasn’t really jumped back in but did make a cameo recently.  I haven’t run all of post 300 yet, but this Clown seems to be inspired by the classic Series 4 Clown II toy (we looked at that here).  So this line isn’t 100% just based on the new era and Spawn’s Universe initiative per say.  I hope they pull from all past eras of toys and comics going forward.  Though, just like with Marvel and DC, I do prefer modern stuff with classic notes, not just pure classic.   Right now that’s what this is and I dig it.  I’ll touch on each below:

Mega Violator – OK, so this guy is BIG.  And not just tall, but heavy.  This is a brick of plastic, nothing hollow here.  Sculpt is amazing, there is bumpy texture everywhere head to toe.  Articulation is at all key points, all modern levels.  There isn’t much you can’t do with him.  A little more head movement would be nice, but not complaining.  Paint is also phenomenal, layered and washed, bones painted out, eyes pop red.   He’s the most expensive at 50 bucks, but in modern times that is totally worth it just for weight.

Deluxe Clown – This is the one folks were iffy about, since straight on he’s smaller than the rest.  But again, I think the scale upgrade and price is justified.  He’s short, but stocky all around.  Again dense plastic.  Articulation is there at all key points, good head movement even though he has no neck.  He also comes packed with a MASSIVE set of guns that attach to his back, calling back to the classic toy.  They also have articulation at multiple points.  The gun pack weighs as much as the figure, it’s basically a two pack.  Getting him to stand with this thing is difficult, but the included stands help a lot.  If you have extra, use two.  All in all it’s an impressive piece and works well with Violator and Kickstarter Spawn.

Raven Spawn – My favorite of the 7 Inch “basic” figs.  Monotone and creepy looking, chains and a bladed staff.  Perfect WUT stance on a shelf.  Again, articulation is on point, all modern notes touched.  The chain accessory is stiff, so you can’t do too many different two handed poses, and single hand poses have a chain flying outward some way.

Gunslinger Spawn – Well done representation of the character.  He’s getting play in the new books, but not my favorite look.  As I catch up maybe the stories will change my mind.  The lankyness is well done and you can get some nice action gun fight poses.

Redeemer – Modern take.  The one featured here is actually a chase variant, branded with a Platinum Edition sticker.  This variant features green wings and a different sword.  The regular one has white wings and another sword.  The green wings are a call back to his old look, featured on some art and older toys.  Current look has the white wings in the book.   Great sculpt, there is nice texture on the blue parts.  Gold has a metallic sheen.  My copy the joints were a little loose and the wings are heavy, so took a bit to get him to stand up at times.  Looks great when set properly tho.

All in all – really happy with the wave.  When you combine this with the recent Mandarin Spawns, and the Kickstarter Classic Spawns, it’s a really nice modern line up of the characters.  Hopefully they keep it up and work some more Al Simmons based Spawns into the line, not everyone got the Kickstarter.  Plus, a modern Spawn without the massive cape gimmick, maybe those last couple areas of articulation, would be nice too.

Bottom line – if you dig Spawn – grab these.  They’re fun, look great, and may be the start of a deep roster line up that will look great on a shelf for years to come.  Check the shots below!

 

Spawn 21 Violator Vintage II 01

Spawn 21 Violator Vintage II 01

Spawn 21 Violator 11

Spawn 21 Violator 11

Spawn 21 Violator 07

Spawn 21 Violator 07

Spawn 21 Clown 15

Spawn 21 Clown 15

Spawn 21 Clown 17

Spawn 21 Clown 17

Spawn 21 Clown 05

Spawn 21 Clown 05

Spawn 21 Clown 04

Spawn 21 Clown 04

Spawn 21 Gunslinger Spawn 08

Spawn 21 Gunslinger Spawn 08

Spawn 21 Raven Spawn 13

Spawn 21 Raven Spawn 13

Spawn 21 Redeemer Variant 14

Spawn 21 Redeemer Variant 14

w Spawns Universe Group 03

2021 Spawn Toys Comparison – Click for a MUCH larger version

w Spawns Universe Group 04

2021 Spawn Toys Comparison 2 – Click for a MUCH larger version

 

 

x Spawns Universe Hero 01

x Spawns Universe Hero 01

x Spawns Universe Hero 05

x Spawns Universe Hero 05

x Spawns Universe Hero 09

x Spawns Universe Hero 09

x Spawns Universe Hero 11

x Spawns Universe Hero 11

x Spawns Universe Hero 18

x Spawns Universe Hero 18

x Spawns Universe Hero 22

x Spawns Universe Hero 22

x Spawns Universe Hero 23

x Spawns Universe Hero 23

x Spawns Universe Hero 25

x Spawns Universe Hero 25

x Spawns Universe Hero 26

x Spawns Universe Hero 26

x Spawns Universe Hero 27

x Spawns Universe Hero 27

x Spawns Universe Hero 29

x Spawns Universe Hero 29


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