MoCCA OPENS TODD McFARLANE RETROSPECTIVE 02.25.06

[MattBrady]

Press Release

On February 25th, 2006, the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, in association with Reed Exhibitions and Todd McFarlane Productions, unleashes a retrospective exhibit showcasing the art and career of legendary artist Todd McFarlane.

Widely recognized as one of the most influential comic book creators of the last two decades, McFarlane is best known as the creator of Spawn. That title’s hugely popular 1992 debut sold an amazing 1.7 million copies – an unprecedented feat in independent comics. A whirlwind of growth and expansion followed: more comics, action figures, film and award-winning animation.

The multimedia exhibit will include original artwork and artifacts from Todd’s private collections and McFarlane Companies archives, including original comic art pages stretching back to his childhood and work for Marvel and DC on such titles as Spider-Man and Coyote, all the way through the Image years. Also on display will be original animation cels, character designs and layouts, as well as toy designs and prototypes. The exhibit officially opens with a gala fundraising reception to be held on Saturday evening, February 25 and will run through May 1, 2006.

These gritty and groundbreaking works will also be available as a limited
online tour and an audio tour for the exhibit — conducted by McFarlane
himself — that can be downloaded for free at www.spawn.com.

OPENING RECEPTION AND PREVIEW NIGHT

The retrospective opens in conjunction with Todd's appearance as a guest of honor at the New York Comic Con, February 24-26 at the Jacob Javits Center. McFarlane will personally appear at the opening reception for the exhibit, which begins at 8:00pm on Saturday, February 25, at MoCCA’s SoHo gallery. Tickets for the opening may be purchased at MoCCA’s NY Comic-Con booth (#114 -- conveniently located right next to McFarlane Toys booth #116).

McFarlane will also appear in person at a special private preview on Friday, February 24. Although this event is only open to professionals, exhibitors, and other trade attendees of NYCC, Reed Exhibitions has generously set aside fifty (50) free tickets for the general public, available for the first 50 fans who sign up at MoCCA’s NYCC booth (#114).

SPAWN #1 in 3D

This special New York Comic-Con limited-edition 3D version of Spawn Issue #1 was created exclusively for the 2006 McFarlane retrospective at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) in New York.

Written and drawn by Todd, this 32-page book has a cover price of $5.95 and includes red/blue 3D glasses! This special book will be available as a Donor Premium (in recognition of donations of $6 or more) from MoCCA beginning Feb. 24 at their NY Comic-Con booth (#114 -- conveniently located right next to McFarlane Toys booth #116) and at the MoCCA Gift Shop during the run of the McFarlane retrospective exhibit, while supplies last. Proceeds benefit MoCCA.