Todd McFarlane Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Career, Spawn

Todd Dean McFarlane, known professionally as Todd McFarlane, is a Canadian comic book creator, artist, writer, entrepreneur, and president of Image Comics, whose revolutionary work redefined the superhero genre.

As the creator of Spawn, he introduced one of the first Black-led superhero comics, which has sold over 5 million copies and inspired films, an HBO series, and a vast toy line through his company, McFarlane Toys.

His groundbreaking run on The Amazing Spider-Man (1988–1991) and co-founding Image Comics in 1992 reshaped the industry, prioritizing creator-owned work.

McFarlane’s dynamic art style and business acumen have made him a titan in comics and collectibles, influencing generations of artists and entrepreneurs.

Profile

• Full Name: Todd Dean McFarlane
• Stage Name: Todd McFarlane
• Born: 16 March, 1961
• Age: 64 years old
• Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Occupation: Comic Book Creator, Artist, Writer, Entrepreneur, Toy Manufacturer, Publisher
• Height: 1.70m
• Parents: Bob McFarlane and Sherlee McFarlane
• Siblings: Curtis McFarlane, Derek McFarlane
• Spouse: Wanda Kolomyjec (m. 1985)
• Children: Cyan McFarlane, Kate McFarlane, Jake McFarlane
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $300 million

Early Life and Education

Todd McFarlane was born on March 16, 1961, in Calgary, Alberta, to Bob McFarlane, a printing company employee, and Sherlee McFarlane, a homemaker.

Raised with two brothers, Curtis and Derek, in a working-class household, he developed a love for comics and baseball early on.

He attended William Aberhart High School and possibly Sir Winston Churchill High School in Calgary, excelling as a pitcher.

A baseball scholarship took him to Spokane Falls Community College and later Eastern Washington University, where he studied graphics, design, and art after a career-ending ankle injury shifted his focus to illustration.

He is of Canadian roots, though he keeps his religious beliefs private.

Career

Todd McFarlane began his comics career in the mid-1980s, landing his first professional gig penciling backup stories for Marvel’s Coyote in 1985 after submitting samples during college.

He gained prominence with The Incredible Hulk (1987–1988), but his run on The Amazing Spider-Man (1988–1991) made him a superstar, introducing a darker, more dynamic web-slinging style and co-creating Venom with writer David Michelinie.

His art, with its intricate webbing and expressive poses, pushed sales to record highs, with issue #328 selling over 2.5 million copies.

Frustrated by Marvel’s control over creators, McFarlane co-founded Image Comics in 1992 with artists like Jim Lee and Rob Liefeld, launching Spawn that year—a gritty antihero saga that became a cultural phenomenon, selling 1.7 million copies of its debut issue.

Spawn expanded into a 1997 live-action film, an Emmy-winning HBO animated series (1997–1999), and a sprawling toy line through McFarlane Toys, founded in 1994, which revolutionized action figures with hyper-detailed designs for Star Wars, The Walking Dead, and more.

McFarlane wrote and illustrated Spawn for decades, reaching over 300 issues, and contributed to titles like Haunt (2009) with Robert Kirkman.

As president of Image Comics, he champions creator-owned projects, mentoring artists like Ryan Ottley.

Recent endeavors include Spawn’s Universe (2021), expanding his flagship series, and a new Spawn film in development with Blumhouse.

His toy empire, including DC Multiverse figures, generates millions annually.

McFarlane’s influence extends beyond comics, with music video direction for bands like Korn and Pearl Jam, and he remains a vocal advocate for creator rights, speaking at conventions like San Diego Comic-Con.

His bold style—marked by angular lines and cinematic layouts—has shaped modern comic art, while McFarlane Toys’ innovations dominate the collectibles market.

His legacy as a trailblazer continues to inspire, blending artistic vision with entrepreneurial grit to redefine what comics and toys can achieve.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @toddmcfarlane
• Facebook Handle: Todd McFarlane
• Twitter Handle: @Todd_McFarlane

Personal Life

Todd McFarlane married Wanda Kolomyjec, a teacher, in 1985, and they have three children: Cyan, Kate, and Jake.

The family resides in Phoenix, Arizona, where McFarlane runs his empire from a home studio filled with comic art and collectibles.

His daughter Cyan inspired Spawn’s character of the same name, and his family often appears at conventions with him.

Comicography/Filmography

• The Incredible Hulk (1987–1988)
• The Amazing Spider-Man (1988–1991)
• Spawn (1992–present)
• Spawn (1997) – Film, Executive Producer
• Todd McFarlane’s Spawn (1997–1999) – HBO Series, Creator
• Haunt (2009)
• Spawn’s Universe (2021)

Net Worth

Todd McFarlane has an estimated net worth of $300 million.

His wealth stems from Spawn’s comic sales, the HBO series, and the 1997 film, alongside McFarlane Toys’ lucrative lines, which generate tens of millions annually from licenses like DC Comics and Warhammer.

His role as Image Comics president and royalties from The Amazing Spider-Man and Venom add to his fortune, reflecting a career that transformed comics and collectibles into a global enterprise.