10 Image Graphic Novels You Must Read Before You Die
2. Spawn Origins Collection Volume 1
Todd McFarlane's Spawn is the only book (other than Savage Dragon) to have been printed continuously since Image Comics' founding back in 1992. The series has been written or illustrated by McFarlane since it debuted making it one of only a few books to have the original creator maintain control throughout its 280+ issue history.
Spawn tells the tale of a mercenary named Al Simmons who was killed by those he trusted. When he shows up in Hell, he is offered a choice: join the army of the dead as a general for the demon Malebolgia and he would be returned to Earth or remain in Hell. Simmons took the deal so he could be with his wife Wanda, but things didn't go as he planned.
He returned five years later with a demonic symbiote costume and a body burned to hell. He also came with amazing powers, which led him to become something of a reluctant superhero in the Image Universe.
Spawn was adapted into a film, animated series, and rebooted film currently under development. The first volume collects the first six issues, which flesh out the origin story and detail Spawn's purpose on Earth.