8 Comics That Would Sell More If The Lead Character Was Replaced

1. Spawn

Spawn was created by legendary comic writer/artist Todd McFarlane and debuted in 1992. Almost 25 years, one bad movie, and a few costume changes later, Spawn is still the flagship character of Image Comics. For much of Spawn's history, he was the alter ego of Al Simmons. Simmons was turned into Spawn when he sold his soul to the demon Malebolgia. Much like Marvel's Venom, Spawn's costume is a living symbiote. When Simmons shot himself in the head, the symbiote was linked to a fellow named Jim Downing. Simmons bonded with a powerful female symbiote suit and became "Omega Spawn". As Omega Spawn, Simmons becomes the ruler of Hell. Downing has done some impressive work as Spawn and his powers are arguably greater than those of Simmons during his tenure. It also makes sense that the change to Downing was made. After all, every lesser move was made first. The costume was changed. The powers were changed. Finally, the folks at Image crossed to the final frontier and changed the man in the costume. It did exactly what it should: Brought new life too the character and put the original Spawn in a position to do something new with his character. The reason Spawn is number 1 on this list is because he is the only example of a comic whose lead character was already replaced...and can now be changed back. Jim Downing doesn't need to leave the Spawn Universe. After all, Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson are still in the Marvel Universe and they have all been Captain America. Downing can certainly serve his purpose, but Al Simmons is Spawn and he should be Spawn...at least, until the book needs another change.