McFarlane explains 'Spawn' #200 delay

Spawn creator Todd McFarlane has explained why the comic's 200th issue has been delayed until January 2011.

Speaking to Newsarama, the Image co-founder said that the book fell behind schedule because it grew in scope during the development process.

"I understand the book is behind schedule and we're trying to make that up," he said. "I wanted to make Spawn #200 extra special, and the book grew to be almost three times the size of a regular comic book.

"Three times the size means it takes three times as long to finish it, but the big upside to it all is to be able to deliver a book I'm extra proud of, one that's almost three times the size it was originally solicited, but keep the price at $3.99. That's a lot of bang for the buck."

McFarlane went on to say that the milestone issue will pave the way for a new era for the title, beginning with Spawn #201. Will Carlton and Szymon Kudranski will serve as the comic's creative team in 2011.

Illustrated by McFarlane in collaboration with Michael Golden, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, Marc Silvestri, Ashley Wood, David Finch and Greg Capullo, Spawn #200 is co-written by Robert Kirkman.