Meaning: Todd McFarlane, a renowned comic book artist and writer, made this statement in reference to his experience in the comic book industry. The quote reflects McFarlane's perspective on his early career and the development of his iconic comic book series, Spawn. In this quote, McFarlane discusses his initial feelings of being on the sidelines and his focus on creating Spawn before expanding his creative team.

In the first part of the quote, McFarlane expresses a sense of detachment or limitation in his early career. He describes himself as "just standing on the sidelines" prior to issue 50 of Spawn. This sentiment conveys a feeling of being on the periphery of the comic book industry, possibly due to working independently or focusing solely on his own creative endeavors. This portrayal of McFarlane's early career highlights the challenges and uncertainties that many creators face as they strive to establish themselves in a competitive and dynamic industry.

McFarlane's reference to "up until issue 50, we were just doing Spawn" emphasizes the central role that Spawn played in his career trajectory. Spawn, which debuted in 1992, quickly gained popularity and became a significant milestone in McFarlane's career. The series, known for its dark and gritty storytelling as well as McFarlane's distinctive artistic style, resonated with readers and solidified McFarlane's reputation as a visionary creator in the comic book world.

The next part of the quote, "I wasn't recruiting anybody because I didn't have any books for people to work on," sheds light on McFarlane's approach to building a creative team. As a creator who was deeply involved in the creation of Spawn, McFarlane initially focused on producing the series without actively seeking out collaborators or expanding his creative ventures. This aspect of the quote reflects the singular focus and dedication that McFarlane had towards Spawn during its early stages. It also underscores the importance of having substantial projects or opportunities in place before involving other creators in the creative process.

Throughout his career, McFarlane has been recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative contributions to the comic book industry. In addition to his work as an artist and writer, he has also made significant strides as a business owner, founding Image Comics and creating opportunities for creators to retain ownership of their work. This quote provides insight into McFarlane's early career mindset and sheds light on the evolution of his approach to collaboration and team building within the industry.

In conclusion, Todd McFarlane's quote offers a glimpse into his early career experiences and the development of Spawn as a pivotal project in his creative journey. It conveys his initial sense of being on the sidelines, his singular focus on Spawn, and his approach to recruiting collaborators. McFarlane's contributions to the comic book industry continue to resonate with fans and creators alike, making this quote a valuable reflection of his career trajectory and the impact of Spawn on his artistic legacy.