Spawn (1997), directed by Mark A.Z. Dippé, is a gritty and unique superhero film that stands apart from its more conventional counterparts. Based on the popular character from Image Comics, the film introduces audiences to Al Simmons (played by Michael Jai White), a highly trained assassin who is betrayed and sent to Hell, only to return as Spawn, a dark anti-hero with extraordinary powers. With its darker tone, visual effects, and complex themes of morality, Spawn presents a superhero story that is as much about internal conflict as it is about external battles.

The film follows Al Simmons, a former operative for a covert government organization, who is killed by his mentor, Jason Wynn (Martin Sheen). After his death, Simmons makes a pact with the demon Malebolgia (Nicol Williamson) to be resurrected and return to Earth to lead an army of Hell. However, the deal goes awry, and Simmons is brought back as a hellish, undead being with superhuman abilities. Struggling with his new existence, he becomes Spawn, a tortured soul fighting against the forces of Hell and struggling with the choices that led him to his dark fate. Along the way, he battles the evil clown-like creature, Violator (John Leguizamo), and must also confront his own inner demons as he seeks redemption.