Spawn #1, published by Image Comics in 1992, is the first appearance of the character Spawn. It tells the origin story of Al Simmons, a U.S. soldier who is murdered by his teammate and ends up in hell.
Al makes a deal with the devil, Malebolgia, to return to Earth to see his wife Wanda Blake, in exchange for his soul. However, upon returning to Earth, Al discovers five years have passed and Wanda has moved on. He also finds himself disfigured and transformed into a hellspawn with a symbiotic costume and incredible powers.
Lost and confused, Al encounters a mugging and uses his newfound abilities to save the victim. The issue ends with Spawn encountering a mysterious figure ripping out hearts.