Or was it just riding on the waves of the Image train? Even Spawn was legitimately popular at one point(though it lingered around about as long as a stupid meme).

When Youngblood #1 came out it was more popular than the current issues of X-force and Avengers. Unfortunately as Image was unable to make the monthly publishing deadlines the popularity faded. In alot of was it was the Engine of the Image train many people looking for a new issue of youngblood would pick up an issue of Shadowhawk or the Dragon also as the price of Image comics rose so the popularity of a comic that might show up in the next two months faded.

It started with a bang, but couldn't maintain the momentum.