Robservations with Rob Liefeld

Demonslayer! Princess Mononoke! Avatar! Avengers:Endgame! Star Wars! James Cameron! George Lucas! John Byrne! Dave Cockrum! Movies, Anime and Comic Books have long been defined by rivalries that push all involved. Huge talents powering themselves towards the top! Rob looks at some of the best, most memorable rivalries across pop and comic books! 

Two publishers. One great cause. 100 top talents. As Famine Relief became a dilemma that the entire world rallied around, Marvel and DC showed up as only they could, uniting the greatest writers and artists across two unforgettable specials created to raise significant funds to feed the hungry. Rob revisit’s Marvel’s Heroes Against Hope and DC’s Heroes Against Hunger! Also, Warner Bros. sold to Discovery Channel! What it means going forward!

Two Sprawling Heroic Universes, every character presented with tremendous detail, listed alphabetically from A to Z. The story of two competing Universe Handbooks, how they were crafted, produced and sold. The talents that created them and more importantly, the superstars who were left behind. Rob compares and contrasts the brand new omnibus collections of The Marvel Universe Handbook and DC’s Who’s Who series. 

Wolverine’s Claws! Thor’s hammer! Cap’s Shield! King Kong’s Axe Blade! G.I. Joe-Real American Hero! Weapon’s are a staple of myth and lore, from Star Wars to X-Men, they literally make and define the hero, transforming entire franchises! Rob covers the Gear that is near and dear to us all! 

20 years ago the Lord Of The Rings trilogy blew the doors off the fantasy genre, opening the doors for Game Of Thrones and all that followed. Some 50 years back Marvel Comics paved the way for the birth of the Modern Fantasy movement by securing the rights to a pulp fantasy character that became the face of a franchise, inspiring a surge of sword & sorcery warriors from all publishers!

NOSTALGIA! What is it? Why is it? Is your love of that great comic book run because you experienced it as a child or because it was executed at the top of its craft? What about that movie? That cartoon? Those toys? Rob examines what is and is not nostalgia across multiple genres! 

Martial Arts exploded throughout the culture in the 70’s, igniting a wave of comics, movies and tv shows that inspired a generation of fans! Marvel & DC Comics were quick to capitalize on this craze launching a flurry of new titles reflecting the popular Kung Fu dynamic! Bruce Lee! Shang Chi! Iron Fist! Karate Kid! Richard Dragon! The origins of these comics and their lasting influence & staying power is dissected. Plus, a surprise interview! 

Final thoughts as we bring down the curtains on Season 1 of Robservations. 

A call in the middle of the night from a group of foreign artists sets in motion a revelation of terrible mismanagement and talent that is being taken advantage of. A cautionary tale that has to be heard to be believed! 

Remember when Godzilla battled The Avengers? Thor! Black Widow! Iron Man! The Fantastic Four? It was mind-blowing and spectacular and all a result of a Golden Age of Godzilla revival in toys, cartoons and comics that came about from 1977-1979! Marvel & Godzilla were a potent combination of two powerful brands, electrifying fans, as recounted by Rob in today’s exciting installment! 

Every pop movement has a seminal year, a period that is viewed as a seismic shift in how the art was created, distributed, and received. A new book, Rock On The Water, claims that 1974 was such a year in music, tv & film. Rob believes that 1992 is the date for comic books and breaks down why. Also – Falcon! Bucky! Invincible! 

Passion drives those with talent and vision to never cease creating. Is it your passion or is it your pass time? An examination of comic book creatives and the passion that drives them. 

Bucky Barnes made his debut alongside Captain America from legendary creators Joe Simon & Jack Kirby in 1941! Sebastian Stan has portrayed the classic comic book icon since Captain America:The First Avenger, and currently on Marvel’s Falcon & Winter Soldier. Bucky Barnes rich, storied history is given the spotlight it deserves! Plus, the future for  Zack Snyder’s vision of Justice League discussed!

In 2001, Frank Miller produced his long awaited, much anticipated sequel to Dark Knight Returns, the most acclaimed graphic novel of all time. 20 years later, The Dark Knight Strikes Again is given all the deep cuts in this extensive examination as we discuss the evolution & expansion of Miller’s transformative vision of The Batman! The fearless world building, the stylish art and the mystery behind the color production of this controversial follow up to FM’s most celebrated work! 

A fan movement like nothing ever before resulted in the long awaited restoration of director Zack Snyder’s original vision. The result is spectacular, a dynamic film with style and energy to spare. Rob examines one of the most exciting comic book film stories ever conceived and the fervent fans who refused to stop until it was finally released! 

No single filmmaker in the past 15 years has reached across genres and electrified audiences like Zack Snyder. His signature style and fearless direction defined the success of DAWN OF THE DEAD, 300, WATCHMEN, MAN OF STEEL. With his final word on JUSTICE LEAGUE, The Snyder Cut, dropping on HBO Max, his work has never been so relevant and exciting. Rob examines the build up of a career steeped in graphic storytelling, groundbreaking visuals and performances that re-defined not one but multiple genres! #snydercut 

Endings matter! Finales can be a resounding success, perfectly punctuating everything you enjoyed about a comic, book or film or sour you with a poorly received effort! Rob discusses some of the most profound endings in comics and filmed entertainment as well as a few that didn’t quite stick the landing! 

Entertainment Networking in the age of social media presents an exciting new dynamic, but it’s not without its pratfalls. The Do’s & Don’ts  of networking, past, present & future! Bonus: The Nuances of Comic Book Stylings!  

Plot! Breakdowns! Layouts! Embellisher! Script! Inks! Penciler! You’ve seen all these tags and more in the credits of your comic books over the years but what do they really mean? Who is doing what on each page? What is the pay structure? The royalty incentives? The creator sharing? As a veteran of 35 years, Rob breaks it all down as only he can! Creating Comics made easy! 

In 1977 Marvel launched a new series that depicted alternate timelines and endings to many of their classic stories. Little did we know how prescient this comic would be, as, over time, the concepts were used to affect actual cannon & continuity, influencing many depictions of Marvel’s familiar icons! The lasting impact of Marvel’s Secret Playbook, WHAT IF? put under the microscope! 

Kang is coming! No character is as cross-connected and complicated than Marvel’s Tumultuous Time Lord, Kang The Conqueror! Before he makes his live action debut, Rob unpacks all the important history of one of the Avengers most fearsome foes! Also, Marketwatch looks at The Signature Craze!

BONUS Epsiode! Agatha Harkness is a long standing character within the Marvel Universe, holding important roles and influence with both the Fantastic Four and Avengers! Rob goes further farther in order to catch you up to the extent of her role in the Marvel Universe and her impact on #Wandavision! 

With news swirling about more DC Comics upheaval amidst new ownership by AT&T, Rob dives deep into the practical concerns facing the future of publishing! Plus, WandaVision rocks the Market watch as Scarlet Witch, Vision and Quicksilver back issues fly off retailers shelves! 

Stan Lee & Jack Kirby have the most complicated legacy in the history of comic books. Together they made magic that touches generations of fans. Rob shares his unique view of their controversial creative relationship and offers a new spin on the roles they shared! Plus, comic book market watch with recent trends! Eminem’s entertainment lawyers incredible comic collection! 

The comic book marketplace past, present & future is put under the microscope as we look towards new trends and predict the future of comic book publishing! 

Dr. Doom! Magneto! Mephisto! Marvel’s  Malevolent Masterminds of Darkness! Powerful personalities of the Supernatural, Technical and Cosmic variety. Rob goes all in on the origins and influence wielded by comic book’s most powerful adversaries. 

Marvel’s Mutants dominate comics, tv and movies! More Scarlet Witch & Vision, Magneto, Mephisto and the ties to the WandaVision mysteries expalined! Grant Morrison’s X-Men conundrum! 

Miles Morales! Spider-Gwen! Red Lanterns! Lady Deadpool! Derivatives have taken the spotlight and dominated as they never have before! Rob examines the origins and evolution of comic book derivatives!

The Power of Independence is discussed and examined. Comic creators Frank Miller, Jack Kirby and Howard Chaykin transformed their careers, influence and opportunities by taking the road of independent publishing. American Flagg! Sin City! 300! Also, Rob revisits an essay on How To Beat The Haters! 

Vision & Scarlet Witch! Growing up in the 70’s, no couple in comic books was more powerful, more prominent and more twisted! An Android takes his mutant bride and their already complicated individual origins become intertwined in the most fascinating way’s you could possibly imagine! Rob digs deep into the weeds, examining aspects and interactions the show and their media representation in the MCU completely avoid…until now! All is revealed in the deepest dive we’ve ever attempted!

As the 90’s comes to a close, Jim Lee leaves Image Comics, selling his company to a rival comic book publisher, DC Comics. Image loses another partner as the era begins to cool. Also, Rob recounts the gigs that got away, the assignments he couldn’t land.

After years of fits and starts, The Deadpool film footage is leaked and the film is finally given the green light! It’s off to Vancouver to shoot the tightly budgeted film that will change the game for comic book adaptations! The set visits! The Hall H debut! The test screenings! The fan premiere! The record breaking opening weekend! Rob gives his first hand account on all of the details behind the birth of a worldwide phenomenon! 

The road to movie stardom was a rocky one for everyone’s favorite Mercenary. Deadpool finds a perfect match with Ryan Reynolds portraying him on the big screen, but the studio can’t decide when, where or if to launch him into the stratosphere. Rob details the many fits and starts that threatened to derail Deadpool’s promising future on film! 

Deadpool hit the toy shelves in 1992 and it was the launch of 1000 action figures! Funko Pops, statues, trading cards, video games, lego’s!  We chart the path of his unprecedented rise as a merchandise Icon! Also, superstar artist Marat Mychaels speaks! Rob’s first assistant was there from the jump and shares tales about the creation of your favorite New Mutants & X-Force characters and comics! 

Smart-Ass, Bad-Ass, Wise-Ass, Parody? Which way do you like your Deadpool humor? Across 30 years of publishing, he’s been all things to all people. Inside the 4th Walk breaks, the jokes and the variety of comedic stylings with everyone’s favorite Merc With A Mouth! And how does Deadpool relate to Road Runner? Continuing our Deep Dive into The Making Of Deadpool! 

t’s the 30 year anniversary for the Merc With The Mouth! From his very 1st appearance, Deadpool has been elevated and celebrated by fans worldwide. Celebrate with Rob Liefeld,  the man who made him as he walks you through his inspiration and process of bringing him to life and created reaction the most popular response to a new Marvel character in decades!!

Comic Books & Holidays go together like peas & carrots! Comics have a long tradition of celebrating the Holiday season with commemorative collections and stories! Frank Miller’s first Batman comic was part of a holiday collection, Marvel annually published a Grab Bag of Christmas tales! Many of us share vivid memories of comic books and comic book based gifts & experiences from our youth! We say goodbye to 2020 with a celebration of Holiday themed comic books through the years! 

Original Comic Book Art values are through the roof, auction houses are booming with vintage art from popular collectors! Collectors are stepping up, dropping six & seven figures on comic book art from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s! Rob looks carefully at what is behind the recent original art boom, what is generating the most buzz and why there is no end in sight! 

MULTIVERSE is the buzzword of the year. The Multiverse concept was once a niche sci-fi trope featured in popular franchises like Dr. Who & Star Trek before bursting into the mainstream with Spider Man: Into The Spiderverse! Now the latest live action Spider Man film as well as The Flash will feature Multiverse formats and we look back on the history of the multiverse in comics and pop culture! 

Todd McFarlane revolutionized the toy business forevermore. He launched his Toy Line in 1995 and never looked back, permanently altering the way toys were sculpted, painted and manufactured. His achievements in toys cannot be properly measured, even more so than his impact on comics! Remembering the day that Todd revealed his toy aspirations to the Image Partners and the immediate whirlwind that followed! I come to praise McFarlane Toys! 

The biggest name in the history of comic books and super heroes, Stan Lee guided Marvel to unprecedented success not only in comics but in the comic book revolution of television and cartoons & films! Sharing over 30 years of memories with Stan, Rob Liefeld raises a glass in tribute, remembering the life and times of Stan Lee and his celebrated achievements and even a few misfires along the way. An hour of Stan “The Man” Lee! 

Halloween 1997, The biggest entertainment icon of his age and a comic book creator with a fresh screenplay head off the visit the big studio chief’s and attempt to sell the next big sci-fi tent pole! Mega-Entertainment Icon, Will Smith, teams with Comic Book Creator, Rob Liefeld, as they meet with Steven Spielberg and others in an effort to create an auction atmosphere for their new project THE MARK. The Million Dollar Pitch is an anatomy lesson in Hollywood biz and showmanship.

Image X Month arrived in Sept. of 1994, a once in a lifetime switch of creative teams on established titles, which creator was taking on what title was supposed to remain a mystery until the comics were released. Now it can be told, the secret history of Image X Month! Why did it happen? How did it come together?  There were bumps along the way but it awakened a new creativity among the famed Image Creators, charting new paths along the way. What was the impetus behind Image X Month? Rob puts you at the table, peeling it all the way back taking you into the inspiration for the bold choices of a wild experiment that has never been attempted again was forged! 

Comic books went tribal in the 90’s! Image! Legend! Bravura! Cliffhanger! Guerilla! CrossGen! Everyone searched for a niche hoping to become a label that promised to deliver the next big thing. Rob and Jimmy discuss all the Tribes in comic books, the one’s the held together and the one’s that fell apart.

The DC 52 initiative was intended to launch a new Golden Age for the storied publisher, one that would make it more competitive with Marvel. The center of the launch failed to hold, pressure quickly mounted and tensions flared. Rob brings his first hand account to the lunacy permeated throughout the line as micromanagement created dissension among the ranks. 

In the world of publishing, DC Comics has been the hot button topic of 2020! The year kicked off with the surprise firing of Publisher Dan Didio, an abrupt restructuring of DC under new owner AT&T followed.  On top of it all, they drastically altered the distribution of their comics to consumers. Now in the face of new layoffs, rumors swirl as to the questionable future of publishing at the storied home of Batman, Superman & Wonder Woman. The future of DC is on the minds of fans and retailers alike, Rob and returning guest Jimmy Jay break down the controversial moves and the decades long road that led to DC’s Dilemma! 

Comic Books! We love ‘em and the epic tales they tell, but what exactly goes into shaping a particular body of work? Watchmen. X-Men. Fantastic Four. Justice League. No two were constructed the same. Rob conducts an examination of the process and methods various talents take in their approach to making the comic books you love! Plot? Full Script? Broad Outline? Phone call pitch? Which was used to create your favorite? 

Comic-Conventions are an institution that have grown in importance, influence and stature. They unite pop culture enthusiasts all over the world. In a year without conventions of any kind, Rob looks back on his own experiences, starting at age 12, across 40 years of attending conventions as both fan & professional and the relationships formed along the way.

A casual call to solicit a team up of Image Comics Youngblood with Valiant Comics Bloodshot grows into something much greater than originally anticipated. It’s a big giant inter-company crossover party! And how does Aerosmith figure into all of it! DeathMate delivers!