Robservations with Rob Liefeld

Every industry has a Game-Changer, an individual who’s impact goes way beyond the biz, affecting the entire culture. I’ve settled on the biggest Free Agent move in comic books the last 50 years, a change-up that shifted the fortunes for an entire company and set them on a course that carries them to this day. 

Just What The Hell Is Going On?? Bundles! Party Packs! Deep discounts, phony numbers, empty release windows! We examine the crazed current state of comics and movies! 

Stan Lee endured a tumultuous final chapter and the truth is now coming to light from documentarian Jon Bollerjack. Over several years I was witness to the chaos that ensued, I participated in the film and share much of that on today’s episode. Also, as my oldest son  gets married I look at a more light hearted view of comic book weddings and why they rarely work. 

Do other studios even want to make comic book films, especially super heroes? Marvel’s recent slide isn’t helping matters! We also discuss Ryan Coogler’s latest, creative control and how it’s affecting the future of movies! Convention economy and more! 

Ratio variants, Discount Incentives, Final Order Cut Off! A look back over 25 years of maximizing market manipulation by the big publishers! There’s at least one initiative that should be embraced all over again! 

It’s all Marvel Madness as we track the path towards Marvel’s present day chaos. The Rise & Fall of the Creative Committee, removing the guardrails! Those pesky Marvel Leaks!! The art of changing the conversation and so much more!

An episode packed with Hot Topics burning up the comic book culture! Silver Surfer! Daredevil! Superman! Fantastic Four! Comics, movies and streaming, we got you covered! 

With 40 million players in its first two months of release, Marvel has a gigantic hit with their Marvel Rivals game. What’s the source of its enormous impact and what lies ahead as it draws new attention to comic books and stores! 

Did you hear the one about the X-Men GOAT who took control of his X-Men legacy, producing 32 issues of brand new X-Men adventures? For FREE! From 2019 thru 2022, John Byrne did just that. We talk all about it. 

We examine the current state of diminished returns on the recent slate of Marvel films. Poor CinemaScores and a disconnect with general audiences have tarnished a brand once regarded as the gold standard of cinematic comic book storytelling. Studio Chief, Kevin Feige is struggling to find his fastball, can the former “Ace” regain his championship form or is it time to retire him to the bullpen? 

We discuss the epic encounter between comic book Wizard, Alan Moore and comic book King, Jack Kirby. Alan speaks at length about Kirby’s influence and of the extraordinary tribute The Wizard made for The King!

A look under the hood as we examine how to fix Marvel. 

Rob takes you inside the creation and meaning behind his final Deadpool work. The added drama, the Easter eggs and ultimately, the excitement of saying Bye, Bye, Bye! 

Why I left Marvel Entertainment and won’t look back. 

Our conversation with Robert Kirkman (Invincible, Walking Dead) turns towards Marvel and DC Comics, the vanishing industry sales charts and the risks and rewards of creator owned work. We wrap up our in depth interview getting Robert’s thoughts on his legendary Image Partners! Get ready for some great comic shop talk! 

Transformers! Void Rivals! G.I. Joe! Industry Titan and Superstar Creator Robert Kirkman sits down for a wide ranging, in depth conversation about his booming Skybound label and the comic book industry at large. 

What’s your favorite Spider Man comic? Ate you really done with Deadpool? What about Cowboy comic books? You asked for it and here it is! Your questions and inquiries answered by host and comic book veteran Rob Liefeld! A wide variety of your interests are answered and addressed! 

Most folks know Alan Moore from his acclaimed works, WATCHMEN, FROM HELL, SWAMP THING, but many don’t know of his significant  contributions to the GREEN LANTERN franchise. We shine the light on how Alan quietly transformed the legend & legacy of DC’s Iconic Emerald Knights! 

X-MEN:One Perfect Year! Marvel’s Mighty Mutants rose to unprecedented heights when an animator from Lord Of The Rings arrived to take the helm. The legend of Paul Smith and his seminal year on X-Men is discussed complete with excerpts from his first interview. Also, Ed Piskor, Diamond’s bankruptcy and Neil Gaiman controversy!

Here comes 2025 as Jim Lee returns to Batman! Marvel counters with a new Spider Man! Part 2 of our conversation with retailer and convention promoter Jimmy Jay provides new fresh insights and bold predictions! 

*Updated to include episode wrap-up X-Men! Spider-Man! Batman! The State Of The Industry 2025! Our series examining industry process & practices kicks off with straight talk from a retail perspective! What sold huge? What went bust! Jimmy Jay joins Rob for part 1 as we break it all down! 

Robservations welcomes a card carrying member of Generation Z as we get a Zoomer perspective on Star Wars! The MCU! Superman! The Transformers and more. Luke Liefeld sits with his Pops and talks all things Pop Culture! 

Our Holiday Drop! It’s 1988, it’s the Holiday season and I’m desperately chasing payments for two issues of Marvel’s top selling X-Men family. The outlook is bleak. The Marvel Curse on these issues extends to the original art on both comics! Happy Holidays everyone! 

The big Heritage Art Auction happened and the host of Robservations talks about all the great pieces that sold including seminal works by Frank Miller, John Byrne, John Romita Sr. and the 1st appearance of Deadpool and Wolverine! How did it all shake out?

We say goodbye to the 2024 season and reveal the last 3 big moves in our Big 5 countdown! Is are industry as bold as it can be or are we missing the obvious?