Robservations with Rob Liefeld

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 d...

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...

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 g...

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...

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 th...

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...