Robservations with Rob Liefeld

Latest Episodes:

The Wolverine! From Page to Screen! Jul 17, 2020

Show notes

The breakout star of the best selling X-Men franchise is awarded his own showcase, with Frank Miller and Chris Claremont, two of comic books biggest super stars, at the helm. Rob Liefeld examines the origins of this innovative mash up of East meets West that defined the groundbreaking Wolverine mini-series which owes a debt to the influence and impact of James Clavell’s epic SHOGUN, setting the stage for an eventual blockbuster film adaptation by Hugh Jackman and James Mangold.

The Man Of Steel! 1986 & The Superman Reboot Jul 14, 2020

Show notes

In 1986, DC Comics, seeking a total reinvention of Superman, recruited John Byrne, Marvel’s brightest star, to relaunch their storied franchise and make him accessible to a younger generation. Byrne accepted, making drastic alterations to Superman’s origins as well as relations with key characters like Lex Luthor and Batman. Rob walks you through Byrne’s long standing affection for the character and revisits the biggest comic book reboot ever attempted!

The Influencers! Jul 10, 2020

Show notes

The Kirby Clones! The Adams Effect! The movers and shakers of comic book influences, the styles that launched an army of imitators! Barry Windsor Smith! Jim Steranko! Stephen Platt! Rob and Jimmy delve deep into the source of so many Legendary styles and influences that shaped a generation of comic book images!

Marvel Management: 1975-2010 Jul 07, 2020

Show notes

Since the heyday of Stan Lee, The Editor In Chief has always held a special position of power and influence at Marvel, guiding and shaping the path of the prolific publisher. However, not every EIC is created equal, with some exhibiting major creative moves and business acumen while others floundered! Who makes the grade? Rob examines the achievements across 35 years worth of EIC’s and the legacies they left behind! Shooter! DeFalco! Quemas! Who took the Gold?

Secret Wars & the Rise of the Cross Over Event! Jul 03, 2020

Show notes

Mini-series and Cross Over events arrived in the 80’s, signaling a huge shift in dynamics between publishers, retailers and fans. It changed comic books forevermore! Was it all just a happy accident? Rob examines the origins behind the Rise of Corporate Events and the toy company arms race that fueled the most successful Marvel comic book of a decade!

Legendary Runs! The Rise of Art Adams! Legion Of Super Heroes! Jun 30, 2020

Show notes

Career connections are the result of extended runs that create crucial bonds between readers and creators! Rob shares the most important career advice he ever received from the one and only Todd McFarlane. One run may be all any title needs to launch a lifetime of impact and influence. Rob covers the inevitable but unlikely rise of Arthur Adams and the success of Legion of Super Heroes under Kieth Giffen.

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Dark Knight & Watchmen! Miller & Moore! Jun 26, 2020

Show notes

Rob Liefeld is joined by guest host Jimmy Jay as they take a deep dive into Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen, the two most acclaimed comic book publications in the history of the genre. Frank Miller and Alan Moore, along with Dave Gibbons, impacted the culture in a manner not seen before or since! Both released in 1986, they were transformational works that altered every aspect of comic books! We dissect the details behind their creations, the subtle changes made along the way and the manner with which they influenced the comic book business and each other!

Death Becomes Them! Jun 23, 2020

Show notes

Gwen Stacy! Elektra! Captain Marvel! Flash! Phoenix! Tragic and unexpected deaths ushered in a new era of mature comics that challenged fans and readers. Rob revisits the stories that shocked him and broke his heart, showing the emotional power of graphic storytelling across a dynamic age that transformed comic books!

Superman vs. Spider-Man! Jun 19, 2020

Show notes

What happens when the two biggest players in the business finally get ready to rumble? How did Marvel & DC create The Battle Of The Century! How does Watergate connect to this most seminal of events? Who are the uncredited superstars that worked behind the scenes to make this the biggest moment of an era? Rob walks you through the creative decisions that elevated this monumental achievement!

The Marketplace, Then & Now! Jun 16, 2020

Show notes

THANOS! INFINITY GAUNTLET! LEGION OF SUPER HEROES! JOKER! DEATH METAL! Rob examines today’s comic book marketplace through the lens of yesteryear. Jimmy Jay, CEO of Amazing Comic Con and Jay Company Comics joins Rob to discuss current shifts and trends and how they stack up to milestones of the past.

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