Robservations with Rob Liefeld

Avengers:Doomsday! Supergirl! Spider-Man! Clayface! Fresh from CinemaCon, Rob shares his impressions of all the upcoming comic book films and their potential impact on Marvel & DC publishing operations!

Rob is on the road from CinemaCon in Vegas. He shares views and insights to Image & Youngblood at 34 and on the Marvel Massacre where artists suffered for executive privilege! 

4 decades of McFarlane excellence sets the stage for our inaugural Hall Of Fame episode! We look at Todd’s extended body of work. Spider-Man! Spawn! Hulk! Invasion! Infinity Inc! Batman! Which one is your favorite? 

Invincible! Battle Beast! Terminal The creative powerhouse writer, producer  and Image partner joins Rob for a monster, in-depth 2 hour conversation covering his incredible creative output. The future of Invincible, Battle Beast, Terminal, Transformers and the Energon Universe is discussed. Plus, The Kirkman Manifesto from the author himself! Strap in for a great time! 

The ABSOLUTE Episode. Why it works, where it’s going! 

Doomsday! What we know, what we think we know and what to expect from Marvel’s biggest movie in years! 

The Decades:1979! Peak AVENGERS & X-MEN! Alien! Star Trek:The Motion Picture! Disco Ruled. Michael Jackson makes Off The Wall! Marvel introduces 11 key characters! A spectacular year, a year so fine, welcome to 1979! 

Another jam packed show featuring the details of Frank Miller’s far reaching plans to reboot DC’s Icons in 1985. Find out about “The Amazon”, “Metropolis” and “Dark Knight” entailed. Plus, The Juice with Jimmy Jay, covering the insanity that was Megacon and a tribute to the late, great Sam Kieth! 

A Jam-Packed Jumbo sized episode! With Marvel as cold as ice what will it take to finally heat them up? Also, Dark Knight at 40! The Untold Secrets Of Dark Knight revealed, art and ideas that reshaped, altered and polished what continues to be the most influential comic of this modern age! 

Stan & Jack! Chris & John! Chris & Jim! The Break Up’s, Shake Up’s & Make Up’s that shook the industry! 

Wonder Con! Megacon! C2E2! Planet Comicon! Convention Season is here! Rob takes your $500 dollars and spends it for maximum engagement! 

The Legend of King Arthur never shined as bright as it did in the early 80’s with John Boorman’s Excalibur and Brian Bolland’s Camelot 3000 releasing one year apart. Two seminal works of tremendous influence get their due flowers! 

D’ORC! WHITE SKY! NECTAR! An avalanche of new titles are dominating the headlines, sending fans scrambling in their hunt to obtain them! Rob is joined by retail/convention magnate Jimmy Jay to breakdown the current comic book market! 

A pair of Comic Book roles provide essential lifelines for talent in difficult times! The stories of Iron Man and Deadpool, and the transformative cinematic opportunities they provided! 

Paramount has won the right to own Warner Bros. and the mountain of debt that comes with it. With $75 billion dollars in debt hanging over them, costs will be cut, channels and labels sold off. Rob proposes a scenario where Marvel steps up to license the DC Comics publishing rights. Is a shared publishing universe a possibility? 

All is not well in Marvel-land. They can’t keep talent, their comics are stale and gimmicks won’t save them. What comes next? 

Rob attends the Comics Pro Industry Conference and shares his adventures and impressions! 

JLA! Titans! Crisis! An episode squarely focused on the most important hire in the history of DC Comics! How George Perez topped the charts, bringing an army of Marvel Zombies across the street to DC with him! Also - Todd McFarlane calls in! A must listen episode if ever there was one! 

Jack Kirby left Marvel for DC Comics in 1970 and the industry shook. While his characters, such as Darkseid, are in the spotlight in today’s blockbusters, such as DC K.O., it wasn’t always so. The story of Jack’s sudden exodus and Marvel’s subtle but effective counter measures continues to provide valuable lessons for the industry today! 

We made it to 500 episodes and Rob celebrates sharing insights and notable quotes from legendary comic book super stars from across the ages. Listen and learn! 

This episode is guidance intended for professional eyes and ears only. 

Attack On Titan! Kaiju No. 8! My Hero Acadamia! Manga is soaring in popularity but how exactly is it made? What is the process of making your favorite Manga title and how does it differ from the classic American comic book creation process? Rob looks at the history of the studio system!

Spider Man! Hulk! Rom! The Defenders! Avengers! The Late, Great, Sal Buscema was a pillar of Marvel Comics for over 6 decades! Rob shares his favorite Sal Buscema work as well as interviews and commentary from his peers. 

From Guardians Of The Galaxy to Shadowhawk, his work has entertained the masses! Comic book legend and Image Comics Partner, Jim Valentino, joins the show for an extended chat covering his many accomplishments & his impact on the comic book industry. The man who green lit Walking Dead & Invincible speaks! 

Howard The Duck! Lobo! Deadpool! Ambush Bug! Bloodwulf! She-Hulk! Rob walks through his own progression as a fan, watching the emergence and later, the evolution of the fourth wall breakers in comic books.

The Comics Scene was exploding with new characters and opportunities, until, it wasn’t. How comics went from a creative  based model to a curator based model and what was lost in the exchange! 

X-MEN! PUNISHER! IRON MAN! The creator of Bishop and original Image Comics Founder, Whilce Portacio, joins the show to discuss his incredible art and his impact on the comic book culture! He covers his decades of crafting popular stories and art, building a studio with Jim Lee and Scott Williams, and starting a school in the Philippines that launched the careers of Lenil Yu, Philip Tan and so many other incredible talents! 

As Robert Kirkman leaves Marvel in 2008, he releases a call to arms for all creators. In the aftermath, significant industry notables fail to offer their support, sharing opposition instead. 

A celebrated indie darling signs with Marvel only to find multiple obstacles in his path. In 2008, he would break from his contract, become a partner at an industry rival and record an infamous and controversial call to arms. In Part 1, Rob takes you through how it all went down. 

The word went out and you responded overwhelmingly, by the thousands, with your ways to FIX MARVEL! I share many of them here today. 

Dark Knight! Superman vs. Spider Man! 2026 rolls in with multiple anniversary celebrations for Marvel, DC & Image!  Audio note: Portions of this episode contain uneven or distorted audio levels.

2025 was a rough year for Marvel across every platform. As Marvel looks to return from rock bottom, Rob brings a sense of understanding and examines what is missing from the current culture inside the Marvel Locker Room.

Drastic changes in the way the comic book industry operates have lead to massive forays into fraudulent & deceptive information being shared as actual facts? Just why are the rankings and numbers of comic books sales so wrong and misleading? How did we get here and what changes can be made? 

It’s our last show of the year! Just what did we learn from 2025 anyway? 

Batman! Battle Beast! Marvel Talent Exodus! As we look towards the end of the year, Rob unpacks & unwraps the year that was 2025! The biggest stories, the big moves and the lessons learned! What will 2026 bring? 

1996! Comics In Chaos! An in depth look at a year that was both turbulent and exciting for comic books and pop culture! Marvel Vs. DC! Heroes Reborn! Mark Waid on being “fired”. Image Fractures! Independence Day Blows the roof off! 

The X-Men Fix! Movies & Comics, let’s fix ‘em! 

From Marvel to DC, from Gil Kane to Frank Miller to Daniel Warren Johnson and everything in between, the evolution of action choreography in comic books! 

Marvel! DC! Batman! X-Men! Superman! Dr. Strange! Rob shares what he believes to be the finest illustrated comic books ever published. Listen and sound off, share your views and opinions! Did he make the right calls? 

Jim Lee pursues the Star Wars license armed with generational talent but ultimately comes up short, failing to seal the deal. Would obtaining Star Wars transformed Wildstorm Studios and prevented the eventual sale to DC Comics? 

Having spent many months talking with multiple A.I. companies, Rob shares his in-depth understanding of the future of A.I. in entertainment and pop culture. 

Ace Frehly! KISS Comic book legacy! Neal Adams! The Lost X-Men Story! Marvel’s Ultimate Sadness! It a jam-packed episode of comic book excitement! 

Drew Struzan Tribute! Inking John Byrne! Talking with Jim Steranko! Meeting With Gary Vee! Image Comics Dinner! What a show!! 

Todd McFarlane! Gary Vee! Jim Steranko! Robert Kirkman! Brian K. Vaughn! New York Comic Con was an experience like no other! 

X-Men! Avengers! Fantastic Four! The Algorithm of comic book publishing is continually changing and lately it’s evolving at a rapid, somewhat troubling pace! We discuss the new model and what comes next! 

Comic Art Now! X-Men! Spider-Man! Superman!! A discussion of the tradition of the power of comic art and how it shapes the stories, moments and excitement of our favorite characters & titles! 

Rob discusses the challenge of changing tastes and how publishers respond and evolve! Batman, Flash, Aquaman, X-Men & Youngblood are part of the conversation. 

An episode focusing on the business of making comic books. What are you waiting for? Get in the hunt! 

Spider Man! Superman! Hulk! Batman! X-Men! Rob shares his favorites, revealing the secret moves & motivations that brought about the original Marvel & DC Team Up’s! 

Masters Of The Craft. Fan-Favorites. The Misconception Of Nostalgia.  

Inkers. Auctions. Artwork. 

Legacies. John Buscema. Myths & Lies. 

Deadpool & Batman! New Transformers! DC Absolute! Today we look to the future, previewing the upcoming comic books arriving this fall with Southern California’s Premiere Retailer! Rob is joined by Mike Kadin, owner of Comics, Toons & Toys for an in-depth discussion of current market conditions! What’s hot, what’s not and what’s on the way! 

His covers frequently adorn titles such as Star Wars, X-Men, Moon Knight and soon, Deadpool & Youngblood! One of the most popular and in demand illustrators of the past decade, E.M. Gist, joins the show to talk process, career path and his future projects! 

New Avengers! Batman! Moon Knight! Join us for an in-depth discussion with superstar artist David Finch as he prepares to launch SKINBREAKER, his new comic book in collaboration with Invincible & Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman! The work he has produced has raised the bar for all that will follow! 

Super Summer Round-Up! Batman! Transformers! Supergirl! What were the biggest hits of the summer season? Retail & Convention Guru, Jimmy Jay joins us to break it all down! What hit, what missed?

Alien. Star Wars. The Warriors. Slap Shot. The power of influence is an incredible thing and The Uncanny X-Men incorporated popular films & television in real time during their most acclaimed and celebrated run. Rob takes you on a deep, deep dive, issue by issue, as the inspirations were unveiled. 

The Comics. The Movie. Rob’s Review. The Marketing. The Box Office. ‘Nuff Said, True Believer. 

We look back to the dawn of the new millennium and a comic book industry in disarray. Failed imprints, faltering sales and widespread panic was pervasive. Interviews and excerpts from notables shed light on a tumultuous start to a new era! Erik Larsen! Kurt Busiek! Mark Waid and so much more!!

Was Jim Starlin, Thanos Creator and Cosmic King, the key to Marvel’s biggest successes? What is separating the perception on the box office with Superman & Fantastic Four? Comic book trends and more on an extended episode of comic book’s & pop culture’s most candid show!

Comic Book Beefs! Discussing Super Star writer Brad Metzer, Direct To Consumer Comic Books and Didja Know? with Arthur Adams! Another jam packed Comic Show! 

Rob is back from the 2025 San Diego Comic Con, fresh with perspective on all things comics and pop culture! In this first part of our wrap up, we look at the new expansive X-Men reboot as well as the enduring popularity of Absolute Batman! 

The Everything Episode! Superman! Deadpool & Wolverine! Doc Savage! Why Marvel’s 70’s Comics Slap So Hard! It’s a packed episode of comic book and pop culture talk!

A Spoiler Free discussion of the all new Superman film, including highlights of the illustrious history of Superman comic books & films!

Revisiting the Marvel 90’s era and celebrating the EIC that unlocked a new generation of talents to record breaking success. Tom DeFalco, come get your flowers! 

We remember Jim Shooter and his staggering achievements in the field of comic books! Breaking in at 13 years old, Jim entertained the masses, writing legendary runs on Avengers for Marvel and Superboy at DC. As Editor In Chief he guided Marvel to all new heights and sales success, introducing innovative royalty initiatives that transformed comics for all creatives. 

Marvel/DC: Making Comic Books 101! A jam packed episode where we break down comic book terminology and the actual descriptions of credits such as Embellishers, Layouts & Scripters! Also, The Kirkman Dynasty transforms and the Heritage Auction results featuring works by Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee and Frank Frazetta! 

Today we launch our Architects series, looking at excellence from legendary comic book talents and the impact they provided. Marshall Rogers had a brief but profound run on Batman with his work on Detective Comics in 1977. Rob shines the light on the ways Marshall’s stylistic depiction of the Dark Knight influenced a generation that followed. 

The 9 Comics That Shaped The 90’s continues! The mid-90’s shift towards supernatural sensations has its roots in a seminal X-Men crossover. Rob explains the myriad connections and influences! 

A deeper study into the crossover event that ushered in a bold new era of comic books and event culture. Inside the art, story and lore of Marvel’s Secret Wars!

We talk Marvel’s Secret Wars Legacy, its historic impact, its legacy and the path it charts for the MCU and beyond. 

9 Comics That Shaped The 90’s! We kick off our summer series, studying the talents, events and storylines that shaped an electric decade in comic books! Also, a deep dive into The Feige Flops! 

With Fantastic Four on the brain and the movie right around the corner, Rob looks over Jim Lee’s Fantastic Four run. Also, Deadpool & Batman discussed! 

Celebrating our 5 Years anniversary with a reflection on the impact and consequences of Death in Comic Books and Pop Culture! Elektra! Jean Grey! Last Of Us! 

During the mid 1970’s, the creatives at Marvel & DC engaged in all out mutual swipe fest, fans didn’t know of the friendly rivalry, all we knew was that Marvel suddenly had a Justice League & Legion and DC had an Invaders! The peak Swipe Era revealed!

The 2 Franchise Mandate! Stallone has Rocky & Rambo! Harrison Ford had Han Solo & Indy. Todd McFarlane has Spawn & Spidey, Jim Lee has Batman & X-Men- the 2 Franchise Mandate and why it matters! 

Did you know about Christian Archie Comics? When the Riverdale gang had an evangelical run of adventures? How about DC Comics ,The Bible by Joe Kubert? Do you recall Marvel’s Christian Super Hero? We visit the Christian era of comic books in all their heavenly glory! 

FULL VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBEThe 90’s Won’t Stop! Demi Moore! Tom Cruise! Will Smith! Venom! Deadpool! Dinosaurs! The franchises, characters and personalities of an era are bigger than ever! 

A staggering $21 million dollar Stan Lee lawsuit has settled and Rob breaks down the behind the scenes machinations leading to the surprise last minute settlement. Plus - Marvel’s Thunderbolt Panic Scramble! 

Summer is coming and with it the biggest and brightest movies & comics of the season! Superman! Jurassic Park! Mission Impossible! Who has the most at stake?  Plus - Marvel’s Meltdown! Why the magic faded! 

Is Marvel Doomed? Of course they are, Doomsday is underway and Doom is on the menu! A jam packed episode talking Doom, X-Men, Thunderbolts, Manga and the QuotaVerse! 

It’s the Words Of Wisdom show! Rob shares personal advice he received straight from the mouths of Tom Cruise, Kobe Bryant, Jack Kirby, Frank Miller, Steven Spielberg and many more! 

An episode celebrating creators and their monster achievements! Ryan Coogler! Sinners! The reasons that this tremendous success is under scrutiny, revealed! Also, Rob shares your collective and overwhelming response to our X-Men Alert show!

The X-Men are in crisis! About a year into their much publicized relaunch, the titles are being canceled right and left. In my history following the X-Men, this is their rock bottom worst! We offer solutions and suggestions as to how best restore the broken legacy! 

A recently uncovered interview with John Byrne circa 1976 is the focus of today’s episode. We go inside the thoughts and opinions of a young talent just starting to take off and contrast it with interviews years later as he is changing comics for the next decade.

On the occasion of Image Comics and Youngblood’s 33rd anniversary, we use The Official Timeline Of Image Comics for a look back at the early, formative times that shaped the indie powerhouse! Go behind the scenes of the great pop culture revolution! 

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? 

The Big 5 Moves continues! Spider Man! Todd McFarlane! G.I. Joe breaks records and more!

As the comics industry looks to produce more hits, Rob looks at The Big 5 Moves! Titles, teams and team ups that are certain to activate over the next few years as publishers seek bigger sales and success! Plus, are comic books our shared religion?

Absolute Batman rides in to the rescue for DC and the comics industry. Plus - The New Model, Last Blood & Micro-Distribution.

Batman, Wolverine, Spider Man and the Teenage Mutant. Ninja Turtles share a familiar connective tissue, what is it? We discuss it in depth. Also, The Blood Is Back! 

We look at the unpublished alternate Secret Wars 2 #1? Just exactly how does that happen? Also, assembling the All-Star talents that would bring Alan Moore’s landmark Judgement Day comic to life!

Fast Fridays is a snack size serving of Robservations, offering a snap shot of what’s coming in comics & collectibles. Today we look to the many Auction houses, preview a pair of historic upcoming pieces at the next Heritage Auction and Manga, Manga, MANGA!! 

Rob discusses the recent Heritage art auction, the big pieces and big prices at the final hammer! Plus, Alan Moore’s Judgement Day, from concept to execution! 

The moment the X-Men became dangerous and thrilled a new generation. Plus - A New Visionary is dominating comic books!

The story of the real life “Deadpool” Killer is discussed. 

Of Dooms & Dazzlers! Buyer Beware! Rob draws on his 40 year career experience as he practices caution with regards to the new wave of comic speculation sites, apps and platforms! 

With Batman on everyone’s mind, Rob examines the un-produced Batman film that took the Dark Knight in a decidedly different direction. Before Batman Begins, this one was on deck and racing towards a green light! 

Let Them Fight! With some of comic books greatest action masterpieces being repackaged and reissued, Rob reflects on the greatest action comic books in history! 

Unrealized directions and storylines for X-Men & X-Force are discussed! Wolverine! Cable! Magik!

DC has a new initiative and Absolute Batman has people talking! Will going All In on a bold new direction deliver for DC Comics? 

The King Of Comics won’t back down in a controversial interview that set the EIC of Marvel off on a tirade! It’s Jack vs. Jim in this clash of comic book Titans!

Rob discusses The Challenge! ‘Nuff said!

It’s 1989 and even Wolverine needs a glow up! Todd McFarlane! John Byrne! Archie Goodwin and more were tapped to maximize Marvel’s Most Popular Mutant, so what went wrong? 

Heroes Reborn Revisited! A look back at the press coverage and hype about the outsourcing of Marvel’s Classic Heroes to Lee & Liefeld! Plus, the lost stories and storylines! 

Jim Lee speaks of his time on X-Men, his influences, approach to storytelling and the enduring popularity of the franchise. 

Todd Mcfarlane in a candid interview from 1990, shares his motivation to break from the pack on Spider Man and his desire to escape “the formula”. 

Rob looks into Classic X-Men & Deadpool stories, intended but never shared, abandoned storylines from superstar creators. Plus, more Million Dollar Pages! 

It’s Comic Con 2024! Rob gets a surprise visit from Ed Piskor’s family! Comic Con dinners reveal the topics on everyone’s mind and there is no escaping the topic of Robert Downey Jr. returning to Marvel! 

Deadpool & Wolverine has stormed the cinema’s, breaking worldwide records in the process! Rob shares his race to make it to the world premiere in New York City and slingshot back to San Diego for Comic Con 2024 as it begins. Rob gives you his first hand account of all the drama and festivities! 

X-Men ‘97 is Emmy nominated for best animated series! Deadpool & Wolverine is ready to storm your cineplex! X-Men #1 explodes onto the scene! It’s an X-Men renaissance! Also, DC is All In with Absolute DC! 

Wizard and the rest crashed and burned. What to do when the promotional platform for comic creators goes out of business and the emphasis shifts to characters, characters & characters. A survivors guide to navigating promoting you and your work in the age of Big IP. 

Another jam-packed episode as we shine the spotlight on the legendary Steve Ditko. A recent Rolling Stone article reveals new and shocking details of the talent that brought Spider Man and Dr. Strange to life! Wolverine’s Greatest Battles continues and a rare Uncut Gem, or perhaps, an Uncut Jim?? 

Fast Food, Comics: The Sequel! You’ll be at 7-11 grabbing a Slurpee when this is over. Plus, Wolverine’s Greatest Battles, the countdown continues! 

Another jam packed, double sized episode as Rob shares the epic All-Star Fantastic Four Roast, we discuss a contender for Best Week Ever in the history of comic books and our countdown of Greatest Wolverine Battles kicks off with an all time banger! Plus, when Comic Book Pranks Go Wrong! 

Robservations is back with a jam packed episode! The Anti-Hero in Pop Culture! Superman! 33 Years of X-Force! Italian Comic Shops!

We wrap up our Swipe discussion and study when entire art styles are heisted onto another artist! Sampling, Homages, Tributes, we cover it all! Plus, school is out for summer! 

Swiping is a loaded term, it is a device that has been utilized by some of the world’s greatest and most accomplished artists. Spielberg has swiped regularly since arriving on the cinematic scene, Lucas swiped relentlessly across his popular franchises, Star Wars and Raiders! We discuss swiping and the art of the homage in comics & film!

Robservations marks its 4th Year with gratitude and enthusiasm, an episode of thanks and reflection. Also, a story I seldom share, “My Night With A Killer.” 

The Avengers had a stellar 5 year window when it was one of the finest comic’s being published. The writer of that run, Jim Shooter, shaped stories and conflicts that would influence the Avengers films as well as the Civil War event. I witnessed it all in real time and take you deeper into this acclaimed run that energized fandom. 

A message of strength, perseverance, focus and discipline. Don’t let others rob you of your joy! 

An inside look at the most organic crossover of all time, featuring Marvel’s biggest guns! Avengers/Defenders War came about from one writer’s simple desire to have some summer fun for the fans in 1973! Plus, Marvel’s Brian Postman remembered.  

Do you believe in comics, do you share that belief with your neighbors? There’s an entire world out there waiting to hear from you! It’s time to share your Conviction Of The Art! 

X-Men 97 is burning up the charts, shaping the pop culture landscape! A look at how exec producer Beau DeMayo has created an instant classic, hitting every high note. Plus - Giant Robo’s that rocked Marvel! 

Rob has thoughts about DC Comics and what he would do if he had his run of the place! Plus, Avengelyne is on the move, the journey to bring the film together! 

As fandom thrills to the return of Cable in X-Men ‘97, we continue to examine how a character who was once so prominent and relevant for Marvel was carefully diminished, depreciated and downgraded over time. Can characters like Cable bounce back? 

Once one of Marvel’s most popular characters, after a scorching decade on top, Cable hit the skids. The how, why & when it all went wrong for this Mutant Marvel, will there be a comeback? 

The X-Men are exploding with renewed popularity and favor! It’s time to talk about the unsung heroes behind the scenes, the Architects Of X! Deadpool & Wolverine trailer insights from the Deadpool creator himself! 

Every era has its breakout stars, but two special era’s boasted not only exceptional talent but fierce competitors who would stop at nothing to make their mark! Also, the original art reactions to Million Dollar Pages continue to flood our inbox! 

CinemaCon! Deadpool & Wolverine! X-Men ‘97! Avengelyne! This episode is jam packed with movie news, comic books and animation! 

The Art Market is exploding! We continue our Million Dollar Pages series, examining the recent Heritage Auctions results and look to the future as Rob shares art and covers he believes are on track to be Million Dollar Pages!

Have you ever thought what comic books were on sale during a classic cinematic experience? Well, Rob has gone super comic book & cinema nerd and shares the comic books available during Dazed & Confused! Also, your messages for and about Ed Piskor! 

Ed Piskor, 1982-2024. Commemorating An Artist & His Work.

Over the last 5 years, a number of original comic book pages have sold for millions of dollars! What artists hit these benchmark prices and what pages are certain to follow?

Variants are everywhere in the comic book culture, love them or loathe them, they’re here to stay. Rob takes you back to the 80’s and the birth of the Variant cover and how quickly this practice escalated! 

The 80’s was a time of tremendous growth, expansion and opportunity. New initiatives for business & creatives were launched, many continue to impact the current comic book marketplace! Our series counting down their impact begins here! 

Wolverine Got A Gun! That time when Marvel’s Mighty Mutant packed some heat! Shots Fired! 

It’s 2004 vs. 2024 in a comparison of the ages as we size up the changes over the past 20 years! The numbers, the charts, the super-stars are shared in a contrast of eras!

Our countdown concludes as the two biggest controversies are revealed and the numerous ties that bind them create the synergy that electrified an era! 

Our countdown of the controversies and events that shook, shaped and defined the comic book culture of the 1990’s continues!

Marvel bankruptcy! Image Comics! Heroes Reborn! Era’s are shaped and defined by dynamic events and movements, many deemed controversial as a result of the change they enact. We start the countdown on the 9 Controversies that shaped the 90’s! 

If you love comic book history, behind the scenes secrets and the process of making comic books then this one is for you! Featuring The Star Wars/Battlestar Galactica/Tarzan/John Carter Warlord Of Mars mash up you never dreamed possible! 

The mystery of Name Withheld! In the early 90’s, a comic creator published a letter expressing disdain for many industry practices. Their identity was left a mystery as they identified only as “Name Withheld”. Controversy followed, the hunt was on, suspects were named and the search for the truth would force an unlikely outcome! 

As our 350th episode celebration continues we wrap up our look into the history and success of X-MEN THE ANIMATED SERIES! The show hits big but huge ratings means bigger headaches as Marvel steps in and Fox steps up!

It’s our 350th episode! Rob is fired up and ready to discuss The Great Wolverine Debate! This show is so big we’re splitting it into two parts! It’s our Double Sized Jam Packed Anniversary Extravaganza! 

You’d think that being the best selling comic book franchise for 2 decades would clear the way for cartoon success, but it was hurdle after hurdle for X-Men The Animated Series! Just how did Image Comics hold up production? The secrets and behind the scenes of the cartoon powerhouse! 

You asked, I’m answering! We are talking about that Deadpool & Wolverine Super Bowl trailer! X-Men The Animated Series rough start in the 90’s! It’s an episode dedicated to Marvels Mighty Mutants!

The Media has often looked to influence the messaging and judgement of the consumer. The history of comic book media is no stranger to these practices, no era was more prominent with manipulation than the 90’s! 

The Biggest Beef’s in Pop Culture are uncovered and discussed! Did Prince really try to run over Michael Jackson with his limo? Image Partners Jim Valentino & Erik Larsen get down to beef’n! 

Rob Liefeld explains retiring from Deadpool and what influenced his decision to finish the journey on his terms. The increased importance of Creator Rights! Plus Uncut Gems continues! 

Comic books and Rock N’ Roll go together like lightning & thunder and we start our series uncovering the milestone Rock N Roll comic books! From KISS to Michael Jackson to BackStreet Boys, musical acts flock to comic books to bolster their fame & fortunes! 

Jack Frost! Jigsaw! Spyman! Meet The Harvey Heroic Universe, learn of its origins and the stellar talent assembled to bring it to life! An Untold Tale Of Comic Books! 

Our Comic Book Feuds take a supernatural turn as Todd McFarlane takes on God. I was there, I watched it! 

A deep dive into the Pulp Origins of two of comics greatest characters, Captain America & Batman! The truth behind their respective gunslinging pasts & the mystery of Bucky’s pecker revealed at long last! 

Comic Book Feuds! The most popular comic creator of the Eighties was never shy or tactful when it came to other creators. Byrne takes on Kirby! Image Comics! Dave Cockrum and so many more! 

We kick off our Uncut Gems series with a closer look at some little known works by Legendary Talents, starting with Frank Miller( Daredevil, Batman) and Todd McFarlane(Spider Man, Spawn).

Rise Of The Guardians pt. 2! Valentino Writes The Future! Daughter Of Wolverine! Check! Galactic Ghost Rider! Check! The X-Men Populate A Planet! Check! Check! Check! Jim Valentino literally wrote the future of Marvel in his transformative 1990 Guardians Of The Galaxy run! 

Long before James Gunn turned them into a blockbuster tentpole franchise, the Guardians Of The Galaxy were without a home. They had no series of their own despite knocking around the Marvel Universe for decades. Then in 1990, the genius of one man, Jim Valentino, brought them status and success in publishing that they had never experienced before or since! And I was fortunate enough to have a front row seat for all of it!

From Jim Lee to Plan B!  Jim Lee is the most popular & celebrated  X-Men artist of all time. The X-Men are the crown jewel in the Marvel treasury. Can you imagine Jim back on X-Men? Just how close was a historic reunion with Marvel and their Mighty Mutants? 

The term Alpha is used to describe dominant individuals, assertive leaders. Traditionally, Alpha’s have driven the art that we consume, the music we listen to, the movies we watch and the comic books we celebrate. Where’d they all go and when, if ever, are they coming back?  In search of the Alpha? 

Absolute Power! In our finale of the year, Rob names the most powerful person in the business and the name of this individual should come as no surprise! 

X-Men:The Road Back! Marvel is preparing to launch an all new phase in the X-Men’s storied history. Rob shares his top tips, the essential ingredients necessary in restoring Marvel’s Mutants to their former glory and elite status! 

The Decades!! 1980 pt. 2! X-Men! Iron Man! Flash Gordon! 9 To 5! Popeye! Xanadu! The Empire Strikes Back! How close did the Star Wars sequel come to complete collapse? The memorable storylines that drove comic books in a Milestone Marvel era! Collectors Corner shares the truth about your investment dollars! 

The Decades! 1980 - The most important year in pop culture? X-Men:Dark Phoenix & Days Of Future Past! New Titans launches! Moon Knight explodes! Shogun rules television! A seismic year of big moves and changes that altered comic books & pop itself! 

The Halloween Episode! We come in praise of Marvel Comics Tomb Of Dracula, the greatest horror comic book ever published! Also, an important announcement about the podcast and a special tribute to a pair of ICONIC L.A. area comic stores as they prepare to close their doors!

Marvel had an enormous challenge in overcoming DC Comics absolute market dominance. Operating as underdogs they were relentless in their effort to establish themselves as the undisputed market leader. We chart a 12 year journey that saw Marvel flip the script. This episode is packed with raw data, charts and numbers that shape the competitive landscape between these powerhouse publishers. 

Top Comic Book Creators are sharing tales of being blacklisted in comics. Just what was DC Dan thinking? How often does this sort of thing happen anyways? Big names sound off!

Children of the 80’s rejoice, your favorite cartoons & toys are back and hotter than ever! Thundercats! Space Ghost! Transformers! Battle Of The Planets! Marvel, Image & Dynamite renew the cycle of licensed properties! 

Robservations continues to take Manhattan as Rob recounts his last two days at the show and the legends & treasures he encountered! Sometimes you receive exactly what you need as opposed to what you think you want!

The most stream of consciousness recap of a 4 Day whirlwind you will ever experience! Chock full of comic books, collectibles, legendary talents and creators as well as a personal hunt for a glorious grail! Featuring Marvel, DC, Image and the World’s Greatest Hot Dog! 

We discuss the ingredients that went into making comics Extreme! Behind The Scenes of the  BLOODSTRIKE movie footage and a tribute to the late great creator of Marvel’s Rocket Raccoon & DC’s Lobo, Keith Giffen!  

We celebrate the three C’s, comics, conventions and cartoons with a discussion of the upcoming New York Comic Con and a look back on Marvel’s Spider Man & His Amazing Friends!

Did Warner Bros. ask Marvel to take over publishing for DC Comics in the 80’s? Rob shares the plan, the proposal, the titles & characters in the deal and the talent set to participate. Not a hoax or a dream, this was happening! 

Comic Book Feuds! Gaiman Vs. Mcfarlane pt. 3! The Trial! The Verdict! The Bankruptcy! The Fallout! Neil Vs. Todd concludes as the Spawn Empire is fractured, Angela moves to Marvel!

In part 2 of our Comic Book Feuds - Gaiman Vs. McFarlane, we answer the question so many are asking, “Why Exactly Did Neil Gaiman Sue Todd McFarlane?” What broken promises and bad faith occurred in order to bring in the lawyers! Find out how Marvel enters the picture, setting the stage for the final showdown!