Robservations with Rob Liefeld
378 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 640 ratingsRobservations is the new podcast by Comic Book Legend Rob Liefeld which exists to explore and celebrate comic books as an art form and their tremendous impact on the culture.
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Episodes
Making Comics! The Art Of Embellishing!
April 25, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBAn episode focusing on the process of finishing and embellishing comic book art! Breakdowns! Layouts! The construction of pages we love and the craft with which they are made is our focus in this edition of Making Comics!
Miller Time! FM 1991! Batman, Daredevil, Elektra!
April 21, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 74.1 MBOnce again into the breach with the rarest of rare 1991 Frank Miller interview’s from L.A. Weekly. Frank has conquered comics and talks his achievements with Dark Knight, Daredevil, Hard Boiled, Martha Washington & Elektra!
Artificial Intelligence! Rise Of The Machines!
April 18, 2023 09:49 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBA very special episode discussing the Rise of Artificial Intelligence and its growing influence on music, movies and art. Deep Fakes! Midjourney! Rob shares his own experiences with A.I. art as well as his belief why mankind will prevail!
Ebony & Ivory! Power Man/Iron Fist! Diversity In Comics pt.2!
April 14, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 85.2 MBTwo comic books representing two separate factions of fans, each struggling to sell enough copies to stave off cancelation, combined to achieve success neither comic had experienced before! Marvel’s Power Man & Iron Fist checks all the boxes! It’s like Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder with lots of martial arts!
Star Wars:The Holiday Special!
April 11, 2023 09:00 - 56 minutes - 65.2 MBRob takes you back to that fateful night in November 1978, the one and only showing of The Star Wars Holiday Special! We examine the culture of the 1970’s variety show format that informed the special as well as why access to anything Star Wars was at such a premium! Plus, Boba Fett! Life Day! Itchy! Lumpy! All that make-up on Luke Skywalker!
Frank Miller at Marvel! Rare 1982 Interview!
April 07, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBWe visit a rare Frank Miller interview from 1982 and go inside the mind of an absolute master of the craft. From his early days learning from Neal Adams to the origins & inspiration for Elektra to Miller’s portrayal of violence, this one is packed with drama and insight! Learn why he Miller sought to differentiate Daredevil from Spider Man & Batman! Also - the birth of Marvel’s lucrative royalty system!
Comic Book Feuds! Liefeld! Wizard! Marvel! Image!
April 04, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBTaking it all the way back to 1992 and THAT controversial cover and THAT controversial creator and THAT controversial interview! Or was it?? All hands on deck for Liefeld Vs. Wizard Vs. Marvel Vs. Image!
To Boldly Go! Which Star Trek are you??
March 31, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 73 MBSince it’s inception, Star Trek has been prominent in tv, movies, comics & toys. Rob looks at his own journey with Star Trek across the decades and tells you why the best Star Trek comic book features the X-Men!
Feels Like The First Time!
March 28, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 109 MBWhat era you first encounter an artist can establish how you feel and relate to their work. Rob shares a rare comic that provided multiple first encounters with talents that would go on to be super-stars! Also, The Comic Book & Collectible Marketplace!
Robtopsy - Marvel’s Star Wars 1977!
March 24, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBThe comic that saved Marvel! The original Marvel comic book adaptation of Star Wars gets the full Robtopsy examination! The historical relevance of the comic book Stan Lee didn’t want to publish is revealed! How taking a chance on an unknown “Space Opera” turned the fortunes of a publishing company on the brink! The scenes that didn’t make the film, the legendary creators and much, much more!
Rob Liefeld’s Superman?? Public Domain pt. 2!
March 21, 2023 09:00 - 57 minutes - 66.4 MBSuperman is racing towards the Public Domain as fast as a speeding bullet? When he arrives, if he arrives, what exactly will be available? Rob is sharpening his pencils in anticipation of creating his own Superman adventures, should you?
The Flame
March 17, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 44.3 MBA discussion of the fire that sparks conflict and ignites creativity!
X-Men! The 60th Anniversary: New Mutants!
March 14, 2023 09:00 - 58 minutes - 67.2 MBAs Marvel celebrates 60 years of The X-Men, Rob looks back on the first ever X-Men spin-off, The New Mutants. From an early 80’s interview, discover Chris Claremont’s initial outlook for the book and its inspirations as well as lost storylines & characters that were never realized!
Robservations The Robtopsy - X-Men: The Savage Lands!
March 10, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBAnother Robtopsy is performed, this time on one of the greatest runs in the history of comic books! As The X-Men fight to survive Magneto and later, the dangers of The Savage Land, multiple historical achievements are unlocked! This period of the X-Men set the stage for all that followed and remains a favorite among both casual fans and die-hards! Rob examines all the milestones by this storied creative team!
March Madness! Marvel, DC Countdown!
March 07, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 93.2 MBWelcome to the Madness of March! There’s no basketball or gambling involved but a revelation of serious comic book cornerstones that were achieved during the month of March across the decades! Spider Man, Batman, Flash and more! Get ready to count it down with Rob!
The Robtopsy: The Fantastic Four of the 70’s!
March 03, 2023 10:08 - 1 hour - 94.8 MBIntroducing The Robtopsy! Where we examine and dissect a particular body of work, revealing its historical & cultural impact! The patient this week is The Fantastic Four of the 1970’s, a far different version from any that had come before! Sue Richards was no longer a member, she was divorcing Reed and an Inhuman had taken her place! The author was celebrated for ending the Silver Age of comics, ushering in a more adult and mature era. There is much to discuss in this very special e...
Lone Wolf & Cub! Comic Book Feuds!
February 28, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 83.1 MBIt’s a double bill as we examine the origins of todays most popular trope, the grizzled warrior, the young ward and the treacherous journey across dangerous terrain! The Last Of Us! The Mandalorian! Road To Perdition!! Bonus - Comic Book Feuds:Barry Smith, Part 3! No One Is Safe!
Bring On The Bad Girls!
February 24, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.5 MBThe 90’s was a time of Femme Fatales! Women Warriors ruled the charts pushing the big brawn to the side as fans favored a new age of Lady Liberators! Witchblade! Lady Death! Shi! Avengelyne! Glory! Plus - Major Podcast Announcement!
May The Source Be With You!
February 21, 2023 14:18 - 1 hour - 98.8 MBToday it’s a time for reflection as we give respect to “The Source” expanding our awareness of Marvel & DC comic book tropes and their various origins! We discuss the X-Men’s infamous “Outback” era and how it compares to other periods in Marvel Mutant History!
The 2023 Macho Awards! It’s A Macho Show!
February 17, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 93.2 MBIt’s time for our annual Macho Awards! Join as we celebrate the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Batman! Joker! Top Gun! Yellowstone and so much more!
Do The Twist! Plot Armor Activated!
February 14, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 83.2 MBA look at the very best twists and turns in the history of comic books & movies! An in depth study at the “Plot Armor” that provides the best payoffs! Marvel! DC! Image! Star Wars! X-Men! Batman! Invincible!
From Ant-Man to The Authority! How Movies Reset Comic Books!
February 10, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 99.1 MBRob breaks down how the cinematic treatment of comic books and their extraordinary success over the last two decades have taken characters from the cellar all the way to the penthouse! Little known titles have become household names!
James Cameron’s Spider Man! The Greatest Movie Never Made!
February 07, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 99.2 MB30 years ago, Marvel teamed with James Cameron, fresh off his blockbuster T2 success, to make a Spider Man film that never happened. Rob performs the autopsy of how it all fell apart! Learn why the greatest movie never made failed to materialize!
The Comic Book Greats! Stan Lee! Todd McFarlane! Image Comics!
February 03, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 73 MBThe filming of a series of ground breaking new videos hosted by Stan Lee provides the backdrop for an announcement that would change comic books forever!
Then & Now: Todd McFarlane 1993-2023
January 31, 2023 10:00 - 59 minutes - 67.6 MBWe launch our Then & Now series with a spotlight on industry Titan, Todd McFarlane! From a rare 1993 interview Todd shares his views on Variant covers, Spin-Offs and Cross-Overs. Many of these opinions are in stark contrast to McFarlane practices of 2023, find out what has changed and why!
Manga Madness! Battle Chasers! Heroes Reborn Aftermath!
January 27, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBWe wrap up our series with even more Manga Madness, examining many of the works influenced by the Mighty Manga Boom. BATTLE CHASERS! WARLANDS! SOUL SAGA!! Also, we reveal untold secrets from Heroes Reborn, the original plans prior to the disruption from the Marvel Bankruptcy of 1996!
The Manga Manifesto! Pt. 1
January 24, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 75.2 MBIt’s time to talk about Manga! The popularity of Manga & Anime continues to surge, especially with young audiences. Rob takes you back to the 80’s as Manga first broke thru with western audiences in mainstream hits like Akira! Appleseed! Ghost In The Shell! Bastard! A new generation of Manga influenced artists took the 90’s by storm!
Marvel Stephen King Classics!
January 20, 2023 10:00 - 58 minutes - 66.9 MBStephen King is one of the most celebrated authors of our time, one of the most accomplished imaginations in all of pop culture! While many of his works have been adapted in comic book format, none come close to this classic work from Marvel in the 80’s!
No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service!
January 17, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 88.7 MBMarvel & DC have a long history with shirtless warriors, Killraven, Kamandi, Tor, Claw, Ka-Zar among the many who have struggled to stay relevant! Towering talents such as Neal Adams, Joe Kubert, Jack Kirby, John Buscema and more have contributed, trying to break the trend, with decidedly mixed results! The Struggle Is Real!! Plus - an update on the comic book marketplace!
The Most Iconic Batman Artists Of All Time!
January 13, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 111 MBBatman! The most popular comic book character of all time, his look and appeal have been shaped by a number of visionary talents across the decades. Rob names the legendary artists who have defined his look and portrayal, bolstering his popularity over the years.
Comic Book Feuds! Barry, Byrne & The Beatles!
January 10, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 94.8 MBWe wrap our most recent Comic Book Feuds as the popular Marvel and X-Men illustrator known as Barry, continues to take on the world, comic books and beyond! Paul McCartney, John Buscema, Steranko and more are caught in his critical sights! Just how grumpy can one man be? Prepare to find out!
Comic Book Feuds! Barry Vs. The World/Under The Gunn!
January 06, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBWho’s Barry you ask? Barry’s road to stylistic influencer took decades, but once he arrived, his presence at Marvel was staggering. Barry goes off on everyone in the first of a two part interview excerpt. Also, James Gunn takes over DC Films, what should we expect?
Comic Book Feuds! Byrne Vs. McFarlane!
January 03, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 94.3 MBWhat happens when one generation of talent replaces another, garnering the spotlight & praise, routinely topping the charts that were once dominated by the previous era? Seldom does the older generation go quietly and, in the case of John Byrne, he takes aim with the Image Comics gang, specifically Todd McFarlane…repeatedly! Hang on for a crazy installment of Comic Book Feuds!
Support Your Comic Store
December 06, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 68.8 MBComic Stores are the backbone of the comic book industry! Chances are you encountered your favorite comic book character or issue at a local comic book retailer, Rob offers support for all stores and some memories of great comic store experiences! Also, Critical Acclaim? What’s it worth anyway?
The Decades! 2002, Where Are You?
December 02, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 79 MBWe return to the way back machine and visit 2002, where licensed properties filled the creative void in comic books! Transformers! Thundercats! G.I. Joe! Buffy! Planet Of The Apes! Nostalgia fever was all the rage, fueling the culture as Marvel & DC regained their footing in the new millennium! Also, the movies, tv & music from 20 years back!
Marvel/DC Holiday Super Hero Grab Bag!
November 29, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 88.2 MBThe Holidays are here and Rob shares some favorite Christmas themed Marvel & DC comic books from across the decades! Batman! Spider Man! Avengers! Luke Cage! Dr. Strange! Black Widow! Superman! Aquaman! It’s the Holiday Super Hero Grab Bag Edition of Robservations!
A Very Special Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBAn expression of thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation.
STORYTELLERS pt. 1:The Great Debate!
November 18, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBWould you go back and do it over the same way all again? This question led to an examination of why and how storytellers make the choices they do? What is the contract you enter into with fans as you seek to entertain them? Even though the market has changed, what recommendations would I make to Marvel & DC comic creators young and old. In the first entry in our new Storytellers series, I share the lessons I learned from the creators that influenced my own path.
MARVEL/DC - Who’s Next?
November 15, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutes - 62.3 MBWith two of comic books oldest characters, Namor & Black Adam recently introduced to audiences worldwide Rob looks ahead to which characters and titles are yet to come on the big screen. Are there any A-Listers left? Who is on deck for upcoming Marvel & DC films?
Who Was That Masked Man?
November 11, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 80.6 MBIt’s not a trend it’s an evolution. Spider Man! Boba Fett! Snake Eyes! Deadpool! The Mandolorian! Venom! Power Rangers! Kyle Ren! The masked character, helmeted figure has risen to all new levels of of popularity and acclaim among fandom! Rob looks at the how and why of the current Mask Revolution!
The Bad Boys Of Marvel!
November 08, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBAs the cinematic debut of Marvel’s original Hot-Head, Prince Namor, The Sub-Mariner races towards cinema’s in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Rob looks at his own history with Marvel Hot Head’s! Fiery tempers defined many of these popular characters who raged on the page! Luke Cage, Power Man! The Thing! Hercules! And the most popular, temperamental of them all, X-Men’s very own, Wolverine! Also, the return of Rob Recommends!
The 2000’s! The Power Of The Matrix! UPDATED
November 04, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBThe late Nineties was a weird time in comic books, publishers were scrambling to bolster falling sales, chasing emerging trends in search of a lifeboat! Marvel embraced the success of The Matrix and applied all the wrong lessons in the process! The history of X-Revolution and Counter X!
MARVEL COMICS:1965! GALACTUS!
November 01, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBWhat many consider to be the greatest and most celebrated run in the history of comics yielded a plethora of bold new characters and hidden kingdoms! The Fantastic Four by Jack Kirby & Stan Lee laid down the foundation of the Marvel Universe! Among the standouts were Black Panther and Wakanda! The Inhumans and The Great Refuge! Silver Surfer! None were as bold or as memorable as Galactus, The Devourer Of World’s! We examine the history, the inspirations and the impact of one of Marv...
The 90’s! Architects of Pop Culture, pt. 1: McFarlane & Claremont!
October 28, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 94.7 MBIt was a time of big sales for comic books, with Marvel Comics holding 40% of the market and Image Comics achieving 20% with only 8 titles, two talented Titans shared their personal viewpoints at distinct junctures in their careers. Spider Man’s Todd McFarlane & X-Men’s Chris Claremont sound off in a pair of 1992 interviews!
The Future of Marvel/DC Comic Book Films!
October 25, 2022 12:47 - 1 hour - 103 MBDo recent box office results reflect a shift in appetite for comic book movies from Marvel & DC? Has The Golden Age of Comic Book films passed us by? Did the modern comic book film peak with Avengers:Endgame? Spider Man:No Way Home? What comes next and what will it take to punch through to the next Comic Book Movie renaissance?
The Perfect Fit
October 21, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 171 MBWe all know how it feels when that comic book, movie or our favorite show clicks into place with spectacular results. The careful mix of talent, style, genre can produce a timeless experience that electrifies the audience. Rob examines the creators who found their perfect fit as well as a few misfires along the way!
The Cancelation Conundrum!
October 18, 2022 12:00 - 55 minutes - 126 MBA discussion of Cancel Culture. When your favorite artists go awry. The fallout on fans when controversial conduct, behavior and actions occur.
Marvel Monster-Verse! Frankenstein Vs. Spider Man, The Avengers!
October 14, 2022 13:20 - 1 hour - 176 MBWe continue our series on Marvel Monsters with Marvel’s very own Frankenstein, an adaptation that saw the legendary monster enter the modern Marvel Universe fighting Spider Man & The Avengers! Rob examines the history behind incorporating Frankenstein into Marvel lore and the extraordinary talent that brought it to life! Also, Rob Recommends!
1974! Atlas Shrugged Part 2
October 11, 2022 13:32 - 1 hour - 143 MBHow does a comic company boasting the top talents in the business vanish inside 2 years time? Adams! Ditko! Wood! Chaykin! The sad demise of Atlas Comics is examined in this concluding episode. Plus, an all new Rob’s Recommendations!
1974! ATLAS SHRUGGED, Part 1
October 06, 2022 15:29 - 1 hour - 77.9 MBDid the owner of Marvel Comics really start a rival comic company after feeling betrayed by Stan Lee? Did he assemble top flight creators to launch his new label? Neal Adams! Steve Ditko! Wally Wood! Howard Chaykin! Larry Hama! The saga of Atlas Comics demands your attention!