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
Marvel/DC Special Delivery! How The Comics Are Made!
September 30, 2022 10:02 - 1 hour - 75.3 MBPull up your desks and get ready to take notes! Comic Book Distribution has taken many forms over the years and currently it’s in flux as publishers change directions. Where is the future of comic book publishing and distribution headed? Rob shows you the way!
Marvel & DC: Editor Panel 1981! Avatar!
September 27, 2022 12:20 - 1 hour - 96.5 MBRob goes back in time 41 years, examining a Marvel & DC combo editorial panel from San Diego Comic Con, 1981! Roy Thomas, Frank Miller, Jim Shooter, Louise Simonson & Denny O’Neil offer the Marvel & DC Comics methods of creating comics! Its a stark contrast to the way comics are presented today! Also, AVATAR, the legacy and success of Jim Cameron!
Competitive Creators!! Film, Music, Comic Books!
September 23, 2022 11:43 - 1 hour - 74 MBWe take a walk on the competitive side of The Arts! Music! Movies! Comics! Competitors All! Steven Spielberg! Francis Ford Coppola! James Cameron! John Byrne! Howard Chaykin! From comics to film, the beefs and boasts to remember!
The 10 Ways Dark Knight Changed Batman Forever!
September 20, 2022 13:15 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBFrank Miller’s Dark Knight arrived in 1986 garnering universal praise & critical acclaim. It has stood as the most transformative work for the character, permanently altering him from the Caped Crusader to Dark Knight Detective. The Dark Knight informed Batman’s cinematic future and all that followed. Rob shares the 10 major changes introduced in Miller’s visionary tale that affected not only Batman but the comics and entertainment industry at large.
Star Wars to American Flagg! A Visionary Arrives!!
September 16, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 77.4 MBRob covers the most important work you’ve never heard of. In 1983, visionary creator Howard Chaykin, artist of the original Star Wars adaptation, launched his creator-owned magnum opus, American Flagg! A graphic experience like no other, with no capes or superpowers, Chaykin’s work on Flagg! from layouts, page design, costumes, characters & concepts informed all that followed, including Dark Knight and Watchmen.
Marvelous D23 & Beyond!
September 13, 2022 10:25 - 1 hour - 80 MBDisney’s Mega Celebration event, D23, returned bigger than ever with all sorts of exciting news for fans of Star Wars, Marvel and Avatar! Indiana Jones 5! The Mandalorian! Andor! Willow! Thunderbolts! Rob was on the scene for all of it & breaks down his favorite presentations, sharing the biggest news of the show!
Marvel Monsters!
September 09, 2022 13:28 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBA look back at how Marvel Comics jumped headfirst into creating an expansive Monster-Verse that dominated their line up for many years. Rob examines the circumstances and conditions that created this opportunity to expand the Marvel Universe.
The Superman Sensation!
September 06, 2022 12:48 - 1 hour - 74.8 MBA study of Superman, the inspirations behind his creation and the tremendous impact the character has had across pop culture.
My Dinner with Mr. Wizard! Marvel/DC What If’s?
September 02, 2022 12:48 - 1 hour - 78.6 MBMr. Wizard takes Rob out to dinner to share a foreboding forecast. Plus, The Marvel/DC cross-over that almost was!
Jack Kirby! Decades: 1989!
August 30, 2022 12:56 - 1 hour - 66.4 MBCelebrating the life & accomplishments of Jack Kirby! The Decades series looks at 1989 as key pieces move into place that will transform comic books forevermore.
Game Changers! The 5 Biggest Changes In Comic Books!
August 26, 2022 12:07 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBRob looks over his 37-year career in comics and shares the five biggest and most transformational changes to the industry over the past three decades!
The Wizard!
August 23, 2022 13:03 - 1 hour - 70.2 MBWe have to talk about The Wizard! The Wizard Age of Comics left us 11 years ago. An examination of what that experience entailed from the perspective of a professional comic creator and publisher of comic books that survived their tumultuous existence.
The Magnificent 7
August 19, 2022 12:34 - 1 hour - 153 MBOn the occasion of their 30th Anniversary, we celebrate the artistic achievements and favorite works of the original Image Comics founders.
The Church Of Comic Books
August 16, 2022 14:11 - 1 hour - 135 MBThe Passion Of The Pop. Why we worship.
Marvel’s Secret Wars, Too
August 12, 2022 11:53 - 1 hour - 143 MBSecret Wars! Secret Wars! All the buzz is about Secret Wars coming to the MCU, but which one? The original comic event generated massive sales, spawning a 1985 sequel that is best forgotten. Where did it all go wrong? Also, a profile of the worst comic book store owner of all time!
THE X-FACTOR!
August 09, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 165 MBThe origins of Marvel’s ambitious and controversial attempt to launch a companion X-Men title. Also – The latest on the frenzy behind DC Comics & Entertainment!
Fast Food, Comic Books!
August 05, 2022 13:49 - 1 hour - 141 MBFast Food & Comic Books go together like chocolate & peanut butter. Fans binge burgers, fries, tacos and pizzas all while consuming their favorite comic book adventures. Rob takes you through his own history with fast food and comics as a fan and later as a pro. The taco stands & burger joints where crucial creative decisions on New Mutants, X- Force & Image Comics all went down. Get this one to go!!
MARVELOUS MOVEMENT!
August 02, 2022 12:21 - 1 hour - 134 MBThe Importance of ACTION in storytelling!
X-Men/Doom Patrol – Marvel Vs. DC pt. 2
July 29, 2022 11:43 - 1 hour - 151 MBTwo groups of outcasts, each led by a mysterious man in a wheelchair, their publications separated by a matter of months. Just how much did Doom Patrol influence X-Men? What did the creator of Doom Patrol accuse Stan Lee of and how did Stan respond? The mystery between the two concepts is examined in depth like never before! Also – why there will ever be another venue like Hall H!
Marvel VS. DC – The Sea Kings!
July 26, 2022 13:43 - 1 hour - 194 MBOur Marvel vs. DC Series kicks off as we highlight the evolution of Aquaman and the influence that Namor, The Sub Mariner had on him from the very beginning! Rob attended Marvel’s HALL H panel and shares all he has seen as well as recounting the events of an emotional, yet triumphant return to Comic-Con!
Comic-Con Returns!
July 22, 2022 12:41 - 1 hour - 150 MBThe Comic-Con Episode! To celebrate the return of Comic-Con International, Rob reflects on 40 fabulous years of attending the legendary show as both fan and professional!
Bringing The Thunder!
July 19, 2022 12:29 - 1 hour - 215 MBWhat is a movie? How is it different than a film? No less than Steven Spielberg provides the answer in this jam packed episode! The audience that propelled Marvel to the top of the pack is maturing, how will their evolving tastes affect the movies of the future? In comics, the best & brightest of the Bronze Age united to re-launch a legendary title, the THUNDER AGENTS were reborn but short lived as a result of a lawsuit that killed the movement!
Pop & Comics! The State Of The Union!
July 01, 2022 12:42 - 1 hour - 200 MBThe State Of Pop is on the menu! The Boys! Top Gun:Maverick! Deadpool 3! Prophet! Thor! Something Is Killing The Children! Marvel! DC! Rob looks at what’s hot and what’s not in Comics, TV and Film.
1978! Time To Boogie Down!
June 28, 2022 13:28 - 1 hour - 132 MBBreak out the Disco Ball and the bell bottoms as we celebrate all the Pop that was formed in 1978! The Greatest Comic Book of all time was published! What was it? The X-Men went international, The Avengers Assembled against their mightiest foe! At the movies, Superman made you believe a man could fly & Grease was the word! An incredible close out to our decade series!
2012 pt. 2!
June 24, 2022 13:13 - 1 hour - 119 MBOur decades series continues to roll! 2012 was chock full of surprises! The Hunger Games! Beyond Watchmen! Spider-Man #700! Hawkeye! Captain Marvel! The Future was now as pop culture exploded with new faces and franchises!
2012 pt. 1 -Decades
June 21, 2022 10:40 - 1 hour - 178 MBThe Decades series jumps into 2012, a massive year for Marvel, the MCU and the Avengers! Avengers comics! Avengers movies! Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead explodes in popularity, topping the charts and cementing Image Comics continued dominance! Huge pop culture footprints defined the decade to come!
The Year 2000 pt. 2., Tim Sale Remembered
June 17, 2022 12:27 - 1 hour - 153 MBThe Decades series continues in The Year 2000 part 2 with an exploration of the new directions the X-Men attempt to explore, the missed opportunities, the creative misfires and the challenges. Plus, the latest from the current comic book auctions and on the occasion of his passing, Rob celebrates the life, genius and legacy of illustrator Tim Sale.
The Year 2000: The Decade Series
June 14, 2022 11:53 - 1 hour - 144 MBWe made it to the year 2000 and things are about to change! The most popular comic of all time makes it’s big-screen debut, Marvel emerges from bankruptcy, changes management and initiates a new but familiar strategy!
1991 pt. 2: The Decade Series
June 10, 2022 13:35 - 1 hour - 154 MBThe excitement of 1991 extends throughout 1992 as dramatic shifts and shake-up’s rock pop culture! A group of Marvel superstars form Image Comics just as a group of NBA All Stars unite as The Dream Team, dominating the world of basketball. Batman Returns dominates as the top movie and DC snaps, killing their most iconic here! What a thrilling conclusion to the year that shaped all that followed!
1991: The Decade Series!
June 07, 2022 12:33 - 1 hour - 147 MBNirvana crashed the music scene! Terminator 2 dominated the cineplex! X-Force & X-Men shattered the record books! 1991 transformed the media landscape, shaping all the music, movies & comics that followed!
1986! Pt. 2 – New Universe!
June 03, 2022 15:15 - 1 hour - 165 MB1986 Part Two! Marvel’s attempts to launch an all new, New Universe as DC’s Power Trio of Superman, Batman & Wonder Woman get a fresh overhaul for former Marvel Mega-Stars! At the cineplex, an Australian adventurer takes America by storm!
1986:The Decade Series, Part 1!
May 31, 2022 12:31 - 1 hour - 131 MBWe begin our series examining specific years across various decades and the monumental influence they had in shaping pop culture. Top Gun:Maverick! Stranger Things Season 4! The cover to Dark Knight #1 at auction! 1986 is the bond that unites them all, that year has never been more relevant than right now! Rob takes the dive into the music, tv, films and comic books that changed an era!
Secret History Of Comics!Titans! X-Men!
May 27, 2022 13:14 - 1 hour - 137 MBChris Claremont! George Perez! Dave Cockrum! Comics greatest creators share the inspirations and influences that shaped legendary works, X-Men, Titans and Wonder Woman!
Indiana Jones and The Comic Connection!
May 24, 2022 11:39 - 1 hour - 111 MBFrom its inception, the producers of Raiders of The Lost Ark recruited legendary comic book talents to help create its distinct look and style. We examine all the comic book connections and discuss the inspiration for the original graphic novel and subsequent adaptations of Indiana Jones.
Summer ‘77: A Day In The Life!
May 20, 2022 13:18 - 1 hour - 150 MBA very special episode of Robservations recounting two comic books from the summer of 1977 and the profound impact they had on an impressionable young fan.
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN! Superman! Mickey Mouse! Conan! Batman!
May 17, 2022 12:25 - 1 hour - 121 MBAn avalanche of legendary characters are careening towards the public domain, Batman, Mickey Mouse, Superman, Dick Tracy! A bunch are already there, Buck Rogers, Conan, Winnie The Pooh! What does it all mean? An episode exploring all aspects of characters in the public domain. How it works, what is allowed, what is possible and most important, what is coming!
Scarlet Witch:Mutant Marvel! Is she THAT powerful??
May 13, 2022 12:04 - 1 hour - 153 MBWith the spotlight back on Scarlet Witch, we return to her comic book roots to examine her decades-long path to the darkside! Plus, the most powerful mutant you have yet to encounter!
Remembering George Pérez
May 10, 2022 11:57 - 1 hour - 200 MBOn the occasion of his passing, we look back at an episode in tribute to George Pérez.
The Doctor Will See You Now!
May 06, 2022 13:39 - 50 minutes - 93.2 MBWith Dr. Strange back in theaters, Rob shines the light on a magical, four year run that delivered the finest depictions of Dr. Strange from the most exciting creators in comic book history! Spellbinding adventures in the Mighty Marvel Manner!
The Neal Adams Tribute Hour! Comic Book Movie Lull?
May 03, 2022 12:29 - 1 hour - 159 MBWe pay tribute to the single greatest illustrator in the history of comic books. Reflecting on Neal Adams, his art, his impact and his leadership fighting for creator’s rights! Plus, are comic book movies in need of a jolt?
Mavericks!
April 29, 2022 12:50 - 1 hour - 123 MBA discussion of critical acclaim, Tom Cruise and the year Comic Con went Hollywood.
The Greatest Comic Run That Never Was!
April 26, 2022 12:33 - 1 hour - 149 MBA discussion of one of the most promising comic book runs of all time, from Legendary talents, unceremoniously cut short and stopped cold. Straight from the creators and staff that assembled the epic Captain America run that was stopped before it could fully take flight. Plus, with Twitter and Netflix in flux, a look at a new era of Gatekeepers!
Stan Lee & The Strange Truth Behind The Doctor!
April 22, 2022 12:12 - 1 hour - 123 MBDr. Strange is everywhere, a massive sequel is set to rule cinema’s this summer! He is as unique a character as Marvel has ever published, but just who created him anyway? Shared for the very first time, in Stan Lee’s own words, he informs you exactly where the inspiration & production for Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme originated! A can’t miss revelation!
Close Encounters & Forbidden Fruit – Marvel & Image Comic Team-Up’s!
April 19, 2022 12:22 - 1 hour - 134 MBForbidden Fruits, part 3: The Marvel/Image Team Up’s! More comics that are out of reach but in demand! Plus – Rob’s Rants covers new editions of classic collections!
The DC Image Comics Merger?!
April 15, 2022 13:31 - 1 hour - 114 MBIn 1995, did the principle founders of Image Comics meet with the publisher of DC to discuss a possible merger of the 2 companies? Find out the who, where, when & why of all that went down!
DC, Marvel and The Art of Disruption!
April 12, 2022 11:37 - 1 hour - 125 MBA discussion of how DC & Marvel are valued within the marketplace as well as the times the comic business has been transformed through disruptive practices. The future of direct to consumer.
DC – A Decade Of Rumors & Unrest!
April 08, 2022 12:55 - 58 minutes - 107 MBFor over a decade DC Comics has been rocked with a tumultuous existence, shifting between a constantly revolving door of new ownership and management. With the latest changing of the guard, the 3rd regime change in 10 years, the company continues to be the most scrutinized in all of comics and entertainment.
WHO’S GOT NEXT?
April 05, 2022 11:28 - 1 hour - 123 MBFresh off the convention circuit, Rob weighs in with all he’s seen and experienced. He shares the characters, comic books and creators that will shape and influence your collections and consumption in the years ahead.
Marvel’s Wild, Wild West!
April 01, 2022 12:42 - 50 minutes - 92 MBKid Colt! Rawhide Kid! Night Rider! Two-Gun Kid! With huge hits like Yellowstone and 1883, the western is making a comeback and no one is in a better position to capitalize on it than Marvel! Rob takes you through their vast catalogue of iconic cowboy characters!
Hot Topics! The Slap! Funeral For A King!
March 29, 2022 12:53 - 1 hour - 124 MBTHE SLAP! No, not that one! The original Batman & Robin meme! Just where is it from anyways? Rob takes you inside the origins of the suddenly timely meme. Plus – Funeral For A King! Remembering the Memorial Service of Jack “The King” Kirby.