Robservations with Rob Liefeld
378 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days 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
Forbidden Fruit pt. 2! Spider-Man & X-Men!
March 25, 2022 13:08 - 1 hour - 131 MBSpider-Man! X-Men! Marvel’s popular heroes featured in classic tales by classic creators, chart topping achievements, long out of print, stories that you won’t find in a trade collection! Rob explains the complicated reasons these comic books stay buried deep in the vaults!
The Frank Miller Filmography!
March 22, 2022 11:08 - 1 hour - 144 MBSin City! 300! The Spirit!! The Frank Miller Filmography defined an age of comic book movies! Following his breakout success at DC Comics, re-imagining Batman for a new generation, Frank Miller’s acclaimed works arrived on the big screen. The blockbuster success of his 300 graphic novel set the stage for Miller to make the big leap, propelling him into the Director’s chair, where he helmed a $60 million dollar adaptation of Will Eisner’s The Spirit starring Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlet Joh...
Spider-Man turns 60!!
March 18, 2022 12:55 - 1 hour - 130 MBYour friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is turning 60 and a handsome new collection puts the spotlight on the first 20 issues by Steve Ditko & Stan Lee. The secrets behind Spider-Man’s epic creation are examined and revealed.
Image Comics: The Last Dance
March 15, 2022 12:26 - 57 minutes - 78.3 MBMcFarlane! Liefeld! Lee! Silvestri! Valentino! Larsen! Portacio! 14 years ago, the seven original Image Comics Founders assembled for what would be their very last time together. A walk through the timeline of the events that gathered them for one final historic appearance.
THE MARVELOUS MOON KNIGHT!
March 11, 2022 12:07 - 1 hour - 83.4 MBAs The MCU prepares to welcome the mysterious Moon Knight into their ranks, Rob goes all the way back to the beginning, behind the scenes with Moon Knight’s creators, sharing the inspirations and motivations that brought the Moon Knight character to life. The author’s share the challenges and the triumphs in creating a mythology that has thrived for over 47 years. Did Marvel encourage the Batman comparisons or discourage the similarities between the two? Just how much was Moon Knight outsel...
The Con Game!
March 08, 2022 14:04 - 1 hour - 102 MBRob shares an in-depth discussion on the ever-changing Pop Culture & Comic Convention scene. The players, the priorities, the race to please the consumer. Plus – a decade after the Dark Knight Rises, the legacy, and impact of the Nolan Batman films.
The Macho Awards!
March 04, 2022 12:49 - 1 hour - 95.5 MBWelcome to the 1st annual Macho Awards! Who will win the coveted Macho’s? Celebrating achievements in Macho writer, Macho artist, Macho series and our Lifetime Macho Achievement award! It is a very “Macho” show! Don’t miss out!
Comic Book Feuds! Todd McFarlane vs. Peter David
March 01, 2022 15:23 - 58 minutes - 80.3 MBAn epic comic book feud unfolds between two former collaborators turned bitter opponents! In 1993, the feud between Todd McFarlane and Peter David, co-authors of a resurgent Hulk era, went public with a live debate staged at Philadelphia’s Comicfest. Moderated by the legendary George Perez, the two men aired their less than favorable opinions of each other for all to see.
What’s Your Brand?
February 25, 2022 13:24 - 52 minutes - 72.4 MBExamining all manner of branded talent, characters, and titles in comics & film. Plus, Collector’s Corner: Buyer Beware!
Comic Book Mysteries! Secret Identities!
February 22, 2022 12:50 - 1 hour - 99.2 MBMany comic book legends have produced popular works under alternate names. Rob takes you through the list of superstar talents that have posed under secret profiles over the decades and why they hid their true identities!
The Best Era Ever!
February 18, 2022 13:34 - 1 hour - 87.3 MBComic book enthusiasts have had much to celebrate in recent times as characters across all era’s have roared to cinematic life, igniting passionate debate about multiple eras! Which era towers above the rest? What combination of creativity, sales achievements and fan enthusiasm created a clear winner for all time?
Marvel’s Multiverse Madness! Comics & Sports!
February 15, 2022 12:30 - 2 hours - 195 MBRob explains Disney’s big gamble on Dr. Strange 2, sharing exactly what is driving the high stakes with The Multiverse Of Madness and how it all ties into the runway success of Sony’s Spider Man: No Way Home! Plus: Comic Books & Sports! The competitive nature and connective tissue that drives both industries!
Marvel’s Political Payoff! Boba Fett!
February 11, 2022 14:54 - 1 hour - 158 MBPlaying with politics is always a tricky situation in entertainment but Marvel gambled and won big when they incorporated the Watergate scandal, saving Captain America from cancellation! The President was a terrorist! Cap quit! Nomad was born! All hell broke loose as Cap’s stories were ripped from the political headlines! Plus, The Book Of Boba Fett and the impact of Star Wars shows!
The Lord Of The Rings Cartoon! Marvel’s Warrior Of The Shadow Realm!
February 08, 2022 14:07 - 1 hour - 109 MB3 productions, 3 Director’s across 2 networks and one theatrical release! The Lord Of The Rings media experience started in 1977 with a disparate set of animated productions, released across 4 years! Rob takes you through the arrival of Tolkien’s classic cartoons as they unspooled in real time! Plus, Marvel enlists top talents as it gets in on all the fantasy action with the stellar Warriors Of The Shadow Realm, a Weirdworld saga!
Cartoons & Comic Books!
February 04, 2022 14:44 - 1 hour - 112 MBFrom Super Friends to X-Men to The Clone Wars, an examination of the evolution of the Saturday Morning Cartoon experience!
War & Peace(Maker)
February 01, 2022 12:45 - 1 hour - 90.6 MBRob looks at how the big gamble on Peacemaker, the most daring and rewarding risk DC Entertainment has taken in years, provides a blueprint for their struggling publishing arm. Plus, with the censorship of acclaimed works such as MAUS in the news, Rob is fired up and makes his position on the matter abundantly clear!
Gimme, Gimme, GIMMICK!
January 28, 2022 16:28 - 1 hour - 129 MBA deep dive into the history of the cover enhancements, gimmicks and variants that publishers have utilized to increase sales and awareness. Many of those same incentives are now used by studios and theater chains to drive interest in films and DVD collections as well. Plus, Recency Bias! What is it and how it applies to THE BATMAN!
The Image Cinematic Universe! (What could’ve been)
January 25, 2022 13:35 - 1 hour - 117 MBWhen Image Comics exploded in the 90’s, Hollywood was quick to come knocking on the door. How is it that we don’t live in a sea of Image Comics movies and shows? Rob takes you through all the near misses and might have been’s and discusses how it could all still come together. Plus, DiCaprio, Cruise, Pitt, Chalamet…will they ever suit up as comic book heroes?
The Secret!
January 21, 2022 13:30 - 1 hour - 115 MBIs there a secret formula to creating a hit comic book? Have your favorite titles followed a blueprint for success! We pull the curtain all the way back! Plus the story behind “Give Jack His Artwork Back!”
The Numbers! Million Dollar Baby!
January 18, 2022 11:56 - 1 hour - 111 MBAnother examination of The Numbers gives us the sale that rocked Pop Culture! A Spider Man page from 1985 sold at auction for 3.3 million dollars last week and has turned the comic book art wheel on its head! Plus, Stephen King’s essay on Dark Knight and a look at the sagging numbers for Batman that stretched over a decade, threatening the future of the franchise!
The Macho Show!
January 14, 2022 14:13 - 1 hour - 99.5 MBMacho Culture is exploding! All things Macho are surging in pop culture! Yellowstone! John Wick! One Punch Man ! Networks and studios are scrambling to capitalize on what they call the Macho factor! Marvel comics used to be the King of The Macho Way! Jack Kirby was the most Macho creator of all time! Why exactly is Macho on the rise and what is already capitalizing on its brazen approach to storytelling?!
Independence Day!
January 11, 2022 12:43 - 1 hour - 129 MBTake a group of legendary talents, bring them together and launch a popular new creator owned publishing line that takes comics by storm, sound familiar? It should, it’s the story of Pacific Comics, 1981! Also, we look forward towards Robert Pattinson’s The Batman and highlight the primary influences that shape it!
Untold Tales Of Image Comics! Pt. 1!
January 07, 2022 15:04 - 1 hour - 119 MBJust how close were you to getting theme park rides featuring Image Comics? How about Live-Action arena tours featuring your favorite Image characters? Closer than you will ever know! It’s time to unearth the unspoken stories for The Untold Tales of Image Comics! Our celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Image Comics continues!
A World Without Image Comics pt. 1
January 04, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 138 MBFor 30 years, Image Comics has been a catalyst for tremendous change throughout the comics industry. But what if, it all never happened? In celebration of its 30th Anniversary, we follow the roads less traveled and examine a world without Image Comics?
Spider-Man: No Way Home!
December 14, 2021 14:09 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MBA Non-Spoiler filled discussion of the latest Spider Man film to close out the year and our 2nd season! Rob shares his for this epic installment for the wall crawler and his enthusiasm for a movie he believes is the end of the year celebration we all hoped for and deserve!
George Pérez! Comic Book Titan!
December 10, 2021 16:17 - 1 hour - 98.8 MBThe world of comic books was rocked by the news of George Perez failing health. His work on Avengers, Fantastic Four, Titans and Justice League is an inspiration to the entire industry. Rob shares insights & interviews as well as stories from his own personal journeys with George, all while celebrating the many outstanding achievements of the illustrious George Perez.
Comic Book Market 2021! Moon Knight! Spidey 2099!
December 07, 2021 13:38 - 1 hour - 79.4 MBThe year is barreling towards its conclusion, comic conventions have roared back in L.A., San Diego and New York, new trends are developing and the market is quick to respond! Amazing Comic Con’s Jimmy Jay joins Rob to break down the heat from recent titles and characters and guide us towards the latest industry picks & new hits coming your way!
The Numbers! Rank & File!
December 03, 2021 12:51 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBIt was a decade of change! Rob examines the sales charts, from 1973 thru 1984, the trends and the rankings, telling the tale of a Marvelous evolution! Which characters had staying power? What was the understated powerhouse, the steady franchises, the trendy licenses? The numbers don’t lie and the data shared in this episode gives a glimpse of an age of transition and all that was to follow! If you love numbers, this is the show for you!
Stalking The Empire!
November 30, 2021 14:58 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MBHan Solo in a light saber duel with Darth Vader? Leia turned against Luke & Han? Time Travel and Black Holes? This episode is an epic re-counting of the outrageous rumors and leaks that were occurring in the months before Empire Strikes Back was released. Rob shares which details that magazines and reporters were submitting for official approval to Lucasfilm, circa 1979! And Lucasfilm responds!
X-FORCE! 30 Year Anniversary!
November 23, 2021 13:31 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBArriving in 1991, X-Force smashed records, expanding the X-Universe forevermore. Marvel is celebrating the momentous occasion with a 30th anniversary special written & illustrated by X-Force creator Rob Liefeld. In this episode Rob takes you all the way behind the scenes revealing the inspiration and design behind the production and publication of X-Force:Killshot! Bonus! The Secret Origin of Robservations!
The 5 Things I Learned in Comics
November 19, 2021 13:57 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBOver the course of a 35-year career, Rob Liefeld has experienced every facet of publishing and creating comic books. Learn the 5 Things in Comics that resonate with him the most.
The Truth About Re-Shoots! Deadpool, Dr. Strange!
November 16, 2021 13:58 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBMuch has been made of re-shoots on recent big blockbuster films like Dr. Strange 2, Rogue One and Thor. Rob takes you inside Deadpool 2 and the strategy behind re-shoots for big comic book films!
Marvel’s Civil War!
November 12, 2021 13:34 - 1 hour - 66.2 MBDuring the filming of Captain America:Civil War Marvel was having a literal Civil War of its own between divisions of power within the company. “Civil War started a Civil War in Marvel” Joe Russo boldly states, one of many revelations from this period of extreme tension & upheaval, un-covered in-depth for the first time in the gripping new Marvel publication, The Story Of Marvel Studios, written by Tara Bennett & Paul Terry. Rob examines all the details leading up to a dramatic shift in pow...
The Sphere Of Influence!
November 09, 2021 13:57 - 1 hour - 67.1 MBWhat could possibly unite Charlie’s Angels, Raiders Of The Lost Ark and The Uncanny X-Men? All will be revealed with this in-depth examination of The Sphere Of Influence!
Critical Character Chemistry!
November 05, 2021 12:16 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBNew castings are on the horizon for James Bond, Wolverine, Johnny Storm and many more! Black Adam is coming! Will there be more Cable? The historical importance of casting, chemistry and how they can determine the fate of your next cinematic franchise!
Comic Book Feuds! Daredevil: Lee vs. Wood!
November 02, 2021 12:54 - 1 hour - 79.7 MBAs salty a feud as you will find in the history of comic books! One that spilled into public view, taking up space in the actual Marvel comic books themselves! Two powerhouse comic book visionaries in the prime of their careers fall out while the entire industry watched!
The 90’s Strike Back (Again) Pt. 2!
October 29, 2021 12:52 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBHas the market lost its magic? Compare and contrast today’s market with the 90’s heyday. Rob examines interviews with important voices from the 90’s and what they say about then & now!
DUNE! The Secret History: Movies & Comics!
October 26, 2021 13:19 - 1 hour - 63.9 MBDUNE! Dennis Villeneuve! David Lynch! Marvel Comics! Rob uncovers the secret history of the Dune saga spanning two movies to the greatest comic book movie adaptation of all time!
The Eternals!
October 22, 2021 15:18 - 1 hour - 76.3 MBAngelina Jolie! Kit Harrington! Jack Kirby! Rob goes deep into the cinematic adaptation of Marvel’s new Eternals film. What works? How would Jack Kirby feel? What was most anticipated? How does it affect the MCU going forward! Fresh from the worldwide premiere, an extensive examination of the newest addition to the Marvel Movie Pantheon!
Live From New York Comic Con!
October 19, 2021 13:05 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBMy full panel from New York Comic Con 2021 was particularly fun! I love doing panels and this one had it all! Pro-tips, creating characters, rivalries, longevity and a lively audience Q&A. Plus, learn how my kid gave Ryan Reynolds hard earned box office to Ben Stiller in order to see Deadpool!
The 90’s Strike Back!
October 15, 2021 12:38 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBThe ’90s was an electric time for comic books with record-setting sales from Marvel as well as the stunning launch of Image Comics. A slew of fresh characters and creators combined to re-shape the industry. The young fans of that era have come of age, their collective buying power is driving prices of comics, art, and collectibles to new heights! Plus, an encounter with William Shatner!
Comic Book Feuds! VENOM vs. The Comics Industry!
October 12, 2021 12:51 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBNo character in modern day history has more Fathers laying claim to his parentage than Venom! The fight for Venom is loaded with juicy vitriol and nasty exchanges between multiple creators sharing their version of the process that conceived of the most celebrated Symbiote! Also – notes from a comic con, NYCC 2021!
The Star Wars
October 08, 2021 13:56 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MBAn examination of how George Lucas original screenplay, THE STAR WARS, the earliest incarnation of his celebrated space saga, was eventually realized as both a comic book and a line of toys. Anakinn Starkiller! General Skywalker! Plus a crazy convention story from the past that Rob has never shared!
Multiversity Madness!
October 05, 2021 12:03 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBSpider Man:No Way Home! Dr. Strange: Multiverse Of Madness! Flashpoint! We are about to be deluged with multiple Multiverse films from both Marvel & DC. Rob takes you back to his first thrilling encounter with Multiversity’s and the myriad of possibilities they represent, then and now!
Erik Larsen! Spider Man! Savage Dragon!
October 01, 2021 10:17 - 1 hour - 94.7 MBSPIDER MAN! SAVAGE DRAGON! CARNAGE! Image Comics Founder! Image Comics Partner! There are few creators that have achieved what Erik Larsen has! 260 consecutive issues of Savage Dragon and there’s no slowing him down! Our 90 minute discussion covers a career of outstanding benchmarks including his upcoming ANT series!
The Forbidden Fruits!
September 28, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBAs unimaginable as it seems in our modern age of technology, many incredible works, almost all of them adaptations, are out of print with little hope of being restored. Battlestar Galactica! ROM! Logan’s Run! These are chief among the very best sci-fi series adaptations that are inaccessible, representing the finest of the Forbidden Fruits! Rob runs down the best of the uncollected editions!
Mixed Up Marvel!
September 24, 2021 13:52 - 1 hour - 71.3 MBDid Marvel really launch a crossover out of order? They sure did and we are re-living every fascinating aspect of it! Plus – Venom! Carnage! Luke Cage! Avengers! Spider Man! Beastmaster! It’s a full plate of comic book themed awesomeness!
Comic Book Marketplace 2021! Batman Day!
September 21, 2021 13:49 - 1 hour - 73.3 MBDid DC Comics really ship 15 Batman comics in one week? Amazing Comic Convention CEO Jimmy Jay joins Rob for an extensive examination of the current comic book market from a retail perspective! Also, how a search for a comic book store led young 14-year-old Rob Liefeld to a surprise visit to an Adult Sex Shop!
Y2K COMIC BOOKS! The Aughts!
September 17, 2021 11:51 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBThe 2000’s!! A new Millennium was dawning and the comics industry was rebuilding. New talent was rising and shaping the business! The Ultimate Comics line! Y:The Last Man! The Walking Dead! Invincible! Rob looks back 20 years later to see the millennial turn and the changes that resonate today!
Swords Of Sorcery!
September 14, 2021 12:54 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBThe emergence of Fantasy themed comics was surging, future comic book superstars were cutting their teeth on classic pulp characters. Sword and Sorcery by names you love but didn’t expect to see on a DC series you never heard of!