Podcasts about comic artists

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! 

Our first guest of 2025, Jessica Warrick, joins the Revenge Tour and gives us the lowdown on her new graphic novel “The Chum Brothers: Know Your Gnomes,” published by Rocketship Press!Chum Bros. Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rocketship/the-chum-brothers-know-your-gnomesFollow Jessica at her site https://www.jessicawarrickart.com/Instagram: @jessicawarrickTwitter/X:  @Jessica_Warrick Have you experienced the elusive and majestic energy of the Blue Tiger? Had a sighting in the wilderness of the eternal forest? Drank the blue milk of it's revenge? Then let the people know it exists!A note: The “NOW” is the resurgence of the independent creator through crowd sourcing and self-publishing availability. As the veil gets pulled back ever further and the predatory practices of corporate models get revealed, it is more and more important to support those who actually create the stories and art that we as consumers enjoy. So SUPPORT INDIE PROJECTS and their CREATORS. Help make the indies the mainstream. Even the smallest of gestures can be of the biggest help.Oh look! We've still got a shop and everything is discounted for the holidays! Bare the blue and seek our revenge: BTR shop!And check out “TAIGA”, Tadd's latest graphic novel with new pages weekly. Exclusively at patreon.com/gnarpig This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bluetigerrevenge.substack.com

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. 

Alex Grand and co-host Jim Thompson interview Bob Hall part 2, from his early days as a comic reader, his University education in Theatre, his turned in first work for Charlton Comics, studying at the John Buscema Comic Art School, getting into Marvel under editor Archie Goodwin, then under new editor-in-chief Jim Shooter, the Yellowjacket Wasp story, Squadron Supreme with Mark Gruenwald, co-creating West Coast Avengers, Emperor Doom, Valiant Comics, Future Comics, his Joker graphic series for DC, and his modern theatre work.  Edited & Produced by Alex Grand.  #Avengers #SquadronSupreme #Valiant #Marvel© 2021 Comic Book HistoriansSupport the show

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! 

Start your webcomic using the latest platforms, monetization methods, and social media strategies. If you're launching a new comic in 2025, this episode has all the information you'll need to get it off the ground! How to start a webcomic in 2025Don't try to “game” your readership. Write about what YOU likeBuilding readership takes time and consistency. Creating for love is essential in the early years. Focus on writing as the core of comic creation. Focus on creating comics for the love of the craft. The first comics may only be seen by you; embrace the process.Mistakes in the early stages are recoverable.CopyrightOwn and control your workYou do NOT need to be on Webtoon/TapasSocial media presence is important for comic creators. Today, that's Bluesky and Substack. ComicLab has Collections that provide strategies for each platform** They're free to members and available at a one-time fee for others.Be active on social media to build your audience. Four CsHow many updates FCSPersistence is key; it's a marathon, not a sprint. If you need a schedule to post regularly, set a schedule and stick to it. Don't rush into monetization; it takes time to build a following. Starting on Patreon or Kickstarter too soon is a common problem that derails a lot of creators.Develop your aesthetic by studying good comics.You don't need a website immediately, but you'll need one eventually. Start planning now.Seek honest feedback to improve your work.Reach out to other comics creators who are doing stuff that's similar to yours and build networks.Do it for loveSummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the importance of passion in creating comics, the challenges of building a readership, and the necessity of starting your comic journey despite fears and anxieties. The conversation emphasizes the value of maintaining independence as creators and finding an audience that resonates with your unique themes rather than chasing trends. They address the challenges and strategies for comic artists navigating social media. They emphasize the importance of choosing the right platforms, such as Blue Sky and Substack, over TikTok for comic promotion. The hosts introduce the 'Four C's' of social media—Content, Curation, Commercial, and Kindness—as essential for building an audience. They also share acronyms like SWIG and FCS to guide effective promotion and posting frequency. The conversation concludes with a reminder that building a successful comic takes time and persistence, likening it to a marathon rather than a sprint. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the essential steps for starting a webcomic in 2025. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the craft before monetization, developing a unique aesthetic, and the necessity of having a personal website. The hosts also highlight the value of networking, seeking feedback from peers in the comic community, and navigating the evolving landscape of social media and comic publishing.TakeawaysCreating comics should stem from personal passion, not trends.Building a readership is a gradual process that requires time and consistency.Mistakes in the early stages of comic creation are normal and recoverable.Your comic's idea is less important than your unique execution of it.Independence in comic creation allows for greater control over your work.Social media platforms are evolving; choose wisely for engagement.Focus on writing as the core of comic creation.Engagement and growth are key metrics for success in comics.Don't let fear of theft prevent you from sharing your work. TikTok may not be suitable for comic artists.Blue Sky and Substack are better platforms for engagement.Social media requires a balance of content, curation, and kindness.Persistence is crucial for building an audience.Curation can enhance networking opportunities.Promote by saying why your work is good.Frequent, consistent, and significant updates are key.Avoid rushing into monetization too soon.Missing updates is forgivable; focus on quality instead.Building a crowd is essential before seeking funding. Focusing on early monetization can distract from improving your craft.Having a small number of Patreon backers can lead to poor decision-making.It's crucial to develop your aesthetic by studying successful comics.A personal website is essential for maintaining control over your work.Networking with other comic creators can provide valuable feedback.Feedback from peers is more beneficial than casual opinions from non-creators.The comic landscape is evolving, and adaptability is key.Do it for the love of comics to sustain motivation.There are more opportunities in comics now than ever before.Building a community around your work can enhance your growth as an artist. You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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-upX-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! 

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! 

Alex Grand and co-host Jim Thompson interview Bob Hall, from his early days as a comic reader, his University education in Theatre, his turned in first work for Charlton Comics, studying at the John Buscema Comic Art School, getting into Marvel under editor Archie Goodwin, then under new editor-in-chief Jim Shooter, the Yellowjacket Wasp story, Squadron Supreme with Mark Gruenwald, co-creating West Coast Avengers, Emperor Doom, Valiant Comics, Future Comics, his Joker graphic series for DC, and his modern theatre work.  Edited & Produced by Alex Grand.  #Avengers #SquadronSupreme #Valiant #Marvel© 2021 Comic Book HistoriansSupport the show

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!