The Underground comic book movement spread like wildfire in the late 1960’s, the champion of the form was Robert Crumb, a pioneer of Comix! In the 1970’s Crumb’s work would spread across the culture with his popular “Keep On Trucking” images and comic strips. In the early 2000’s R. Crumb shocked the world as he began work on a word for word adaptation of the Book Of Genesis. Published in 2009, it is a brilliant & gorgeous effort showcasing the best of Crumbs raw talents and instincts. Rob examines the depths of this masterwork.

As Image Comics fractures Todd McFarlane leads the charge to cripple Rob Liefeld’s publishing endeavors, but 3 key moves backfire spectacularly, the fallout becomes too much for Jim Lee, who becomes the ultimate decider. Tantrums and meltdowns follow! You cannot miss the pulse-pounding conclusion to the one of comic books biggest feuds ever!

A feud for the ages! So big it can’t be contained in just one installment!! In July 1996, Rob Liefeld moved his popular titles, including the comic that launched Image Comics, Youngblood, to Maximum Press, a publishing label Liefeld owned outright. This created a turbulent, hostile response from his Image partners, none as furious as the one from Todd McFarlane. Accusations were thrown, Threats were issued, Lawsuits filed and angry words exchanged. Follow the entire saga from the beginning, including the catalogue preview that lit the fuse, and the legendary 1997 Comics Journal interview by McFarlane that has to be heard to be believed, leading the Journal to say “We Know Todd’s pissed as a raving monkey”.

A bitter dispute between talent and label creates a window of opportunity that provides an alternative path putting Michael Turner on top of the comics world! Turner’s introduction to the big two publishers was a result of a standoff with his former studio, his work at DC put him in another league of recognition and acclaim which carried until his tragic passing in 2008.

The most celebrated scribe in the history of modern comics, Alan Moore, (Watchmen, From Hell) has feuds with both Marvel & DC! His feuds are almost as notorious as his acclaimed stories. Rob walks you through the timeline that finds Alan vowing to never work for DC Comics again post Watchmen controversy, which he maintained right up until DC acquired his newest line of titles without his knowledge. The bogus “firewall”, sold as a barrier to settle Moore’s misgivings about DC, held briefly until they meddled and lost him once again. Forever?

Our Comic Book Feuds series kicks off with a Clash of Titans! Together, John Byrne and Chris Claremont created the most acclaimed run in modern comic books. Their X-Men stories transformed the industry, adapted in no less than 4 Major motion pictures as well as cartoons and toys. Their celebrated work inspired a generation, until they parted ways, never to work together at Marvel again. Rob breaks down the differences that led to their epic break up and weighs the benefits for both men and it’s impact on all of fandom.

Prior to Disney purchasing Marvel and the MCU Films going on their extended run of unprecedented box office success, the market was uncertain of their prospects. Back in 2004, the business world preached caution, advising that all Marvel had left was “inferior characters” going so far as to hedge against them as they prepared to finance their own slate of films. Rob has done the research and takes you all the way back, examining the articles & opinions from Wall Street Journal, Barron’s and others as they doubled down with doubt as to Marvel’s future. Little did they know what was to come!

Everyone loves a great duet, two top talents combining to forge a new sound, or in this case, look! Comic books has long boasted many such collaborations where two unique, powerhouse talents combine, becoming one, often offering an alternate look with equal appeal. Rob counts down his favorite duets in the history of comic books!

An historic pairing of comic book’s most celebrated art team put Uncanny X-Men on the map! But it almost never happened and you’ll never believe why! Also, more comic book secret history and how it impacted Justice League and a fledgling Young Avengers title! Rob details all the near-misses and could have been’s that shaped the industry!

Wolverine’s impact on the popularity of X-Men and comics in general is immeasurable. Rob breaks down the 5 artists who defined him for all who followed. In Hot Topics, we discuss who broke the 4th wall in the first place and why it matters!