Superstar artist Rob Liefeld has been unapologetically vocal about his feelings on the current state of DC Comics. Most recently, back in June, Liefeld predicted the collapse of DC Comics and, in the ensuing Twitter hullaballoo, leaked plans for a DC/Image crossover. It’s not that Liefeld has a problem with DC in general. He often expresses his fandom of the company’s characters, but doesn’t seem to like how the company is run and wishes they would publish a more diverse lineup like they did back in 1980s.
It was this last subject that Liefeld was discussing on Twitter when his tweets caught the notice of fellow superstar artist Sean Gordon Murphy, who currently writes and draws the successful Batman: White Knight series of comics at DC.
DUDE! I have every right to want great comics from DC! Period! Why would you ask me to lower my standards? DC ROCKED in the 80’s! https://t.co/vPMGEK7FYy
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
You will not insert your tastes over mine. DC isn’t producing anywhere near the level of comics I grew up supporting. Titans. Legion. Swamp Thing. Camelot 3000. Ask for better. https://t.co/f2wAW4xpOh
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
And Dark Knight. And original Watchmen. Giffen Justice League! https://t.co/y6sr9OCKj5
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
Ridiculous. I’m a consumer, I have a right to ask a publisher to match a standard. And so do you. What you really want is for me to pledge fealty to a brand I’m disappointed in. No. https://t.co/MGNPMmZE5S
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
Murphy responded to Liefeld’s tweets, saying:
Hey Rob. No disrespect here–I grew up reading your stuff.
But there are a ton of hardworking ppl busting their asses on DC books right now, most not paid nearly as well as you or I. Don’t you think the “DC sucks now” tweets are really disrespectful to those ppl?
— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) September 7, 2019
You’re a hero to many of them, me included. This job is hard enough without hearing your heroes dismiss all the hard work you’re doing.
Again, not trying to start drama. Big fan of what you’ve done for comics. We owe you and the other founders a big debt. :)
— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) September 7, 2019
I understand that Marvel vs DC is like the Pepsi vs Coke cola wars of the 80s. But don’t we need both companies to thrive so we can have smaller sodas like Jolt (Image Comics). I just don’t see the benefit of rockstar talent like you sniping like this.
— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) September 7, 2019
But Liefeld wasn’t buying it.
Ok, took me a minute to get results on Liefel-DC-Sucks. Doesn’t show up. So, rather than spread nonsense about what I did NOT say, let’s agree to stick with the facts of what I actually do say. I don’t enjoy much of the output from DC right now, I’d like to buy more. https://t.co/cRqkpAEXqf
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
Though he did express appreciation for Murphy’s work.
Let’s also agree that it’s too early on Saturday for me to run out and obtain your comics at the moment, I pulled this from a nearby pile. I submit that I pick up and enjoy your work. Keep at it. But I find the company scattershot. https://t.co/cRqkpAEXqf pic.twitter.com/0jmddvYpys
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
Though he renewed his complaints about DC’s business strategies.
If you’d like to discuss the BUSINESS of why DC throws Batman comic after Batman comic at retailers in order to ensure that they don’t lose even more ground to their rival, I’d love to have that discussion. That’s business, not art. I been around 33 years to differentiate the two https://t.co/cRqkpAEXqf
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
The DC I loved grew many diverse brands successfully, produced landmark work. This had been impeded by the business decisions of a management team that lacks the tools to build beyond Batman. https://t.co/cRqkpAEXqf
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
And praised the work of publishers BOOM! Studios, Image, IDW, and Dark Horse when it comes to marketing their comics.
I don’t agree with this statement. I believe that companies like BOOM and Image, IDW and Dark Horse are learning the market at a faster pace than DC and are seeing exciting results. ONCE and FUTURE is the Camelot 3000 of my era. Could’ve happened at a rival. https://t.co/qQvaqeLQtg
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
Murphy retorted:
2) The direction of most events is driven by the talent, not the suits. (No disrespect to the suits–I actually get along with them too).
— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) September 7, 2019
And suggested that Liefeld’s criticism could negatively impact the comics industry as a whole.
My point is that the Big 2 are pillars holding up the roof. And attacking them is like kicking the post. https://t.co/4RkpxNRJud
— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) September 7, 2019
The whole thing ended amicably enough, with an offer of drinks at New York Comic Con.
Anyway, thanks for chatting. I know it's early where you are and I appreciate you taking the time. Maybe I can buy you a drink at NYCC. https://t.co/4RkpxNRJud
— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) September 7, 2019
Though Liefeld got the last word on his timeline.
Developing successful multiple families? That’s what Marvel is doing. https://t.co/TKAOtilJh9
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
Yes, the message that I’d like more comics to enjoy. I’m certain I’m aware and I care. https://t.co/vgr3MkRIon
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
A casual glance of my feed finds copious amounts of praise and support for JOKER, JUSTICE LEAGUE & TITANS films and shows. I can, will and do have varied tastes. There’s no bias, just desire for better comics.
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 7, 2019
And who doesn’t want better comics?!
Fanboy Rampage was a blog by Graeme “Graham” McMillan dedicated to the funniest, most ludicrous and most inappropriate comic book back-and-forths online. McMillan has moved on now, becoming a proper journalist for the likes of The Hollywood Reporter and Wired but he gave permission to Bleeding Cool to revive his great creation.
About Jude Terror
A prophecy says that in the comic book industry's darkest days, a hero will come to lead the people through a plague of overpriced floppies, incentive variant covers, #1 issue reboots, and super-mega-crossover events.
Scourge of Rich Johnston, maker of puns, and seeker of the Snyder Cut, Jude Terror, sadly, is not the hero comics needs right now... but he's the one the industry deserves.