The Maxx-- A Look Back at Sam Kieth's Comic Masterpiece!

[@MrEnKaye]

I come back and re-watch this often. Thank you for reminding me that The Maxx exists, and that I didn't hallucinate this as a child. I love this channel.

[@michaelklein7398]

Ditto

[@IsraelBenitez-ev7mj]

My brother got me the entire The Maxx series from MTV and WOW...I was hoping it would hold up because I had seen it a long time ago, I'm an artist myself, and I would argue MTV's The Maxx is the greatest ANIMATED SERIES EVER!!! THE ART, THE STORY, etc....its all just genius ❤

[@asiydah.6817]

I thought this story was going to be quirky, zany and nonsensical but it's actually very deep and kinda sad. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Great job guys!

[@dearlydemented19ify]

This is, in my opinion, one of the greatest episodes of Back Issues you guys have ever done.

[@mylesgaddy8867]

Say whatever you want about the Maxx, that animated cartoon was siiiiiiiccckkk.

[@zetamagnus101]

I agree

[@elimatthias4594]

Agreed 1 million PERCENT

[@comicsage5799]

@@zetamagnus101 Is it good?

[@zetamagnus101]

@@comicsage5799 it is AMAZING!

[@MatchStickMad]

None of these guys look old enough to have seen the Maxx on HBO.

[@priceyyeti4058]

A year later, I don't know what's crazier: the Maxx, Sal talking about the Maxx, or how this episode has more views than some Spider-Man episodes.

[@greatstoneplanet]

My best buddy from back in middle school were big fans of The Maxx comic and Sam Keith. We were feeding off of each other's enthusiasm for comics and drawing/painting; The Maxx was one of things we both loved. Like Sam Keith, Frank Miller, Jae Lee, or Mark Texeira, we wanted to develop or own non-generic styles and apply them to superhero comics. When I think back, the early 90s were a uniquely inspiring time to be into comics and art. Eventually, we went to different high schools and lost touch. The closest comic book store closed in '94 or 95 making collecting anything difficult. All these years later, I'm still casually picking up random issues of The Maxx where I can find them to complete my collection. Thanks for the video!

[@georgebrowne6846]

You touched on four artists that are basically four of my fav artists. Jae Lee is at the top. Love how his style has evolved over time and how different it was from the other styles at the time

[@itsporkroll3401]

Tuning in from the future, the Back Issues episode on the Batman/Maxx crossover is bonkers!

[@mattsurridge9129]

This is the best episode of Back Issues. I love when you all cover the early Image books and the 80/90/ indie stuff in general. Something about them and the chaos of their creation makes for amazing episodes of the show.

[@architeuthis3476]

I guess I'm one of those 18 people who read _The Maxx_ (although only about the first year or so). I loved _Darker Image_ (and would argue that _Bloodwulf_ is the closest thing Rob Liefeld did to quality) and the MTV series. I loved Sam Keith's art and that glow in the dark cover looked so awesome when I was a little kid! Let's not forget that Sam Keith was co-creator of _Sandman_ (even if Neil Gaiman gets all the credit).

[@gregorblack5557]

Really enjoyed it also & his Sandman art is why he's famous mostly imo & very cool

[@architeuthis3476]

Ungrateful Duck: keep in mind, we're talking about one of the early comics at Image. If anyone at the time should have been pissed about being overlooked for his creations, I'd put Sam Keith before Liefeld or McFarlane. I absolutely agree that most of the credit goes to Gaiman for both the character and series as a while (even from the beginning), and yeah, what made _Sandman_ stand out most was the writing, but comics are a visual medium and Keith being the first person to illustrate _Sandman_ had a lasting impact on the way the title looked. Only recently did DC add the words "with Bill Finger" after "created by Bob Kane" in _Detective Comics_ and _Batman_ despite the fact that its now accepted that Kane came up with a very rough idea for Batman and did some crude illustrations in the early years and Finger is responsible for almost everything we think of when we think of the Dark Knight. Give Keith more credit than Kane gave Finger.

[@architeuthis3476]

I don't have to admit that because its incorrect. I'm not talking about calling it "Neil Gaiman and Sam Keith's Sandman" nor am I talking about giving Keith royalties for work he didn't do. I'm talking about acknowledging the impact of his contribution as opposed to minimizing it. If yor a comics creator trying to find an artist then it should be painfully obvious just how much creative input an illustrator has. Later editions of _Arkham Asylum_ show some of Grant Morrison's sketches but he didn't minimize Dave McKean's contribution. I assume this is because Morrison understands that comics are a visual medium. Ignorance of this wisdom was one of the factors that led to the creation of Image comics and probably why _The Maxx_ is something anyone even knows about.

[@michaelclarke4009]

while I was listening I was thinking about the comment I might leave, you have done such a fantastic job here and I knew I wanted to say something. the maxx is so special to me and ive looked and haven't really found much about the series from people who feel similarly, but you hit it when talking about the cartoon style episode, you talk about how there was so much love and care and its easily seen. that's you with this episode dude. ive been loving your channel, your wife is beautiful and your friends are cool and you all really seem like good people. im surprised it took me so long to find this episode. keep doing what you do, just wanted to say thanks for what you did here. thank you.

[@danyalahmed3995]

I really love this episode :) I love hearing Sal talk about a comic he has this much passion about, just hearing it I can tell he really cares about it

[@theadmiral7471]

After listening to this the Maxx and Moon Knight sounds like a better collab than him and Batman

[@gregorblack5557]

Spawn vs The Maxx MUST happen

[@RecallReviews]

But Batman sells books. Just the name used and you get another million.

[@averygoodboi8200]

I just finished the series simply due to you guys having sold me on the concept of the Maxx and holy crap! It is now one of my all-time favorite animated things ever!

[@VinzRex]

Hey, I just discovered your channel and I loved this video! I can't believe that this video is literally just ten days old and that there are still people out there caring about the Maxx. Keep up the good work!

[@comicpop]

Thanks man!

[@Grievousish]

It has been __0__ days since the Langoliers were mentioned on Back Issues

[@colton99whch]

Grievousish That movie was freaky as hell to me as a kid...

[@Grievousish]

To quote both Ben and Ethan: "I'm sorry, what?!"

[@joelsittler6997]

If I had a Back Issues entertainment level gauge it would be called the "I'm sorry, what?!" gauge.

[@xw2542]

He wasn’t kidding when he said it was like an early episode, they even brought up Langoliers, a new classic

[@UberMadSkills]

CHUNG! CHUNG! CHUNG! CHUNG! CHUNG!...25 years ago, has that much time really passed? I loved this book, it might have passed me by if not for one of those Image Ads in Stormwatch. All of the artwork was pretty stellar but for some reason the panel that is burned into my brain is of Mr. Gone and that cow udder shaving cream dispenser.

[@garronseaton6100]

FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PRE ORDERS?!?!? Batman doesn't even break 100,000 now a days! That is insane!

[@clowin7068]

True I guess The Maxx isn't as underrated as we thought after all.

[@funkyweapon1981]

@@clowin7068 It was the right level of rated.

[@dreamofart1]

It was different back then. Crazy.

[@johnnieriot13]

I use to watch “liquid tv”and “oddities” with my older cousin. It almost felt like I was doing something wrong which just added to the fun.The Maxx was mindblowing as a 8 year old. (Or however old I was)Those were the good ole days

[@Bogweed]

Thank you for explaining the Maxx, I honestly never understood it, even thou I was a huge fan of the art and the show.

[@blueldrrich84]

Whoooo!!!!!!!!! :D the maxx is my favorite comic of all time!!! I first read it when I was really young, probably like 10 or 11? It influenced everything in my life from that point onward, especially my doodles. Glad to see it covered on back issues!!!!!

[@jollyrayda]

The Maxx is one of those things I re-read every few years, like Sandman or some of the Bat classics - I adored it as a 15 year old, and still do at 39. It even influenced me in real life - I wear flares after falling in love with the art (hilarious that it was because he couldn't draw feet!). And I love the Batman/Maxx books - Bats is actually weirdly well-suited to working with Maxx. After all, he spends a lot of time with crazy...

[@VarangianVigilante]

The Maxx is back, in cardform!

[@jourdanlemons2071]

Varangian Vigilante I see what you did there milhouse...

[@VarangianVigilante]

@@jourdanlemons2071 ;)

[@Ducaso]

"He's like the American Alan Moore" hoolyyy shiiit he's got a point there.

[@UntoldRelic]

I read it when it came out and it just occurred to me that the Maxx's teeth are actually the rim of the lampshade that is on his head.

[@ericrscastillo5358]

🤯🤯🤯

[@kaismessiahbaby755]

Yea that comic DEFINITELY mind-fucked me 🤣🤣🤣

[@jello__0113]

It's a lampshade!?

[@davidreyna7410]

This and your Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe episode are so just... Dark. I've been watching Back Issues nonstop and this videos I keep finding are so different. Absolutely love this and I will keep searching for more do these behind the scenes/deeper analysis videos!

[@TheTheDontae]

For eons on back issues we’ve heard stories of the maxx ancient legends. My brothers it’s here it’s finally here now excuse me while I go to work and 😭 cry

[@eastjm80]

I want a god damn hellboy back issue. (BPRD& abe sapien will also suffice)

[@Grievousish]

Maybe they'll do one when the new film comes out. I'd hope they do it on The Wild Hunt (since I think Fegredo's art is better then Mignola's and that's what the movie is gonna be based on apparently)

[@eastjm80]

Grievousish I figured they would do one Around the new movies release I’m just impatient

[@ThePongzilla]

I know it’s toward the end of the series but Hellboy in Hell is beautifully told and drawn story

[@punkpinata7062]

Hellboy The Coffin is short but I think this would be an amazing Back Issue. Same as Hellboy and Seed of Destruction.

[@eastjm80]

Joshua Pong I think it would be a good back issue too cause how vague it gets, good for discussion

[@The7evenDayTheory]

Omg I’ve been waiting on this episode of back issues forever the maxx is one of my favorite comics of all time I just recently purchased a maxx action figure that popped up st my comic shop

[@muaytyrant2706]

Sal’s face while trying to explain this says “there’s no entertainment here, only pain.”

[@SamDotGov]

I appreciate this video for introducing me to not only the MAXX, but also Sam Keith's artwork, in general, he's one of those artists that I'd like to go to for inspiration due to his mark making and gestures within his figures.

[@find_the_gnar6194]

Liquid television was awesome

[@maximusthemad]

Yes! The Maxx. Finally. Thank you

[@BbNaB]

I was always an animation fan and had a friend that was into comics as a kid but never got into them. Seeing The Maxx on MTV made me realize that there was way more going on than just traditional stories. Couple facts: One of Sam Keith's artistic influences was Frank Franzetta, who painted many covers of Conan the Barbarian books and definitely informed Keith's rendition of the Jungle Queen and the Outback. The Crapon inna Hat cartoon was drawn by David Feiss, who created the popular cartoon Cow and Chicken. Keith also had an original comic series titled Zero Girl, which was equally psychadelic, emotional, and relatable as the Maxx. MTV broke my heart when they stopped producing animation.

[@johnblanchard2520]

THIS is what I’ve been looking for! Every other KZbin video on The Maxx doesn’t get into any of the story and what the comic is REALLY about. Thank you so much!

[@khanradc7581]

I just wanted to say ive been watching you guys since venom returns and you guys have been puttuing smiles on my face for years..so yeah thanks and congratulations on your succes🤗🤗💯💯

[@matthewconlon2388]

Thank you for covering something that has informed so much of my own aesthetics and narrative structure. It was all so wonderfully weird.

[@TheRAZORVIDS]

This has been hands down one of the best backissues i have ever watched.

[@joshua3732]

Great episode guys. I really have some nostalgia for the Maxx...bought the comics, the action figure, and watched the show back in high school.

[@LifeIsForEmos8D]

YES!! I've been waiting so long for this episode! The Maxx is the most crazy stupid "you actually read this??" comic that I loved. Totally agree with Sal's sentiments and love how much he appreciates the MTV series. Also love Ben's headcanon for Maxx's origin. I'll add that the name 'Maxx' is a reference to the part of the skull -- the maxilla-- that has the upper teeth seen on his mask. Thanks for this one, guys!!

[@Chazreal]

*MOST* of us inhabit at *least* two worlds. The *REAL* world, where we are at the *mercy* of circumstance. And the world within, the *unconscious* a safe place, Where we can escape. The *MAXX* shifts between these worlds, against his will, *HERE* *homeless* he lives in a BOX! In an ally. The only one who really cares for him, is Julie Winters, A free lance social worker. But, in Pangea, *THE* other world, he rules the outback, As the protector of Julie, his jungle queen. There, he cares for her, But he *always* ends up back in the *real* world. And ME?! Old Mr. Gone?! Hmm hmm?! Only *I* *can* see, *that* the *secret* that *unites* them, Could *destroy* them, I could be helpful, Ah, *SCREW IT* ! I *THINK* I'll have some *FUN* with them first! *MWAHA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA*

[@JakeSM14394]

Started reading the maxx after this and I love it!! So weird and like nothing I've read before, keep up the good work and don't be afraid to do more obscure titles!

[@jamestorpy3907]

From this video I bought ‘The Maxx- Maxxed out Volume 1’, and I agree with Sal that after the first 12 issues with Julie having left, that’s really all I need to read. But I really enjoyed it and found it interesting. I also watched the MTV series cause of this video, and that too was enjoyable. Thanks for getting me to read things I’ve always been curious to read comic pop! Big fan!

[@RobFromTheBeach]

Sal, met you on line to meet Jock and told you about Sam being in the house. Didn't realize you just recently did a video. Will check it out now.

[@rafaelsuriano6888]

Great work guys! Thanks for this, love The Maxx. I live in Argentina, and in the 90´s was very difficult to find comics that didn´t have popular characters. I bought the first issue, and the Darker Image issue, but never found another one. Later, i bought the first two original paperbacks from 1996, and eventually the Maxximized edition. Again, thanks!

[@beniverson3777]

I love the Maxx. I have a tattoo of him and Julie on my arm. It's only one of two comics series I have ever read because I saw the TV show first

[@comicpop]

Nice!

[@kennethmesser378]

I had amazing memories of The Maxx growing up...so awesome

[@DCPatrol]

What an awesome video! I know you say that you won't do the Batman Maxx book and I don't blame you, but I love how much you love the Maxx.

[@HollowGolem]

It's finally here!

[@jennacarr818]

This was AWESOME, guys. My older brother bought a VHS of The Maxx and we watched it almost to the point where the tape was running out. I later bought all the episodes on iTunes and got the extra bits they cut out of the VHS version (I don't remember ever watching it originally on MTV because it was a bit past my bed time then (dating myself)) but as a non-comic reader I went looking for The Maxx comics after seeing this show. I'm bummed to learn it just went off the rails after the ending of the TV series version, but damn I'm so glad The Maxx is still known.

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

You better pack your bags, kids. Cuz we're going on a triiiiiii~...

[@TevyaSmolka]

yup

[@GitShiddy]

I don't care what the numbers do. Much like the MTV show, everyone will look back on this and think "They made a Maxx Back Issues...why? How?" And I'll know that Sal mentioned it online in passing and a bunch of assholes, myself included, said "Do it, who cares!" and whilst I regret the peer pressure (because I'm Canadian & sorry is a stereotype), I enjoyed the results. This was a fun episode.

[@winfordlee7151]

Really loved this episode guys, probably the most fun episode of back issues.

[@Nauty_nation1990]

I watched The Maxx tv show when i was a child,and it blew my young mind.It is both one of mine as well as my irresponsible uncles favorite character.

[@jflow90s]

This episode was amazing guys! Keep up the great work!

[@kurtoogle4576]

Thanks Comic Pop! I sporadically tried to read the Maxx and now I finally get it!

[@flywheelshyster]

i just bought the whole season on amazon video after rewatching the first half of this last night, just home from work, gonna finish it before turning on THE MAXX!

[@comicpop]

Nice!

[@FRENEMYLIFE]

This was my favorite comic book as a kid.

[@Evyscreations]

Maxx Faxx with Sal 🤣🤣🤣 I REALLY enjoyed this episode, guys. It was cool to not know anything about this book and just listen to the 3 of you talk. Bravo.

[@jasondennison8911]

This episode has reinvented the word “unpacking”. 😁 Good work all.

[@oh_rhythm]

Dude.... No one in his right mind makes such a profound and deep piece of art. I bet all this subconscious mess and the crazy morbid style account for the creators past experiences. That's some extremely deep stuff coming from a pop culture piece. That's why I loved the nineties

[@kaismessiahbaby755]

6:50 oh my GOD as a kid I DREAMED of a Spawn/Maxx crossover. I remember PITT vs. MAXX though. Awesome!

[@adranaries9074]

I love the Maxx! Do the crossover. Never realized that Maxx was giving us the bird. But you got me wanting to by the trade and his Maxx and Batman book. Thanks for doing this episode. You brought back some great memories. ❤

[@erikmussoni9071]

Thank you so much for doing this story. This was only something I was vaguely aware of.

[@Scororo]

I called it the second sal put out that tweet about a new back issues

[@starvingmartian3037]

Sam Kieth also did a number of Mars Attacks cards and comic covers. Knightfall was crazy, going back and forth between him and Kelly Jones. And by the way Ben, some of those Spot games were pretty darn good.

[@ivansplvd6518]

I remember watching the episode when it came out OMG I didn't remember it being this fun!

[@goldbondisgod]

Lol when you guys said you went down the shore I knew you were from jersey, I had the same exact situation my grandparents had cable at their shore house. I remember seeing the trailer for the Batman animated series down the shore. Blew my mind, I use to live in Morristown and was in denville all the time 👍

[@Ghastly_Grinner]

First episode I have ever watched of your channel I hope there is more off the wall comics to hear about

[@comicpop]

Thanks man!

[@Cubelarooso]

"Something you shouldn't have" is a fantastic phrase and concept that totally fits The Maxx, both as a description of the comic book and of its themes.

[@JoshMunroe]

The Maxx was always in that background that all non-DC/Marvel characters were consigned in my brain in the 90s. Spawn, Preacher, The Maxx... they were all part of that intriguing uprising of stylistic titles, but because I just wanted my colorful superheroes, it took me decades to finally start reading this stuff. My loss.

[@xgreenxcloverx]

GREAT NEWS: The Maxx is on Vimeo! For now, at least.

[@TheIceman101418]

I love this guys. I was recently given the first 4 issues and I find it interesting. I love these types of back issues

[@SandwichPRO]

Why do I love this Back Issues so much?? 😂

[@srtlowe2165]

This turned out to be one of my favorite episodes really fun video!

[@EdertheJust]

I never read the comic but I use to watch the cartoon of The Maxx on MTV back in the 90s.

[@yourpalmarnie1381]

So glad you guys covered The Maxx!!! Such a cool different book

[@thepulp80s]

I like it when y’all do more obscure stuff like this that I don’t really wanna read

[@iancpowell]

If Jeff Smith starts selling Rasil stuff on top of the Bone stuff i'll let you know Sal. love the bone talk at the end of this episode. was a lot of fun.

[@MrDotious]

I'm not going to lie, i thought you guys already did the Maxx lol. Maybe Sal just talks about it so much it appeared to me as it's own Back Issues. But that's besides the point! Great job you guys!!

[@TumzFestivalYT]

Fifteen minutes in "So the Maxx is the Rabbit." LOL

[@plumberpool]

I forgot that any of this was even the thing the TV show or the comic. Thank you Sal for reminding me about this.

[@Sicod79]

The Maxx...I am impressed by how well this video did.

[@dinosaurusmaximus8506]

1:04:30 If Sam Keith is the Eeyore of Image... then who is Rob Liefeld?

[@blueldrrich84]

The tigger lol full of energy and charisma, but blunders constantly and annoys those around him xD jk rob is actually a really nice person with a genuine love of comics. Something not found in the current staff at marvel....sigh

[@comiccastle532]

How's the most annoying

[@nickabenson]

I now need to look up the show. I am hype.

[@chriswimberley7511]

Loved the editing when you talk about oddities! Great video!!!

[@zachcouch8654]

YES!!!!!!!!!! FINALLY THE MAXXXXXXXXXXXXXX!!!!

[@wookiesin3000]

I have a very similar experience to Ethan's poetry story

[@guymeganmadeekbrown2991]

Yeesss! I love The Maxx....one of my first introductions to comics

[@orangerabbitfilms]

The best tv cartoon ever

[@milosradmilac5396]

Oh wow... caught this on my birthday xD

[@comicpop]

Happy birthday!

[@milosradmilac5396]

ComicPOP aw thanks guys! 😀👊🏻

[@cam8584]

Maybe one of my favorite episodes of this series!

[@DVS57REBEL]

The maxx ive been collecting since issue 1 all sam Keith books. Its a highly complex mind bender love it. Surprisingly theres many niche collectibles for the maxx. Ashcans were one of them ,toys etc And your description of Sam yes zero enthusiasm , super polite and nice though. Also the Maxx first 15 or 20 issues is a homeless plumber named Dave White outback isz are vegetarian but everything that exist in the outback is made of vegetable and become black when they cross over to the real world and are carnivorous The action figure was limited to 1 per case order of mcfarlane toys order. Fao Swartz sold the Maxx variant toy Comics spotlight toys even rarer mr gone toy $$$

[@IvanTheTurrible]

I was 7 when The Maxx was on and I remember being kind of freaked out by the show because I didn't understand what the hell was going on and everything just looked crazy

[@JessicaZane4realz]

I liked Sam Keith's Zero Girl comic series. That was pretty good.

[@michaelklein7398]

You absolutely sold maxx books I’m buying them all mainly cause my buddy had some showed me he has the super rare ones lol but I’m getting all issues mainly because I love the art

[@ThePorpoisepower]

In the cartoon The Maxx adopts the clothes of gardener... seed bringer?

[@the_thunderer6980]

My god, I haven't heard about The MAXX in so long that I had completely forgot about him. As soon as I saw his ridiculous design with his middle finger claws, it all came back to me. Thank you guys for jogging my memory lol.