Todd McFarlane & Rob Liefeld Interview Comic Con 2019

Todd McFarlane & Rob Liefeld Interview Comic Con 2019
A few days ago at San Diego Comic-Con, I got to sit down with Todd McFarlane and Rob Liefeld for an exclusive interview. While they both do interviews all the time, what makes this one so special is that it’s been many, many years since they did a joint interview. In fact, it’s been so long, neither could remember the last time they did one together! As a kid that grew up reading their early work and buying the first issues of Image Comics (the company they created along with Jim Lee, Erik Larsen, Marc Silvestri, Whilce Portacio, and Jim Valentino), getting to sit down with these two rock stars of the comic book industry was a real thrill and something that my younger self would never have believed would happen.
During the extended interview Todd McFarlane & Rob Liefeld talked about the first comics they read that made them fall in love with the art form, what comic/piece of art would they grab from their house in an emergency, why the story of Image Comics should be a TV show and not a movie, Liefeld’s incredible memory, why they both love inker Terry Austin, what are some of their favorite comic book covers that they’ve done, McFarlane’s three issues of Batman, the importance of creating cool comic book covers, how long it takes them to do a cover, Spawn 300, and so much more it’d be impossible to list it here. Trust me, if you’re a fan of either McFarlane and Liefeld you’ll have a blast watching these guys reminisce and talk about their love of the medium.
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[@trex19681]

These guys, like them or not, are the last generation of creators that knew what their audience wanted.

[@ratamahatta5306]

It's spesific to them individually

[@StaySqueezy12]

Donnie Cates, Tony S Daniel, Scott Snyder, Robert Venditti, Charles Soule, Zdarsky, Ewing, etc. There are still good creators

[@haydengoodman9525]

@Aye Yuh Aye Yuh to be excited by an image and the possibilities of creative story telling. They read the room, and their style and themes really popped in the 90s and gave the readers the characters and artwork perfect for the times, top notch marketing. People do cool stuff now but it's oversaturated with influence & it's a dime a dozen - The standard for anything creative is too "established", that's in part due to todays culture and technology, but it's a valid comment.

[@grayman1]

@@StaySqueezy12 Zdarsky is my fucking boy.

[@trollhunter2157]

@@StaySqueezy12 I also like Zdarsky except for his SM run

[@odinson99m]

McFarlane is an f'n rock star. Hollywood should absolutely do a movie about these guys and the formation of Image Comics. It's pop culture history.

[@VincentBrando]

There's already one in development!!

[@ratamahatta5306]

Matthew McConaughey as Todd

[@JP-qb3ny]

Christian Bale as Todd and Matt Damon as Rob. John Cho as Jim Lee

[@mjtuveraable]

I wish more people watched more of this inside comic geek stuff. I would binge an Image Netflix show !

[@positiveproductions6699]

There is a documentary called The image revolution on KZbin free with ads if you're interested

[@11Bbq]

I would 1,000% watch a tv series based on the founding of Image comics. It’s a punk rock comic story for the ages.

[@MemethAstrodog]

I love Rob Liefeld. Greatest energy 🤘🤘🤘

[@MemethAstrodog]

@Hexal One Whatever you say, champ. Whatever you say...

[@smiley4995]

So happy that they're able to hang again after everything.

[@randolphquilaton1206]

Todd Mcfarlane = Christian Bale Rob liefield = Mark Wahlberg Make it happened!

[@liamthenostalgicnerd1004]

He looks like Matt Damon + Bradd pit + Mark Wahlberg

[@lastjedi7302]

The nostalgic nerd all those you mentioned but also Carrot Top

[@iki2288]

The Fighter

[@pepOnshow]

An image tv series ? I would binge watch it there are so many great story's.

[@anotherbeardedcomicdude2542]

I've said it before, Robs energy is awesome. Hes so enthusiastic. And it makes sense for how deadpool is now. His energy translates into his art and creations. And there are no words for Mcfarlane. Its the Toddfather. Nuff said!

[@riccardobrunojr8610]

New comic artists have nothing on these guys!! They spoke a lot of truth and with a passion all the way through this interview. Respect to Todd and Rob.

[@decapattack]

Exactly. They love comics. Period. Nowadays they love some stuff in their head and use comics as a toilet to vent their frustration.

[@mackwoody6485]

Frosty you could teach a class on this interview. You allowed these two TITANS to just have a discussion.

[@MrPonytron]

I legit cried a little by how passionate these guys truly are about comic books. They are such big influences in my life and I am so grateful for them

[@nerdrock8087]

Sadly, comics are becoming a smaller and smaller part of SDCC. Total irony. :(

[@danim2897]

Blue Haired Lawyer yup. It’s all about video games, HBO shows etc. guys like me can’t even get a ticket to get in anymore. It’s become mainstream

[@Dstampede114]

It’s always best to hit the smaller shows. You will always find a book you need. Or meet people who can help you find certain keys or grails.

[@MusicWithMatt13]

I've always loved both of these guys, their comics helped define my childhood... I wanna speak on Liefeld for a sec - this video is precisely why I, despite his criticism, I love him. He's passionate, a genuine fan, and someone who wants to see comics succeed and thrive. As a kid his comics were so damn exciting and colourful, I didnt give a shit about the art. Yeah, today I have a FARRRRR bigger appreciation for art, and adore amazing artists (I have a collection of prints from my all-time fave, Bernie Wrightson), but I still love Rob's comics. Major X I thought was bloody well fun, and I love revisiting his classics, there's nothing like them. Maybe I just prefer enjoying things than hating, but I have nothing but love for McFarlane AND Liefeld.

[@peterhopkins4602]

Liefeld spread himself too thin on projects kind of like kirby,perez,and bryne....

[@joesmith201212]

I love Liefelds art, I love his exaggerated upper physique and skinny legs and funny feet i don't care I love his art style

[@russiangravy3870]

His drawings have motion

[@shr00mhead]

His art is fantastic and intense. For all the gaffe images hes drawn hes got 1000 amazing pieces. Rob is a great artist, but he can just be lazy sometimes.

[@ECLECTOb]

He is one of the worst comic book artists of all time. Fair enough you like him but it is honestly shocking how bad he is. Most artists actually laugh at him .

[@Jamesharveycomics]

Liefeld rules. He's the art world's equivalent of one those those punk bands who could barely play their own instruments but still made awesome music.

[@joesmith201212]

@Hexal One yeah ur mom has bad taste in men because he made a loser by screwing losers

[@lastjedi7302]

Christian Bale would play a great Todd McFarlane

[@KTF0]

Definitely

[@LLoydL]

Who'll do Rob then? ;p;

[@lastjedi7302]

Lloyd L. Matt Damon

[@louie5339]

Steve Carell could be McFarlane lol

[@lastjedi7302]

@@louie5339 haha yeah I could see that too

[@JDSCT]

Movie and TV show news is cool, but for my money, this is the best thing to come out of SDCC.

[@Mcpeppergames]

What are they waiting for? MAKE THE IMAGE TV SHOW NOW!

[@damaniqphillip2756]

Love these two

[@maverickslb80]

I could listen to these legends all day long.

[@MystiqWisdom]

These two are absolute legends. A serious TV show with comedic elements about the seed, birth and growth of Image would be awesome. The characters could have so much freedom, and the visuals would be outstanding.

[@user-vn2mf8qp5m]

Would be cool if it was a show that bounces back and forth from the golden age silver age and bronze. Or three separate spinoffs. The comic universe verse 💀

[@muddyboots7753]

These two don't even need the interviewer. Love these guys.

[@raulzavala9061]

Brings back memories of everything good and bad about comics in the 90's, reading Wizard magazine really made me feel like I was on a journey with these guys.

[@THectOrtiz]

Liefeld is never going to finish that Brigade Kickstarter he announced 6 years ago, is he?

[@LLoydL]

HAHAHA!!

[@LLoydL]

HAHAHA!! yeah that is a big possibility

[@StaySqueezy12]

Hes releasing issues now

[@philharrison5210]

Absolute legends.

[@edmondlee7149]

These guys changed comics so much. I can listen to them all day.

[@KTF0]

Great interview. Guys are motormouths. Favorite Todd covers Amazing #316, Spider-Man #7

[@marcbelo6088]

the more I look at Liefeld art the more I respect it and love it.

[@steveh485]

This was great. Kudos to the interviewer for letting these guys talk and paying true homage to these guys. Liefeld has an excellent podcast that just builds on this interview. Robservations.

[@CitizenCoder]

I collected these guys' books as a teenager and loved them all. I never actually saw either of them talk until about a week ago. Their passion for their work and comics make me understand why those books were so awesome.

[@thehmc]

These guys are in their 50s and are out competing people in their 20s. Spawn was one of the top selling comics this year. And it's not even a contest. That's what happens when you hire people who don't actually have talent or drive.

[@dubm0]

I'm usually one of the people who give Frosty shit about his interviews. This was hands down one of the best ones, man! Great job! Oh... and what a duo!

[@MarqRomero]

Wow. What a treat to have these two on the same interview. I enjoyed this immensely!

[@micahmcleod2829]

Heroes of the 90's!!

[@cyberpunkholiday]

I’ve been waiting days for this interview! As soon as it was announced I been searching...thank you for this!

[@elijahmiller6187]

this interview is golden man im bout to rewind and watch again right now

[@Planetnish]

Brilliant interview. I could listen to these guys chat all day. I also love the way Todd says "..because I'm an artist" as if Rob Liefeld's not! Haha. They should TOTALLY make that Image comics TV show! 100%

[@DoctorComiX]

These guys are so entertaining.

[@DaveFrostdusk]

Oh shit, that show does sound amazing. I'm on board.

[@ubuynow]

Wow! Great interview! This is quality content!

[@harrylime2086]

That Liefeld script must be amazing.

[@warriorsofcamelotlotro3347]

Collider needs to interview Comic Creators all the time, daily!!!

[@peterich22]

I love listening to these two legends talk

[@taylorstrickland5325]

THAT SHOW NEEDS TO BE MADE!!!

[@eloymartinez9167]

Spawn and Deadpool.

[@trencher7]

Todd is great. He brought everything up a level and is so humble.

[@jazzlehazzle]

So great to see these two chopping it up again! Like Axl & Slash, there's just a magic that's nowhere else. These guys draw the WOW.

[@gregoryrousseau5155]

The world needs a biopic film about the founding of Image Comics! It would be completely lit 🔥

[@caseysmith3329]

Welcome to comic book art university! These boys are laying serious knowledge. I love their passion!

[@Mikimarux]

That Batman issue Todd is talking about was my favourite comic as a kid, I read it over and over.

[@chrisgoll4853]

Wow, so cool! Guys who have been in the comic book industry for decades, and are still in love with art and story. Awesome!

[@DaveFrostdusk]

Being an inker it's so nice to hear them give so much love to the craft.

[@ElCLos73]

Nice to see this vid again.

[@countrylife04]

i love these guys, theyre rebels in a great way, they didnt take no for an answer they are what an artist should aspire to be, they did it their way and thats what art is 💕

[@martinefrensoquigomez7835]

These two together again? With their past troubles I never thought it'd happen again

[@josephbarbera9220]

Awesome interview!!! Todd and Rob are truly comic dudes, as collectors and artists!! I always admire artists who did ink work so it was absolutely fantastic to hear these guys talk about the process of doing of this unique form artwork! I was going to get back to collecting in the 90S because I knew something special was happening in the comic-world but I got pissed when Marvel let these guys go so I stopped!!! I was the angry comic fan, dumb! Lol

[@ocmattressmission6846]

stall at 18:05 Mcfarlane happy and stoked, yet concerned yet content that his protege is still giving and honoring the Mcfarlane status...Liefeld is stoked hes getting the love and recognition he deserves from the one who inspired him!!! its more than meets the eye GIJOE

[@ExMachina70]

I'm glad to see the two together. Amazing in their own ways on what they brought to the comic industry.

[@ProfessorMurf]

I always love listening to these two.

[@NerdPromComics]

this warms my heart

[@proberush]

amazing interview, incredible guys

[@devanaousha]

Great stories and passionate ways. Don't ever change.

[@Mike.Cinatra]

A movie about these guys is a must!

[@admbrnk3665]

8:03 Todd really does have an amazing ability to paint a picture with words 😂

[@paulflores5246]

Damn, I am watching this interview and having chills run up and down my spine while they are talking and sharing these stories. So awesome, these guys are legendary.

[@duncanpill]

Love these guys and their passion man.

[@ocmattressmission6846]

how many substances are in this conversation...I appreciate the realness!!!

[@CesarIsaacPerez]

That was great. Legends!

[@graphixdre]

Rob has way too much energy lol. Love how passionate these guys are for comics still!

[@slxxpyhollow]

I'm not a huge comic or superhero fan but these guys are ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING. I agree with others in the comments, I would listen to a podcast from these two.

[@assassingio9847]

I love them both especially Todd Macfarlane since Spider-man and Spawn are two of my favorite comic book characters.

[@oh_rhythm]

that "kids know what's cool just by looking at it" idea is a keeper. very smart! remember your inner child, take it into account in your discretion.

[@kevinnevada5342]

Love them. What's to hate? LEGENDS

[@Craigers8637]

I been watching a video of these two guys along with jim lee n stan from the early 90's n now their older. Its very sad we all age. Glad their still friends even with Todd giving him a hard time still lol

[@mikesmith-yh5eu]

Almost never comment but awesome interview. Thumbs up

[@TheChristwentyone]

An Image show def checks all the boxes of pop culture! Agree with Todd 100%

[@Mikimarux]

I actually agree, an image show would be amazing.

[@Librarypencils]

Rob is such a passionate dude.

[@boblob3509]

ah classic duo

[@manningbaxter1523]

The sideways issue was awesome

[@emile4449]

A lot of us have been there since the beginning. Will we see the classic Image characters in a great story series again?

[@murthadao]

YEAH! YOU ALL WERE GREAT BUNCH.

[@qt3820]

Honestly, if you think about it, there is no way that these guys don't get a movie or series made about them. A comic book movie is currently the highest grossing film of all time and comic book IP continues to completely dominate pop culture. Future filmmakers will be endlessly compelled by the stories about the real people behind Marvel/DC, Image and all of the other indie labels. The secret history of the video game industry is also ripe for future storytelling. We just need to get further away in time from the actual events first.

[@ShempDavidNiven]

"A comic book movie is currently the highest grossing film of all time and comic book IP continues to completely dominate pop culture." Now if we could only get people under the age of 40 to actually BUY comic books, we'd be cookin' with gas!

[@varaj321]

John Turturro as Todd McFarlane, and Jesse Plemons as Rob Liefeld

[@MystiqWisdom]

I can see these two having fun together into their seventies, eighties, and nineties, hopefully.

[@BXDRAGONX1]

The guys that showed the Big comic company that Artist sell books! But can also create characters for you and should get respect and rights to those characters as well. They also showed the world that smaller companies have great stories to tell.

[@pulphope]

SyFy made that TV show with the "So Much Damage" doc and its ace

[@Epik_Comixz_Drew]

Sad thing is if you ask people that go to the con who jack kirby is they wouldnt know

[@ANovellover]

Best energetic artists of marvel comics.

[@shakeybonessrh]

The only person missing is Jeff Loeb. I own so much of these comics.

[@1BB22]

Legends.

[@BadBoyWolfy_xo]

Man both Todd & Rob’s entertaining eccentric personalities fly off the fucking screen

[@BatFan1]

hate Rob as an artist, but he is definitely fun to watch on interviews. I love Todd because he downplays his status as a living legend and is always praising others, instead of talking about his artwork he shifted the convo to how he inks other artists.

[@ECLECTOb]

BatFan1 He clearly knows he is absolutely shit. Can’t draw backgrounds, women, feet , guns, teeth , facial expressions and has absolutely no idea in the world about anatomy.

[@ANovellover]

@@ECLECTOb but he is a nice guy.

[@guepardo8648]

Wildcats baby

[@druiz127]

I grew up on Adams,Kirby,Kane,Colon,Buckler,Winsor-Smith,both Buscemas

[@usebothhandsequally232]

I'm so grateful for these guys, they made so much fun and excitement for me as a kid. These guys brought out the fun in this world and that's what we all need more than ever. I could read a comic and nothing in the world would even matter. We need more men like these.

[@sometimesidontunderstand0029]

Image comics need a cinematic universe Spawn, Supreme, Invicible, Wildcats I need them all

[@xpanse]

I'd watch that show!

[@EndureFlash]

This interviewer is... something

[@bizbobizbo82]

I think we need an Image: Biopic