Rob Liefeld’s Criticism of Marvel: A Case of Pot Calling the Kettle Black!

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Originally popular comic book artist Rob Liefeld has been making headlines recently, expressing discontent over perceived snubs from Marvel Studios and announcing his retirement from Deadpool. He’s also been vocal about the shortcomings of Kevin Feige, MCU’s chief, particularly the underperformance of “Captain America: Brave New World” compared to previous films. However, what often goes unacknowledged is the dissatisfaction among fans with Liefeld’s own projects, as they have been left uncertain about his capacity for delivering a quality product. This uncertainty is particularly evident in the ongoing saga of Liefeld’s ‘Brigade’ comic project, which has turned into a cautionary tale of what can go awry when crowdfunding meets overconfidence.

2013 saw Rob Liefeld kick off a Kickstarter campaign for ‘Brigade’, one of his early comics published by Image Comics in 1992, which was a spin-off from his hit series ‘Youngblood’. This campaign garnered over $35,000 from 562 supporters. Five years later, he started an Indiegogo campaign, adding another $11,000 to the pot. However, as of 2025, more than a dozen years after the initial funding, backers on both platforms are still awaiting their promised comics. The prolonged delay has sparked frustration among supporters, with some fans going so far as to accuse Liefeld of fraud and filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau. In response, Liefeld has remained quiet, choosing to block critics and avoid addressing the issue directly.

I’m one of the supporters who eagerly waited for the arrival of the hardcovers announced by Robert Liefeld on Kickstarter in July 2024. However, upon checking the replies to his announcement, it seems that the hardcovers he mentioned haven’t been delivered to many backers like myself, judging from the comments made only by verified campaign supporters.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve found myself in a similar situation six months ago when an email I sent to someone, let’s call him Dan Feeser, went unacknowledged. Just like today, I’m still waiting for a response, and my inbox remains as silent as a darkened cinema after the last credits have rolled.

In addition to that, last summer, Russ Casseday from Counterpoint Comics managed to crowdfund a collected edition of the initial Avengelyne series, another comic creation by Liefeld. As of now, this campaign hasn’t delivered on its promises to backers yet, but it’s worth noting that it’s only four months delayed. At least, the team is providing regular updates on their progress.

Regrettably, Liefeld’s predicament isn’t unique within the comics industry. Over time, even recognized figures have faced crowdfunding failures. One such example is “Atomahawk Presents: The Cyberzerker,” a project on Kickstarter that featured Donny Cates and Grant Morrison. We covered this story here, but it’s more than two years overdue in delivering promised goods. This campaign also surpassed its financial target, leaving supporters disgruntled and doubting the dependability of renowned creators like Cates, who has yet to issue a public statement about or address the failed Atomahawk crowdfunding campaign. While Cates remains silent, Grant Morrison did eventually respond to our reporting.

See Also Exposed: Comic Crowdfunders That Ripped Off Their Backers

It’s fortunate that most long-standing comicbook creators have avoided this pitfall. Notable exceptions like Mike Baron, Billy Tucci, and Art Thibert serve as beacons of success in managing effective crowdfunding campaigns. For instance, Mike Baron’s ventures such as ‘Florida Man’ and ‘Nexus’ not only surpassed their targets but also garnered six-figure amounts. Remarkably, these projects were delivered on schedule, fostering a strong bond with supporters that remained positive throughout the process.

The striking difference between triumphant crowdfunding projects and those that falter highlights an essential truth: a creator’s standing or fame doesn’t change the importance of honesty and openness in crowdfunding. Common traits among successful campaigns include clear messaging, frequent updates, and evidence of commitment to keeping promises. Crowdfunding demands a significant level of dedication and responsibility that transcends industry politics. Essentially, creators who embark on these projects are making a vow to their supporters – a pledge that should be upheld regardless of personal emotions or professional disagreements.

In light of recent events such as Diamond Comic Distributors filing for bankruptcy in January 2025, the comics industry needs to adapt and learn from the situation. The instability this has caused may lead creators towards crowdfunding platforms as a new method for funding their projects. This transition emphasizes the necessity of upholding transparency and accountability within these campaigns.

In the course of advancement within the industry, it’s essential that openness, regular updates, and a dedication to honoring commitments are prioritized in any crowdfunding venture. To ensure accountability, crowdfunding platforms might establish stricter measures such as releasing funds only upon achievement of specific milestones or mandating periodic progress reports. On the other hand, creators should embark on crowdfunding projects with a well-defined strategy and the necessary resources to bring their plans to fruition.

Liefeld’s struggles with crowdfunding, similar to the delayed projects of creators like Cates/Morrison, underscore the significance of responsibility within the comic book industry during this significant transformation period. Although some creators have shown that successful and timely campaigns can be achieved, there are numerous potential hurdles that must be navigated carefully. It’s plausible that individuals such as Liefeld and Cates may not have been adequately prepared for the complexities of managing a crowdfunding campaign independently. Successful crowdfunders stress the importance of thorough planning, realistic goal-setting, and consistent communication throughout the process. The difference between successful campaigns and those with delays or unfulfillment highlights that careful preparation and execution are vital for crowdfunding success in the comic book industry.

In light of Diamond’s bankruptcy creating hurdles for the industry, the significance of crowdfunding might escalate, underlining the importance of preserving trust between creators and their audience. By doing so, we can foster a thriving comic book crowdfunding landscape and an overall healthy industry.

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2025-03-03 21:45