Rob Liefeld, the collaborator behind Deadpool, announces his departure from Marvel.
In the latest drama brewing behind the scenes of Deadpool & Wolverine, veteran comic artist Rob Liefeld, who co-created Deadpool along with Fabien Nicieza, has announced his decision to distance himself from Marvel after experiencing some unappreciative moments during the movie's production and release.
Liefeld aired his grievances in a recent episode of his podcast, 'Robservations', as well as an interview with the Hollywood Reporter. The catalyst for Liefeld's disillusionment appears to have been a few occurrences at the New York premiere, where he and his family were denied access to the afterparty, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige allegedly ignored him, and certain images of Liefeld with other Marvel creatives were conspicuously absent on Getty Images. Liefeld described this as a calculated attempt to belittle and undermine him.
The rift between Marvel and its comic book creators is not a new phenomenon, with names like Thanos creator Jim Starlin, Black Panther writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, and America Chavez creators Joe Casey and Nick Dragotta all being vocal about their experiences. Liefeld's situation shares some similarities with these creators, although it's worth noting that his inclusion in the movie's most memorable scene as "Liefeld's Just Feet" store makes a fascinating inside joke.
Liefeld's relationship with Deadpool changed when the character switched hands from Fox to Disney. While Fox welcomed him with open arms and even granted him a cameo in the first film, things have turned sour in the Disney era.
Marvel Studios' interaction with comic book creators has undergone several transformations over the years, with Kevin Feige taking charge of all Marvel projects and fostering a synergy between the film and comic divisions. One notable change was the 2022 Comic-Con panel where Feige shared the stage with Marvel Comics EIC C.B. Cebulski.
Delving deeper into the past, Liefeld's tumultuous relationship with Marvel has been marked by a series of departures. He co-founded Image Comics in 1992 after a falling out with Marvel, citing disrespect and poor treatment. However, he returned for the "Heroes Reborn" event in 1996 only to leave again due to creative differences.
As for the current conflict, Marvel Studios hasn't publicly commented on Liefeld's allegations, but given the company's past relationships with comic book creators, there's merit to Liefeld's claims. Furthermore, Liefeld's exclusion from the afterparty and the alleged omission of certain images have fueled speculation that Marvel Studios intended to minimize his presence.
In the end, it looks like Deadpool's most ardent advocate is bowing out of the Marvel universe, leaving behind a trail of unresolved resentment. Let's hope that future developments signal a change in direction for the entertainment giant.
Io9, known for its coverage of science fiction, technology, and pop culture, publications might be interested in discussing the recent rift between Rob Liefeld and Marvel Studios. Liefeld, a prominent figure in the comic book industry, has expressed disappointment over his treatment during the production and release of the Deadpool & Wolverine movie, suggesting a potential shift in the future of Marvel's collaboration with its creators.
