Rob Liefeld is one of the co-creators of Deadpool and has had an up-and-down relationship with Marvel over the decades. He left it to help form Image back in the 90s but then has returned at points to do various series. His art style is extremely divisive with fans and haters. His personality is just as divisive, with some finding him animated and passionate about comics whilst others consider him to be a narcissist prone to being overdramatic. Over the years I have liked him, not liked him, found myself indifferent to him, and everything in between. I'm at a point now where I appreciate what he has contributed to comics but don't really feel an urge to read anything new he puts out as I just generally don't dig any of his new stuff. It seems he won't be creating anything new for Marvel soon as he's made some big public declarations about the company and its owner, Disney.
After feeling disrespected by Disney when, 'Deadpool and Wolverine," was being made and a movie credit request was ignored followed by some red carpet snubs at the premiere, Lifeld has said he's done working with Marvel in any capacity--regarding Deadpool or any other characters. Now, Liefeld can be a jerk and a loudmouth, but he also can be quite right in discussing how Marvel/Disney like to mistreat the creators of their comics that go on to be made into hugely profitable movies. We've heard tales before of Ed Brubaker getting little recognition for his Winter Soldier work or Jim Starlin getting practically no checks in the mail for all of his Thanos/Infinity Gauntlet/etc. work until he publically discussed things. Liefeld might be reading into perceived slights too much or he could be right on the money, but regardless his point of creator mistreatment stands.
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| This may now be Liefeld's final project with Marvel. |
Liefeld isn't perfect in this argument either, of course. Fabian Nicieza co-created the Merc with a Mouth and Liefeld often seems to overstate his own importance versus his collaborator. Still, a person having their own flaws doesn't change the fact they're spitting some harsh facts that seem to not get stated enough. The honest truth is the people who made superhero comics often were not given proper credit, payment, or both. We even have that Superman movie lawsuit going on right now to further illustrate this point! I'd never say Liefeld is without his own faults, but the man does have a point in this situation. He's done with Marvel (for now, at least) and clearly, there are a lot of bad feelings all around.
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