How The Maxx Broke Sam Kieth Part 2
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
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Part 1: • How The Maxx Broke Sam...
Part 3: • How The Maxx Broke Sam...
William Messner-Loebs Interview: • William Messner-Loebs ...
Jim Valentino Interview: • The Jim Valentino Inte...
Don Chin Interview: • Don Chin Interview - S...
Sam Kieth's First Unpublished Marvel Work Episode: • Sam Kieth's Unpublishe...
The Banned Comic That Started Image Comics: • The Banned Comic That ...
SDCC Sam Kieth Panel Video: • SDCC 2013 Spotlight on...
Maxximum Sound Legal Download at Archive.Org: archive.org/de...
In 1993 the wildly popular Sam Kieth launched one of the most original comics of all time, The Maxx. Earning an MTV Animated series adaptation on their Oddities block, two series of trading cards, and an audio adaptation entitled Maxximum Sound. Then the series abruptly stopped publishing with issue 35 and it would be two long years before Sam Kieth ever released anything again. His work from that point on was and still is, chronically late, and has radically shifted in tone and quality. But what drove Sam Kieth to basically walk away from the comic industry with out so much as a word to anyone? It's taken me almost a year, but I think I've finally managed to assemble a pretty complete picture of How The Maxx Broke Sam Kieth. It drove him crazy and completely destroyed any and all love that he once might have had for that style of illustration and most superhero stuff in general as well. Join me tonight as we follow Kieth as he struggles to overcome the innumerable obstacles that seemed to be placed in his way at every turn, and the groundbreaking work on his creator-owned property The Maxx that skyrocketed him into stardom overnight after nearly a decade toiling in obscurity. As always, if you enjoy, do me a favor and hit that like button! Think about sharing these videos with your friends and if you REALLY enjoy what you see, make sure you Hulk Smash that subscribe button!
Written, shot, edited, produced, and mangled by your spastic Uncle Jerk
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As a kid I set most Liefeld and Jim Lee books aside after one reading, Spawn got many reads, and The Maxx got read to pieces. Sometimes I would just stare at those pages, it was so interesting and thought provoking. Easily my favorite of those early Image books and one of my faves ever.
It's definitely my favorite Image book, and one of my favorite comics of all time. I've read a LOT of stuff and this still stands as hands down one of the most interesting and unique comics I've ever seen. The combination of writing and art on this are just beyond reproach. Thanks so much for checking this out - so happy you enjoyed, I grew up reading this series myself so this has been a real passion project to say the least! Seriously appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment as well btw, helps out the channel more than you know!
Interesting how Spawn and the Maxx deal with two misfit super heroes who live on the street.
Hey man, just wanted to add to the chorus of people that found your channel because of part 1 and subscribed thereafter. Love your content!
Thanks so much! I hope this was worth the wait. It's been an insane 2 year journey working on this piece and I'm beyond excited to finally get to share it with you all.
Same for me as well. Sam's work fascinates me. Sam fascinates me. And Jerk is the very best at bringing a wonderful story. Cheers
Same!
Uncle Jerks you blow my mind! You pick these relatively obscure pockets of comic book history and add depth and context by explaining the market dynamics, artistic innovation and personalities that make comics a unique art form. Your visual effects pop and do a great job supplementibg the narative. You are a master craftsman and a scholar, sir.
I could get all self deprecating and stuff, but I won't. Instead, I'll just take the compliment and kindly say thank you. Reading such kind and flattering comments is always mind blowing. Thank you. I love comics and the people that make them and I come from a journalistic background so I think I have a little different way of looking at things than a lot of other people that makes me kind of want to take them apart and see how they work if that makes sense. This channel has been an astounding way of not only getting to spend a lot more time doing just that, but getting to share the stuff that I find out with amazing people like yourself has proven to be one of the most rewarding undertakings of my entire life. Thank you again and again for not only checking this out, but taking the time to leave such a kind comment. Not only does it seriously put a smile on this jerk's face, but it really does help out the channel more than you know - so thanks again and again.
Its heartbreaking to hear that Sam hated his style. It was so influential in my own style through out the 90's and early 2000s. I remember once reading that Sam's abrupt change in style was due to his own frustrations having to spend so much time trying to "perfect" it. I can totally sympathize and relate to having to deal with that stress with my own art. It took me a while to adopt a similar philosophy and found myself "simplifying" my art. After all, it was all about conveying a particular emotion. If that meant drawing distorted faces or stick figures to make that happen then that's what I'd do. Imo, it worked perfectly well for Sam, ESPECIALLY in his later issues of the Maxx when we deal with Gone's origin story.
as someone who suffers from imposter syndrome, i get it. compliments lead to an anxiety about meeting expectations. its hard to explain but its like you think people expect quality you dont think you reached even tho everyone else thinks so
I actually sum it up almost like that in one of the upcoming parts. It's just for people unfamiliar you need to paint a picture of reactions and why and how, and then you can try and sit back and armchair analyze imo. I think Kieth knows he's good, it's just he doesn't like being put upon as people's idol. Eventually you feel like you're going to fail those people and that fall from the pedestal can be an ugly one! Comic fans especially, haha!
Thanks so much for checking this out, hope you enjoyed. I seriously appreciate you not only taking the time to watch this monster, but leave a comment when you were done. It really does put a smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos and it helps out the channel more than you know! So thanks again
Looking forward to this. Part 1 is what introduced me to your channel. 👏👏
You and a LOT of other people. I just hope this was worth the wait and I do this amazing series a modicum of the justice it deserves!
@@JerkComic it’s your baby. It’s exactly what you made. GL
The Troutaverse can’t possibly be less cohesive than Universal’s Dark Universe.
No. No it couldn't. However I can EXPLAIN the Dark Universe... er, well... come to think of it they're both kinda the same explanation. Movie Studio (Sam Kieth) wants to create a universe out of things which are not only unrelated, but can NOT be interconnected for a host of reasons. But ARE anyways. lmao
@@JerkComic HA!
Here it is folks! The BIG ONE! been stoked for this for a while now. We'll be there with our "For Bill I can be a Hero" shirts on wavin'that J.B
S. flag! Keep on keepin on my dude. You should be proud of this channel and what it's become. I sure as hell know I'm proud to be a part of it. Cheers Uncle Jerk. See ya there!✌🤘
I can't believe where this channel has gone over the past year and a half - can't wait to see where it takes me over the next year wit the help of awesome people such as yourself brother! I know you'll be there with bells on, can not WAIT to finally get to share this one with you all!
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK. RESPECT.
Wouldn't mean a thing if people didn't take the time to check it out! Thank you so much for the kind words and hope this was worth the wait - been a long 2 year journey working on this video and I just hope it does the series and its' creator a little bit of due justice!
@@JerkComic Well worth the wait, no doubt about it! Sam Keith would be proud
I first saw Sam's work on Marvel Comics presents. Drinking an Orange Julius and reading comics, good times. 😊
Man that MCP run was just legend... still can't believe he was doing 2 finished covers of that stuff a month on top of other assignments. Talk about a beast man.
Sometimes there are comics books.
Sometimes there are comic book adaptations...
And then sometimes there is ME; For I AM THE MAXX!!!!!
Sometimes you find a video because of luck. Yeah, sometimes. Other times you find a videos because it's FATE!
Looking at his art being shown it reminded me of a Batman cover that I stippled for art class back in the 90's. Found it and it was a Keith cover. I was a fan of The Maxx back in the day but did not no till today that he did that cover.
It's funny how often he showed up back then. I remember when I was just staring to put all the pieces together about Kieth and the insane places he seemed to pop up and it felt like I just kept running into his name in all of the books I grew up reading and loving - glad I'm not alone!
Fantastic job. Award winning series, if such an award existed.
I mean, we could always invent one... the jerk a-you know what? Maybe not haha. Thanks so much. Means a lot. This was an insane journey for me and I'm just so happy to finally have it out and to the people!
So excited! Just woke up from a nap and waiting eagerly
Hope it's worth the wait!
Worth the wait, so will the next one if necessary! Thanks for sticking with this!
Nope, 3, 4, AND 5 are all recorded, just adding visuals - they WILL be out weekly come hell or high water! I might miss one week with getting something edited by a few days, but I'm shooting to be one week ahead on this whole thing. You all waited for over a YEAR for this one to get done, least I can do it get it out to you after I announce it, haha! There's gonna be some more Kieth videos in the future to fill in some gaps, but this is gonna nail up the Maxx once and for all until something new happens - which at this point I highly doubt is going to!
Thanks so much for checking this out, can't thank you enough. I know it's been a long wait and it's been awesome to hear people think it's worth it! Thank you again and again for not only checking this out, but taking the time to leave a comment as well btw. Not only does it put a serious smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos but it helps out the channel more than you know, so thanks again and again!
I've checked in for a while hoping part two will come, gave up a while ago, randomly checked and it's here. Thank you for giving me closure.
yeah this was basically everything and the kitchen sink I could come up with on The Maxx. It's a massive series spanning more hours than I'd like to admit, and I'm even currently working on turning this into an actual book for people who don't want to listen to my inane prattle or raspy voice. This story needs to be out there and enjoyed and appreciated by more people. Hopefully I did it just a little bit of justice. This series evolved in a multi-year epic of research and development hell after loosing the original script, but all things considered, I'm glad it went the way it did and hopefully this series lives up to the hype considering how long it took me to produce, haha! Thanks for checking back in and taking the time to comment btw - means a lot and helps out the channel a ton!
Finally catching up on these! Man, AMAZING stories and a fantastic video. Excited to catch up on the rest of your videos
Thanks so much! I know this took me like, literally, FOREVER to get done, but loosing my script and having to start over entirely turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I think this series would have been a lot weaker if I hadn't gotten in almost a year of practice and extra research. Glad you're enjoying and hopefully you find some other stuff on the channel that you enjoy as well - gone pretty long form, but I'm diverse enough should be a little something for just about anyone!
Congrats on completing this after the loss of the original components. Good job brother.
Thanks man! It's been a heck of a journey getting this one to completion but I'm really happy with how it's turned out. I hope you all are too. Thanks as always for not just watching but taking time to interact and comment man, helps out so much I can't thank you enough!
Not everyone could be Daniel Stern in home alone. He was the perfect balance of foil between Pesci and Culkin. He deserves a pat on the back as being the comedic glue that held together a lot of scenes and jokes.
Not everyone could be Sam Kieth.
I love this comment. I used that quote because it sums up how he feels, but I can't believe that anyone could actually think that. It's a much more prevalent line of thinking that I once believed as well, and Sterns' career is a sad testament to that fact. He was absolutely genius in that movie, and holding your own next to Pesci just off of stuff like Goodfellas? Yeah, color this jerk impressed.
Thanks for takign the time to check this out btw. Means a lot to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos and it seriously helps out the channel more than you know takign the time to leave a comment - so thanks again!
Keith is a vet at this comic shit definitely in line with all the other image artists
Kieth was always the odd man out but his art definitely fit that early 90s super detailed aesthetic that most of the Image founders were shooting for. Sad he finally decided to retire but I hope he enjoys his time out of the spotlight and cashing those nice Sandman and Channing Tatum checks haha!
dude that was fun. i love how in depth you went!
Thanks so much! I really pulled out the stops for this one, can't wait to get the rest of this series done and posted - hope you all enjoy it half as much as I did making it. Has been a wild 2 year ride to getting this one finished. Means a lot you took the time to watch this and leave a comment btw. Not only does it put a huge smile on my face knowing people actually watch these videos, but it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again and again!
@@JerkComic oh man it's Fascinating. I haven't read Maxx in a while. but my gut feeling that it has aged better than most of the books. It's hard to believe Sam at the time was going through Imposter syndrome (and maybe still is). At some point considering what he accomplished, not many get to hit their mark. Oh Dude yeah I stayed up late to listen to it. I'll probably listen to it again this week! Really detailed analysis. It's amazing that you were able to dig up so much info pre internet days.
Jerk! Man, I love your channel! I have enjoyed everything you have done and look forward to the things to come! Maybe one of these days I will find a way to hang out with you and talk comics! Keep the flame burning my man!
If you sign up for the Patreon you get access to Discord. I'm not always around for a lot of chatting but I answer questions and have had some really fun "conversations" on there, and even gotten some episode ideas.
Really appreciate the kind words btw. Means a lot. I put a lot of TLC into these videos and it's always awesome to read such nice things. Really appreciate you taking the time to check this out as well as leave a comment btw - means a lot and it helps out the channel more than you know!
I do wish we had seen Sam Keith’s insane idea for Batman (like The Joker being a psychotic child)
Well we have seen a lot of them - he's done more Batman series than he has Maxx series at this point, haha. I think that Batman is a really cool character for him to be involved with, but I just never could get behind the stories he chose when they were Batman-centric. I liked the stuff he did that was more about the Joker and stuff like Secrets which I felt was way more about Joker than Bats.
Thanks so much for checking this out btw. Means a lot to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I spend so long producing. Hoping with the help of Patreon and other backers I can do a few more of these extreme deep dives into careers and characters coming up. Thanks again for checking this out, and especially for taking the time to leave a comment - helps out the channel more than you know!
Thank you so much for this series, never knew that much about Sam Kieth. He is such a pivotal inspiration to my work.
Thank you for taking time to check it out. Kieth has been an integral part of my life and love of the medium and getting to make and share this with everyone has been one of the biggest pleasures of my life. I seriously appreciate you not only watching this but taking time to leave a comment btw, means a lot and helps out the channel more than you know!
Man, we thought you vanished from youtube! Glad to see you do your stuff again! More power to this channel!
No I've been doing other stuff in between these, but this one - well it took on a life of its' own. Kinda ballooned on me to say the least. I hope it was worth the wait! Thanks so much for checking this long awaited second half out and leaving a comment, helps out the channel more than you know and really does put a smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching these videos I produce!
Oh my god. I wish someone would tell Kieth that there were people out there who thought Image was absolute bubblegum bullshit with ZERO artistic value UNTIL MAXX.
I think there's a LOT more people that feel that way than would be willing to publicly admit it as well. The Maxx was also the most critically acclaimed and successful of Image's early releases, but that doesn't seem to matter to Sam Kieth. He didn't start Image and The Maxx is only popular because of Rob Liefeld and Jim Lee in his eyes... ugh, so freakin' sad.
@@JerkComic you are doing the lord's work, my man, you are making it very clear that we disagree. Maybe we could be lucky enough that Kieth is someone who will eventually search himself. Good job.
@@JerkComic I promise I'll come back and finish but I have to ask, is it like this with everything? I loved Zero Girl especially, but it's all great. Tell me he likes some of it!
@@jcaseyjones2829 this series is all about Maxx, and no he don't like it. Ever haha. He likes the cartoon and we talk about that next episode! Zero Girl and stuff he's totally cool with, just not Maxx. And I don't think he particularly thinks his work is spectacular on anything, but he doesn't hate it all, haha
@@JerkComic thank God. Thanks man.
Looking forward to this one!
I know a lot of people have been waiting for this for like a year... hopefully it's worth the wait. It's been an insane 2 year long journey working on this video and I can't wait to get it all finished and out to you!
I was waiting for this, and it was WORTH IT!! Another great in-depth episode, keep it up :)
Yes! So happy to hear it was worth the wait - I know this has been a LONG time coming, but I really wanted to do it right and I think that it turned out pretty decently. Can't wait to share the rest of it all with you! Thanks so much for sticking with me while I got this all back together, for taking the time to check this out, and especially for leaving a comment. It seriously puts big a big old smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I produce, plus it helps out the channel more than you know! So thanks again.
Wow. That was an epic. Your stuff is getting more and more polished every vid. Great stuff my friend. Keep on keepin on. ....just killin' it!!!✌🤘👌
Wouldn't be possible without your help my friend. Thank you as always for the kind words, support and encouragement. You make these videos happen in so many more ways than one.
I love Epicurus the Sage. Maybe even more than the Maxx.
I love Epicurus like no one's business... not more than my beloved Maxx, but it's a CLOSE second, haha! I wish there was more out there about the series, but it was fun getting to talk with William Messner-Loebs about it in our interview. I should get around to a full length piece on it sooner rather than later, especially since I can hit up Bill with questions and stuff.
Thanks for checking this out and takign time to leave a comment btw - means a lot to know people are actually watching these videos and it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again!
I've been away from comics for quite a while, but today was free comic book day and I decided to go out and get some free comics, bought a few, and read some for the first time in quite a while. Thought of your channel after not visiting it in quite a long time and see you've got a huge, multi-part series on one of my favorite artists, Sam Keith! Your research and the way you edit everything to create the narrative of the story is just stellar! Thank you for giving me some of that comic-loving feeling today that I've been missing! (btw, as I watch your videos, you inspired me to sketch what some might call a weird take on Maxx!) :)
I can not begin to express how amazing this comment is. I volunteer at the LCS every year for a full 12 hour day and take unpaid time off work for it because I LOVE this medium. I believe that comics are valid and important as an art form and I love them and getting to share that with people has been one of the greatest experiences and blessings of my entire life. This particular piece was a true passion project for me, and while I've finished the series I'll never stop investigating or asking about Sam and digging. This is why. In hopes of igniting an interest, and hopefully, a passion for this medium that I hold so dear and has been such an important part of my life. I can not thank you enough for taking the time to leave such a kind and well thought out comment. This really made my day and I can not tell you what it means to know there are people out there who are watching and enjoying and taking stuff away from these videos I spend so long on. Thank you. I needed to read this and it means the world to me. Thank you.
@@JerkComic Let me be that guy that says, "No, thank YOU!"
Finally! Can’t wait to watch it!
Hope it's worth the wait! This has been an insane 2 year long journey and I just hope I do this series some much deserved justice.
Well done sir
Thanks so much - hopefully it was worth the wait! 3 more episodes to go and I swear I don't think anyone will have a question left to ask about The Maxx I haven't yammered on about lmao
Thanks for checking this out, glad you enjoyed and I seriously appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Helps out the channel more than you know and really puts a smile on my face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I produce - so thanks again!
Great video. It's things like Sandman, The Maxx and Ant (only the Arcada 4 part story) that I am so obsessed with exploring dreams and their metaphorical representation. I've seen the Animation before but it was all out of order and I didn't understand at all. It wasn't after I found your video that I came close to The Maxx again and turned the way I want to write stories in the future.
If you could recommend more stories like the aforementioned, I would greatly appreciate.
I don't know what I'm more impressed with; the information your disassembling or how your enthusiasm keeps the topic interesting. I hope the youtube algorithm picks you up soon so this channel gets the recognition it deserves. Thanks for your hard work.
Thank you so much for this. I need to read comments like this once in a while as a pick me up. I spent like 3 years working on this series and I am so happy that there seems to be people out there just as obsessed and interested in Kieth and The Maxx enjoying this. This is the series I always wanted to see. Can't thank you enough for the extremely kind words, and just leaving a comment in general. Really means a lot to just know people are actually watching these docs I spend so long on and it helps out the channel a ton!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am so happy that you did part two. I’ve been watching you for a while and always have enjoyed the research and love that you put into your videos.
I had commented a while back when you put out part one “when are we going to get part two”
You graciously replied to me about what happened. I am glad your HD issues didn’t stop you from getting part two out.
Your content is amazing keep it up Brother.
Now let me get to your store and help support you so I can continue to enjoy your stuff.
Thank you so much for sticking with me while I got this back together, I think you might be able to see what I mean about this one takign on a life of its' own and getting a little bigger than the original haha, Hope it was worth the wait and I can't thank you enough for the support, it really does mean a lot man. If you REALLY want to support the channel think about the Patreon page as well, get behind the scenes posts and all types a goodies including merch discount codes. And if you're a big Maxx fan there are some Maxx shirts in the store that all proceeds are going to get William Messner-Loebs out of the hotel and into an assisted living home so that would also be greatly appreciated.
Well done! Your editing has improved greatly on this video. Excellent work on the presentation over all.
Thank so much - means a lot! I try and get a little better every video, little things and I'm glad it's showing. I have definitely come a long way since I released that first part - no more staring at this ugly mug for an hour, haha!
Thanks so much for checking this out, I know it's been a long time coming and I hope it was worth the wait. I seriously appreciate you not only checking it out, but taking the time to leave a comment as well - means a lot and helps out the channel more than you will ever know!
@@JerkComic Honestly I've been waiting for this one. Your voice over work has improved as well BTW.
Loving this series! Thank you algorithm - I've never searched for anything about comics or the Maxx but part 1 came up as a suggestion and I guess youtube knows me best as I LOVED the Maxx back in the day. Thanks for doing this, obviously a TON of work, but a labor of love. Appreciate all the time and care you put into this.
I spent 3 years on this monster of a series and reading comments like this legit make it all worth while. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to check this out and especially leaving a comment. Means a lot to know people are actually watching these videos and taking something away from them and it helps out the channel a ton. This most certainly was a labor of love for me and I'm so happy it found its way to you despite not looking up comic stuff... weird what UA-cam can determine you'll be interested in these days sometimes, haha! Thanks again and so happy you enjoyed - hopefully this sparked some happy memories for you.
Thanks Jerk... You hit out of the park again.... Nuff said!!!
Thank YOU for checking it out! Means a lot that you took the time to not only watch this, but leave a comment when you were done. Not only does it seriously put a smile on this jerk's face to know people are watching and enjoying these videos I spend so long on, but it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again!
@@JerkComic You keep making em, I'll keep watching.
awesome man. thanks for finishing pt 2. you rule.
Thank you for caring, haha! This has been an insane 2 year journey and I just hope it's worth the wait for you all. I seriously appreciate you not only checking this out but taking the time to leave a comment when you were done. It really does put a smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching these videos I produce and it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again!
The Maxx is easily the most well written series in all comic history. Not many comics can make you laugh and cry and in the same issue. It's so sad that Sam has seemed to long suffer from self hatred. I'd stack Maxx against Sandman and Watchmen any day, and easily on equal footing with O'Neil's The Question and shoulder to shoulder with Cerebus.
I hope that through the eyes of his fans he can finally appreciate some of what he's accomplished because he truly is a master of his craft. The Maxx isn't just one of the best comics from the 90s or Image or anything, it's just one of the best comics period. I've read a lot of stuff and I still say this is one of the most original and unique books out there. The fact the writing and story are top notch just make it all the better. I've been working on this for like 2 years and it's been a real journey to see it through to completion from such humble beginnings. I hope it was worth the wait and you all enjoy this series as much as I have making it.
Thanks for not only checking this out but leaving a comment btw! Not only does it put an enormous smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I produce but it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again!
Thanks for this I hope more people get to watch it
From your fingers to the UA-cam algorithm, haha! Really appreciate you taking the time to not only check this out, but leave a comment as well. Means a lot to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I produce and it helps out the channel more than you know, so thanks again!
Fantastic work, man. Your vids are criminally under-viewed. Every comic fan should be watching your stuff. Thank you!
From your fingers to the UA-cam algorithm haha! Seriously though, share these videos and the channel and stuff - it helps out more than you will ever know, as I happen to agree with you lmao. No, but seriously - thanks so much for taking the time to not only check this out, but leave a comment - and such a kind one at that! Not only does it seriously mean the work to know people are actually watching these videos I produce, but it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again!
oh shit finally part 2!!
I know, right!?! FINALLY! Hope it was worth the wait!
Absolutely fantastic my man. Love your work. I never knew how Homage came along so that was history 101 for me.
Thanks so much! I know that those little sidetracks drive some people NUTS, but that's the kinda thing I live for. I think it paints such a better picture of what was going on at the time and where and how the Maxx was coming to being and I personally always love to learn little stuff like that. So happy to hear I'm not alone! Thanks so much for not only checking this out, but taking the time to leave a comment btw! It means the world to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos and it helps out the channel more than you will ever know, so thanks again and again!
I loved this comic, this will be good!!!
I hope so! This has been 2 years in the making - hopefully it's worth the wait!
Love this channel. I've been binge watching videos while I work on my comic. Death Death Death.
Thanks so much man! I seriously appreciate you not only checking this stuff out, but leaving a comment as well. Means a lot to know people are actually watching these videos I spend so long on and it helps out the channel more than you know. And if you do a print copy of the book make sure to hit me up when you're done so I can show it off in a mail bag episode for you if you want - keep making comics and thanks again!
I still remember being very young and discouraged with my art, all my friends were so much better. I was near giving up and then I saw some of Sam Keith's work on the newsstand. I remember looking at it and thinking, wow you don't actually have to be a good artist, to get published by Marvel. His horrible art work inspired me to keep sketching. I never ended up being as good as my friends but, knowing Sam Keith existed, allowed me to be happy with my work and enjoy the hobby again.
I'm glad that Kieth's art inspired you... I kind of take a little umbrage to "horrible" art though, haha. Dude is legit one of my favorite and well respected comic artists out there. He's different and doesn't follow realism but I don't think there's many pros out there that wouldn't agree Sam's a "good" artist dude.
Thanks so much for checking this out and especially taking time to leave a comment btw - means a lot and helps out the channel a ton!
Thanks dude. Good work. Sam's experience with (what I intuit / project to be) high expectations early on and its resulting anxiety is very relatable.
Oh yeah, it's rough when people start idolizing you like that. I can't imagine Sandman being my first ongoing monthly book that people were hearing back, and that run in with Berger - woof. I mean that's gonna take the wind outta your sales. Still sucks he can't stand to look at his work for the most part. I'd kill to be able to draw like that!
Thanks so much for checking this out btw - means a lot you not only watched but took time to leave a comment. Not only does it put a big old smile on this jerk's face to know people are watching and enjoying these videos I spend so long on, but it seriously helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again and again!
A Part THREE!!! We've been waiting a year? Over? Under? For part 2 and now there is a 3? I think I'm going to put these videos in the Playlist titled How Uncle Jerk Broke Me!!! Awesome video, captivating and congratulations on the growth of your channel. I think you only had a few hundred subscribers when I watched your channel the first time. Really cool. I look forward to the future!
Haha, it's done and just waiting for Sunday I swear! I wanted to get a week ahead on these before I started this series so you all didn't have to wait a second longer than you had to between episodes! I had a lot of people say the 2 and 3 hour videos were a little much so when this was almost SIX HOURS long I said, hey, should probably cut this up! lmao. Hope this has been worth the wait - I really put everything and the kitchen sink in this one and I'm pretty happy with how it came out. Seriously appreciate you checking this out and taking the time to leave a comment btw, it really does put a smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching these videos I spend so long on and it really helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again and again!
Great job on this, man. So strange just how differently a creator and audience can view a creation...
Agreed. That's one of the reasons I did this entire thing. Why would Sam think that way? What made him so jaded? Hope I answered those, and basically ANY other questions you might have had about Maxx by the end of this one though, haha! Thank you so much for checking it out and taking the time to comment, really means a lot and helps out the channel more than you know!
@@JerkComic For anyone reading this that hasn't, you should definitely watch the William Messner-Loebs Maxximum Interview on the channel here as well as a companion to the Sam Keith series. It gives some interesting perspective on perhaps why Keith feels the way he does about his work.
has been waiting this for sometime! super excited to hear it!
This has been a LONG time coming! I seriously appreciate you checking it out and I hope it's worth the wait. I'm trying to get a week ahead on videos so you all don't have to wait a second longer than need be for the rest of the series. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment btw. Not only does it put a smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I produce, but it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again and again!
Damn Jerk!! You need more subs!!
From your fingers to the UA-cam algorithm! I keep getting sick and I'll have a few weeks where I don't get videos up and it kills me in the recommendations settings and stuff. Share this and anything else you think people will like - I spend a lot of time on these and it would be awesome to at least get over 10k this year! This series has been a long time coming and I'm hoping it helps attract a little attention back to the channel as this is kinda the channel that the Maxx built. I was NOTHING before that first video - it go me like 60k subs, hope at least half of those people check out this second part, haha!
Thanks so much for the kind words, checking this out, and especially for takign the time to leave a comment - means a lot to me and seriously helps out the channel more than you will ever know - so thanks again and again!
The Maxx is one of my absolute faves! Thanks for taking the time & effort to make this series! Absolutely amazing.
This is outstanding! The wait for part 2 was worth it!
That's so good to hear! I really went all out with this one, and I'm really happy to hear it wasn't just a year spent spinning my wheels. Really appreciate you not only taking the time to check this out, but leave a comment as well. It means a lot to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos and it helps out the channel more than you know, so thanks again!
i have been waiting for this for a while. awesome vid
I know this has been a LONG time coming. Hope it was worth the wait! I'm trying to get a week ahead no videos so you guys don't have to wait a second longer than possible for the rest of the series. I seriously appreciate you not only checking this out, but taking the time to leave a comment as well btw. It really does put a smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos and it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again!
The king hath delivered again. Thank you 🙏🏽
Thank YOU so much for the kind words, means the world to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I produce. It's been an insane 2 year journey finally seeing this one to completion but I'm happy with how it turned out I think. Hope you all enjoy it half as much as I did making it and I can't thank you enough for taking the time to leave a comment btw. Not only does it help out the channel but it's always awesome to read such kind and flattering comments, so thank you again and again!
worth the wait
That means the world man. This took me forever and a day, but hopefully it feels like it took that long for a reason. As always, thanks for checking out the content and supporting the channel brother!
Now you need to shine a light on the greatest Image mystery of all. What went wrong with Tribe?
I've been trying to track down Larry for a while... if anyone has a line or info please let me know! I've loved Tribe since I was a kid and wondered what the heck went sideways so quick. He was the only one who left from the second wave and he made a QUICK exit. Hopefully I'll crack this one!
Thanks for checking this out btw, hope you enjoyed! This has been a real journey to get done and I seriously hope it was worth the wait.
Great video.
But you should really link part 1 in the description, or the pinned comment.
Done and done, forgot to do that - also added links to all the other pertinent videos, thanks for the heads up totally spaced on that!
This is a very deep dive of The Maxx Like it
Thanks so much! There's 3 more parts so if you think THIS is deep just wait til we're done with the entire series! Seriously appreciate you checking this out btw, means a lot to know people are actually watching these videos I produce. Also really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment, helps out the channel more than you know and I can't thank you enough. Hope you enjoy the rest of this series as much as this one, been an insane 2 year journey getting this one done!
Thank you Uncle Jerk! I love these videos about the Maxx and Sam Kieth ! The Maxx is one of my favorite comics ever, and it's so interesting to find out that it struggled with its direction. I didn't know about Messner Loeb helping out so much. Thanks again man! Great Videos!
Man that was so awesome!!!
Thanks so much! So happy you enjoyed. Wouldn't mean a thing if awesome people like you didn't take the time to check it out. Seriously appreciate you not only watching this, but taking the time to leave a comment as well! It really does put a smile on my face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I produce and it helps out the channel more than you will ever know - so thank you!
You covered so much and now I have so much I want to say...
I really did try and throw everything and the kitchen sink at this one. I absolutely adore Kieth and the Maxx and I can't thank you enough for checking this out. Means a lot and leaving a comment helps out the channel more than you know, so thanks again!
I always loved his impossible anatomy but his posture and poses impressed me more..... and of course lady hips...lol
There's a reality to his cartooning that you rarely see - and Kieth did love his Frazetta-esque women like I do haha. I always thought it was hilarious that he leaned so hard into it early on they censored his Aliens art to make the breasts larger and hips smaller - one of the few times I remember Kieth getting super cheesed about that kind of thing and in print none the less.
Great video! Can't wait for part 3!
Only a few more days! Thanks so much for checking this out btw. Means a lot you not only took the time to watch but leave a comment as well. It seriously helps out the channel more than you know and it really does put a smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I produce! So thanks again!
You're breaking my heart, Kieth
It's so sad he can't even look at his own work man, breaks my freakin' heart to think about. So supremely talented. But it's like Bill Loebs said, don't try to tell HIM that, you'll only get an argument!
I’ve never read The Max, but this is still a really interesting video series!
This is the kind of comment I dream of reading. I hope that by learning more about it you're inclined to check out the series. I can't recommend it enough! Either way, I really appreciate you taking the time to check this out and especially to leave a comment and interact with the channel. It means a lot to know that people are actually watching these videos and it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again!
Mr. Kieth had it 100% twisted. The ONLY reason I bought Darker Image was because of his work. "The Lees and the Liefelds" burned me out very quickly at Image. Youngblood and Wildcats were such obvious X title clones I only bought a few issues before quitting on them. Maxx was one of the only books from that era that was worth a damn to read.
Amen to this - amen my friend! I was totally burnt on McFarlane, Liefeld, Lee, it all looked so the same to me man. Then Kieth and The Maxx hit on that second wave along with Pitt. Pitt was another style over substance, hey look it's Image's Hulk books, but Maxx? That book was magical from issue 1 and you could tell it was NOT putting on airs and trying to be something it wasn't in short order. I truly want to meet Sam and tell him how even the other Image founders that I've spoken too have said The Maxx made them level up. it's one of the reasons writing became important and Miller, Moore and Gaiman were brought in. Maxx looked and read like nothing else Image has or ever will do and lord do I love it for that.
Good job, dude
Thank you so much. This has been a long and crazy journey seeing this one to completion and I just hope I did the series and Sam a little of the justice they're so due. Can't thank you enough for checking this out and taking the time to leave a comment btw. Means a lot to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I produce and leaving a comment helps out the channel more than you will ever know, so thanks again and again!
I wish we had gotten more Sam Kieth Hulk 😭
I spent years thinking like that. Then I realized that would have meant no Maxx. I'm strangely okay with him only doing that one issue when I think of it in that context, lmao! Seriously though, I feel you. That issue is legit the reason I learned to read man, I can't begin to describe how amazing it was to crack that open for the first time. Just got done talking with Kelley Jones a few days ago about the secret origins and creation of 368 though, talk about a dream come true! Still kind of in shock about that one - especially since I get to chat again with him tomorrow!
@@JerkComic Great point! I wouldn’t want more Sam Kieth Hulk at the expense of not having Maxx. Also, I can’t really imagine the Dale Keown run being done by Kieth. I guess I wish there were somehow a few more Gray Hulk issues with Sam’s art, that didn’t disrupt the space time continuum to impact any other content that currently exists today. Lol 😂
This is really good. I've listened to; read; and own a lot of Sam Kieth stuff - but this is knowledge way beyond anything I've heard or read anywhere else. I'm learning lots of new things about Sam and his work.
Well done! I hope these episodes yield the views they deserve.
And DONT ever tell Sam that these videos were popular - tell him that the views sucked, because he sucks - i think this, perversely, is the highest compliment you can pay the man.
Cheers mate,
"LiL'JpD."
Haha, I would just never mention them. Someone that knows him was like, I'll tell him about them, but I doubt he watches them - he doesn't see himself like we do. And I was like GOOD. I don't want to fan boy out on Kieth - that seems to be like the worst thing you can do. I would absolutely die to be able to tell him face to face thank you for the gift of reading though. I wouldn't have to go FULL on nerd, but just for him to know that I've fallen in love with the written word, and comics, and art and the medium all because of a Hulk comic he happened to do - that didn't even get him the job he was shooting for at the time too boot!
As per views - from your finger tips to the UA-cam algorithm, haha! I got lucky a while back and then ended up in the hospital and I've been trying to get the channel back on it's feet. Hopefully this is the beginning of that and some people think about signing up for the Patreon and stuff to make more of these 2 year long deep dives into people's careers happen. This is what I would love to do full time - so we will see where all this craziness takes me! In the meantime, thanks again so much for checking this out and especially for taking the time to leave a comment when you were done. It means a lot to know people are actually watching these videos I spend so inordinately long making haha, plus it helps out the channel more than you know - so thank you again and again!
Bravo again - loved part 2 and can't wait for part 3! Excellent job!
Only a few more days! Thanks so much for taking the time to check this out, I know it's been a LONG time coming and hope it was worth the wait. Seriously appreciate you leaving a comment as well, not only does it put a big old smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these, but it helps out the channel more than you know! So thanks again.
Phenomenal video man!
Thanks so much! I know it's been a long time coming, hopefully it was wroth the wait. I seriously appreciate you taking the time to not only check this monster out, but leave a comment when you were done as well. Means a lot to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I spend so long on, and it really does help out the channel more than you know! Thanks again and again
I watched pt. 1 like 40 times and would scroll through the channel looking for pt. 2. This was great and you do Nardwuar levels of research. I fuck with Sam Kieth and now I desperately need pt. 3 😭😭😭
Only a few more days! They're all done, recorded, just adding visuals and we are good to go. Staying a week ahead. You all waited a year for this one, not gonna make you wait anymore than I have to I promise! Thanks for checking this out, hope it lived up to the hype and you like the rest of the series as much as part 1. Seriously appreciate you not only taking the time to check this out, but especially leaving a comment. Not only does it put a big old smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I spend so long producing, but it helps out the channel more than you know! So thanks again!
Thank you again
Thank you again for not only checking out my stuff but always taking the time to leave a comment - seriously helps out more than you know and means a lot man, so thanks again and again!
I know this is a few years later but are you gonna try to get the interview with Jim Sinclair amazing series btw
I spoke with Jim numerous times and he agreed to do an interview. Sadly, I think he's just really busy and maybe not keen on saying something that might put Sam off. He's an insanely nice guy and I MAY try and bother him again as its been a long while, but I kept in contact for about a year and it just never happened. I highly recommend checking out the second half of the Kelley Jones interview for some insanely cool stuff and him and Sam running around in high school and their work together though.
That's awesome I will look into that for sure and ok that makes sense it's so hard to find any information on Jim besides his credits on the maxx so it's really cool that you managed to talk to him big fan of all your videos keep up the great work
Brilliant video!
Thanks so much! I know it's been a long time coming, hopefully it was worth the wait. Really appreciate you taking the time to not only check this out, but leave a comment as well! Means a lot to know people are actually watching these videos I spend so long on and it really does help out the channel more than you know - so thanks again!
@@JerkComic no problem. Yours is probably the most in-depth comic book channel there is. You definitely deserve more subscribers!
Hahaha! That was a lot of fun. In the end Sam is an enigma and I think a mistake might be that although he is very self effacing I don’t think he is unaware of his level of skill and talent. He maybe just holds himself to a higher standard than he holds anyone else… maybe. :)
I get more into this through out the series, it's a kind of building narrative, but I completely agree with you. I just think that there's a part of Sam's brain that won't let him be proud of a LOT of what he's accomplished, for a number of reasons... most of which I think I ramble about at some point during this 5 part 6 hour long behemoth!
Thanks again for chatting with me, actually ended up being very illuminating and interesting!
You know an article is from like 15 years ago when people are calling Erik Larsen normal.
Haha, man times have changed haven't they?
Good piece..
Glad you liked it! Been a LONG time coming.
Really appreciate you checking this out btw - means a lot you not only watched but took time to leave a comment. Not only does it put a big old smile on this jerk's face to know people are watching and enjoying these videos I spend so long on, but it seriously helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again and again!
Good shit bro👍💯
Thanks brother means a lot! I super appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment, helps out the channel more than you know and really puts a smile on my face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I spend so long producing! So thanks again.
I appreciate all the work you do and your probably my favorite comic UA-cam content creator. Your very knowledgeable and passionate about comics like i am. I just turned 40 and been loving comics since I was 7
Thank you for making this video. Keep it up. Youre doing great work!
Thank YOU so much for checking it out - wouldn't mean a thing if awesome folks such as yourself didn't take the time to watch them! I'm so happy you enjoyed this one - it's been an insane 2 year journey seeing this one to completion and I just hope I did it and Sam a little bit of justice. Can't thank you enough for not only watching this but taking time to leave a comment btw, not only does it mean the world to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I spend so long on, but it helps out the channel more than you will ever know - so thank you again and again!
man good vid.
Thanks so much! Wouldn't mean a thing if it weren't for awesome folks such as yourself taking the time to check them out. Thanks again for not only taking the time to watch this, but leave a comment when you were done. Not only does it really put a smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos but it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again and again!
Great work. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank YOU for checking it out - wouldn't mean a thing if awesome folk such as yourself didn't take the time to check it out! So happy you liked this one, been an insane 2 year journey getting this series done and I'm so excited to finally be getting it out to you all. Hope you like the rest of the series and it was worth the wait. Thanks again for not only checking this out, but taking the time to leave a comment btw, not only does it mean the world to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I spend so long on, but it helps out the channel more than you will ever know - so thanks again and again!
How in the hell did I miss two and three?
Reminders and notifications on UA-cam SUCK - that's how. Plus, people apparently can't set notifications a lot of times for me. I'm hoping that once I get pass the 10k sub numbers they'll start actually enforcing some of the stuff that is supposed to be active on all monetized channels here. Until then - keep an eye out on Sundays and Wednesdays - plan to try and keep getting out a video once a week, not a full length doc like this mind you, but a video a week... wanna take bets on how long it takes me to go insane? I'm going with inside 6 months!
Kieth definitely needed WML to rein things in with this series. All that creativity with no structure for it must've been frustrating to him as well as the readers. Kudos on all the research putting this together must've taken.
This has been an insane 2 year journey and I've learned so much about Kieth and The Maxx and myself, it's been a blast. I hope that comes across in this piece and thank you so much for the kind words, means the world to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos and I can't thank you enough for leaving a comment as well - it helps out the channel more than you will ever know!
Bill was an integral part of the series for a few reasons I think. It's been interesting to learn about just how large of a role he played in the series, and I think in this next episode you all will get a glimpse into the BIG reason I think he was such an indispensable part of the series. While credited simply for "swell dialogue" the reality of the matter is, Bill was as much a part of what you saw on the page as Sam was in the earlier issues without question in my eyes.
the maxx is the only image comic i stuck with
i soured on image stuff pretty quickly
i never bought anything from liefield
it became pretty clear that the main three...liefield, lee and mcfarlane had ulterior motives for launching image that had little to do with creating a company that would allow for creative freedom and being totally different than dc/marvel
This is sadly much more spot on than I think a lot of people would like to admit. I think that while some people were in search of more freedom and creative lead way, a lot of the people involved with Image were simply interested in being the ones in power and doing the screwing as opposed to getting screwed. I know people don't like to hear that, but it's the truth. I was never a big Liefeld fan but honestly, his books came out so sporadically even if I had been reading them there's no way I could have kept up with when they would even be on the shelves and stuff. It felt like Him Lee got to that point for a while as well when things were getting totally out of hand.
I only found part 2 only on the channel? Where's parts 1 & 3?
Thanks to Norah(?!?)Vanguard, who reminded uncle Jerk, the first vid is now linked in the description.
Part 1 is linked in the description but Part 3 doesn't come out until next week!
I don't know WHY I always forget to do that, would seem like simple logic at this point but I still manage to forget to add links every time, haha!
it's so funny because sam kieth was the best out of all those guys.
That's my personal take, I mean Lee is a heck of an artist, and McFarlane was certainly at the top of his game, but none of them compared to Kieth for me. Just don't tell him that, like Bill said, you'll only get an argument, haha!
Thanks so much for checking this out. Hope you enjoyed and I seriously appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Not only does it mean a lot to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos I produce, but it helps out the channel more than you know. So thanks again and again
I actually had to stop. I'll come back later. Guys, oh my god.
Yeah this one is kinda a wild ride, just wait until part 4!
Uh, part 4? You don't think that's kinda ghoulish? You have so much other content and so many possible videos. We get it, dude. Sam Kieth doesn't like the Maxx.
Good lord.
Two words: Imposter Syndrome. Every great artist suffers from it at one time or another. This book was unlike anything at the time, and critics and fans loved it, and I guess Sam feels he doesn't merit the praise. Heck it even was one of the few image properties to get an animated adaptation so soon after it was in the comics. Always loved his "weird" style. But I don't see the influences, I just see Sam.
Ha, right after I commented it came up in the vid.
Yeah I am like 99.9% sure that's some of what's going on, but there's more at play. I also think he has some serious social anxiety and depression problems along with possible agoraphobia that all mix together to create a potent cocktail of get the f---- outta my face and lemme draw! It's still sad to me he can't look at his work without cringing though, I can't imagine being this talented - and then being horrified by what you drew? Man, that is rough, there's nowhere to go - it's not like he's gonna ever get to a place where he likes his stuff, just sad to me.
As per influences, I couldn't believe it when I read that in a few interviews. he literally says he "stole" his style from other people but couldn't even do that right and it always just ended up "looking like me anyways". Sad man, sad.
Totally agree, man, definitely a lot more at play. Such a talent.
Awesome video as always, man, thank you for always giving your 100% on these deep dives.
@@JerkComic sounds a lot like steve rude
@@thewkovacs316 yeah I don't think he deals with the same rage issues that Rude does but they seem to have a lot in common, but even Rude is more confident in his work in interviews and stuff... at least usually. Man I need to try and get the Dude to do an interview!
Trying to join your channel, Uncle Jerk! I can’t find the Join button unfortunately 😕
Go to any video, open it and then look just under my username. If you want to sign up you get more out of Patreon, they let me post more types of content AND they don't take 50% of what you pledge! Thanks so much and let me know if you're still having problems and I will get you sorted sir!
@@JerkComic Found the problem: iOS doesn’t support Paid Memberships yet and due to some shenanigans on Google Pay…
They won’t accept my new card. I was so down to do $5 🙃
Still going around and sharing your vids tho, so I’m doing my part. Keep it up!
@@yeez13 ah that sucks! But seriously, if you wanna do 5 bucks a month sign up for the Patreon, you get more content and I get money 🤣 thanks for the heads up btw not heard of that problem
This is a damn good video.
This is a damn good comment. Seriously though, thanks so much for not only taking the time to check this out but leave a comment. Means a lot to know people are actually watching these videos I produce and it seriously helps out the channel more than you know. So thanks again and again!
@@JerkComic this is an extremely well-structured, highly engaging look at an artist that sometimes gets overlooked or overshadowed by his contemporaries at image. I can't wait for part 3!
Does anybody know where I could get Maxximized vol 1, 2, and 4? I'm in Belgium and I've been looking everywhere.
eBay if your best bet. You can get the actual floppies for about as much as those trades at this point though. I don't get the current collectors market for a few reasons, but the recent spike in TPBs because of their "low print runs" is just baffling to me. I wouldn't normally even CARE, but it's making it hard to get some of the more obscure pieces I've looked at for videos lately because people are "specing" on them now... ugh. It's the 90s all over again, I keep saying it and ain't no one wanting to hear it!
Awesome!
Thanks so much! I seriously appreciate you not only taking the time to watch this, but leave a comment when you were done. Not only does it really put a smile on this jerk's face to know people are actually watching and enjoying these videos but it helps out the channel more than you know - so thanks again and again!
@@JerkComic it’s interesting to see someone very driven reject the success when they get there. It made me think of Kurt Cobain and how he aspired to Sonic Youth levels of stardom, but not Nirvana levels
Thank you. Episode 1 was much better. Way too much time spent on Homage Studios. Also, the mispronunciation was irritating.
If the mispronunciation of a single word was enough to put you off this I think I might have entirely missed the mark on this one...
Sam Kieth sounds like such a whiner lol I gotta check this series out tho, i was surprised to hear how artsy and weird the stories get. Great vid as always man, keep up the good work!
He's not so much a "whiner" as he deals with some serious anxiety and self-esteem issues and has been more than a little reluctantly associated with some of the biggest comics in the past several decades. I think he's just a quiet guy who wanted to make a living doing art and things got really big and weird on him quick. You'll get what I mean by the end of the series - I HOPE, haha!
But seriously, do yourself a favor and definitely check out The Maxx. It's weird, it's fun, it's one of the best things I've ever read and I've read a lot of comics, lmao. Seriously appreciate you checking this out and leaving the kind words btw. Means a lot to know people are actually watching these videos and it helps out the channel more than you know, so thanks again!
Mr. Jerkcomic, I will be watching this new video with some interest and trepidation. You may recall my criticisms of your prior effort. I am nervous that these same problems (an inability to separate opinion from fact, an overly-knowing personal bent and an odd, unkind critical tendency) will lessen whatever there is to be found in your research efforts for Kieth's fans.
The directly personal focus on Sam Kieth being someone you feel is "broken" is still in the title, with the added insult in the description of mental-health-presumptions such as that you feel The Maxx "drove Sam Kieth crazy". I'm already offended by your unappreciative words that Sam's post-Maxx work "has radically shifted in tone and quality". The Maxx is a successful work of art specifically because of those tonal shifts, to say nothing of the fact that it is a work that I feel is almost too empathetic to the internal issues people deal with. You could learn something from Sam.
"I feel" and "it is my opinion" are very useful phrases. It would be good if they are found in tomorrow's video in the way they should have been found in this video's description.
More than any trivia, biographical (read: personal) information or minutiae, I await to see if your new video contains more empathy than your prior effort (or what is seen in this video's description). Perhaps the struggles you've had in recent times (including with this video's research process) have brought you to a more understanding, less reveling, more humble, at least somewhat less presumptuous place in relation to the artists you enjoy (some of the?) work of. You are kind later in your description, but that is only after a clickbait "What really happened to..." style internet-y hatchet job.
Again, Sam Kieth is prolific by many standards of cartooning - just not those of the expectant, juvenile "superhero" field. I hope your video has more perspective than your needless focus on schedules and deadlines. Relatedly, as a fan of Bill Loebs I'd greatly appreciate it if you were to reupload your interview with him so as to not distractingly, automatedly computer edit every moment in which he paused to think. There's no need to rush Bill's efforts of expression, much as there is no need to rush Sam's.
Until your video "premieres", I'd like to reiterate that The Maxx is not the work that "broke" Sam Kieth. It is the work that brought an illustrative superhero artist, reliable inker and underground-influenced humor/genre cartoonist into being a serious, expressive and important writer. As I said to you last year, it would be a genuinely decent action to de-sensationalize your video, at least in the branding.
Sam Kieth is one of the most-beloved, most-influential yet least-documented cartoonists there is. It is my hope that your new video will do this great artist justice in at least some of the ways that your first video did not.
Your first video seemed as if it were made by a "Charley". Please let this second video have been made by an "Ira". Don't dream it, be it.
I'm one man, I WILL be biased. This WILL have my opinion in it. However, NEVER have I negatively referred to, or inferred, anything about Sam Kieth. He's an inexorable part of my life and has played an integral role in my evolution as a human being and my understanding and appreciation of the world around me.
I could spend a long time trying to explain what this is about for me. I could try to legitimize my stance, or argue a position. But I won't. Instead, I hope you'll check this out. ALL of it, not just a part and judge it for what it is. A love letter. I love Kieth and his work and The Maxx has always been an important part of my life. This video documentary series has answered questions I didn't know I had, it's expanded my ability to do a great deal many things, and it's done nothing but deepen my appreciation of Kieth and his craft. I hope that comes across that whether we agree or not, despite my sensationalist tactics or questionable word choices - from one fan to another, you'll see the TRUE intent of this video which comes from nowhere but a positive place for me.
Oh and as per William Messner-Loebs. He used to have a speech impediment and as a result there sometimes gaps in his speech, but he was having a particularly difficult day and kept getting frustrated and apologizing. I removed pauses where they were unintended so as to help with the already long run time as well as improve Mr Messner-Loebs stream of thought. He thanked for me for doing so as he was having a particularly rough day and was unhappy with the long pauses and gaps. I don't tamper needlessly with my interviews and I can assure you that there was no "computerization" in the process whatsoever. That interview was completely edited by me at the behest of Mr. Messner-Loebs. Sorry you found it distracting that was the exact opposite effect we had hoped for.
@@JerkComic Hi Jerkcomic, though I do not appreciate much of the way in which you speak about the life and work of Sam Kieth, I am appreciative of your response to my critical thoughts. Of course I am going to watch the entire video - I would do so even if I disagreed with you to an even greater extent than this; you are the first major researcher to put Sam into a historical context so even if I approach your work with trepidation it is still something I must give my concentrated, serious attention to.
The way your description reads feels like you've said working on The Maxx drove Sam Kieth to be unstable and mentally ill, which caused him to thereafter produce inferior work of varying quality and inconsistent tone. I disagree with this sentiment and think Sam deserves a more respectful and accurate form of focus and celebration.
Regarding Bill Loebs, I apologize for that - I had not presumed you'd set an auto-edit function on because of my issues with your work, but because this is a VERY standard procedure in this day and age which I find annoying whenever it occurs. I hadn't realized it was due to Bill's request and meant no disrespect to this talented cartoonist and writer. The smile on your face to be speaking with Loebs in that video was obviously very genuine and that was something I appreciated more than any issues I'd had with the edits. I hope there is more of that positivity in this weekend's Sam video.
I'd be more than willing to delete the portion of my comment that refers to the Loebs video if you'd be willing to delete the follow-up response. I do not want to have anything on the record that Bill Loebs would be unhappy with.
Jesus H. Krist fanboy.
lotta demands for some fool on the internet. I dipped out before your third rant. Wherever Sam Kieth is, and hopefully you're not outside the window in the bushes... I'm sure he's doin just fine with a legacy of success and decades of work. I imagine he can take his share of criticism with his deserved praise from some commentator / fan / journalist, etc. without crying to mommy or taking his ball and running home.
definitely an aquired taste. He is not one of my favorite artists. He has some great stuff, don't get me wrong, but when he did interiors the strain must have been to much of a time crunch.
He's a love him or hate him kinda artist I think, not a lot of people are middle of the road on Kieth, haha! I personally adore his work, but that's the best thing about art - it's totally subjective. And yeah, interiors I think were just too much for him in a lot of ways, but the cartoon and, well something else that this next episode is centered around seem to have truly broken him.
Thanks for checking this out btw - means a lot and I super appreciate you taking time to leave a comment when you were done. Helps out the channel more than you know, so thanks again!