Cruel Caricatures of Comics Pros 

"He can detach his spine to escape." Holy cow, talk about a burn.

Please get well Chris. Don’t exhaust or stress yourself and if you need to take a break me and many others will understand.

The word is a crazy place right now so your mental health and self care comes first. Take care of you. Love the content as always

So basically this is the adult version of High School me drawing/writing unflattering or concerning things of my enemies and least-favorite teachers.

A strange comic caricature has got to be Erik Larsen adding Johnny Redbeard to Savage Dragon as a recurring villain, whose power was to make derivative versions of preexisting characters. This was back when Image was getting a ton of crap from several comic pros. And Larsen wasn't shy about saying it was based on John Byrne. Larsen and Byrne snarked at each other for years. A few years later Johnny Redbeard showed up again in Dragon as a revamp who was mostly just a giant head called the Creator, who again just made derivative versions of preexisting characters, that Dragon beat the crap out of.

Hope you're doing well, Chris Don't force yourself Just take a break when you need it

Negative caricatures of colleagues in their own books is so unprofessional. As for poor old Roy Thomas, he was a fanboy turned office gopher, and eventually took over all Stan's books and carried forward Stan's style. Sycophant would be a mean term for Roy given his general enthusiasm and good will. But I suppose any one who takes the role of Editor in Chief, including Jim Shooter, is going to inevitably rub someone the wrong way for good or ill. As for your depression, I can totally relate. I've been dealing with severe depression for the last two years and somedays I don't know what to do. But its great seeing your videos because I feel like there's someone else out there I can relate to and share your interests. So keep on doing what you love and try to find positive distractions from the negative thoughts that creep in. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we're not going anywhere. So if you need a break, or a little longer between videos, do it. Look after number one because if you don't, we'll all be yelling at you to do it anyway. Hope you see the sunrise soon. I know its hard. Best from Maryland.

Chris, you must know that your work brings joy to all of us comic book lovers, and we treasure everytime that bell notify us that you have uploaded something new, you are original and you do valuable work for the comic world. We live in very depressing times and its getting harder and harder to leave bed each morning and find motivation to make the most of our day, believe me I know. But we must keep in mind that this fight will bring us a great reward and make us apreciate more what we had in simpler times. Keep doing what you love Chris, even if you can't do it has often has you would like, because even you realease a video once a month we'd still love you and what you do for all of us. And never stop reading comics..

Chris -- I was going through a tough period in my life at the end of 2018. My marriage was over, I was separated from my family, and I was struggling with depression. During that period, I discovered your channel. Binging episodes of ComicTropes got me through some rough nights. I want you to know how grateful I am for what you've done for me -- though I know you had no idea that you were doing it. I know how hard it is to keep moving when you're struggling with depression, so try not to worry about us, your viewers. We want you to take care of YOU. If that means that you're not able to do as many videos, well, that's okay. You're awesome -- don't forget that.

We stan Chris, life is not easy right now, for some more than others. My heart goes out to you, keep being you

Feel better, man! One of my favorites is “Johnny Redbeard.” He was Erik Larsen’s swipe at John Byrne in “Savage Dragon.” Gave people superpowers and radically altered their lives, but the abandoned them once he grew bored with them. “The Nixed Men.”

Hey Chris, don’t feel guilty or anything. It happens to the best of us and I hope you feel better soon. Your content helps me and the community more then you know.

Depression is a hard illness to manage, Chris. Don't feel guilty or beat yourself up about the slower pace. Your content is always fantastic and I know your entire fanbase is ride or die with ya.

Given the historical precedent, genuinely surprised Neil Gaimen hasn’t done a similar thing in the Sandman books, given his history with Todd Mcfarline

You've done it again Chris, I'm excited to see this one. I know you've been struggling recently with depression and I just want to say I have been there as well. Keep your head up and keep making great content! Or don't, take a break if you have to. Take care of yourself!

*expected the Jim Shooter parody in Legends, leaves satisfied*

If co workers could draw, I'd guarantee i would see much much caricatures of people i know.

Hey man, don't worry about the video schedule, we love your content nonetheless, this is a great channel and anything you do will be awsome, fight that depression and recover

Paul Grist poked some gentle fun at Alan Moore in the pages of Jack Staff when he introduced Morlan the Mystic.

Don't care about getting slower Chris. I feel you, as many of us, got a lot of mental health issues because of the Pandemic or the ones we had before got worse. Thanks for all the job you do. A hug from Chile :)

As someone who's been out of work since COVID and has had trouble finding work currently your videos bring joy to a tough couple of months. Take your time, thank you for your dedication and being honest.

I remember when the F-men issue came out. The owner of my LCS from way back pointed it out to me, and I laughed my arse off reading it.

Hey man it's a hard time. I found your channel in the before-times, and I've since binged through every single episode of Comic Tropes. Upload as often as you're able and don't push yourself! I feel you.

I think the best (and most lovingly thought-out) was "Wolfman Marv" in Unamerican Gladiators, a Lobo 4-shot, who bears an odd resemblance to Wolverine...But you do what you have to Boo. You've brought me a lot of joy with your channel, and you deserve to get the same joy out of making episodes as you used to. Take the time you need- your fans will wait.

I love ur content soo much man I start reading comics because of u

My first remembrance of a self insert was Jack and Stan getting stopped trying to get into the wedding of Reed Richards and Susan Storm.

There was a Kirby bio comics recently, which touches on Kirby being annoyed by Thomas and basing a few characters on him. My favorite caricature is probably Eightball's Doctor Infinity.

Chris, I found your channel during perhaps the darkest time of my life. It's been a great comfort, and as a comics creator myself, I got to learn everything from history to storytelling on top of the sheer fun. These are exceptional times, and you make exceptional work, so while I hope you can work to your heart's content, I hope your heart *is content*. Take your time. Thank you for opening up; it does satiate the curiosity of how you've been during these vicissitudes. PS: Your interviews are fantastic. Plus, it's neat to see something intimate worth drinking coffee to, as opposed to 2-minute ambushes at their convention tables.

Hey Chris, I wanted to let you know that your show helped me when I was at my lowest point. I came home exhausted and defeated and there was no one else I could hear talk but your voice in your videos. Comic tropes is such a comforting thing to binge. Know you will never be thought of badly for taking things easier.

I second the emotion that you're not alone with your depression. Last weekend I visited my mum and just before leaving on Monday morning I had a terrible breakdown. I'd be lying if I said I don't look forward to seeing much more great content from you, but take your time if you need it. Your health is the most important thing and everything else is secondary!

The "Kenny Who?" strip in Judge Dredd was a pretty biting satire on the comic industry in the 1980s. The artist, Cam Kennedy made a caricature of himself in that one. I really look forward to your videos Chris, but your own health comes first. Take care and know that what you do is appreciated.

Greetings from Japan, Chris!

Thanks for highlighting aspects of the comic book industry that I never would've found out about otherwise

Take the time you need to take to get right brother. I’m in the same boat but thanks to therapy and help I’ve been able to keep my ship from listing. I hope the same for you my friend, please take care and continue to be the thoughtful and kind person your fans know you to be. You’re never alone friend!

the "I'm severally depressed" hit me like a ton of bricks, just goes to show you never know what others are going through

Hey Chris, I suffer from severe depression as well. My passion of choice is writing and I've published a couple of novels but lately, even though I have more passion than I can describe, my depression gets the best of me. It steals my joy and keeps me down. It's a miracle if I can write a page a day. Anyways, I appreciate your transparency. Hang in there friend!

So what you’re saying is Jack Kirby was a roast master supreme. Damn some of these digs had me going, especially the detachable spine hahah

We're all living in hard times. take it one day at a time. For the last 20 years or so I've make my living off of booking bands and running night clubs, so except for my wifes unemployment and the few dollars I make DJing at KEXP I've been unemployed since March. I tell myself over and over again - one day at a time, one step at a time, one breathe at a time. We're living in depressing times, but the only thing constant about life is change, so things will change. Ya just gotta wait it out. Peace to you.

Don't worry about it. Depression is hell. Your getting back. Keep keepin on. It's October 2021 now and your still putting out content. Love your show. Just found it recently. We have to be right with ourselves before we can get right with others.

Hey Chris, I just wanted to let you know that your videos are always the highlight of me and my friend's day. We're always quoting your vids to each other and appreciate all the thought and work you put into them. I just wanted to send some positivity back at you for all the positivity you put out for us viewers. Take care of yourself and I hope knowing your videos make a lot of people smile can help. I know depression can just weigh a person down outta nowhere and burn you out but we all really appreciate the energy you put forth. You're awesome.

Speaking as a professional caricaturist and comic artist, inserting a likeness is an entirely different kind of challenge. It's very difficult to speak to some of the motivations. I expect that while the office politics of the work undoubtedly comes into play but a lot of respect and possible affection can't be discounted. I generally don't draw folks I don't like but I've inserted friends into some rather dire situations too :) I'm sure some of those caricatured saw their appearances as a kind of cool badge of honor. Have a great day! I feel your depression in this weighty atmosphere and share the struggle. I appreciate you putting out these excellent videos as you can :) I'll have to try to send some of my own fan art caricature to hopefully add a bright spot to one of your days. Stay well!

Hey man, you're great. A lot of us are dealing with depression, even more so this year for sure. With Winter coming, it gets worse too because of the weather. We're about the same age and I notice this with a lot of my friends. I think we don't realize we are ever changing and sometimes we think that the way we are at certain points in life are the way we are always going to be, and it's simply not true. After a friend kind sorta stabbed me in the back to get with a girl (some things never change) I finally gave in talked to a "grief councilor" lemme tell ya, best decision ever. Talking out loud a lot really helped me untie a mental knot. And professional or not, it's always good to talk so you should throw that update in there whenever ya like. You're a good guy Chris.

A brief cameo in the Beano!!! That is such an honour - the most popular comic in the UK for decades. That is really something to be proud of.

"Detach his spine to escape" That's pretty good, no lie.

I feel ya, Chris. This year as a whole has been a major blow to me, but watching your channel has been great. It’s revitalized my love for drawing and comics, and I can’t thank you enough for that

This is a good one! I did not have any idea why there was Captain Thundersword in Secret Wars II!! It was one of the weirdest things to see in comics and I had no context back in the 80s.

Oh Chris, I'm always ready for you!

Chris take your time, we love you and we will accompany you in this crazy year. Those are good ideas and I trust we will see them eventually. Take care and see you in the funny papers.

As a guy that likes comics but never got around to read most of them due to not having the resources to do so, you bring me so much joy in terms of stuff I'm interested and don't know much about. I can tell you that any amount of work you do and you put into making these videos is worth it cause you can feel this warmth and passion into the topics and history that I couldn't find in similar channels, and trust me I've checked. I know that having depression is not as easy as being told that you matter, and I do personally know that, but I also know that it might help for you to know that we all keep coming back because of you and the special touch you put into every video.

Ugh. That Mafalda in the fan arts hits hard now. Descansa en paz, Quino.

It really is an industry with an alarming amount of backbiting and very public about it. While there may not have been bad blood before, Roy Thomas was definitely upset with Kirby about the whole Funky Flashman episode and felt it was very unfair to Stan (I don't imagine he was too happy about how he was made to look either...). He has talked about the situation and how he and some others felt when Lee welcomed Jack back to Marvel a few years later. He makes it clear that all was not forgotten. For stuff missed out, while not a cruel caricature, it might have been worth recalling that Mr Miracle himself was actually based on a comic pro too. You think having no spine is an accurate depiction of John Byrne? It might be a conventionally fitting depiction of a company man but surely that was precidely the cliche that Byrne was deliberately challenging when describing himself that way. Having a public disagreement with an industry giant like Kirby, who also happens to be one of Byrne's biggest personal heroes and inspirations, hardly seems like the act of somebody spineless (in fact given his tendency to pick a fight with just about everyone and anyone I tend to think that Byrne probably has far too much spine for his own good...).

Chris, if you see this then know that sometimes I curl up in bed depressed, not wanting interaction with anyone and suddenly a video from you pops up and I find myself forgetting my troubles etc and it really gives me a little lift. Love your vids, totally understand what you're going through and want you to know you're not unique in whats affecting you. Stay strong for yourself and us bud. We are all with you and all in this together.

I would love it if you did an video talking about the history of The Beano and other British comic magazines, especially since I'm from Britain myself!

Did Stan Lee wear a toupee in his later years? It's so weird seeing him bald in his youth actually made him look older.

I don't comment often but as a fan I do want to thank you for your videos, cause the topics and passion in them really do make me smile as well as help out some of the comic creators i share them with. If you need time to rest, recharge or try new directions I, and I'm sure the other fans, will be happy to follow what you wanna do going forward. Depression has been super sucky for a lot of people this year after all and something a lot of the comic creator communities have been very aware of; so I'm glad there's an open discussion about burnout/mental health issues among creators on YT too. On a lighter note: This video made me think warmly of how the close knit webcomic creators communities I'm apart of are now drawing positive cameos of others character/creators etc in their own works to show LOVE for others. Amazing how a creative industry can change attitudes so quickly these days

Bill sienkiewicz (SP) during the Demon Bear saga of New Mutants put in a caricature of Alfred Hitchcock as one of the doctors operating on Dani Moonstar along with someone else, a dark haired guy who i SWORE i recognized as SOMEONE famous but could never pinpoint just who it was....

Your openness and honesty is very generous. I believe any frustration expressed at delays is only a testament to how good, enjoyable and informative the shows are. Take care of yourself, talk to friends and/or professionals. Remember no one wants to add stress or worry onto your shoulders just for our entertainment. Take the time you need, anyone worthwhile worrying about will be here and avid to hear more whenever you are ready.

Since I came to across your channel, years ago, the content stroke me as sincere, deep and passionate. I'm always awed by how much you know about comics and how well you do your research, it is truly a joy to watch. That being said, I belive everyone is ready to bear with you through whatever you have going on. We get you're not just a content creator, but a real person with a real life. Take care of yourself, because we, want to see you well and health. No need to pump out content while suffering. Take your time and take care.

Absolutely appreciate your honesty and openness, man. You do great work with these videos and we love being here to catch 'em. And I totally relate with your depression struggles and the fight to get past the slumps and exhaustion to get to doing what it is you love... You're doing your best and that's worth everything.

I also suffer from depression and its hard to keep it going sometimes. I love your work and it kept me going during those unsure months when I was furloughed from work. I want to thank you for that. Take care of yourself and however much content you can produce will be appreciated. This is one of my favorite channels.

Dude, as someone who also deals with depression I understand where you are coming from. I also know there is really nothing we can say or do other than the fact that, I personally appreciate what you do. I can't speak for everyone but I know a lot of us look to you, and respect you for what you do. Some days are harder than others and some episodes of depression last longer than others. I personally just wanna give you thanks for being strong and pushing on even when it seems impossible. Be safe be healthy, physically and emotionally and mentally

Chris we love you man! I battle with depression as well and it’s tough putting on a smile when you don’t want too. I applauded your courage to be able to sit in front of a camera and put out content for all of us. I don’t get to watch the videos but I listen to them while I’m at work. I’m probably not like most of your fans. I operate heavy equipment for a living, and live in the mountains of North Carolina. I just found your channel a few months ago so I’m still trying to catch up. Keep up the great work, and stay strong!

chris, just wanted to let you know that you bring TREMENDOUS joy to this viewer, and, i'm sure, the entire viewership at large of your show. please do not let the depression get the better for you. if it's any consolation to you, know that i myself am an entertainment creator who knows quite a few fellow creators in the entire expanse of the industry, MANY whom are sharing in your current state of malaise. i have been tempted to fall in that rut myself time and again with only my innate optimism and love of all the arts i participate in to keep me going. a large part of that love emanates from programs like yours. i learned a few years back that realizing that there are so many talented fellows of ours out there and helping them achieve getting their art out there can be as wonderful a thing as getting your own art out there, too, and hoping you realize just how much you inspire all of us out here who watch your show. forge on, noble fellow! do so, and all things good will stand! :)

I feel you. I keep dreaming of starting something like this to get my years of collecting documented and such. Work wears you out sometimes. I'm grateful you put your time and energy into this. Keep taking care of yourself. I'll keep my eye out for more examples of this topic, I seem to remember some but need to find them. *Ramble over*

I've been dealing with mental illness for most of my life, too. If it helps, I was happy to see your new content in my notifications. Keep up the great work!

I'll watch the episodes as they come out, at whatever rate. You're still doing great content and I'm liking the variety. Most importantly, take care of yourself.

Your work has been one of the things I have looked forward to during these strange times. Thank you.

Thanks for the end bit Chris. As a melancholy person who has a lifelong relationship with depression I can understand. While I often lose the struggle to create, I do very much appreciate your channel. Best wishes and thank you ...also, this was a really fun idea for an episode. Very well done!

Whatever style or amount of episodes you want/need to put out, we'll enjoy. This is a little community you've helped create and the main thing to us is your wellness. So, whatever you need to do that helps you look after yourself, we support. Good thoughts and well wishes sent your way, Chris.

Kirby was such a kickass man, always sticking it back.

Your work is world class and greatly appreciated. As someone who has dealt with depression, I totally understand your situation. Stay strong, thanks for sharing, and keep doing the things that center you. The world affairs, and the situation here in the US, are mental health deflating. I get you. Take care of yourself.

Hey, I appreciate you and your opening up about your depression. Thank you for all your work on the channel, and I hope you find yourself in a better space soon.

Glad you're back!

Chris, we adore you and this channel. Please take all the time you need, man. We're rooting for you and we'll be here whenever you're feel up to making videos. Thank you for sharing and thank you for Comic Tropes.

I appreciate your honesty about depression. You are definitely not alone in how you feel but do what you can when you can. We’ll be here.

Hi Chris. Please understand that you and your show are very much appreciated. You take your time and don’t get burned out. Love and best wishes from the U.K.

I can definitely relate to coping with exhaustion and depression. We are here for you! You’re doing great!! Wishing you and your loved ones health and happiness ❤️

I'm a bit late to the party on this one but what a fun, surreal video. I remember the first time I really got a dose of comic self-parody in issue #176 of Fantastic Four. The Impossible Man reappears and wreaks havok at the Marvel offices where we see Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Roy Thomas, John Verpoorten, and others. So much fun. At age 9, I was just about cognizant enough to get the jokes. On a serious note, Chris, if bouts of depression and exhaustion are your biggest obstacles, then you are doing GREAT. Anyone who's made it through 2020 and 2021 with their jobs and sanity intact is WINNING! You are a friendly, affable, pleasant, comforting presence online and that counts for a lot. We, your subscribers, want you to be well and happy. Thanks for all you do.

Take care of yourself Chris. Been a stange/stressful year for all and things don't seem to be going up. However, even though this probably doesn't help, your videos do bring joy, and maybe a sense of relief from the current world. I'm reminded of the saying: "No matter what a man says, his actions in the end, are what he intended to do all along." and what have you done all along for all the viewers here? Provided great content and a different perspective of the creative industry we all love. So thank you Chris, I look forward to your next video, and wish you all the best

Wishing you well, Chris. I understand some of what you had gone through w/ depression. I try to live life in with a positive POV. But there are times when out of nowhere I just feel down. Struggle is real. Wishing you well!

I'm not surprised at the name calling between creators considering the comic community at large is very tribal, I really get tiered of angry DC and angry Marvel fans. That said, really enjoy your channel Chris. If it takes a little more time to create a episode, I'm more than happy to wait for the quality you put into every video. Think most of us are feeling a bit spent this year to put it mildly and we all need to practice a little self care to keep going.

I don't usually comment, but I watch many of your videos and I was moved. first, thanks for sharing your situation with us, total strangers, I can see you lifted like a ton of bricks from your shoulders by doing that. Keeping the pace up is hard and keeping it under these extreme circumstances (being furloughed, pandemic, current mood, even the political situation) wears oneself out with extreme prejudice (hehe, Liefeld pun!). anyway, I think that some of the things I have learnt from these past months, are that we need to focus in one selves, and this may sound harsh, but you don't owe us anything, so take care of your feelings and then feel free to keep doing these videos. There is nothing worst than that feeling of sensing that the thing you do for love is becoming a burden, so, find your own way to stop and breathe. We'll here every time you post a video. Hugs, bro!

Take care of yourself, Chris. Do what you gotta do. No matter how frequent, or infrequent, your stuff is always a joy to watch. Thank _you_ for all the awesome content.

You take care of you, amigo. I battle with depression and anxiety too. It's a struggle and the state of the world does not help one bit. if you need to move slower or take a break, I don't think anyone can fault you for that. we all will still be ready and waiting when you drop more of you excellent content.

Hey Chris, wishing you the very best. I just wanted to let you know how much joy your videos bring me personally and how I'm constantly impressed by your integrity and kindness. Be well!

These are difficult times. Depression is going to be a problem for a great many people. The fact that you continue on is a source of inspiration for many. Take care of yourself. If that means a slower pace, then so be it. There is no show without you. Thank you very much.

Chris, buddy, please. You've got to take some time for yourself. Take a break from the channel if need be. We appreciate you and we will wait for you while you take some time for yourself. This channel is amazing and we're not going anywhere.

I read somewhere that Jasper Sitwell, another Kirby creation, with his eagerness to please his elders and encyclopaedic knowledge of obscure trivia, was also a caricature of the young Roy Thomas when he first started at Marvel.

Love the Kirby crackle animation! Keep up the great work!!

i 100% feel for you, bro. For me, it helps to make a strict schedule. I make myself go through all the steps of a routine and it helps me get through the harder things, even if they usually would be things that make me happy. Hoping for the best for you!

Thanks for being real and honest, that's really brave of you to open up like that to your community. You know we all love you so try to absorb as much of our love as you can to get you though. I know I've been feeling more depressed than usual this year too. It's heavy times but at least we have our Comic Tropes community!

I'm HYPER excited for the Warren Johnson episode. Stay the course man, be kind to yourself. I'm excited for any episode you put out. This is my favorite comics channel hands down.

Im right there with you. I work 12 hour days and get home and am bummed out. Rinse and repeat. I have found that comic books bring me joy. I cant read them as much as I'd like but I listen to shows like yours while I'm working an it lifts me up. So thank you! I mean that.

You take the time you need. You helped me get through. Watching your shows was a way of alleviating severe depression. It is hard as it undermines the joy you should take from your hard work. Doubt that your efforts are worth anything can rob you of the energy to try. Further adding guilt. But if you try to pretend it away it overwhelms. I find ir helpful to think of depression as a type of instinctive quarantine. It is a reflexive impulse to heal..lighr and peace.

You are doing great fighting that depression and hard stuff. Take your time. You earned the loyalty and support of your viewers.

I know about the severe depression, I am having the same, crippling most time. Take time for yourself, and know we are here for you.

We wait for you Chris. Take the time for the videos you need. Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks for the reviews and for opening up. Alot of people have been fighting depression and their personal demons this year including myself. Just hang in there and you will get through it. Just focus on the things that make you happy like doing these videos.

You are not alone with suffering with the curse of depression,I appreciate your honesty. We enjoy your videos and your channel is my pick up. Do not put pressure yourself, your mental health is of upmost importance. Never apologise for suffering. Take it essy, Chris.

Hey Chris hope you read this, I've absolutely devoured the content on your channel starting with finding you from your cerebus video then branching out from there. I can relate to your struggles with depression, I wanted to let you know that your videos have been amazing to me and helped me branch out further into general comic knowledge than I ever would have otherwise, while being entertained. I'm always looking out for new videos from you, also wanted you to know that i appreciate you more than your content and it's okay if the flow of videos slows down, it's always imperative that you look out for your mental health, your work already has been more than enough, and are videos I'll be revisiting in the future again and again.