"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.

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.

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

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

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.

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..

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.”

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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 :)

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

Greetings from Japan, Chris!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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....

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

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.

Oh Chris, I'm always ready for you!

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.

Glad you're back!

Love the show, Chris! Don't mind waiting for episodes!

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.

Love you! Thanks for all the content!

Loved this video! Great to find another layer to the history of comics!

Love your videos Chris! Thank you so much.

Glad to catch it quick

thx for all your great contributions to my day

Been subscribed to you since last year, I always appreciate the interesting angles you take on comics and the stories behind the panels

Definitely gonna still be here to support you and these videos man !

So glad to see you still around Chris!!!

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

Love your show Chris. Hope you feel better soon

Thank you very much, Chris. Once again, a great episode! I wish you all the best

Thank you so much for all the work you do, take care of yourself! ♥️

Dude, we love your Channel, keep up the excellent work!!!

Thanks for sharing the ending. Your videos are really entertaining, and i look forward to them whenever they drop.

Bless you bro for being honest, your videos are always great.

Great subject! I am always impressed and inspired by your work.

I love this show so much and get actually excited when I see an upload. Gonna support as best I can for however long. Keep pushing.

Hey man. I appreciate any shows you do get out. Always informative and always fun. Thanks.

I really loved the video, you pick the best topics that no one else covers. Thank you so much!

Keep up the great work man. You're videos are always the highlight of the day.

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.

Roy Thomas was complicit in Lee's thorough screwing over of Kirby. To this day he lies and affirms Lee's lies that denied Jack's contributions.

Hey Chris! All my support from Spain. Your videos always make my day, the documentation work is always gargantuan, it is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for the hours of entertainment and information you have shared, Chris, your Awesome!

This was very informative and entertaining; I love your content. You hang in there and take things one day at a time.

Great video Chris. Keep up the good work

Your level of research and overall work you put in your videos is amazing

Great episode, Chris! You provide the best researched episodes in the business. I learn something new each time.

I love your drawing sessions as well. You have mad skillz 👏🏿👏🏾👏👏🏽👏🏼

Mental health is everything! Thanks for the update, it made me feel less alone. Much love!

Thank you for working so hard, Chris! Your video on Jim Starlin is why I can look over at my copy of Warlock Complete Collection. Your videos are fun, informative, and always cheer me up. Anyone who finds the channel has more than enough content to delve into, so taking a break or slowing it down a bit is no big deal. Overall, you're the most important thing on the channel, and I'll always take a better Chris over more content

Loved this episode Chris. Keep at it and stay positive!! Your content is worth waiting for friend.

Great video! I look forward to your show whenever you can create. Thank you for being transparent, and keep up the fight, dude!

Love your show. You've definitely kept me entertained for many long hours at the office.

Chris, your videos have been a great guide into the world of comics, your channel is a real treasure and i look forward to every new video, what you have here is real special, thanks

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

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.

I always enjoy catching your show here Chris.👍🏾 sending love your way too bro.

Your work this year has been so mazing and joyful. You've done some of your best research and presentation. So sorry to hear about your depression. Please take care of yourself however you can and reach out to the people you need. And take it easy on yourself if you need to slow down! You make so many of us happy with every show.

Love the channel keep up the good work!

Take care of yourself chris. Whenever a new video comes out it's a treat. So you take care of yourself and release a video when you can. I love going back and watching old videos after I read the comics and seeing if I can pick up on the tropes

Many Blessings! Praying for you. Thanks for all you do pertaining the medium of comics and comics history.

love the content chris, just started watching a couple months ago. you were the main reason i got into comics, and i'd like to wholeheartedly thank you for that. i'm sure i speak for the rest of your audience when i say that we care a lot about you and that we understand that your mental health should always come first. best wishes!

I just wanted to add that I love your channel. I'm a comics reader from way back, and I love your looks back at the history of the industry, like this episode. No pressure, I'll be here when you're ready and able.

As someone who discovered your channel a few months ago I must say you do great work. Going through your videos I managed to learn more about some my favourite comics and came across some new ones. I wish you all the best in all your future endeavours !!

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...).

Definitely echo the sentiment that you are not alone. Struggling with my own depression a lot lately, and my heart goes out to you. Love your work, it’s always worth the wait.

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.

Good video Chris. Very informative and entertaining. Reminds me of when i was in school and would draw my teachers.