Agreed. This, as well as issue four. The original ending for issue 4, Sam had in mind for Sara to commit suicide; gun to her head on 2nd to last page...last page all black... Bill talked him out of it via a "threat" of walking from the series. Sam changed it, Sara lived on to the end when she became an Is with hair.
I still remember the last scene from the MTV version, where the trauma cycle is finally broken and everyone is freed to go on with life such as it is... and Maxx/Dave sheds the costume, returning to his true outback-- his garden where he uses small hand spades to plant flowers and other such things. I always thought the reason his Outback and Julie's connected and corrupted was due to their connection with nature.
I loved that series like no other, do you have any idea how hard it has been in the last what 30 years to not figure that show out and what it was actually representing, so I can continue to be fascinated by it's form. Good God I miss the Maxx
@@juanmanuelvallejo3987 well it's probably more prescient now than ever. Well it's about a lot of things bud. Loving things you can't, being powerless no matter how powerful you are, the simple things in life, the grass is always greener on the other side, contentment, solitude, righteousness, chivalry, discovery, enlightenment, mental illness, societal illness. It's a great story no matter the decade.
The animated series is the most perfect adaptation of anything, ever; with 2 very minor exceptions (the removal of Savage Dragon, and Pitt), it is a line-by-line, panel-by-panel EXACT recreation of the comic.
This broke my 10 year old self out of the the “read only marvel and dc” thing my young mind was focused on. It remains my favorite comic to this day. Thanks
MAXX is such a strange bit of the 90s comics time capsule. Did you ever see the short lived (6 or 7 episodes) animated series adapted from it on MTV? I recall enjoying it as a kid, as well. Great video as always, my man.
Yeah, The Maxx for me will always be the animated series by Chung. I saw it on MTV as a young teen and it set me off not only in my own art style, but made me interested in Dark Horse comics at the time. Much like Aeon Flux, the series kind of reminded me of Heavy Metal in the way that it was adult in nature without becoming porn.
I had very minute memories of that show when I was little, and was beginning to think it was nothing but a fever dream. Saw this thumbnail and finally found the name of that weird show I saw on cable one night.
I remember reading the first few issues and watching the animated series. My teenage brain understood some of the themes and it certainly wasn't your average comic book fair. The depth of the story stuck with me and your video bought back those memories of the comic and the show. Thank you for that dark little trip down memory lane.
My mint condition copies of the Maxx are among the pride of my collection, great to see it here. The art is fantastic and the page layouts are anything but conventional.
There was something magical about certain comics and cartoons in the 90's, The Maxx, Aeon Flux, even Spawn to a degree, they were weird and experimental and I feel like we don't get anything like that anymore. It was a very distinct style that lasted for a short time.
@Bobert Wiltshire I'd say it's true. If you never had real turmoil and experience you have no real reference for writing truly human characters. You'd end up just making Modern Family instead of Shameless.
@@one_man_community One could argue there is not true understanding of something unless you experience it. I can write cop dramas all day that are top tier, but I will know they will never really touch on 60% of what an actual officer could do. It's why writers/directors hire people to tell them their own experiences. Wait. Fuck. That means you are right in you only need to be able to empathize with them. Thanks for helping my outlook!
The Maxx was a bit too mature for me to understand back when the animation aired on MTV 25 years ago. I was simply mesmerized by the provocative visuals.
It holds up pretty well, too. I bought the DVD a while back. It was early in the Amazon Prime days, so I ended up getting the disc and also getting it digitally somehow. I like to rewatch it from time to time.
When I re-read it these days, the Maxx comics do date themselves heavily in the 90's, but there's genuine writing there that separates it. In a time when people where being dark because dark was cool, the Maxx wanted to linger and analyse what dark was, and ask why we ever wanted it. Sara's introductory monologue is distinctly 90's but very personal. She honestly represents a person bereft of purpose, instead of using those qualities to appeal to the era's aesthetic.
Thank you very muchI I appreciate you taking the time to let me know you enjoyed the video. Thank you very much for watching and hopefully I'll have more in the future that's equally interesting.
The Maxx really did more for me than the "mainstream superhero" Image line of McFarlane, Liefeld, and Lee, I really was addicted to that title and Kieth's art in general, I really hope we'll see some new comics project from him at some point
I’ve always loved The Maxx and Sam Kieth. I think you’re right that Br’er Lappin is a thinly veiled reference to Br’er Rabbit. It turns out that Lappin is an English/Irish surname and nickname for a timid person, and it derives from the French “lapin” which is the masculine for rabbit.
Very good video. My own interpretation of the comic was a study of characters with PTSD and the way they individually deal with it. I see we mostly agree.
Literally the best channel producing anything close to a bite sized yet still comprehensive comic exploration. You always seem to openly weigh the flaws with the fantastic each of these comic series or runs has fairly while openly admitting when something is fact, your opinion, or speculation. The essence of honest legitimate journalism and critique combined - such a rarity in these times and all your efforts are worthy of high praise as a result.
Thank you very much! That is high praise, indeed. I do try to be concise and objective. And when I'm not, I think it's my responsibility to mention my bias so there's context.
Tried to find a costume maker at New York Costumes/Halloween Adventures to make a cosplay outfit of The Maxx for Halloween, but the store employee assigned never got back. Settled for bunny ears.
I remember seeing this on the shelves back in the early 90's, when Jim Lee was on fire, but I never bothered to read it because the combination of cartoonish style with a deeply dark tone freaked me out as a kid. But I do have the Darker Image 1 comic from back then, now I appreciate it so much more. Thanks for this little history lesson and explanation of the story!
I picked up some issues as a kid and was entranced. I didn't understand what I was reading, but somehow I knew it was special and I should keep it, and keep it hidden. I wish I knew where those comics were.
It definitely is. If you've not read I think you should. I think it'll appeal to you. If you ever did a motion comic for this I think I would *actually* not embarrass myself doing Mr. Gone. Heh.
thank you so much for putting this video together. I was at that time in the 90s in my late teens and the cartoon was an awesome thing to watch late at night. the artwork and voice actors were amazing and still hold up today. I can hear Julie, Mr. Gone, and Maxx in my head right now in 2020. I collected the comics up to the 1st arc. that was quite a journey into the outback. subbed!
I remember only knowing about the Maxx from seeing his action figure when I was kid. After watching this it really pushed me more into checking this series out. Those last lines in the video hit me really hard .. thank you .
This totally fucking rocks! The Maxx is one of the greatest comics of all time, but it's so surreal and dark and complicated that it just never connected with a wide audience. I'm very VERY happy to see that someone made a video about it and thrilled that such a fantastic job was done. For this video alone, you got a new sub. Good job and well done!
The Maxx is a series that deserves far more attention for the way it defied the conventions of its time and for how it still holds up as a great story to this day. While surreal with its setting and action from time to time, its characters feel grounded and human. Thanks for giving this series a spotlight, Overlord!
This is still my favorite comic story ever printed. Love this, love Kieth's art, love the characters and the story in which they inhabit. This was a good video, thanks for making it.
through all the mediocre content I see on youtube, it's so nice to find something truly thoughtful, and that imparts a true appreciation of the subject matter to the viewer. I really want this comic.
Loved that Wolvie and Cyber fight back then, and The Maxx along with the Pitt was a staple for us and when the Maxx show hit liquid television it was a awesome treat.
The Maxx brought me to this channel, but I stayed and watched other videos because of the overall quality and content is just that good. Subscribed. Keep it up.
I collected a bunch of the first issues, then saw tv episodes of The Maxx on the MTV program Oddities. I am sure all the episodes are online somewhere.
I appreciate the no-nonsense narrative! Sometimes I listen to these pop culture videos and the guys are joking and laughing and talking about themselves and getting off-topic and I want to choke them... But this is to the point and very informative! I love The Maxx! Can't wait to watch the Howard The Duck video! He's one of my guilty pleasure favorite characters ever!
Very nice analysis of this incredible work. I had the first eight issues back in the 90’s, and it ignited my interest in mental health. Every time I read it I find something new. Now I’m a therapist. Thanks Sam for your influence on my life!
RUclips just recommended this video out of nowhere. I didnt even knew about this comic and now Im desperately searching to read it. Great video! I just subscribed to your channel. Kind regards from Uruguay!
The Maxx was one of Images rare mature reads. Not by visuals of blood soaked violence or sex for sex, or vulgar language. It was a story dealing with very subtle and nuanced ideas, that happened to feature a 300 pound Bunny avatar.
Sam Kieth is my all-time favorite artist. I've always thought of him as a combination Jack Kirby and Robert Crumb meets avant garde. I first discovered Sam during his work on the Marvel Comics Presents... stories. I've been a great admirer ever since. When The Maxx came out I was an instant fan. And to this very day I still think it's the absolute best comic book Image ever published. The artwork was quirky, yet beautiful, and the stories were never afraid to approach the darkest and most sensitive topics. And thanks for bringing up the Batman/Maxx crossover. I was wondering what had happened to it. I hope we see the last two issues by the end of the year like you stated were set for release because I was thoroughly enjoying it, even if it wasn't perfect. By the way, did you ever see The Maxx TV series on MTV? If so, what did you think of it?
I saw bits and pieces of it many, many years ago. And I did search it our here on RUclips while I put this video together. But it other than a few short clip I couldn't find anything. I remember it being good...but my memories are very hazy.
@@StrangeBrainParts You can stream it on Amazon Prime for $1.99 an episode, or $18.99 for the whole series. I remember enjoying it very much at the time. Not sure how close it was to the comic, but I remember liking it a whole lot better than Spawn.
the animation is a pretty interesting interpretation of his artwork, and fairly faithful to about the first third of the story in the books, then suddenly diverging into an oddly abstract sort of "ending", but impressive and experimental; they really try to make his art come alive! i still prefer the voices in the old audio cassette though, if you want to get obscure.....D
I remember my older brother showing me all his comics from the 90s and he had one issue of the Maxx which I remember him saying he didnt like it cause it was "too out there" and I've always enjoyed those types of stories over the more traditional books, theres greater heart in the narrative
I haven't read the comics, but the MTV series is one thing from my early childhood I remember well, and later, had returned to. It definitely was an interesting show that flow WAY over my 7 year old head, but probably added to coloring my particular perspective on life. In the rewatch, especially since I was going through a heavy depression (though I wouldn't be honest with my self that was what it was until years later), left another impression upon me. I need to one day put the effort into finding and reading the original comics. The art style and overall theme are definitely appealing to me.
I had this video on hold for a while due spoilers. Now that I have finished reading the Maxx series. This was a nice over view of the series. Congrats and thanks for the upload. With a side note, I am comment #500. Yay me 😊 🛋️
The Maxx was born at a time when interest in comic industry was experiencing a boom, and a lot of comic companies were comfortable enough with their cash flow they were willing to take risks in their business model. That's when they started using higher quality paper and inks, and including more stylized art. they also started using the graphic comic book format for a different kind of storytelling besides the traditional super hero stories. I remember flipping through The Maxx's pages and admiring the work, but I didn't buy any. I was already collecting a lot of other titles: the new Sandman, Shade, Hellblazer titles from the DC Vertigo line as well as the older Marvel comics X-Men and the other X-mutant books.
I bought the tv series on iTunes...it is heavy, and confusing but there is such an eerie beauty to it that keeps me watching ...I didn’t even know there was a comic series...thanks for sharing your insight
i got into reading Maxx because there was an anime show on MTV once upon a time that showed it as a cartoon series. i always remembered it being deeply psychological, which is what was so enjoyable about it.
I wasn't big into comic books but the one series I really got into was The Maxx. I had the whole collection and it was quite a challenge to track down every issue. Even had the rare glow-in-the-dark #1, signed by Sam Keith. Somewhere along the way, when I moved from one apartment to another, I lost all my comics. Maybe one day I'll start collecting this series again. Thanks for this video, was a great trip down memory lane!
Cool video ! I just did a video essay on my channel about the TV show that MTV produced and before doing it, I watched yours to know where the comics went when the show ended.
I was in love with the show in the 90s, and over the years I got all the main stories of the Maxx, but didn't read much of it. I found this video very interesting, also I always thought Gone was calling the Maxx "burlappin" as in burlap/homeless. Quite an eye opener!
What an excellent synopsis! Extremely well done. I've been trying to explain this series to people for years when they ask about my isz tattoo, and I've never had the words.
This was a really good video essay! The Maxx was my first comic (what a place to start, right?) and I revisit it every once in a while because it's so multi-layered. I explain it to people as "an extended therapy session disguised as a superhero story."
The Maxx was the first non-superhero comic I ever bought. It shocked me! Sam Keith is still my favorite artist. His writing can be a bit much at times, but I've grown to like it over the years. We're finally getting the rest of Arkham Dreams, it's been a loooong wait! I don't know why RUclips randomly decided to recommend this video, but I'm glad they did, I'm enjoying going through your channel.
Pretty good wrap up of The Max. I was there on release day and had bought them all. Between The Max and The Pit, I was very in my zone as a fledgling who had finally left home and was trying to make my way. Thanks for hopefully opening this little box for other readers to investigate and enjoy.
William Messenger-Loebs did my favorite run on The Flash. I was just a kid then and his book was my real intro to comics. I loved it. I remember staying to watch The Maxx on MTv.
Hah! I hope that's the case. For whatever reason, the legendary algorithm has skipped over any material from this channel. I don't know why, but it has. Hopefully that's changing?
i remember when i was around 8 years old, staying up late watching liquid television on MTV and seeing the Maxx. I had no idea what was going on, but I always wanted to try and watch it again.
Oh wow, just discovered your channel. Amazing stuff! Always pisses me off when folk say nineties comics were nothing but vacuous steroided up superheroes with really big guns, couldn't be further from the truth, sure there was plenty of that but so, so much going on too. I had a couple of issues of The Maxx in my random teenage comic collection, loved the art but found the story a little impregnable given it was just a shard of the story...and it was weird as hell ha ha! I had a couple of Zero Girl issues too, Keith's art was terrific. This video definitely makes me nostalgic enough to get the trades.
This “The Head” “Beavis & Butthead” & “Aeon Flux” was the progenitor for all the awesome adult oriented animation we have now! And MTV was paramount in exposing it to us,if only they continued with it instead of rEaLItY tV
Recently found this channel. I really appreciate the dedication to early indie comics. I looked and couldn't find a video on the Pitt, and tv tropes and wikipedia is letting me down. Just an idea.
@@StrangeBrainParts Great video overall ! Although, I feel like there was more to be said about those stories at the end of the second part of the series. Mostly the story of Megan, which thematically and metaphorically seemed like a way to explicit the messages and meanings of the whole series, as we were heading to the unique, truly strange and weird ending that we got. If the other sidestories could seem out of place, Megan's was a special moment and might be worth not to overlook. Still, I think your video made justice to the unique piece of work that is the Maxx, and its experimental nature. It's heartwarming to see it get some love, as it is such a formative and interesting work.
@Gummy : Megan's story was extremely interesting and I agree...it did seem to be thematically tying into the series as a whole. But it didn't get there, in my opinion. Maybe another issue or two and it would have? I don't know. Possibly.
This story was so different that I have never and will never forget it. It's part of why I chose the name Max for my avatar shortly after I graduated from high school.
7:16 I just noticed he has two right hands... Great video, very interesting. I only had a look at two or three random issues, so I never really understood what The Maxx was about, butt his makes me interested in revisiting it.
I loved this run when it came out, and I still have my Maxx #1 with the glow-in-the-dark cover. I remember the MTV animated series, which brought the series to life with excellent animation that captured the art style perfectly. I highly recommend it to anyone.
This was exceptionally well done and analyzed. Thank you for making this video and sharing it with everyone. Would you be up for examining SHADOWHAWK Vol.1 #0-18 in a style such as this? I think it is Jim Valentino's best work through IMAGE COMICS.
Hi Strange Brain Parts. I didn't read this comic...but I loved the cartoon adaptation of it that was shown on MTV in the 1990's. By any chance did you see it? How did it compare with the source material?
@Les : Hello to you! I only have my memories of the bits and pieces of the cartoon. I couldn't find any episodes on RUclips so I didn't include the cartoon in this overview. From my memory...it was pretty close and compares quite well to the comic book.
Boy am I glad to see this video. I bought a few issues in the ‘90 as a young teen, and I thought the artwork was interesting (though not exactly my cup-of-tea), but I just never able to get a grip of what was going on - until today. Thanks.
If any animated series deserves a continuation, it's 'The Maxx.' I was only ever familiar with the MTV show as a kid, but it was a source of endless fascination for me. I couldn't understand a lot of what was happening, being as young as I was, but it wasn't like any cartoon I'd ever watched before, even ones for adults. Most adult cartoons like Beavis & Butt-head were just stupid fun (not a diss, btw, I love that show) and focused on comedy, but 'The Maxx' felt dark and mature, and I always felt more grown-up when watching it. It was like a puzzlebox, a mystery that I felt I could never figure out, but that just made me all the more determined to discover what it all meant. I must've watched it a hundred times over while it was on TV. I had no idea that part of the reason I could never completely understand the show was because so much of the story remained untold, that is until I started getting into comics a few years later and learned of the comic series. Ever since then I've always thought it was such a shame that the animated series never got a real conclusion, and I would kill to see it get a proper revival (as long as the right team was brought together to give it one, that is).
I think one strongest memories from The Maxx is when Sara is talking to a block of clay later finding out it is her Dads severed head.
"It's just my... dad."
Really freaked me out back when that episode aired
Please don't let my spirit animal speak to me through a hypoglycemic poster. What a cruel world.
Agreed. This, as well as issue four. The original ending for issue 4, Sam had in mind for Sara to commit suicide; gun to her head on 2nd to last page...last page all black...
Bill talked him out of it via a "threat" of walking from the series. Sam changed it, Sara lived on to the end when she became an Is with hair.
I still remember the last scene from the MTV version, where the trauma cycle is finally broken and everyone is freed to go on with life such as it is... and Maxx/Dave sheds the costume, returning to his true outback-- his garden where he uses small hand spades to plant flowers and other such things. I always thought the reason his Outback and Julie's connected and corrupted was due to their connection with nature.
I loved that series like no other, do you have any idea how hard it has been in the last what 30 years to not figure that show out and what it was actually representing, so I can continue to be fascinated by it's form. Good God I miss the Maxx
@@MatthewHolevinski can you tell me what is it about? A dont care to spoil the story
@@juanmanuelvallejo3987 well it's probably more prescient now than ever. Well it's about a lot of things bud. Loving things you can't, being powerless no matter how powerful you are, the simple things in life, the grass is always greener on the other side, contentment, solitude, righteousness, chivalry, discovery, enlightenment, mental illness, societal illness. It's a great story no matter the decade.
The animated series is the most perfect adaptation of anything, ever; with 2 very minor exceptions (the removal of Savage Dragon, and Pitt), it is a line-by-line, panel-by-panel EXACT recreation of the comic.
Wish I could say that about Song of Fire and Ice aka Game of Thrones. 😂
I liked Hammerhead though. And the detective.
@spacejockey pitt was a great character
@spacejockey yeah happened to Pitt anyways
What was the pitt about/like?
This broke my 10 year old self out of the the “read only marvel and dc” thing my young mind was focused on. It remains my favorite comic to this day. Thanks
It's def in my top 3, a brawl between The Maxx, Skydoll, and everything Sam and Max related.
For sure, The Maxx introduced me to what the comic medium could be.
Same. Whenever people ask if I prefer Marvel or DC, my answer has always been Image.
MAXX is such a strange bit of the 90s comics time capsule. Did you ever see the short lived (6 or 7 episodes) animated series adapted from it on MTV? I recall enjoying it as a kid, as well. Great video as always, my man.
You can also watch it for free with ads on Vimeo
Yeah, The Maxx for me will always be the animated series by Chung. I saw it on MTV as a young teen and it set me off not only in my own art style, but made me interested in Dark Horse comics at the time. Much like Aeon Flux, the series kind of reminded me of Heavy Metal in the way that it was adult in nature without becoming porn.
Good point, I'm surprised he didn't bring it up in the video!
I may do a follow-up focusing on the animated series.
@@StrangeBrainParts "I may do a follow-up focusing on the animated series."
I'd love to see that.
I loved this comic. Still have copies I picked up as a kid. MTV's adaptation got me into it. Very deep and dark.
Liquid television was the shit. People only remember eon flux from it.
I had very minute memories of that show when I was little, and was beginning to think it was nothing but a fever dream. Saw this thumbnail and finally found the name of that weird show I saw on cable one night.
still have mine. same reasons too
@@chefpunjab Liquid Television was where Aeon Flux was first on MTV, MTV Oddities came later with the Maxx and The Head
I remember reading the first few issues and watching the animated series.
My teenage brain understood some of the themes and it certainly wasn't your average comic book fair.
The depth of the story stuck with me and your video bought back those memories of the comic and the show.
Thank you for that dark little trip down memory lane.
My mint condition copies of the Maxx are among the pride of my collection, great to see it here.
The art is fantastic and the page layouts are anything but conventional.
There was something magical about certain comics and cartoons in the 90's, The Maxx, Aeon Flux, even Spawn to a degree, they were weird and experimental and I feel like we don't get anything like that anymore. It was a very distinct style that lasted for a short time.
Truly..they got so good at animating that really isn't anything new they can do with the medium
Don't forget the evil ernie comics
"To be a writer(artist), you gotta have experience."
That line stuck with me ever since I read it as a child.
@Bobert Wiltshire I'd say it's true. If you never had real turmoil and experience you have no real reference for writing truly human characters.
You'd end up just making Modern Family instead of Shameless.
@@zigfaust I think you just need to attempt to understand and have empathy of the tormented mind, rather than being tormented yourself.
@@one_man_community One could argue there is not true understanding of something unless you experience it.
I can write cop dramas all day that are top tier, but I will know they will never really touch on 60% of what an actual officer could do.
It's why writers/directors hire people to tell them their own experiences.
Wait. Fuck.
That means you are right in you only need to be able to empathize with them.
Thanks for helping my outlook!
The Maxx was a bit too mature for me to understand back when the animation aired on MTV 25 years ago. I was simply mesmerized by the provocative visuals.
That's my relationship with Arkham asylum by Grant Morrison
The Maxx was the first story that showed me that there could be depth to comics.
Suck on that Alan Moore. Nah, it wasn't *first*, but it was a rare example of that depth.
Jeez I used to watch the cartoon show. It was in a line-up with "The Head" and "Aeon Flux".
Me too.Its really is a great cartoon show.
It holds up pretty well, too. I bought the DVD a while back. It was early in the Amazon Prime days, so I ended up getting the disc and also getting it digitally somehow. I like to rewatch it from time to time.
@@PaulDozierZZoMBiE13
What's the DVD lable, if you don't mind? I would love to watch those cartoons again. They were so ahead of their time.
Ahhh yes, "LIquid Television" on MTV!
@@revolutionday1 MTV Oddities!
When I re-read it these days, the Maxx comics do date themselves heavily in the 90's, but there's genuine writing there that separates it. In a time when people where being dark because dark was cool, the Maxx wanted to linger and analyse what dark was, and ask why we ever wanted it. Sara's introductory monologue is distinctly 90's but very personal. She honestly represents a person bereft of purpose, instead of using those qualities to appeal to the era's aesthetic.
Man what a good analysis, Freud and Jung would be proud of this masterwork, such a delight! thank you for this!
"Very large man wearing a ridiculous outfit"
You just described me!!! 🤣
If I change a few words around it describes me: "A ridiculous man in a large outfit." Heh.
That was...wonderfully done. Editing and narration were great. I couldn't take my eyes off this video and trust me I get easily distracted.
Thank you very muchI I appreciate you taking the time to let me know you enjoyed the video. Thank you very much for watching and hopefully I'll have more in the future that's equally interesting.
Same
The Maxx really did more for me than the "mainstream superhero" Image line of McFarlane, Liefeld, and Lee,
I really was addicted to that title and Kieth's art in general,
I really hope we'll see some new comics project from him at some point
I’ve always loved The Maxx and Sam Kieth. I think you’re right that Br’er Lappin is a thinly veiled reference to Br’er Rabbit. It turns out that Lappin is an English/Irish surname and nickname for a timid person, and it derives from the French “lapin” which is the masculine for rabbit.
Very good video. My own interpretation of the comic was a study of characters with PTSD and the way they individually deal with it. I see we mostly agree.
PTSD...absolutely! Yes, I think we'd mostly agree.
Literally the best channel producing anything close to a bite sized yet still comprehensive comic exploration. You always seem to openly weigh the flaws with the fantastic each of these comic series or runs has fairly while openly admitting when something is fact, your opinion, or speculation. The essence of honest legitimate journalism and critique combined - such a rarity in these times and all your efforts are worthy of high praise as a result.
Thank you very much! That is high praise, indeed. I do try to be concise and objective. And when I'm not, I think it's my responsibility to mention my bias so there's context.
Tried to find a costume maker at New York Costumes/Halloween Adventures to make a cosplay outfit of The Maxx for Halloween, but the store employee assigned never got back.
Settled for bunny ears.
I watch the show on tv when i was young. The Maxx and Duckman raised me.
Fuck yeah! Duckman!
I remember seeing this on the shelves back in the early 90's, when Jim Lee was on fire, but I never bothered to read it because the combination of cartoonish style with a deeply dark tone freaked me out as a kid. But I do have the Darker Image 1 comic from back then, now I appreciate it so much more. Thanks for this little history lesson and explanation of the story!
I picked up some issues as a kid and was entranced. I didn't understand what I was reading, but somehow I knew it was special and I should keep it, and keep it hidden. I wish I knew where those comics were.
Very interesting book this is. I watched the cartoon a few years back and it really did a number on me
It definitely is. If you've not read I think you should. I think it'll appeal to you. If you ever did a motion comic for this I think I would *actually* not embarrass myself doing Mr. Gone. Heh.
Strange Brain Parts there already is a cartoon of this on RUclips don’t ya know
I looked for it but could only find bits of it. Maybe I need to search harder.
This was deep. It wasn't even in my recommendations, yet I found it - maybe I've found my way to the Outback...or it found its' way to me.
thank you so much for putting this video together. I was at that time in the 90s in my late teens and the cartoon was an awesome thing to watch late at night. the artwork and voice actors were amazing and still hold up today. I can hear Julie, Mr. Gone, and Maxx in my head right now in 2020. I collected the comics up to the 1st arc. that was quite a journey into the outback. subbed!
I remember only knowing about the Maxx from seeing his action figure when I was kid. After watching this it really pushed me more into checking this series out. Those last lines in the video hit me really hard .. thank you .
This totally fucking rocks! The Maxx is one of the greatest comics of all time, but it's so surreal and dark and complicated that it just never connected with a wide audience. I'm very VERY happy to see that someone made a video about it and thrilled that such a fantastic job was done. For this video alone, you got a new sub. Good job and well done!
The Maxx is a series that deserves far more attention for the way it defied the conventions of its time and for how it still holds up as a great story to this day. While surreal with its setting and action from time to time, its characters feel grounded and human. Thanks for giving this series a spotlight, Overlord!
I agree. And thanks for watching!
One of my all time favorite comics. Criminally underrated
This is still my favorite comic story ever printed. Love this, love Kieth's art, love the characters and the story in which they inhabit.
This was a good video, thanks for making it.
Thank you for covering this! This was the only series I owned in it's entirety (the only thing I was missing was the Ash Can copy and Darker Image#1).
Great video; the MAXX deserved way more love and attention.
This will always be my favorite 90's comic series.
My favorite book so many moons ago. Sam Keith continues to inspire me and I am forever grateful.
through all the mediocre content I see on youtube, it's so nice to find something truly thoughtful, and that imparts a true appreciation of the subject matter to the viewer. I really want this comic.
My favorite series of all. Thank you.
Loved that Wolvie and Cyber fight back then, and The Maxx along with the Pitt was a staple for us and when the Maxx show hit liquid television it was a awesome treat.
I've always felt cyber was one of wolverines best nemesis
The Maxx brought me to this channel, but I stayed and watched other videos because of the overall quality and content is just that good. Subscribed. Keep it up.
Thank you and thank for watching! I will continue to do my best.
I collected a bunch of the first issues, then saw tv episodes of The Maxx on the MTV program Oddities.
I am sure all the episodes are online somewhere.
I appreciate the no-nonsense narrative! Sometimes I listen to these pop culture videos and the guys are joking and laughing and talking about themselves and getting off-topic and I want to choke them... But this is to the point and very informative! I love The Maxx! Can't wait to watch the Howard The Duck video! He's one of my guilty pleasure favorite characters ever!
Very nice analysis of this incredible work. I had the first eight issues back in the 90’s, and it ignited my interest in mental health. Every time I read it I find something new. Now I’m a therapist. Thanks Sam for your influence on my life!
"why am I talking in....
poetry stuff?"
lmao ive always loved the Maxx and im stoked to see someone doing a video over this!
thank you!!
RUclips just recommended this video out of nowhere. I didnt even knew about this comic and now Im desperately searching to read it. Great video! I just subscribed to your channel. Kind regards from Uruguay!
The Maxx was one of Images rare mature reads. Not by visuals of blood soaked violence or sex for sex, or vulgar language. It was a story dealing with very subtle and nuanced ideas, that happened to feature a 300 pound Bunny avatar.
Sam Kieth is my all-time favorite artist. I've always thought of him as a combination Jack Kirby and Robert Crumb meets avant garde. I first discovered Sam during his work on the Marvel Comics Presents... stories. I've been a great admirer ever since. When The Maxx came out I was an instant fan. And to this very day I still think it's the absolute best comic book Image ever published. The artwork was quirky, yet beautiful, and the stories were never afraid to approach the darkest and most sensitive topics. And thanks for bringing up the Batman/Maxx crossover. I was wondering what had happened to it. I hope we see the last two issues by the end of the year like you stated were set for release because I was thoroughly enjoying it, even if it wasn't perfect. By the way, did you ever see The Maxx TV series on MTV? If so, what did you think of it?
I saw bits and pieces of it many, many years ago. And I did search it our here on RUclips while I put this video together. But it other than a few short clip I couldn't find anything. I remember it being good...but my memories are very hazy.
@@StrangeBrainParts You can stream it on Amazon Prime for $1.99 an episode, or $18.99 for the whole series. I remember enjoying it very much at the time. Not sure how close it was to the comic, but I remember liking it a whole lot better than Spawn.
He and Bill Sinkiewicz were definitely ahead of their time with their crazy awesome and unique styles.
the animation is a pretty interesting interpretation of his artwork, and fairly faithful to about the first third of the story in the books, then suddenly diverging into an oddly abstract sort of "ending", but impressive and experimental; they really try to make his art come alive! i still prefer the voices in the old audio cassette though, if you want to get obscure.....D
I love the animated adaptation of the Maxx so much. It's truly a work of genius. Same goes for the first half of the comic
I remember as a teen loving the MTV show. Weird how I never knew this was a comic.
You know, I completely forgot to mention the animated series. It's even more obscure than the comic itself...which is a shame.
Cool beans. I'm a poor RUclipsr so that's a purchase that may have to wait.
I remember my older brother showing me all his comics from the 90s and he had one issue of the Maxx which I remember him saying he didnt like it cause it was "too out there" and I've always enjoyed those types of stories over the more traditional books, theres greater heart in the narrative
This is an excellent summary and breakdown
this is my all time favorite comic book series. thank you for doing a video on it. sam kieth is a brilliant artist.
I haven't read the comics, but the MTV series is one thing from my early childhood I remember well, and later, had returned to. It definitely was an interesting show that flow WAY over my 7 year old head, but probably added to coloring my particular perspective on life. In the rewatch, especially since I was going through a heavy depression (though I wouldn't be honest with my self that was what it was until years later), left another impression upon me.
I need to one day put the effort into finding and reading the original comics. The art style and overall theme are definitely appealing to me.
Refreshing to see the RUclips algorithm actually work and suggest me something I enjoy. Subbed.
I had this video on hold for a while due spoilers. Now that I have finished reading the Maxx series. This was a nice over view of the series. Congrats and thanks for the upload. With a side note, I am comment #500. Yay me 😊 🛋️
back when MTV was awesome ...I loved Aeon Flux & The Maxx animated series so much I special ordered the DVDs ...still got'em 😁✊
The Maxx was born at a time when interest in comic industry was experiencing a boom, and a lot of comic companies were comfortable enough with their cash flow they were willing to take risks in their business model. That's when they started using higher quality paper and inks, and including more stylized art. they also started using the graphic comic book format for a different kind of storytelling besides the traditional super hero stories. I remember flipping through The Maxx's pages and admiring the work, but I didn't buy any. I was already collecting a lot of other titles: the new Sandman, Shade, Hellblazer titles from the DC Vertigo line as well as the older Marvel comics X-Men and the other X-mutant books.
I bought the tv series on iTunes...it is heavy, and confusing but there is such an eerie beauty to it that keeps me watching ...I didn’t even know there was a comic series...thanks for sharing your insight
i got into reading Maxx because there was an anime show on MTV once upon a time that showed it as a cartoon series. i always remembered it being deeply psychological, which is what was so enjoyable about it.
i remember watching the the cartoon on mtv as a kid
I remember watching this on MTV as a kid. I was awestruck by the show, now I NEED to find the comics.
The MTV cartoon series got me into the comics and remains one of my favorites to this day.
I wasn't big into comic books but the one series I really got into was The Maxx. I had the whole collection and it was quite a challenge to track down every issue. Even had the rare glow-in-the-dark #1, signed by Sam Keith. Somewhere along the way, when I moved from one apartment to another, I lost all my comics. Maybe one day I'll start collecting this series again. Thanks for this video, was a great trip down memory lane!
Excellent piece man! I red the Maxx a couple years ago and it’s definitely a recommended read.
My dad had the VHS when I was a kid, and he didn't let me watch it until I was an older teen in the early 2000s. It was creepy, but I loved it.
this comic and the show on MTV was definitely a big factor in my formative teenage years
The Maxx has a unique, deep and intimate storytelling, perfectly melted with an otherworldly visual style. A true masterpiece!!!
Tremendous video. Please do more about the early years of Image.
Cool video ! I just did a video essay on my channel about the TV show that MTV produced and before doing it, I watched yours to know where the comics went when the show ended.
Subscribed just because anyone awesome enough to cover The Maxx deserves to have his bell rung
I was in love with the show in the 90s, and over the years I got all the main stories of the Maxx, but didn't read much of it. I found this video very interesting, also I always thought Gone was calling the Maxx "burlappin" as in burlap/homeless. Quite an eye opener!
What an excellent synopsis! Extremely well done. I've been trying to explain this series to people for years when they ask about my isz tattoo, and I've never had the words.
This was a really good video essay! The Maxx was my first comic (what a place to start, right?) and I revisit it every once in a while because it's so multi-layered. I explain it to people as "an extended therapy session disguised as a superhero story."
The Maxx was the first non-superhero comic I ever bought. It shocked me! Sam Keith is still my favorite artist. His writing can be a bit much at times, but I've grown to like it over the years. We're finally getting the rest of Arkham Dreams, it's been a loooong wait! I don't know why RUclips randomly decided to recommend this video, but I'm glad they did, I'm enjoying going through your channel.
Pretty good wrap up of The Max. I was there on release day and had bought them all. Between The Max and The Pit, I was very in my zone as a fledgling who had finally left home and was trying to make my way. Thanks for hopefully opening this little box for other readers to investigate and enjoy.
I only knew of The Maxx from MTV'S Liquid Television. Only later did I see the comic series, but I never read it.
William Messenger-Loebs did my favorite run on The Flash. I was just a kid then and his book was my real intro to comics. I loved it. I remember staying to watch The Maxx on MTv.
Wow it looks like youtube recommendations might have brought something unique for a change.
Hah! I hope that's the case. For whatever reason, the legendary algorithm has skipped over any material from this channel. I don't know why, but it has. Hopefully that's changing?
Thanks for uploading! I never got around to catching up with The Maxx.
"I will talk at you later"
Now I'm subscribing.
i remember when i was around 8 years old, staying up late watching liquid television on MTV and seeing the Maxx. I had no idea what was going on, but I always wanted to try and watch it again.
This, in my eyes, is a masterpiece of raw human emotion. Thank you for the enlightenment, I’ve never heard of this.
I love The Maxx in ways I cannot express. It sad, hopeful, and beautiful
As a kid I was very drawn to this. As an adult to hear the psych analysis of it shows the depth I was unaware of and makes it even better
Binge watched The Maxx series and the movie a long while back. Longest four hours or so of my life. Great video 👌
awesome channel! glad i found it. Your review of The Maxx was 10/10!
Oh wow, just discovered your channel. Amazing stuff! Always pisses me off when folk say nineties comics were nothing but vacuous steroided up superheroes with really big guns, couldn't be further from the truth, sure there was plenty of that but so, so much going on too. I had a couple of issues of The Maxx in my random teenage comic collection, loved the art but found the story a little impregnable given it was just a shard of the story...and it was weird as hell ha ha! I had a couple of Zero Girl issues too, Keith's art was terrific. This video definitely makes me nostalgic enough to get the trades.
Same here. I am now going to subscribe. This makes me want to check out the entire series.
Thank you for explaining it with so many details and right explanation
This “The Head” “Beavis & Butthead” & “Aeon Flux” was the progenitor for all the awesome adult oriented animation we have now!
And MTV was paramount in exposing it to us,if only they continued with it instead of rEaLItY tV
Hey someone other than sal from comic pop remembers the MAXX and good video
Recently found this channel. I really appreciate the dedication to early indie comics. I looked and couldn't find a video on the Pitt, and tv tropes and wikipedia is letting me down. Just an idea.
You did it and so fast. I'm amazed and utterly flabbergasted.
Thank you! Some videos come together much quicker than others.
@@StrangeBrainParts Great video overall ! Although, I feel like there was more to be said about those stories at the end of the second part of the series. Mostly the story of Megan, which thematically and metaphorically seemed like a way to explicit the messages and meanings of the whole series, as we were heading to the unique, truly strange and weird ending that we got. If the other sidestories could seem out of place, Megan's was a special moment and might be worth not to overlook.
Still, I think your video made justice to the unique piece of work that is the Maxx, and its experimental nature. It's heartwarming to see it get some love, as it is such a formative and interesting work.
@Gummy : Megan's story was extremely interesting and I agree...it did seem to be thematically tying into the series as a whole. But it didn't get there, in my opinion. Maybe another issue or two and it would have? I don't know. Possibly.
This story was so different that I have never and will never forget it. It's part of why I chose the name Max for my avatar shortly after I graduated from high school.
7:16 I just noticed he has two right hands...
Great video, very interesting. I only had a look at two or three random issues, so I never really understood what The Maxx was about, butt his makes me interested in revisiting it.
Well done had no idea even more of a fan now
I loved this run when it came out, and I still have my Maxx #1 with the glow-in-the-dark cover. I remember the MTV animated series, which brought the series to life with excellent animation that captured the art style perfectly. I highly recommend it to anyone.
This was exceptionally well done and analyzed. Thank you for making this video and sharing it with everyone.
Would you be up for examining SHADOWHAWK Vol.1 #0-18 in a style such as this? I think it is Jim Valentino's best work through IMAGE COMICS.
Thank you and thanks again for watching! I'll look a little closer at Shadowhawk in the near future.
Hi Strange Brain Parts. I didn't read this comic...but I loved the cartoon adaptation of it that was shown on MTV in the 1990's. By any chance did you see it? How did it compare with the source material?
@Les : Hello to you! I only have my memories of the bits and pieces of the cartoon. I couldn't find any episodes on RUclips so I didn't include the cartoon in this overview. From my memory...it was pretty close and compares quite well to the comic book.
Boy am I glad to see this video. I bought a few issues in the ‘90 as a young teen, and I thought the artwork was interesting (though not exactly my cup-of-tea), but I just never able to get a grip of what was going on - until today. Thanks.
If any animated series deserves a continuation, it's 'The Maxx.' I was only ever familiar with the MTV show as a kid, but it was a source of endless fascination for me. I couldn't understand a lot of what was happening, being as young as I was, but it wasn't like any cartoon I'd ever watched before, even ones for adults. Most adult cartoons like Beavis & Butt-head were just stupid fun (not a diss, btw, I love that show) and focused on comedy, but 'The Maxx' felt dark and mature, and I always felt more grown-up when watching it. It was like a puzzlebox, a mystery that I felt I could never figure out, but that just made me all the more determined to discover what it all meant. I must've watched it a hundred times over while it was on TV. I had no idea that part of the reason I could never completely understand the show was because so much of the story remained untold, that is until I started getting into comics a few years later and learned of the comic series. Ever since then I've always thought it was such a shame that the animated series never got a real conclusion, and I would kill to see it get a proper revival (as long as the right team was brought together to give it one, that is).
The animated series gets its own video later this week!