Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld is departing The Mighty Crusaders limited series after a variant cover with key plot points leaked.
"When the key plot point/element is revealed on a retail variant cover - it’s probably time to exit the stage on this one.... like seriously?" Liefeld wrote on Facebook with a photo of the cover attached. He later updated the post, writing, "UPDATE - Archie informed me they did not grant permission for this to be posted and shared, much less tagged to my page. Anyway, it would have been great, but this was kind of the back breaker. Really dumb. It was fun while it lasted... on to the next!"
Liefeld later wrote another post, in which he shared a story of how, while working on the Snake Eyes: Deadgame series, an IDW editor asked him if it would be alright if a retailer could use a never-before-seen character on a variant. Liefeld said no and the idea was nixed. "Had this been shared with me, as with IDW, I’d have killed it, on the spot," Liefeld said, referring to the leaked The Mighty Crusaders cover. He also called for better management from publishers when dealing with retailers and retail variant covers. "Everyone is trying to one up the other guy because the shelf life on these comics is so small. Publishers need to do better."
Despite his disappointment, Liefeld is looking forward to the many new projects he has in the works. "I love crafting & drawing stories, I have a full plate of projects I’m currently into. I’ll just double on the next. No hard feelings. Don’t feel bad for me, I’m happy with all the great opportunities ahead. Carry on!," he concluded.
While Liefeld is no longer working on the project, Archie Comics has not yet officially canceled the comic, which is set to debut in shops in June. Liefeld was set to provide the script, main cover and a variant cover, along with art with Jack Morelli, for the first issue. However, it is unclear how far along the comic was in production before Liefeld left.
Created by Jerry Siegel, Paul Reinman and Mike Sekowsky, the Mighty Crusaders debuted in 1965's Fly-Man #31. The new four-issue series will be made up of four one-shots, with each one focusing on a member of the classic superhero team. The first issue will focus on The Shield.
The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1, by Rob Liefeld, goes on sale in June 2021 from Archie Comics.
Source: Facebook