Planet Tyrus – "How DC Comics Lost Its Way"
Podcast: Planet Tyrus
Host: Tyrus (Outkick)
Guest: Gabe Eltaeb (Comic Book Artist, Founder of Big Man Comics)
Release Date: November 25, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the state of modern comic books, with a particular focus on DC Comics and its perceived shift towards "woke" storytelling. Tyrus is joined by Gabe Eltaeb, a longtime comic book artist who left DC Comics over creative and moral differences, especially regarding changes to Superman's character. Together, they explore the intersection of art, personal principle, and contemporary culture wars in the entertainment industry. The conversation covers Gabe's principled exit from DC, the founding of his independent company, their collaboration on "The Unstoppable Tyrus," and reflections on what makes great storytelling.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Gabe Eltaeb’s Background and Stand at DC Comics
[02:29–04:15]
- Gabe worked in comics professionally since 2000 and was at DC Comics from 2007 to 2021, contributing to major franchises like Superman, Batman, Star Wars, and Transformers.
- Discusses the difficulty and risk in leaving a prestigious, secure, high-paying job over creative and ethical disagreements.
"There are more people in the NBA than making comic books… What am I going to do? But the way I was raised…it was about principle."
– Gabe, [04:15]
2. Creative and Moral Disagreements at DC
[03:01–07:51]
- Tyrus and Gabe discuss DC’s initiative to revamp Superman—removing the traditional slogan ("Truth, Justice, and the American Way"), focusing on the sex life of Superman's teenage son, and shifting the character’s identity.
- Both agree young people's stories shouldn't focus on sex, regardless of orientation, especially in material marketed to kids.
"It wasn't so much about him being gay or nonbinary...It was him being underage. Sex, period… that's not why I'm doing comics."
– Gabe, [05:48]
"I thought this was a big story: you willing to walk away…and it wasn't during a time when it was fashionable to take a stand."
– Tyrus, [07:12]
3. The Consequences and Process of Standing Up
[07:51–12:24]
- Gabe describes the personal and professional fallout, including being labeled and nearly blacklisted.
- He fulfilled contractual obligations with DC, using California’s labor laws to ensure fair treatment while maintaining his right to speak out.
- Gabe likens his leap of faith to the "leap of faith" scene in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," emphasizing faith and the power of story to inspire courage in real life.
4. Why Storytelling & Morality Matter in Art
[10:40–13:19]
- The power of story and pattern recognition on the subconscious: art, when executed well—even with an ugly message—can have profound and possibly negative psychological influence.
- Gabe wants to create uplifting stories that inspire courage and hope:
"If we make ugly stories with ugly messages, we hurt people’s lives… I should tell people, you can make it. You can be brave when you’re scared."
– Gabe, [04:15]
5. Independent Projects & Collaboration
[13:19–17:06]
- Gabe’s pivot to creator-owned projects, such as "Truth, Justice, American Way," "Dean Cain: All American Lawman," and his collaboration with Tyrus on "The Unstoppable Tyrus."
- Dean Cain’s support of Gabe post-DC, resulting in a positive partnership:
"Not only is he a good Superman, but he’s an even better person…" – Gabe, [14:10]
- Discussion around the family-friendly values in their comics, their dislike for gratuitous sex, gore, or curse words ("You don't need it." – Tyrus, [16:36]).
6. Reflections on Leaving DC and the Value of Independent Work
[18:39–20:21]
- Gabe acknowledges the sadness over losing friends and connections at DC, but feels creatively and morally fulfilled working for himself.
- Expresses gratitude for the opportunities and relationships that emerged as a result.
"It really is [amazing to work for yourself]…when I was working for DC Comics, it’s not mine…when I'm working on my own, it's my vision."
– Gabe, [19:15]
7. Crafting The Unstoppable Tyrus & The Creative Process
[21:43–26:49]
- Tyrus details the science-nerd inspiration behind the character (horseshoe crab DNA granting unique immunity).
- Gabe breaks down his writing method: starts with the ending, then builds the story to support its moral thesis—drawing inspiration from Joseph Campbell, the classical hero’s journey, and his innate storytelling drive.
"Writing a story is like writing a joke. The punchline is the most important part…Because what a story is when you write it is a thesis."
– Gabe, [24:08]
8. Hollywood's Current Trends and Critique of Remakes
[28:15–33:16]
- Tyrus queries the obsession with remakes and loss of creative risk-taking.
- Gabe posits that it's a function of "resentment-based ideology" (he connects it to the cultural consequences of fatherlessness and leftist ideology), arguing that it’s less about new ideas and more about dismantling existing icons out of resentment.
"It's not about making a gay Batman. It's about ruining the existing one…they look at that beautiful quarterback and cheerleader and they want to hurt them."
– Gabe, [29:31]
9. Introspection, Fatherhood, and Building Character
[34:14–36:07]
- The episode delves into the personal and societal importance of fatherhood and validation, with Gabe sharing personal experiences of growing up fatherless, and Tyrus agreeing on the deep-seated influence this has on worldviews.
"It's a mistake your brain made when you were five…If your parents abuse you…that’s them being selfish. It has nothing to do with your worth."
– Gabe, [35:24]
10. Putting Personal Values into Characters & Story
[36:07–38:46]
- Gabe admits all his characters bear his philosophies—he aims to communicate hope, bravery, and redemption, but never wants to "preach."
"The first goal is to entertain. So it's like that sugar, to help the medicine go down there." – Gabe, [38:46]
11. Comics, Nostalgia, and Collecting
[45:10–46:23]
- Both reminisce about childhood comic collecting, the magic of physical comics, and how Gabe's collecting habits changed due to the industry's direction.
- Gabe now collects art books and classic comics, citing his massive collection as proof of lifelong fandom.
12. End Notes: Where to Find Gabe’s Work
[47:02–48:13]
- Gabe invites listeners to check out BigManComics.com where preview pages for current titles are available free. "The Unstoppable Tyrus" is coming soon, with multiple variant covers planned for its release.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
On Leaving DC:
"When I took that leap of faith, like Indiana Jones, I think God really blessed me for doing that…then I met you, and I met Dean. I've met a lot of good friends that are in the same battle."
– Gabe, [19:15] -
On Creating for Everyone:
"You really don’t need [sex, gore, or cursing]. Look at Indiana Jones… when they want to have a sex scene, they kiss, the lights turn out, you cut to the next scene."
– Gabe, [16:38] -
On Hollywood and Art:
"It's like being an artist and the HR manager standing over your shoulder while you're drawing or writing."
– Gabe, [43:46] -
On Entertainment vs. Preaching:
"I never want anyone to feel lectured... The first goal is to entertain…you're never going to know that you’re getting a sermon."
– Gabe, [38:46]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 02:29 – Gabe’s background with DC & major works
- 05:05 – Superman controversy and why Gabe left
- 07:51 – Fallout and cancel culture experience
- 12:24 – The 'leap of faith' analogy
- 13:19 – New independent comics, working with Dean Cain
- 21:43 – "The Unstoppable Tyrus" inspiration
- 24:08 – Gabe’s writing process (punchlines/endings first)
- 29:31 – Cultural critique of remakes and woke ideology
- 38:46 – Art must entertain before it can teach
- 47:02 – Where to read and buy Big Man Comics’ work
Final Thoughts
This episode moves far beyond nostalgia or industry gossip; it’s a candid exploration of what’s at stake in creative industries during times of cultural upheaval. Both Tyrus and Gabe voice their belief in storytelling as a vehicle for personal responsibility and hope—while decrying art (and corporate mandates) that, in their view, impose divisive or nihilistic messages onto beloved classics. They share a mutual respect for comics as a universal medium and are optimistic about independent alternatives reclaiming creative integrity.
To discover Gabe’s work or preview upcoming releases:
BigManComics.com
Free sample pages available—no signup required.