I do want to respond to one thing he wrote regarding requests to close this thread.

So what, repress freedom of speech in a forum that was designed to foster this form of discussion…

This is an “open” forum only to the extent that those wanting to join in the conversation are willing to obey the rules of the community – first and for most – use your first and last name.
Since it is obvious that Ilf and others were not willing to abide by our standards, their comments were deleted and any future comments will be moderated.

http://www.gocomics.com/features/4/feature_items/412616

Perhaps you can check your site statistics. Have you seen a sudden increase in traffic arriving through search terms related to this article or a link from a specific forum?

Couldn’t have said it better.

I agree with Joe. Give it time. I look back on where my own characters started and I cringe. It takes time to find a groove and a comfort level, but it always happens.

I completely agree. There is always a natural change in drawing styles in all comic strips. That is acceptable because it happens over the course of years, not a day. I’m not familiar with the Dick Tracy transition, but I’m guessing it was before the advent of blogs and public forums where people could complain so openly. I suspect the reaction would have been similar.

My “don’t touch the comics” line was not to be taken as a dis’ on the talent of Rob (or Brian), but a comment on the reaction by readers. Drop their comic, alter the drawing style, change the format and they come unglued.

Knowing Rob’s ability, I’m positive this strip will excel with him at the helm.

Generally true, but subjective. Look at “Dick Tracy”…classic Gould vs. Dick Locher. Noticeable differences, but done with a respect to the original.
Other strips that changed artists went through a gradual transformation. Heck, even “Garfield” changed over time. Other legacy strips I suspect have to be a composite of tracings of earlier panels until the new artist gets the groove.
Give it time.