Comic Book Confidential

Comic Book Confidential


Starring:Lynda Barry, Charles Burns, Sue Coe, Robert Crumb, Will Eisner, Al Feldstein, Shary Flenniken, William M. Gaines, Bill Griffith, Jaime Hernández (III), Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, Stan Lee, Paul Mavrides, Frank Miller (II), Victor Moscoso, Françoise Mouly, Dan O'Neill, Harvey Pekar, Gilbert Shelton
Director: Ron Mann
Studio: Homevision
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
As Kevin Smith observes in his 2002 introduction to the DVD, Ron Mann's 1989 documentary Comic Book Confidential hasn't lost a bit of its relevance. It emerged as comics were enjoying a popular renaissance, when Frank Miller was redefining the Batman mythos in the mainstream, and scores of independent artists found their unique voices in the burgeoning aftermath of the underground comix explosion of the '60s and early '70s. Mann's irreverent sensibilities are perfectly suited to this graphically kinetic history of comic books from the early '30s to the late '80s, itself presented as a graphic hybrid of comic art, archival footage, and lively interviews. All of the major players are included from each era, and Mann's masterstroke--having latter-day comics innovators read from their work--makes for some delicious storytelling straight from the source. Stories from each featured artist are included as another DVD bonus, making this a must-have document for any serious devotee of the medium. --Jeff Shannon
Description
Award winning director Ron Mann's (Grass, Twist) loving, comic-book-style homage provides the inside scoop on one of the most colorful and popular of all American art forms. From the fantastic adventures of superheroes Spiderman, Captain America, and Batman to the realism of American Splendor, from the terror of Tales from the Crypt to the sophisticated commentary of Maus and the pure insanity of MAD, Comic Book Confidential treats comics with the esteem they deserve.
Comic Book Confidential
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The best comic book documentary on DVD
  • CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF COMIC BOOKS
  • Ron Mann's COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL
  • a wonderful, nostalgic ode to the funny pages!
  • The Best Comic Book Documentary
 Comic Book Confidential
Starring: Lynda Barry , Charles Burns , Sue Coe , Robert Crumb , and Will Eisner
Director: Ron Mann
Manufacturer: Homevision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:
  1. Time Machine - Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked (History Channel)
  2. Stan Lee's Mutants, Monsters & Marvels
  3. The Confessions of Robert Crumb
  4. How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way
  5. Comic Book - The Movie

ASIN: B000067IY3
Release Date: 2002-07-23

Amazon.com

As Kevin Smith observes in his 2002 introduction to the DVD, Ron Mann's 1989 documentary Comic Book Confidential hasn't lost a bit of its relevance. It emerged as comics were enjoying a popular renaissance, when Frank Miller was redefining the Batman mythos in the mainstream, and scores of independent artists found their unique voices in the burgeoning aftermath of the underground comix explosion of the '60s and early '70s. Mann's irreverent sensibilities are perfectly suited to this graphically kinetic history of comic books from the early '30s to the late '80s, itself presented as a graphic hybrid of comic art, archival footage, and lively interviews. All of the major players are included from each era, and Mann's masterstroke--having latter-day comics innovators read from their work--makes for some delicious storytelling straight from the source. Stories from each featured artist are included as another DVD bonus, making this a must-have document for any serious devotee of the medium. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Award winning director Ron Mann's (Grass, Twist) loving, comic-book-style homage provides the inside scoop on one of the most colorful and popular of all American art forms. From the fantastic adventures of superheroes Spiderman, Captain America, and Batman to the realism of American Splendor, from the terror of Tales from the Crypt to the sophisticated commentary of Maus and the pure insanity of MAD, Comic Book Confidential treats comics with the esteem they deserve.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best comic book documentary on DVD.......2005-03-10

I have an old laserdisc copy of this documentary and can vouch for its quality.

While it's NOT a complete history of comics, it's a good summary for people who want to learn general comic book history and become familiar with some of the great names in comic book history.

I'm glad to hear that the extras which existed on the LD edition have been ported to the DVD version. People will enjoy the comics extras and be transported back in time to when these concepts and characters were new while reading the old comics.

Recently, the History Channel aired its own documentary on superheroes, but the older Comic Book Confidential still blows the newer documentary away. To top it off, the History Channel has only offered a DVD-R of its program and if anybody is familiar with DVD-Rs, you know they aren't as professionally produced as a standard DVD and lack the chapter stops and extras most of us expect as standard requirements for a GOOD DVD!

4 out of 5 stars CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF COMIC BOOKS.......2004-10-25

Comic Book Confidential is one of the best documentaries on comics and has a timeless feel about it. Made in 1989, it remains relevant over time. Generally, it's a historical rather than a 'confidential' look at the medium. But it is so well executed that one has to admire Mann's witty, creative and heartfelt approach. I've seen a few other documentaries on the subject and few 'feel' as personal.

However, as this IS a vast subject, Ron does run out of time, leaving one begging for a sequel. We see snippets of the late Jack Kirby, and you find yourself wanting to see more of the man. Ditto for the other creators.

The documentary leans heavily towards the underground and more adult aspect of comics rather than the men-in-tights superhero genre so be prepared. If you're expecting to see an extensive in-depth explication of Batman, this is not the documentary to watch. If you want an overview of American comic book culture and a peek into its varied nuances, Comic Book Confidential is for you.

5 out of 5 stars Ron Mann's COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL.......2004-01-26

A nice and unusually accessible introduction to an exciting artform. Yes, don't confuse this with THE MASTERS OF COMIC BOOK ART, hosted by Harlan Ellison. Two very different videos! I got so much from MANN'S documentary that, given the steady infusion of strong talent into this art medium hence ( Fantagraphics' catalog, Drawn & Quarterly Publications and others), I wish there was a sequel! Oh well... the print medium, whether words or drawings or a combination of the two, is too slow and quiet to get a lot of screen time, so this may be IT! Check it out. It's informative and fun!

4 out of 5 stars a wonderful, nostalgic ode to the funny pages!.......2003-03-26

This is a great introduction to the history of comic books and graphic novels. Anyone looking for an indepth study should just avoid this documentary as it is really targeted at the newcomer. And yet for hardcore fans of the old classics, this is worth a look as well -- if only to see and hear great artists like Jack Kirby and Will Eisner reading from their works.

The film is a little rough around the edges technique-wise but this gives it a certain low budget charm. There is also a whimsical sense of humour that really works well.

My only gripe is that Ron Mann didn't interview Alan Moore! A huge omission, in my opinion. That, and I wish he would've had more of Frank Miller but that's a minor quibble at best.

Definitely worth a look if you are interested in the history of comic books.

5 out of 5 stars The Best Comic Book Documentary.......2002-07-22

Some reviewers may be confusing "Comic Book Confidential" with "Masters of Comic Book Art," a 1987 video that profiles Eisner, Kurtzman, Kirby, Ditko, Adams, Wrightson, Moebius, Miller, Sim, and Spiegelman--and is indeed hosted by Harlan Ellison. "Comic Book Confidential" is NOT hosted by Harlan Ellison and is not shot in a boring, banal manner. It's a terrific movie movie, much in the spirit of "Crumb." It was also released, once upon a time, in the CD-ROM format, copies of which may still be available.
Comic Book Confidential
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The best comic book documentary on DVD
  • CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF COMIC BOOKS
  • Ron Mann's COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL
  • a wonderful, nostalgic ode to the funny pages!
  • The Best Comic Book Documentary
 Comic Book Confidential
Starring: Lynda Barry , Charles Burns , Sue Coe , Robert Crumb , and Will Eisner
Director: Ron Mann
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GenresGenres | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
( C )( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
Similar Items:
  1. Time Machine - Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked (History Channel)
  2. Stan Lee's Mutants, Monsters & Marvels
  3. The Confessions of Robert Crumb
  4. How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way
  5. Comic Book - The Movie

ASIN: B00007JGGK

Amazon.com

As Kevin Smith observes in his 2002 introduction to the DVD, Ron Mann's 1989 documentary Comic Book Confidential hasn't lost a bit of its relevance. It emerged as comics were enjoying a popular renaissance, when Frank Miller was redefining the Batman mythos in the mainstream, and scores of independent artists found their unique voices in the burgeoning aftermath of the underground comix explosion of the '60s and early '70s. Mann's irreverent sensibilities are perfectly suited to this graphically kinetic history of comic books from the early '30s to the late '80s, itself presented as a graphic hybrid of comic art, archival footage, and lively interviews. All of the major players are included from each era, and Mann's masterstroke--having latter-day comics innovators read from their work--makes for some delicious storytelling straight from the source. Stories from each featured artist are included as another DVD bonus, making this a must-have document for any serious devotee of the medium. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best comic book documentary on DVD.......2005-03-10

I have an old laserdisc copy of this documentary and can vouch for its quality.

While it's NOT a complete history of comics, it's a good summary for people who want to learn general comic book history and become familiar with some of the great names in comic book history.

I'm glad to hear that the extras which existed on the LD edition have been ported to the DVD version. People will enjoy the comics extras and be transported back in time to when these concepts and characters were new while reading the old comics.

Recently, the History Channel aired its own documentary on superheroes, but the older Comic Book Confidential still blows the newer documentary away. To top it off, the History Channel has only offered a DVD-R of its program and if anybody is familiar with DVD-Rs, you know they aren't as professionally produced as a standard DVD and lack the chapter stops and extras most of us expect as standard requirements for a GOOD DVD!

4 out of 5 stars CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF COMIC BOOKS.......2004-10-25

Comic Book Confidential is one of the best documentaries on comics and has a timeless feel about it. Made in 1989, it remains relevant over time. Generally, it's a historical rather than a 'confidential' look at the medium. But it is so well executed that one has to admire Mann's witty, creative and heartfelt approach. I've seen a few other documentaries on the subject and few 'feel' as personal.

However, as this IS a vast subject, Ron does run out of time, leaving one begging for a sequel. We see snippets of the late Jack Kirby, and you find yourself wanting to see more of the man. Ditto for the other creators.

The documentary leans heavily towards the underground and more adult aspect of comics rather than the men-in-tights superhero genre so be prepared. If you're expecting to see an extensive in-depth explication of Batman, this is not the documentary to watch. If you want an overview of American comic book culture and a peek into its varied nuances, Comic Book Confidential is for you.

5 out of 5 stars Ron Mann's COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL.......2004-01-26

A nice and unusually accessible introduction to an exciting artform. Yes, don't confuse this with THE MASTERS OF COMIC BOOK ART, hosted by Harlan Ellison. Two very different videos! I got so much from MANN'S documentary that, given the steady infusion of strong talent into this art medium hence ( Fantagraphics' catalog, Drawn & Quarterly Publications and others), I wish there was a sequel! Oh well... the print medium, whether words or drawings or a combination of the two, is too slow and quiet to get a lot of screen time, so this may be IT! Check it out. It's informative and fun!

4 out of 5 stars a wonderful, nostalgic ode to the funny pages!.......2003-03-26

This is a great introduction to the history of comic books and graphic novels. Anyone looking for an indepth study should just avoid this documentary as it is really targeted at the newcomer. And yet for hardcore fans of the old classics, this is worth a look as well -- if only to see and hear great artists like Jack Kirby and Will Eisner reading from their works.

The film is a little rough around the edges technique-wise but this gives it a certain low budget charm. There is also a whimsical sense of humour that really works well.

My only gripe is that Ron Mann didn't interview Alan Moore! A huge omission, in my opinion. That, and I wish he would've had more of Frank Miller but that's a minor quibble at best.

Definitely worth a look if you are interested in the history of comic books.

5 out of 5 stars The Best Comic Book Documentary.......2002-07-22

Some reviewers may be confusing "Comic Book Confidential" with "Masters of Comic Book Art," a 1987 video that profiles Eisner, Kurtzman, Kirby, Ditko, Adams, Wrightson, Moebius, Miller, Sim, and Spiegelman--and is indeed hosted by Harlan Ellison. "Comic Book Confidential" is NOT hosted by Harlan Ellison and is not shot in a boring, banal manner. It's a terrific movie movie, much in the spirit of "Crumb." It was also released, once upon a time, in the CD-ROM format, copies of which may still be available.

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