Comic Book Confidential

I felt the movie "Comic Book Confidential," directed by Ron Mann illustrated the history of comics, and comic book making very well. Approaching each, and every artist, creator, or well known figure related to comics. The very first comics began in 1934, sticking strong till 2011. However the only flaw I seemed to notice throughout the film, is Ron Mann never approached the topic of comics relating to well known novels. There were huge comics relating to Huckleberry Fin, The Odyssey, and Tom Sawyer throughout the later 1930's-1950's. Some comics were even combined stories, such as Huckleberry Fin, and Tom Sawyer. I would've appreciated this film much more if they had gone more into detail about the comics, and less about the creators. The only comics they approached were the well known Superman, and Batman comics (yes very major comics) however hearing more of the unknown comics would have been a little more appealing to me.

I've read comics before, but i'm not an avid comic book reader, and until this film I had no idea of the great history behind comic books. This film is tailored to educate and entertain everyone from the most avid comic book readers to the people that know nothing about comics. The film did a fantastic job at going through the history of comics and hitting on all of the aspects of comic books and comic book writers. I do, however, wish there was more about women's involvement in comics. Comic Book Confidential is filled with great interviews from both well-known and not-so-well-known writers, and is filled with great insight into the rich history of comic books.

Fantastic documentary. It shows portions of the comic book world, behind the scenes that you may or may not have known about until this movie hit the streets. It's a bit like a primer to the less known, forward thinking creator producers that are/were shaping the face of comics.

The chronological/sequential time-line of the show gives you an interesting perspective on the state of comics in all their forms, focusing on the most important aspects of the industry at the time. I also like the way the big 2 are almost a side bar, with comments made about changes and relevant timely issues (Frank Miller talks Batman about the pivotal "Dark Knight Returns")

I highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in sequential art or documentaries for that matter...

Ron Mann's playful documentary works in two ways, first and foremost as an affectionate thumbnail history of comic books and the social attitudes that nurtured them, from the super patriotic fervor of the Second World War to the right-wing paranoia of McCarthyism to the counterculture underground of the '60s and beyond. Elsewhere it's an introduction to almost two-dozen comic artists (the tag cartoonist doesn't do them justice) still plying their trade, all of them misfits, rebels, radicals, and malcontents. Snappy graphics and sample art combine to make the film a colorful celebration of an enduring and popular form of self-expression, with one drawback: most of the highlighted artists could have inspired their own full length feature, and the film simply isn't long enough to examine them individually to the depth they each deserve. Also, parents please note: despite the subject matter this is certainly not a film for children.

Really, my summary line sez it all.

This film does a valiant, necessary job: In its scant 80ish minutes, it gives a passable broad view of the evolution of the comic medium in the U.S.

Take it from me, if you grew up with comics in the 60s thru the 80s, this film covers an impressive array of the essential bases. One of the highlights, to me, is basking in Will Eisner's beautiful visionary mind.

And the other minds you see are lovely variations on that central theme.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Lovely production values, highlighting--just like comics! Fancy that!--the power of wild, middling production values coupled with untrammeled creativity to speak simple, direct truths that touch your heart and free your mind.

Check it out.