Comic Book Confidential

Rating:
Summary: Ron Mann's COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Super!
Review: Comic Book Confidential is a fun and intelligent look at the history and evolution of comic books, mostly through interviews with some great talents and/or innovators, portraying comic books as the wonderful, subversive, unique 20th century artform that it is.

Unlike most documentaries on comic books, this film does not fall into the trap of focusing on those stereotypical comics (i.e. superhero comics) which usually represent the lowest level of the artform. In fact, the film makes the point that superhero comics would have remained low in popularity if it weren't for the existence of the Comic Book Authority which helped turn the majority of comics into mediocre drivel. The film does note how Stan Lee tried to inject some relevance into superhero titles by turning the characters into human beings, and how others like Frank Miller (with his Dark Knight Returns) have attempted to make artistically valid superhero comics. However, the film is far more concerned with the individual expression of such artists as Robert Crumb, Sue Coe and Paul Mavrides. But even collectors more interested in the mainstream will find much of interest in this documentary.

The film begins with a look at E.C. comics and the backlash created against such titles by Wertham's "Seduction of the Innocent". There is an excerpt from a U.S. government documentary (easily as amazing as the old "duck and cover" how-to-survive-a-nuclear-war documentary) about how reading one 8 page story will turn a child into a homicidal maniac who sticks knives into trees (I'd like to know who gave them weapons in the first place), plus footage of mass comic book burnings reminiscent of the brief Beatles backlash which will break the hearts of most lovers of pre-Code comics. Footage of Congressional investigations into comics (Bill Gaines is shown testifying) also clearly parallels the then-contemporaneous HUAC red scare.

The film then shows how the Comic Code Authority (the industry's Senator McCarthy) was formed and ruined the artform with its contextual blacklist (one of their more racist decisions is shown), and how the Authority was largely abused by some companies in order to destroy their competition, e.g., forcing E.C. to fold with the exception of Mad Magazine which did not fall under the Code's mandate. It then goes into how the underground comix arose as a backlash against both the Code and/or mainstream society and illustrates their vital role as part of the late 1960s counterculture. This is followed by the underground movement's evolution into more artistically meritorious individual expressions (vs. mere backlashes) in such titles as Art Spiegleman's Raw and Los Bros. Hernandez' Love and Rockets. There is also a look at Dan O'Neill's legal problems with Walt Disney and the banning of his Air Pirates comic by a court unfamiliar with artists' rights to create parodies.

Along the way, there are visually exciting montages of comic book art and photographs and films of, e.g., the early 1970s San Fran scene accompanied by lots of great music (jazz, bluegrass, etc.). Also, many of the artists interviewed (Harvey Pekar, Gilbert Shelton, Charles Burns, etc.) do a wonderful job of performing some of their short stories while their artwork is shown on the screen.

This is a thought-provoking film which will have you laughing out loud even while you're learning, and is highly recommended to anyone, whether they just read mainstream comic books or don't read comics at all. Those not already familiar with the best the industry has to offer will be pleasantly surprised.

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Summary: CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF COMIC BOOKS
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: solid base for any education about the art's history
Review: Good, solid, accurate account of one of the few art forms created in the states. Traces history from inception of format through to experimentation with iconography of works of Frank Miller. Almost everyone who has some importance to the field is represented and they actually read some of their work out loud. The Jaime Hernandez part is incredible as the camera follows him drawing and narrating a story upon a board. MUST SEE FOR ANY COMIC BOOK FAN.

Rating:
Summary: For hardcore Comics fans only
Review: I feel compelled to downplay this documentary (heh everything on Amazon gets 4.5 to 5 stars). It's not going to be fun for those not totally enamored with the industry. Some of the interviewees aren't necessarily very important to the medium, and while always ascerbically entertaining, host Harlan Ellison reads from a script in his hand, and the director's style consists of little more than a single camera shot and the most basic editing. You should also know that this documentary is actually about ten years old.

However, for comic enthusiasts the video is worth every penny just to see one of the few video interviews with legend Jack Kirby!

Rating:
Summary: absolutely dreadful.
Review: I think the makers of the E Entertainment Network shows made this movie. It's reported like a tabloid news story with non-informative news. Since Kevin Smith seems to like this movie, you know it must be bad. I'm still looking for a serious documentry on comics and the history behind them and this is not it.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Comic Book Documentary
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: a wonderful, nostalgic ode to the funny pages!
Review: 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.