Comic Book Confidential

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 (Amazon)