A Movie Poop Shoot special report:
"Comic book fans/creators rejoice, we now have our own documentary."
Scenes from the Small Press: Mainstream Raw DVD *
Review by D.J. Coffman
April 11, 2003
Thirsty? Hey, pull up a barstool and order your old pal Frank Miller a beer. Hear Frank Miller (BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, SIN CITY) passionately discuss all sorts of things about censorship, the government, the comic books...and casually damning any cell phone that goes off. Then quickly fly your ass to New York, get on the roof of Marvel Comics and have a open-aired discussion with Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada about everything -- the origin or Marvel Knights, his days struggling around trying to make it, how Brian Bendis got hired.... When you're done there, stumble across Evan Dorkin and friends as they discuss the state of independent comics, cheesy gimmicks, sex and retailers. If that isn't enough for your day, pull up a booth with your uncle Matt Wagner and hear some great stories about crazed fans looking for Excalibur, forged letters to editors and take a note on how to stay sane while having a career drawing comics.
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In SCENES FROM THE SMALL PRESS: MAINSTREAM RAW, comic creator Rich Henn (TIMESPELL) has delivered the perfect raw documentary of the comic industry. I hear tell that he's collected over 45 hours of footage over the past few years. In this installment, it's like some of the choice cuts of the cattle. He also managed to catch comic book history as Frank Miller gave his introduction speech at the 2001 Harvey Awards in Pittsburgh, in which he decided to tear up a WIZARD Magazine and call it a tapeworm—plus, in that speech, he delivers what I feel is a powerful message to any independent comic creators, or those with "Hollywood dreams.” Sometimes as the interviews or discussions go on, you feel like you're there, at the bar with Frank, in the lobby with Dorkin, having lunch with Wagner---just chatting it up about what you and you're friends usually talk about. More than that, though, the information, advice and personal stories archived on this film are just intimate and priceless.
Bottom line, this 2-hour DVD is a must-have for anyone who loves comics and or the people who make them. It's also a must have for working independents and aspiring professionals as it spews forth the wisdom of the ages and experience these guys have had. Just about every topic that's ever discussed in a dark backroom, or at a convention lobby bar, you'll find it here, and you'll find it valuable and entertaining. For more information on how to get your hands on a copy, visit your local comic shop, or skip all that jazz and go directly to Rich's site, www.timespell.com.
you can view the trailer now online here.
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