WHEN WE FIRST came across this AMC Cable TV 'Reality Series, we sort of shook our cyber-space head and thought that it surely must be the ultimate example of the superfluous. Producer Kevin Smith, who reportedly owns the New Jersey Comics Shop depicted here, surely had introduced an American Original; being the Electronic equivalent of the Vanity Publishing industry.
TIME, HOWEVER NOT only heals all wounds; but can also do a lot to alter ones attitudes. As we tuned in week after week, we discovered that we were becoming increasingly interested in this half hour of frivolous goings on. It seemed that this celluloid 'Joke Book' Anthology was growing on us, just like warts.
THE FACT THAT we were steeped in the tradition of the 'Long Underwear' Super Heroes and Costumed Crime Fighters from periodical publishing companies with names like DC, Marvel, Quality and Radio Comics, did give us a soft place in our hearts for the series. The characters with names such as: Superman, Batmqn, The Flash, Green Lantern, Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man, etc., ranked right up there with TOM SAWYER in our book!
AS WITH ANY other "Reality Series", the pre-recorded version of 'real life' has the advantage of direction, editing, scripting and re-shooting. In short, COMIC BOOK MEN is a dubious reality, at best. Of course, this indictment is not limited to just this series.
INSPITE OF ALL of Mr. Kevin Smith & Company's narcissistic self indulgence and excessive laughter, we do confess that it does serve a purpose and does having "Redeeming Social Value." Its existence serves to remind the world of a Sub-Culture of 4 Color heroes and tales of characters; whose origins, powers and activities are all akin to Legendary heroes, Biblical Epics and Ancient gods and immortals.
TIME, HOWEVER NOT only heals all wounds; but can also do a lot to alter ones attitudes. As we tuned in week after week, we discovered that we were becoming increasingly interested in this half hour of frivolous goings on. It seemed that this celluloid 'Joke Book' Anthology was growing on us, just like warts.
THE FACT THAT we were steeped in the tradition of the 'Long Underwear' Super Heroes and Costumed Crime Fighters from periodical publishing companies with names like DC, Marvel, Quality and Radio Comics, did give us a soft place in our hearts for the series. The characters with names such as: Superman, Batmqn, The Flash, Green Lantern, Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man, etc., ranked right up there with TOM SAWYER in our book!
AS WITH ANY other "Reality Series", the pre-recorded version of 'real life' has the advantage of direction, editing, scripting and re-shooting. In short, COMIC BOOK MEN is a dubious reality, at best. Of course, this indictment is not limited to just this series.
INSPITE OF ALL of Mr. Kevin Smith & Company's narcissistic self indulgence and excessive laughter, we do confess that it does serve a purpose and does having "Redeeming Social Value." Its existence serves to remind the world of a Sub-Culture of 4 Color heroes and tales of characters; whose origins, powers and activities are all akin to Legendary heroes, Biblical Epics and Ancient gods and immortals.