HOOKED ON COMIX

Hooked on Comix Vol. 2 review ....

2012-02-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

Two-in-One Review: Hooked on Comix Vol. 2
http://www.thefourthrail.com/features/1202/hookedoncomix.shtml
Randy:
Anyone who doesn't believe that comics are an artform need only look at the crossover between the creators and afficianados of the form into other media, and how prevalent that is. There are any number of comic-book creators who are also independent filmmakers or musicians, and David Moore has combined a love of comics with a skill of directing documentaries to create a riveting documentary called Hooked on Comix.
Don:
This half-hour video is the second volume of Hooked on Comics. The first, released in the mid 1990s, featured such creators as Daniel Clowes, Gilbert & Jaime Hernandez and Julie Doucet. This time around, Moore takes us into the homes and minds of a sextet of indy comics creators.

Hooked on Comix Vol. 2 Directed by David P. Moore
Featuring Ivan Brunetti, Charise Mericle, Chris Ware, Archer Prewitt, Jessical Abel & Terry LaBan

Randy:
I've gotta be honest, I approached the viewing of this at first like I would a book report back in my school days, feeling like it was more of an obligation than something I could do for fun. Not because I didn't think I'd enjoy the video, but because watching anything with a critical eye is less fun than just sitting down to watch it. Within a few minutes, however, I was captivated, as Moore has a quirky and light style that conveys the feel of independent comics through film, and the entire video is infused with the unusual and artistic personalities behind these comics, some of which I knew and some of which I didn't.
Don:
I don't think I was quite as enthralled as you were, but I was intrigued by the personalities of the six cartoonists. In addition to their chosen medium of expression, they all have something else in common: they have perspectives of the world around them that one might describe as being outside of the norm. But at the same time, Moore spotlights the variety of motivations and emotions that drive them to create.
Randy:
My wife and I watch a lot of shows on the Food Network, History Channel and Discovery Channel, and Moore's work is right in that vein. With some basic but clever graphics and absolutely terrific music, the video really moves along, and the half-hour went by before I knew it. The structure of Hooked on Comix is basically divided by artist, rather than by topic or timeline or anything like that, and so it's very clear that what Moore is doing is giving six different viewpoints on one subject, rather than showing a "day in the life" of the artists or conducting a series of interviews that are woven together to make a single point. The structure is fairly open, and while you get a sense of the invisible interviewer in the way some of the creators talk, obviously responding to questions about their routine, what they feel is comics role, why they chose comics, etc., in general it feels like we were invited to take a look at the lives and homes of these artists.
Don:
The music and editing keep the documentary hopping along, but the quality of the filmmaking itself didn't do much for me. This is low-budget stuff, and at first, that's what drew my attetion. The staged day-in-life scenes with Brunetti are particularly awkward. Fortunately, the personalities of the six subjects soon eclipse the rough edges of the filmmaking itself.
Randy:
One thing that struck me right off the bat about the creators showcased in this documentary was how unusual and interesting their workspaces (and living spaces) are. Whether it's Ivan Brunetti's sort of basic urban living style, with classic art and a bright blue classic type shower curtain, Charise Mericle's unusual puppet-theater type gadgets and other items of kitsch or Chris Ware's space which echoes the hyper-detailed backgrounds he puts into his comics, each of these creators has a work and living space that reflects who they are. I was also impressed that Moore manages to convey the different comic styles of the creators using video, showing one panel at a time to give the sense of reading some of the comics and giving an overview of the comics with a sort of montage feel, so that even those not familiar with these creators before would have a sense of their work upon viewing the video.
Don:
I was particularly interested in Brunetti and how his dark personality and clear self-esteem issues have so colored his comics work. There's a brutal honesty in his personal storytelling... so brutal as to be disturbing. He says the nasty things all of us think of from time to time, but that we all keep to ourselves in order to fit in. After only a few minutes, I actually pitied Brunetti, but envied his ongoing drive to give his emotions form.
Randy:
This is not a video strictly for the established fanbase of these creators, but instead a video for those who have any interest in the artistic process behind comics. And I must admit that seeing this video gave me a desire to seek out the work of these creators and in at least one case, to revisit the work of one creator who I didn't like at first but whose detail and artistic strengths really stood out in this context, making me re-evaluate my original take.
Don:
If there's one outstanding problem with Hooked on Comix, it's that the director and his subjects hook the viewer only to release them far too quickly. The half-hour flies by, and there's so much more to said about the comics field, the stigma of the medium and what makes someone look to comics to express themselves.
Randy:
I did wish at times that Moore had gone a bit longer with Hooked on Comix; I would have happily watched another hour of these creators discussing issues, and I also would have killed for a short segment where they were all brought together in the same place to discuss the topic, as I think that would have been fascinating. Fortunately for me, there is a Hooked on Comix Volume One, and even better, a DVD is planned which will contain both volumes next year. I expect that DVD will find its way into my collection soon after its release.

Hooked for Life!

2012-02-03T09:01:00.001-08:00

http://www.fantagraphics.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Hooked-for-Life.html&Itemid=113

Hooked for Life!

Written by Larry Reid
Those of you lucky enough to be in Seattle this weekend be sure to drop by Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on Saturday, September 3. You'll be among the first in the nation to screen "Hooked on Comix 3." Los Angeles filmmakers Audrey Mandelbaum and David P. Moore have been documenting the masters of alternative comix at the peak of their prowess since 1993. Meet these exceptional filmmakers and see the latest installment of this truly wonderful documentary series, which features Dame Darcy and Tony Millionaire, two of Fantagraphics' most talented and eccentric cartoonists. The film will run continuously between noon and 3:00 PM. As an added incentive to attend — (like you need one) — we'll be offering 20% off on all books by the two stars on the film, all day long.

Hooked on Comix mentioned in Seattle Weekly!

2012-02-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

Poodles and Haters

Fantagraphics marks three storied decades of Seattle cartooning.

By Brian Miller Wednesday, Sep 1 2010

"In Chicago, at a signing I get like 10 people. In Seattle, it's like 2,000." So says cartoonist Dan Clowes in the 1994 documentary Hooked on Comix, Vol. 1. The film will be screening on continuous loop in the Olympic Room this weekend, part of an exhibit organized by Fantagraphics Books called "Counterculture Comix: A 30-Year Survey of Seattle Alternative Cartoonists."

"Counterculture Comix" will be on view from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday–Monday in the Olympic Room.

As much as for coffee or indie rock, Seattle has long been a national center for creative, and cynical, cartooning. Even before the grunge boom helped artists like Peter Bagge, Jim Woodring, and Pat Moriarty gain national exposure, there was a late-'60s flowering of the form—the Northwest children of Robert Crumb, if you will.

Larry Reid, who joined Fantagraphics in 1992 and today runs its bookstore/gallery in Georgetown, cites the example of the late Walt Crowley, who, before becoming a prominent journalist and historian, was a cartoonist at The Helix, which published from 1967–70. Why did Crowley eventually trade his pen for a typewriter? "He was a great artist," says Reid, "but he wasn't fast enough."
By contrast, a prolific powerhouse trio emerged from The Evergreen State College in the late '70s: Charles Burns (whose acclaimed graphic novel Black Hole was inspired by his teen years at Roosevelt High School), Matt Groening (future creator of The Simpsons), and Lynda Barry (perhaps best known for her 1988 novel The Good Times Are Killing Me, later made into a musical play).

The Bumbershoot show covers a period beginning in 1980, when, Reid recalls, "a cartoonist could live on air. I graduated from college and opened an art gallery in Pioneer Square. Kids can't do that now." (Well, maybe not in Pioneer Square, but kids are opening them elsewhere.) At that time, Burns and Groening had left the Northwest, but were contributing from afar. Groening's soon-to-be-famous strip Life in Hell ran in The Rocket. Burns' work in the Art Spiegelman magazine RAW led to Fantagraphics publishing his Big Baby and other titles.

But it was Barry who became the city's alt-comics star. She began a regular strip, Ernie Pook's Comeek, in Seattle Weekly in 1986. And her first books, collecting that strip and others, were published by Real Comet Press, run by Comet Tavern owner Cathy Hillenbrand. Her Poodle With a Mohawk poster became a snarling local icon during the Reagan/Angry Housewives era.

Barry left Seattle in 1989 but continues her art; her latest graphic novel, What It Is, recently won an Eisner Award. After looking back through his archives—and Fantagraphics' and some private collections—Reid declares, "The biggest surprise is how well Lynda Barry's stuff stands up...not cute or trivial or girly." (Poodle and many other of her works will be on display this weekend.)

Then came grunge. Peter Bagge recalls with a chuckle in Hooked on Comix that "I've been able to ride on the city's coattails." He's being too modest, of course: His bitter, wayward rocker-wannabe character Buddy in Hate is almost as much a grunge icon as Kurt Cobain. (The exhibit's wall text quotes a 1992 Seattle Weekly story by Bruce Barcott that said: "Twenty years from now, when people want to know what it was like to be young in 1990s Seattle, the only record we'll have is Peter Bagge's Hate.")

Bagge was among many local cartoonists employed by Sub Pop and other labels to do posters and album covers for suddenly national bands. The exposure helped everyone, Fantagraphics included. "The counterculture reached a critical mass," recalls Reid, who lauds "how integrated those disciples were—comix, music, and graphics" during that boom. "Cartoonists not just satirized or documented, but really informed the grunge movement."

Nearly 20 years later, the productive collision of Seattle's graphic-arts and music scenes can still be seen on any light post or telephone pole on Capitol Hill. From the younger generation, work by Megan Kelso (Artichoke Tales) and Ellen Forney (I Love Led Zeppelin) will also be on view, along with some 300 drawings, artworks, and posters.

And lest you dread squinting at tiny wall panels, Reid promises "posters and paintings—not just little stuff."

Several artists will be on hand, including David Lasky, whose Bureau of Drawers collective will provide cartooning demonstrations and instruction (as will Friends of the Nib). Vol. 2 of the Hooked on Comix documentary series, made in 2002, will also be screened; and director David P. Moore will attend to show his in-progress Hooked on Comix Vol. 3.

Unlike at Flatstock, however, nothing will be for sale.

bmiller@seattleweekly.com

Interview wth the Director ... ahhh ...interesting????

2011-10-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

http://comicsforge.com/2011/09/hooked-on-comix-3-interview-at-fantagraphics-seattle/

Hooked on Comix 3 sneak peek at Fantagraphics bookstore ...

2011-10-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.fantagraphics.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Hooked-On-Hooked-On-Comix.html&Itemid=113

Hooked on Bumbershoot!

2010-09-07T10:42:00.001-07:00

Hooked at Bumbershoot review Seattle Weekly

Fantagraphics Books review at Bumbershoot

Hooked On Comix.com!

2010-08-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

HookedOnComix.com

Live page to order Hooked on Comix I or Hooked on Comix II !!!!!

Top 10 Comic Book Documentaries - Hooked on Comix #7!

2010-08-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Comic Book Documentaries
craveonline Iann Robinson

Most older comic book fans are not just interested in reading comics; they also want to learn about the medium. Over the years many comic book documentaries have been released covering everything from the heyday to the dark times and all ages in between. I’ve compiled what I feel are the ten best comic book documentaries. Most of these are available either at your local video store, online or through the dark underbelly of bootlegs. Being the time of giving if any of our readers can think of one I forgot please let me know.

10. Comic Books Unbound

This is the newest and most current documentary about comics and it’s a pretty good one. Instead of looking simply at the history of comics CBU looks in depth at the influence comic books have had on movies. From the early serials to The Dark Knight this documentary has it all.

Interviews include Guillermo Del Toro, Stan Lee, Neal Adams, Ron Perlman, Mike Mignola, Paul Pope, Jim Steranko and a host of others. One of the best sections is when Roger Corman explains the origin of the little seen Corman Fantastic Four. Really amazing stuff.

09. Look, Up In The Sky! The Amazing Story Of Superman

Even if you don’t like superhero comics there is no denying the historical importance of Superman. This hugely entertaining and informative documentary traces every single step of the Superman legacy. Going back before his creation to tell the story of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster who first thought of and created the Man Of Steel.

Narrated by Kevin Spacey Look Up In The Sky features interviews with folks from Superman’s TV days, comic book writers and artists who worked on him, Richard Donner and the others who brought the Superman to life through movies and new TV shows, this has everything. It literally takes you right up to the door of Superman Returns, which was the last real movement in the Superman pop culture phenomenon. This is the kind of documentary you can watch with your dad and he’ll fucking dig it too.

08. Frank Frazetta: Painting With Fire

Anybody who loves Frank Frazetta must own this documentary and those who don’t know him should run out and buy it. A really comprehensive look back at the career of one of not just comic books but art’s great talents. Detailed interviews and archival footage show his rise from nobody painter to the man behind the art of Conan to one of the modern masters.

This film not only shows who Frazetta is but also how his style grew and changed over the years. One of my favorite sections is when Frazetta sits talking to the camera during an interview while painting this incredible painting. Very inspiring and simply a must have.

07. Hooked On Comix: Life On The Cutting Edge Of An All-American Artform

This documentary released in the mid-nineties chronicles the re-birth of the independent comic book movement. These are the people that took the reigns from Crumb, Spain, Harvey Pekar and others to make sure that the independent spirit didn’t crumble or die. Hooked On Comix features interviews with Peter Bagge (Hate Comics), Daniel Clowes (Ghost World), Roberta Gregory (Naughty Bits), Jamie Hernandez (Love And Rockets), and a dozen more major talents in the world of comic books. The interviews are very relaxed and informative as well as very honest.

This film shows the ups and downs of being an indie comic artist not willing to deal with the big two of DC and Marvel. Getting by on talent, gumption and a belief in what they are creating these artists show why they are the future of the medium.

06. The Mindscape Of Alan Moore

Only recently released in the states this documentary is everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the man behind The Watchmen, V For Vendetta, The Killing Joke and so many other comic book classics. There is nothing on this two-hour plus DVD than Alan Moore discussing everything from his start in comics to his love of magic.

There are no bells and whistles; in fact the camera never seems to move. I say this only to warn you that this is for the die hard Alan Moore fans who love the idea of sitting and watching the man talk about himself and his craft. Personally I loved it and have watched it several times. There are friends of mine who hated every minute so go figure.

Health Top Tips Nutrition Love Lifestyle Happiness Weight Loss

05. Comic Book Heroes Unmasked

The History Channel rolled this two-hour documentary out to coincide with the release of League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen the movie. Though that dates it this is still a kick ass film that goes incredibly in-depth to the world of Superheroes and their origins. Interviews with everyone from Frank Miller to Joe Quesada to Steranko to Stan Lee outline the history of comics from simple strips in the 30s to the massive juggernaut they are now.

To me this is the “training wheels” documentary that all new comic fans should get. It’s extremely detailed but done so in a very accessible way allowing even the newest comic book fan to enjoy it.

04: Crumb

To me R. Crumb is the most important man to come out of the underground comic book scene since its inception. This documentary is a fucking ball buster in its unflinching look at the man warts and all. Watching Crumb talk with his two brothers is some of the most heartbreaking stuff I have ever bore witness to.

The camera becomes almost non-existent as it follows Crumb through his days dealing with his son, fans and his time just spent sitting around drawing. If you’re a huge Crumb fan like myself or you’re new to his brilliance, you’ll love this documentary. Inspiring, depressing and packed with more drama than any big Hollywood movie this is an incredible story of an incredible artist.

03. In Search Of Steve Ditko

Is there anybody out there that isn’t a fan of Steve Ditko? The legend behind the original art of Spider-Man Ditko is a legend, an enigma and a bonafide genius. Having walked away from Spider-Man and comics at large Ditko remains a talent shrouded in mystery. This documentary tries to pick apart the mystery and find the man behind the work. Funny, touching and often exhilarating this is one of my favorite documentaries not just about comics but ever.

The only issue with this is that is was made for BBC Television so finding an American compatible version is next to impossible. You can get bootlegs and I suggest you do. If not you can find it on the Internet if you do some digging. However you get it, make sure you check it out.

02: Comic Book Confidential

This is the bible of underground comic books and their history. Starting with the first true independent comic company EC Comics and taking us up through the mid-eighties hey day this documentary is a treasure to love for all time. Interviews with everybody from Jack Kirby to Harvey Kurtzman to Crumb to Harvey Pekar and on down the list this is as close to perfect as you’ll ever find a comic book film.

The DVD features an intro by Kevin Smith (which I fast forwarded through) as well as a physical comic book featuring art from everybody represented in the film. If I had one complaint it’s that this is so filled with artists it doesn’t allow for enough depth for me. That being said anybody with a need to understand comic books must own this.

01: Masters Of Comic Book Art

It was a tough call between this and Comic Book Confidential for first place but I had to go with Masters Of Comic Book Art for a few reasons. First off Harlan Ellison who is so unintentionally funny when he tries to be off the cuff you find yourself laughing out loud hosts it. I was also attracted to the fact that the finite amount of artists it covers lets the documentary be incredibly in-depth. MOCBA includes Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Neal Adams, Bernie Wrightson, Moebius, Frank Miller, Dave Sim and Art Spiegelman.

Everyone represented here is a giant in the industry and this format allows them to talk frankly and in depth about their lives and inspirations. This documentary is worth it simply for Ditko’s section, which doesn’t show the man but plays a recorded message of him reading some kind of life mission. Sadly this is only available on VHS but it’s well worth it.

OK so there you have it, my list of the ten best comic book documentaries out there. They may be hard to find but they’re worth every second of looking. Whether a comic book fan yourself or trying to find something for the comic book fan you love any and all of these will do you right.

Hooked on Comix screening in Seattle!

2010-05-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hooked on Comix will be screened at this year's Bumbershoot Festival in my home town - Seattle!

September 4-6 at the Seattle Center

Hooked on Comix 3 - Clip!

2010-02-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

A quick clip from the opening of Hooked 3 with Dame Darcy and Tony Millionaire!

Hooked on Comix Can Now Be Downloaded!!!

2007-02-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

Hooked on Comix Volume 1 & 2 can now be downloaded from Amazon! Go to the Unbox link at Amazon.com or click on this link: http://www.amazon.com/

2nd Dame Darcy Shoot ...

2007-01-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Peter (the DP for Hooked Vol. 3) and I did another interview with Dame Darcy. This time we had her play and sing some old folk songs on her saw and banjo. We also went to an area of Los Angeles that Dame Darcy knew to shoot some exterior stuff. Overall the shoot went well and we got some funny, weird, and interesting footage.

Dame Darcy Shoot Details ...

2006-10-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

I interviewed Dame Darcy yesterday afternoon. Peter West helped out shooting and setting up a green screen. We used the green screen so I could edit/key her into a doll house background. DD came up with the idea and I went along with it. We didn't finish all of the shooting, so another shoot date will be scheduled. We might shoot in a park near her house where she says there is a giant mushroom she can sit on!

Tony Millionaire after interview thoughts ...

2006-09-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

I interviewed Tony Millionaire today ... Tony was very informative on his process of cartooning. And in his own words was "a bucket of joy" during the shoot.

This was the first shoot for Hooked on Comix 3, and all went well ... time for a drinky drink!

Thanks to Peter West, Director of Photography for DPeeing the shoot. I can finally direct, instead of self-directing (I did camera and directed on the two previous volumes).

Interview with Tony next week ...

2006-09-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

I visited Tony Millionaire at his house and studio last week in Pasadena. His studio is filled with old paintings painted by relatives of his family (one newer painting by Dame Darcy), stuffed animal heads, and various old world curio. He showed me some recent animation he has been working on too. We didn't meet long because his daughter had to go to school. We'll be spending a good amount of time interviewing him ... should be interesting.

The shoot is next week, so things are moving forward.

Shooting soon with Dame Darcy!

2006-09-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

I met with Dame Darcy earlier this week to go over the details and scout her studio for shooting and lighting needs. Her place is extravagantly decorated with her paintings and hand painted wall decorations. We will probably shoot her interview in the next month because her band Death By Doll will be touring soon. Check her website for current information.

http://www.damedarcy.com

She was very enthused about her new movie project called Gasoline, and we talked about it and other projects for a few hours. She has a derth of information that will be revealed in her interview!

Tony Millionaire will be interviewed for Hooked on Comix 3

2006-08-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Tony Millionaire agreed to be the next amazing cartoonists featured on Hooked on Comix 3.
Go to his website for more info: http://www.maakies.com/contacts.htm

Hooked On Comix Trailers

2006-08-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

Go to: http://www.customflix.com/Store/ShowEStore.jsp?id=209005
and http://www.customflix.com/Store/ShowEStore.jsp?id=209002
to watch Volume 1 and Volume 2 Trailers!

Welcome to the Hooked On Comix Blog!

2006-08-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

I thought it was long over due to start one of these for "Hooked on Comix," so here it is!