Comic books are a medium as diverse as movies and encourage more thought than video games. Yet this misunderstood medium has always been the dirty little secret of the literature world. From the immigrant who learns English by reading Superman comics to the child who develops a love of literature from the X-Men, comics have kept America reading for decades with fantastic tales, well structured stories and amazing fantasies.
The Image Revolution (2013)
Twenty years ago, seven superstar artists left Marvel Comics to create their own company, Image Comics, a company that continues to influence mainstream comics and pop culture to this day. Image began as more than just a publisher - it was a response to years of creator mistreatment, and changed comics forever. The Image Revolution tells the story of Image Comics, from its founders' work at Marvel, through Image's early success, company difficulties during the comics market implosion, and ultimately the publisher's new generation of properties like The Walking Dead. Filled with colorful characters, the film is a clarion call to artists to take control of their destiny.
Marvel: 75 Years, from Pulp to Pop! (2014)
In celebration of the publisher's 75th anniversary, the hour-long special will take a detailed look at the company's journey from fledgling comics publisher to multi-media juggernaut. Hosted by Emily VanCamp (S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sharon Carter), the documentary-style feature will include interviews with comic book icons, pop culture authorities, and Hollywood stars. The special also promises an "extraordinary peek into Marvel's future!" Might Marvel release the first official footage from next year's Avengers: Age of Ultron or Ant-Man? If they do, you'll know about it here.
Ibáñez (2020)
The life and work of the legendary Francisco Ibáñez, brilliant cartoonist, creator of Clever & Smart and many other characters through whom he has portrayed Spanish society for over seven decades, with wild humor, subtle cruelty and much tenderness.
Telling Stories: The Comic Book Creators (2005)
Hero Video Productions presents a 2-hour DVD packed with interviews with some of the greatest names in comics! Bruce Timm, Greg Rucka, Jimmy Palmiotti, Howard Chaykin, Geoff Johns, Steve Englehart, Trina Robbins, Adam Hughes, and Arnold Drake discuss their work in intimate interviews that reveal the craft and inspiration behind their greatest work. These superstars talk in-depth about their experiences in the industry and how they approach their art. The answers are humorous, insightful, reflective, and instructive, and anyone interested in the creative life will find inspiration in this video. As a special bonus, viewers get to visit Englehart in his studio as he scripts the long-awaited follow-up to his classic run on "Batman". This exciting DVD is from the team behind the highly acclaimed "Terry Moore: Paradise Found" DVD. A must have for any comic fan's shelf!
Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters (2022)
As one of the most successful independent comic book creators, Mignola has inspired generations of writers and artists. This feature-length documentary explores the legacy of the legendary comic book creator behind Hellboy. The film delves into Mignola's career, from his early days at Marvel to his success with Hellboy, featuring insights from Neil Gaiman on the Mignolaverse and Rebecca Sugar on Mignola’s influence on Steven Universe.
Milestone Generations (2022)
The electrifying story of Milestone Media, of the challenges they faced in changing the face of superhero storytelling, and of the rebirth of the company – now with entertainment legend Reggie Hudlin helping to steer the ship – just when the world needs the Milestone heroes more than ever.
Traço Livre: O Quadrinho Independente no Brasil (2018)
Documentary about the universe of independent comics in Brazil.
Bezango, WA (2015)
Bezango, WA tells the tale of cartooning and comics in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on the alternative community. The film chronicles both the past and the present, while featuring Frank M. Young, co-creator of the Eisner Award winning graphic novel "The Carter Family: Don't Forget This Song," and James Gill, a cartoonist, and mostly-cheerful introvert of the finest class.
Once Upon a Time: The Super Heroes (2001)
The historical saga of American superheroes. Born in the period between the Great Depression and the World War II to combat the hobgoblins of the modern world, these mutant human beings with superhuman powers colonized the funny papers, radio dramas, television and films, to become a truly national industry in the United States: they gave expression to the fears and obsessions of the twentieth century and bolstered American ideals.
Supervillains: An Investigation (2023)
An in-depth exploration of supervillains across comic book history, this French documentary zooms in on the complex motivations, origins, and morals behind these sinister yet fascinating characters.
Stan Lee (2023)
Celebrate the legacy of Stan Lee as the co-creator of such legendary characters as Fantastic Four, Iron Man, the X-Men, The Avengers, and hundreds more.
Norman Rockwell's World... An American Dream (1972)
A short documentary film about artist Norman Rockwell. The film won an Oscar at the 45th Academy Awards, held in 1973, for Best Short Subject.
The Bolero (1973)
The first part of this Academy Award-winning short consists of a behind-the-scenes look at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra as it prepares to perform Ravel's "Bolero." Individual musicians offer their thoughts as workers set up chairs and music stands; there are also comments by conductor Zubin Mehta and scenes of Mehta and the orchestra rehearsing. The rest of the film features a complete performance of "Bolero" with striking images of the orchestra as the music relentlessly approaches its climax.
One Day Pina Asked... (1989)
Chantal Akerman followed famous Choreographer Pina Bausch and her company of dancers, The Tanzteater Wuppertal, for five weeks while they were on tour in Germany, Italy and France. Her objective was to capture Pina Bausch's unparalleled art not only on stage by behind the scenes.
Princeton: A Search for Answers (1974)
Princeton: A Search for Answers is a 1973 American short documentary film, directed by Julian Krainin and DeWitt Sage, and produced for the Princeton University Undergraduate Admissions Office as a recruiting film. In 1974, it won the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) at the 46th Academy Awards.
Background (1973)
Background is a 1973 American short documentary film directed by Carmen D'Avino. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short. The original version was preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
Planet Ocean (1974)
Planet Ocean is a 1974 short documentary. It takes us on a beautiful adventure into the strangest domains of our planet – the oceans. The documentary pivots around the relationship between the Earth’s oceans and the entire planet’s ecosystem. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.
Don't (1975)
The lyric passage of a Monarch butterfly, beginning with its birth, through its delicate metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly and on its journey from country to city. From the first frame, the audience experiences the tension of this perilous flight as numerous adversaries, threaten the butterfly's freedom. A lively sound track, with music composed by Frederic Chopin, allows us to live for a few moments in this fleeting world.