Comics

One of the many great things about docs is that they bring to light untold stories and unsung heroes. Even the unsung heroes who create heroes. Last night, I had the pleasure to attend a screening and reception for The Legends Behind the Comic Books, produced and directed by Chip Cronkite, son of the late, great Walter who just passed. A true hero in his own right.

With framing by comic book historians, the film explores the visionary writers and illustrators who created the most famous super hero comics in history, including the revered Stan Lee and many more. A wonderful treat to delve into the history of this oft-dismissed true art form and important piece of American culture - "frozen movies" as comics were described; artists in the roles of producers and directors.

The event brought to mind one of my favorite books, the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, by Michael Chabon. The story of a pair of comic book creators circa WWII is a fabulously vivid and epic tale of the Golden Age of comics. It is apparent in watching the film that Kavalier and Clay are a loving homage to the great comic book creative duos Joe Simon & Jack Kirby, and Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster. Even GOOP is writing about this book today, oddly enough. Check it all out - and give thanks to comic books and their creators for timeless stories, indelible art and super heroes - wrapped around truth, justice and the American way.