2008 Comic Book News Archives

April 14, 2008: “The Legends Behind The Comic Books” Screening Report

By Ralph Pinkerton

Photos by Zoey Green

On April 5, comic book fans and creators gathered in the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, New Jersey to see a documentary that detailed the history of comic books as part of the Garden State Film Festival.

The movie, "The Legends Behind Comic Books," was produced and hosted by Michael Uslan, noted for his many "Batman" projects and executive producer of the upcoming "Shazam" and "The Spirit" movies.

However, the movie begins with Superman, and how in 1938, he brought with him the Golden Age of comic books.

"[Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster] fantasized about a modern day Hercules that could bend steel and if you look at his outfit, it was based on that of a circus strongman," said Michael Uslan, host and executive producer of the documentary "The Legends Behind Comic Books."

Panel

Click "Read More" below to read Ralph's complete report.

Stan Lee, of Marvel Comics fame, laughed at how much the character changed over the years.

"When he first appeared he was only able to run fast and leap tall buildings in a single bound," Lee said.

It was not until later that Superman was able to fly.

Paramount Theatre Lee was one of many creators that was featured in "Legends." Other creators - Greg Hildebrandt, Joe Kubert and Dennis O'Neil - were on hand for a question and answer session that was moderated by Darian Barnes, comic book fan and on the roster for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL).

Uslan, along with director Chip Cronkite, also fielded questions.

According to an article at WizardUniverse.com, Uslan said he wanted to make this movie because of the number of Golden Age creators who are passing away, such as "Supergirl" artist Jim Mooney.

Besides Lee and the other three who fielded questions, other creators were featured: John Romita, Sr.; Al Bellman - who was in attendance in the audience; Roy Thomas; Lew Sayre Schwartz; Sheldon Moldoff; Murphy Anderson; Dich Giordano; Irwin Hansen; Ramonda Fradon; Joe Simon, the creator of "Captain America"; Jerry Robinson; and Rob Schmidt.

And all of them discussed Superman's impact on the world of comic books. Each alluded that without him, the comic book industry would not be what it is today.

Robinson, who served as a ghost artist on "Batman" said he did not believe that Superman would last long because he was too powerful.

"Shows how much I know," he chuckled.

Dennis O'Neil However, O'Neil did agree, that because Superman is so powerful he can be a bit difficult to write.

Hildebrandt called Superman a "Jesus"-like figure and his primary colors - red, blue and yellow - make him such an iconic character.

While the movie discussed Superman, it documented specific periods and moments throughout the history of comic books such as the Golden Age; Julius Schwartz and the connection between the Barry Allen "Flash" and the Silver Age; as well Dr. Frederic Wertham's book "Seduction of the Innocent" which blamed comic books for causing juvenile delinquency; and how this led to the Comics Code Authority; followed by the creator's rejecting the Code to discuss issues of the day.

Uslan's documentary highlighted how comic books went from being a medium that was considered for kids, to a respected artistic endeavor. Specifically, the Monclair (New Jersey) Art Museum featured an entire exhibit dedicated to the subject.

During the panel, Uslan said comic books are studied at The Louvre in Paris.

And speaking of the panel portion of the event, O'Neil was asked if the recent ruling allows the estate of Jerry Siegel to receive royalties in future Superman projects.

"I have no idea," he said.

After the event, many of the creators took time to greet fans and sign autographs.

The movie discussed the comic book dynasties such as the Kuberts and the Romitas.

Kuberts Adam Kubert, an artist on "Action Comics", said he was proud to see his father Joe honored.

"This is great," Adam Kubert said.

Joe Kubert who was interviewed after said that his son Adam is one of the best artists and instructor's at the Joe Kubert School of Art.

"He is such a perfectionist," Joe Kubert said. "And I think to be able to accomplish what he did, because he takes it so seriously and never is satisfied."

Adam Kubert said he was happy to do the work and even talked about how he wanted to make slight adjustments to the "Superman" costume.

"When I drew 'Action' I based it on Brandon Routh and I wanted to use the three dimensional 'S' shield you saw in the movie, but the people at DC would not let me," he said.

As to when Uslan's movie is out on DVD, WizardWorld.com is reporting that Cronkite, the director, said "Legends" will not be out on DVD for a while because it will be making the comic book convention circuit.

You can see a short interview video with director Chip Cronkite online.



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