The Image Revolution

Filmmaker Patrick Meaney's documentary sometimes feels a bit like a promo piece for cult/indie comic-book creators and characters, but history has repeatedly shown that there is serious fanboy interest in such geektastic minutia. Marvel employees Jim Lee, Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, and Todd McFarlane were among a group of fresh, young, and innovative superhero-comics artists/writers who defined their own styles and re-invigorated Spider-Man, X-Men, and other franchises. But they grew disenchanted with a repressive corporate culture and in 1991 dramatically quit Marvel (joined by Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and Whilce Portacio) to create their own imprint: Image Comics (and for those keeping score, rival DC Comics is also condemned here as being Kryptonite to creative types). The guys—very few women appear who aren't two-dimensional sex bombs—tell gossipy stories of Image's wild youth, the challenge of honoring the work, various legal issues, the independent spirit of maverick storytellers, and the eventual ouster of the mercurial, temperamental Liefeld. Fans of TV's The Walking Dead will especially enjoy hearing about the genesis of that trendy title in its original graphic-serial form by creator Robert Kirkman. But other viewers—who don't know the difference between Youngblood and Cyberforce—might wonder what all the fuss is about. Extras include extended interviews. Sure to appeal to the intended audience, this is recommended. Aud: P. (C. Cassady)