Deep S.P.A.C.E. Probe

As mentioned in the last post, I spent the weekend in Columbus, Ohio at S.P.A.C.E., the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo. This is one convention that I look forward to attending every year. Organizer Bob Corby puts together a great show each and every time. With that many indie comics creators together in one room, the sense of community is overpowering. It was the camaraderie that impressed me the first time I attended the convention several years ago. My first experience with S.P.A.C.E. led directly to putting together the “Twelve-Way with Cheese” anthology. It encouraged me to take up creating and publishing my strips again after so many years away from cartooning.

This year was no different. This is without a doubt the friendliest, most supportive atmosphere of any comic gathering I’ve been to, and the most creative as well. Our books sold well and were enthusiastically received. SHAM Comics were of particular interest to folks once the concept was explained.

One of the highlights was seeing the premiere of the newly completed film, “The Amazing Cynicalman” by Matt Feazell. Anyone familiar with mini comics will know Matt as one of the most prolific, successful and down right funniest creators in the field. Cynicalman himself has been fighting crime and holding down a temp job since the eighties; remember them? He was a back-up feature in Scott McCloud’s “Zot!” and ran as a newspaper comic. Now, he is, at last, a feature-length film.

So just how is this movie? Glad you asked. I’ll tell you. It’s hilarious! Matt, as the writer and director, has successfully channeled all the manic energy of the stick-figure mini comics into a highly inventive live-action translation. The film is loaded with sharp, quirky dialogue and clever sight gags and weird background detail. The movie is nicely cast, as well. The leads playing Cynicalman, Edie Haskel and Antisocialman, were especially good at delivering the laughs.

You can check out the trailer and read the story of the making of Cynicalman at: http://home.comcast.net/~mattfeazell/MOVIE/index.htm

If you get the chance to see the film at a convention, grab some popcorn and settle back for a fun experience. Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone.