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.
