While a lot of comic book properties are becoming feature film franchises, the comic book industry itself is the subject of a new mockumentary from the star of Star Wars. Out on DVD and VHS today, Comic Book: The Movie is Mark Hamill’s heartfelt love letter to the world of comics and its die-hard fans. Along for the ride are Marvel legend Stan Lee, film director and fellow comic fanatic Kevin Smith, Simpsons creator Matt Groening, publishing mogul Hugh Hefner, Evil Dead and Bubba Ho-Tep star Bruce Campbell and a host of voice artists from yesterday’s and today’s most popular cartoon series.
Hamill, who recently spoofed his own Star Wars roots while playing a heavy-handed super villain in Smith’s comedy Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, went to ComiCon Int’l in San Diego, Calif. to make Comic Book: The Movie. He directs and stars as fictional documentary filmmaker Donald Swan, an overly zealous fan on a crusade to save favorite superheroes Commander Courage and Liberty Lad from being ruined by Hollywood.
Joining the cast of wacky characters are voiceover artists Billy West (Futurama), Roger Rose (Rugrats in Paris), Jess Harnell (Animaniacs), Daran Norris (The Fairly OddParents), Tom Kenny (voice of SpongeBob), Debi Derryberry (voice of Jimmy Neutron), Jim Cummings (voice of Winnie the Pooh), Laugh-In announcer Gary Owens and others.
The two-disc DVD contains more than four hours of extras including commentary from Hamill, bloopers, deleted scenes, a making-of featurette, an art gallery and interviews with Hefner, Lee and Smith. The Miramax Home Ent. and Creative Light Ent. release carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.
