AMC’s show Comic Book Men debuts its fourth season on October 12th, kicking off with an open forum panel at New York City Comic Con at the Javits Center.
The panel highlighted by none other than the show’s creator, Kevin Smith, features the entire cast and a trailer for the upcoming season. Before we get into it, let me just say that I had an internal dilemma on whether I would even attend. There was another panel scheduled at the same time focusing on women breaking barriers in the comic world. I just figured this might have been a more interesting and enlightening discussion than hearing Kevin Smith tell stories about the time he got high and wrote a script about turning Justin Long into a walrus. Plus I figured I could easily just catch the CBM panel online later anyway. But as I walked passed the Empire main stage, I hear the unmistakable rhythm of Queens “We will rock you” blasting through the speakers. And Freddie Mercury’s siren song is just too irresistible. So I say to hell with it and put my faith in the Fat man. I take my seat and immediately regret my decision as the hype man, meant to amp up the crowd for Kevin Smith’s entrance, hosts a dance off between some of the audience members. This is not pretty. I look at my watch and think maybe I can still make the other panel…but then Kevin Smith finally comes out to make all things right in the world. And he doesn’t even know what day it is…oh this should be good. Clip time! The trailer teases special guest appearances for the upcoming season by Adam West, Billy Dee Williams, and Dean Cain. Also featured, is an all out drag race between the old school 1960s Batmobile and the Green Hornet’s muscle beast, Black Beauty. But the heart and soul of the show remains the back and forth exchanges between the cast. The lights come up and it’s apparent this video trailer is a crowd pleaser. Kevin Smith even compliments his team for being able to take a concept like this unscripted TV show where comic books meet Pawn Stars, and make it fresh for three seasons…without the assistance of a writing team. The comedic banter and outrageous antics of the cast mixed with the thrill of discovering rare treasures of pop culture, has kept fans delighted for three seasons of nerdvana. Smith then discusses what has been going on in his movie career. “I’ve had my head up my ass in Canadian movies”, referring to his horror movie trilogy consisting of Tusk, Yoga Hosers, and Moose Jaws. That last one is exactly what you think it is…a moose going around eating children at a camp site. Tusk was his most recent release, which was panned by critics, some calling it the worst movie of 2014. But Smith is not discouraged by the naysayers. His choices have always been off the beaten path, and meant more for die hard fans rather than the mainstream. He also confirmed that Clerks 3 will be coming out sometime in June 2015 and yes parts of it will be in black and white. The panel comes to an end with a nice moment between Smith and an endearing super fan who is also an aspiring film director. The fan gushes, “…love all your movies…Jersey Girl not so much…but I don’t blame you”. I think most of us would agree with you super fan…and I’m out!
This article was written by Leonidas Giannopolous
