He previously directed a feature about now-closed New York comic shop Alternate Realities, My Comic Shop DocumentARy, which is available to view on Vimeo to rent or buy.
If Anthony secures funding for this new film it will hopefully be released later next year.
“In many ways, retailers are the ‘boots on the ground’ within the comic book industry,” Anthony says, “playing a critical, central role as they interact with publishers, Diamond Comics Distributors, creators, and fans alike.”
The documentary spotlights a host of US comic shops, including Acme Comics in Greensboro, Challengers Comics + Conversation in Chicago, Escape Pod Comics in Long Island, Fat Moose Comics in Whippany, Midtown Comics in New York and plenty of others.
“Over the past season, I have been finding the stores, fostering relationships with the men and women behind the counter, and telling their stories in podcast form. Next comes the movie (with help, of course).”
The documentary film My Comic Shop Country will take you behind the scenes and capture the business, culture, and fandom of the local comic book store on a national level. It will feature interviews with the stores’ key players – owners, staff, and customers – and show the stores in action on Wednesdays (AKA New Comic Day), during events (such as Free Comic Book Day and creator signings), and in those regular, day-to-day moments when a store’s personality shines brightest.
“If you love comics, then chances are there is a store that has meant a lot to your comic shop history,” Anthony enthuses. “This documentary will show exactly why the local comic shop is such a beloved institution among fans. Experience the challenges and rewards of retailers, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes in to the operation of this kind of business.
“For the non-initiated, this film will provide an accessible entry point into the comic book world. This film, like all of my previous works, will be about the people above all else – the larger-than-life personalities that live on both sides of the counter!
“This project, like all of my others, is a labour of love from someone who has lived in this world,” he says. “I’m proud to be a member of the comic book community and tell the stories of the people who give it life and colour. I hope you will be part of the journey.”
• Back My Comic Shop Country here on Kickstarter
• If you want a taste of what the movie will be like, please give the podcast episodes a listen
• Check out the web site of Flat Squirrel Productions
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Crowd Funding Projects, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
Related Articles
-
New Kickstarter campaign launches in early 2025 to chronicle the Untold Story of Palitoy’s Star Wars Toys
-
“Ragtime Soldier”, successor to “Charley’s War” – Kickstarter prelaunch
-
New book, “Light and Dark”, spotlights the art of “Black Cat” artist Lee Elias
-
Crowdfunding Spotlight: Horror Anthology, SHRIEEEK! returns, with Marvel’s Dell Barras on board